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With the Easter holidays on the horizon, parents are beginning to consider how best to entertain their children over the holidays  and in the current economic climate, many will be letting their children watch movies and television and play online for much of it.

40% of mothers feel that the cost of childcare is preventing them from returning to work.

London, 24 August 2010: Just under half of working parents (44%) depend upon their own mums and dads to help out with childcare revealed a new study by the UK's number one jobsite for professional working mums and flexible jobseekers, Workingmums.co.uk.

The Ladybird nursery range offers a collection of products to suit your little one’s every need. These include the likes of the baby care set, which costs just £7 and consists of a soft bristled brush and comb, a pair of scissors, several nail files and a toothbrush. All of these handy tools are ergonomically designed for both you and the baby and come complete with the Ladybird logo

New research highlights mass confusion over current car seat laws. New research out today reveals a staggering four out five British parents are unaware of the in-car safety legislations for children, suggesting millions are at risk.

Of the 1,000 parents surveyed, only 20% knew that children must use a car seat or a booster cushion until the age of 12 or when they reach 1.35 metres tall. 

Alarmingly, it seems some are currently

.....but worryingly 18% rely primarily on parental control software

Thinkbroadband.com has surveyed over 400 parents in the UK about their main concerns with children browsing the internet.  The new survey has revealed that almost a third of parents’ worry that their children will be exposed to inappropriate content online (37 per cent). Despite these findings, 18 per cent of parents rely primarily on parental control software, rather than overseeing and regulating their children’s internet use themselves.

As the school holidays approach and parents are planning how to keep children occupied, a new report from toymaker DUPLO reveals the importance of different types of play on child development – and how UK children are falling short in key areas.

Recent research from Pom-Bear shows that, whilst concerned about their children’s diets, the majority of parents still believe that they deserve treats and shouldn’t be totally deprived. However, they are becoming more discerning when choosing which treats to give them, favouring lighter, healthier snacks.

Nominet Trust and YouthNet issue 'STAY SAFE' online guidelines for parents of teenagers and young adults

Safer Internet Day, 9th February 2010 - Nominet Trust and YouthNet today launch 'STAY SAFE' online guidelines as part of the European initiative, Safer Internet Day (SID).

Julia Bradbury joins Keith Fisher an award winning butcher to offer exclusive culinary advice to help us keep our meals tasty and light on the pocket

Show date: Wednesday 30th September 2009 Show time: 3:30pm

A life-changing event for many teenagers turning 17 is the chance to start driving, it’s also the prime time that some chose to experiment with drugs and after recent Government research found that one in ten young people admitted to drug driving* - it’s important to remind your children that the two don’t mix.

Would kids fail without modern technology?

The majority of British parents believe that technology such as home computers and printers are so ingrained in the everyday task of homework that their kids would fail without it.

Almost a fifth of the nation never visits their local swimming pool. 

British parents see learning to swim as a key skill they want their children to have – coming second only to academic success. Despite this, a new survey commissioned by the British Gas Free Swim initiative, reveals that almost a fifth of parents asked NEVER visit their local swimming pool.

VTech, the creator of the Electronic Learning Products (ELP) Category, is a world leader of age-appropriate learning toys.

Since 1976, VTech has been developing high-quality, innovative educational products for children from birth to pre-teen that deliver "smart-play" through the combination of entertaining electronic formats and engaging, age-appropriate content that help children learn while having fun.

Being a vet today topped the tables as the job seven year olds would most like to have when they grow up according to Post Office® Savings*. However, if they have to rely on their pocket money to pay the university fees it could take a while as they receive an average of £3.24 per week!

One in five university students will be living with their parents in the coming academic year, showing while some banks may have suffered during the recession, the ‘Bank of Mum and Dad’ is alive and kicking.

ELSPA unveils top ten kids games to help parents keep children entertained in the car in Bank Holiday traffic London, United Kingdom - August 27, 2009

As Britain prepares to get behind the wheel for the busiest weekend of the year, ELSPA, UK videogames industry's trade body, is reminding parents of the best ways to keep kids entertained in and out of endless traffic jams. This weekend’s Bank Holiday traffic is expected to be the most chaotic of the year as families and holidaymakers head home after staycation breaks around Britain. An AA/Populus poll lists the ten favourite games for children to play during driving holidays.

