Top 20 most Stressful Things about Parenthood

baby, shared parental leave, feminism, equality, childcare, leave, maternal, work, working mothers, lean inThe answer to this could be everything. No, we jest. A recent poll of 2,000 parents has revealed the Top 20 most stressful things about parenting. The nightly teeth-cleaning battle, the bedtime routine and the dreaded school run are among the most stressful things about parenthood, a study has found.

The average mum and dad spend almost two hours a day feeling stressed, with trying to keep the house tidy the most common cause.

Others feel the strain at bath time, while trying to get children to behave in public and shopping for new clothes with the youngsters in tow.

Mornings – complete with getting the children out of the door for the school run, persuading them to finish their breakfast and clean their teeth – are the most stressful time of the day, claiming five of the 10 top stresses.

Dr Linda Papadopoulos, who has been working with belVita Breakfast to help relieve parents, particularly in the mornings, said: “The stress and challenges of parenting can feel overwhelming – especially when we feel under pressure to get a lot done in a short space of time.

“Morning can be especially challenging and it’s key to develop a positive, convenient routine in the morning as it sets the rhythm for the day.

“When it’s ‘back to school time’, trying to get everything done and leaving the house on time is at its most pressurised so developing strategies that you give you and your family a sense of control is really important.”

The study by belVita Breakfast of 2,000 parents of school-age children, found that staying on top of the house chores is the biggest cause of stress for mums and dads, while getting the children to do their homework and the bedtime routine are also big triggers.

Researchers also found the average parent spends one hour and 48 minutes of each day feeling stressed, with 63 per cent going as far as to say the majority of their stress is parenting related.

Mornings are the worst time of day for parents with the average mum and dad having at least one day a week where they struggle to get out of the front door on time for school and work.

The children taking too long to do things is usually to blame for the family’s lateness, followed by youngsters not doing as they are asked and not getting out of bed.

But as a result of the frantic mornings, one in five parents has dropped the kids off at school after the bell and the same percentage have ended up late for work as a result.

Others have given the children lunch money instead of a lunch box, sent them to school in dirty or un-ironed uniform or with wet hair.

As families prepare for the dreaded ‘back to school’ week, it’s not just kids who bear the brunt of the ‘morning madness’, with over a third of parents forgetting breakfast and 38 per cent having a fight with their partner over who takes on the most in the morning.

Eighty-seven per cent even said they look forward to the weekends when they don’t have to worry about the school run and leaving the house on time.

It also emerged that 66 per cent of parents believe mums bear the brunt of the morning and back to school stress, with half admitting they often argue with their partner about who gets the raw deal.

 

 

Top 20 most stressful things about parenthood

1. Keeping the house tidy and the chores up to date

2. Getting the children ready and out of the door in time for school

3. Getting back into a school/morning routine after the school holidays

4. Getting children to do their homework/reading

5. The bedtime routine

6. Getting children to eat certain foods

7. Getting children to clean their teeth

8. Making sure my children are well behaved in public

9. Getting back into a school/morning routine after the school holidays

10. Getting children out of bed in the mornings

11. Meal times

12. The school run

13. Entertaining children on a rainy day

14. Remembering everything they need for school

15. Shopping for new clothes

16. The back to school period

17. Getting children to sleep through the night

18. Getting children to eat their breakfast

19. Juggling your children’s different after school/weekend clubs schedule

20. Getting children dressed in the mornings

 

 

Christmas Gift List For Your Dad

Dads are great so they deserve a great present. FACT. Take your pick from this lot.

christmasgiftlistsfordad

Olloclip 4-IN-1 Photo Lens

Olloclip

We loved reviewing this. It is pretty cool and makes taking pictures on a smartphone a professional experience. This lens will let you get amazing shots. The Apple users can’t wait until the one for the iPhone comes out.

Olloclip the creators of innovative smartphone lens attachments, have recently released the newest addition to their product range; the 4-in-1 for Samsung S4 and S5. Leveraging the phenomenal success of its iPhone flagship product, the olloclip 4-IN-1 Photo Lens systems for the Samsung Galaxy S5 and S4 features four lenses (fisheye, wide-angle and two macros –10x and 15x) in one small package weighing less than an ounce.

This product is available on all apple products and there are plans for the IPhone 6 versions in the pipeline. This product is ideal for snap happy smartphone users allowing them to create digital SLR quality images without the baggage. . RRP: £59.99, available in all Apple stores and online. www.Olloclip.com and here.

 

Nuevue

Nuevue

This is brilliant, very handy. iPhones can be hard to clean, this is convenient and works well. Nuevue have released the world’s first antimicrobial smartphone and tablet cases that clear away the nasty smears and fingerprints on the device’s screen in one easy slide. Whilst consumers may be travelling on holiday or the simple commute the antimicrobial technology not only cleans the screen quickly and easily — with a simple sliding motion — but eliminate microbes as well.

RRP from £34.99, available at Nuevue.com and here.

 

Personal Weather Station by Netatmo

Personal Weather Station by Netatmo-

This is amazing. Just an amazing invention. We had a lot of fun reviewing this. You can monitor the weather, C02, humidity, temperature, air quality indoors and out, barometric pressure and acoustic comfort. It allows the user to monitor indoor/ outdoor air quality with the help of two stylish cylinders that communicate their activity through a free App. It measures the humidity, CO2 and sound levels as well as the temperature – RRP £139. Available in all Apple Stores and online at Netatmo.com and here.

 

Kingston Technology Datatraveller MicroDuo 3.0

This is convenient and brilliant. Great for travelling dads or just those with a lot of data to shift. The DataTraveler microDuo 3.0 expands the storage of AndroidTM devices up to 64GB, easily moving large files, photos, videos and music from a phone or tablet to the USB drive and back. The USB 3.0 to