Here are some top tips to help you on your way:
 
1.  To keep your car healthy it’s important to keep on top of everything.  Check fluid levels regularly (water, oil, brake etc) to keep your engine running smoothly so you’ll be ready for those longer journeys.  Also, check your tyre pressure.  Not only will this help promote greater fuel efficiency, it will help ensure your car is running to it’s best ability and of course allow your tyres to last just a bit longer.

Actress Michelle Ryan' gives her voice 'to this harrowing film which shows real life issues affecting people of all ages and situations and which social workers work with on a daily basis. The aim is simple; to recruit more social workers.

A third of adult children move back in with parents

Despite growing up and spreading their wings, a third (31%) of parents have welcomed their ‘boomerang’ adult children back to the family home according to new research out today.

Bliss launches the ‘Going Home Pack’ supported by Fairy Non Bio and Pampers

Going home with your baby from a neonatal unit for the first time is something to celebrate, however there may well be many questions that will need answering when you get home. To support families during this special time, special care baby charity Bliss has launched the ‘Going Home Pack’ supported by Fairy Non Bio and Pampers, the first ever pack specifically tailored for the parents taking their premature or sick babies home. The ‘Going Home Pack’ is the perfect source of expert information, to assist parents during the transition from hospital to home, ensuring they get the support they need.  Inside the pack

By Georgina Vallance-Webb, Associate at Stevens & Bolton LLP

The breakdown of a marriage or long term partnership can be upsetting for all concerned. For parents it can be even more so if precious holiday plans with a child are denied. Holidays abroad are a special and integral part of a child’s experience. Sadly, it is frequently the case that the children from broken homes are caught in the middle of warring parents when the issue of holidays arises. The need to ask the estranged parent’s permission to take the child for a day trip to Ireland, to a villa holiday in France or a family wedding in Dubai, is not always appreciated.

The Nursery Advisors at Peter Jones, the Sloane Square branch of John Lewis department stores, have launched Buggy Test Drive Consultations designed specifically to help dads fulfill their Top Gear credentials.

Staying safe is about being seen…

Summer holidays and lots of people descending on the British coastline means busier roads, longer traffic jams and a likely increase in road incidents.  The possibility of a breakdown or collision isn’t something most people want to think about when there are in holiday-mode, but it is a sad fact that road incidents happen in their thousands every day and this risk is only likely to increase as the roads get busier. 

Bedtime stories can now help child development and help children to overcome problems with a new range of specially created CDs available from natural health website discountvitaminsandherbs.com

Having a baby is a life changing event and it can also be a confusing time. Directgov, the nation’s official website, has information for expectant mothers and new parents as well as those taking the first steps towards planning a family. Directgov can help people to navigate the wealth of information available by bringing a range of official sources[1] together in one place – www.direct.gov.uk/parents

Research* by MTA Solicitors found a third (35%) fewer children (under 16s) have been hurt in vehicle crashes so far this year.  Analysts at the personal injury firm believe that high fuel prices and the impact of the recession on household finances could be behind the significant fall in the number of children injured in road accidents, as more youngsters walk to school.

London, August 6th 2009, USA Best, the company that bought the Balanzza digital luggage scale to the UK, now introduces CARES (Child Aviation Restraint System), safety harness. CARES, which is accepted on most airlines, is both easy to use and lightweight, without compromising on safety. It offers the same level of safety as a car seat during all phases of flight including taxiing, takeoff, landing and periods of turbulence.

Sooty represents British children’s entertainment at its very best, incorporating hilarious slapstick comedy routines and magnificent magic tricks. Joined by Sweep and Soo, this mischievous bear is always up to no good. His unique brand of mayhem and exciting adventures always carry a strong sense of innocence and fun, which is exactly the type of entertainment to which children should be exposed.

Mums and dads run out of ideas for entertaining the kids just two weeks into the school holidays

So you’ve been swimming, built a den, gone to the park and exhausted your entire repertoire of teatime meals... but according to new research out today, this week is when parents finally run out of bright ideas when it comes to occupying the kids.

TAKING THE STRESS-FACTOR OUT OF A HAPPY OCCASION

Your child’s birthday is looming, you want the day to be perfect; after all, it is a very important day, another milestone in your precious child’s life.  Caught up in a whirlwind of panic and the immense pressure put upon yourself to create the most amazing party ever, many parents get carried away by the whole event and find themselves stressed-out, probably more irritable the usual and more likely to be dreading the day than looking forward to it. 

Activity ideas to keep children entertained whatever the weather

The school summer holidays means plenty of time to fill with the kids. When it’s sunny outside life couldn’t be better with them playing tag, climbing trees and generally getting dirty, but with the summer-sun a mere passing phase for Brits this year Fruit Shoot offers some great ideas for keeping kids entertained, without breaking the bank, whatever the weather.

With A Level results on their way, make sure you log onto our  WebTV Show for key advice on future options

Chat date: Wednesday 19th August @ 15:00pm

Are you or is your child about to receive their AS or A2 Level results? If so you’re probably confused over what step to take next. The range of options can seem like a minefield, especially if grades are better or worse than expected. At this crucial time you need as much advice as possible to make the right decision – whether that’s accepting an existing university offer, going through clearing, embarking on a vocational qualification or entering the workplace.

Helen Ellison at The Jollybox Company offers advice on how to bring imaginative family playtime back into your home

Recent statistics released by Play England, part of the National Children's Bureau, has found that half of all parents believe modern life is so hectic that it is impossible to devote enough time to playing with their children. The survey found that long working hours, lengthy commutes and "unavoidable commitments" have left millions frustrated by the lack of opportunities to have fun with their families.

FACT SHEET: FLEXIBLE WORKING

On 6 April 2009 the flexible working laws were extended and now anyone with kids aged 16 and under has the right to ask their employer for flexible working arrangements.  Parents of disabled children up to the age of 18 and carers of adults, can also ask to work flexibly.  The recently introduced rules mean that even if children are older, parents now have the right to ask for a bit more support to be able to give them the time they need.

Kyran Bracken’s guide to family fun this summer

Britain’s children face a recession-hit summer holiday of fewer family days out, less hours spent with their parents and reduced time spent playing outside, according to a major new study.

The latest report from Futurelab highlights the importance of family learning

More than 90 per cent of parents think it is important to learn within the family, with 78 per cent admitting that they too had learnt something new alongside their children, finds a new report from education innovator Futurelab (www.futurelab.org.uk). With findings like these, the Learning in Families with Digital Technologies report highlights the need for learning in the family to be seen as just as important as learning in the classroom. It also explores the potential of digital technologies such as mobile phones, digital cameras and the internet to support learning in the family and to join up the learning that takes place in the home and school.

Owning a pet can help children learn vital life skills according to new research out today.

Half of Brits think that having a companion, such as a cat, dog, rabbit, fish, hamster or reptile around the house helps to teach kids lessons in responsibility. Whether it’s helping to feed them daily, cleaning their hutch or home, taking them for walks or looking out for signs of ill health – taking care of a pet can both aid child development and provide kids with improved social skills.

With increased pressure on parents to outperform expectations in the battle of “who has the best Birthday cake”, help is now at hand with the much anticipated launch of Cakes to Your Door (cakestoyourdoor.co.uk).  The service has been launched today, to bridge the gap between the convenience of online shopping and the taste and choice of delicious home-baked cakes combined with a fast, convenient way of receiving them straight to your doorstep.  Cakes to Your Door is also the first online bakery service in the UK to use advanced technology to print images and designs directly onto the icing itself on all sides of the cake surface – for a clean high quality finish.

Flexible working – the new law
On 6 April 2009 the flexible working laws were extended and now anyone with kids aged 16 and under has the right to ask their employer for flexible working arrangements.  Parents of disabled children up to the age of 18 and carers of adults, can also ask to work flexibly.  The recently introduced rules mean that even if children are older, parents now have the right to ask for a bit more support to be able to give them the time they need. 

Do you and your partner both work full-time?
Do you have one or more children age 16 or under?
IF SO, YOU ARE INVITED TO PARTICIPATE IN THIS STUDY!

More and more children are deciding to follow a vegetarian diet. If you’re worried that your child might not be getting the nutrients they need, check out our top dietary tips

Working out how to discipline a teenager can be one of the hardest parts of parenthood. Our Web TV Show, with Suzie Hayman, shows you how to make it work for you both.

Show date: 28th May @ 12.30pm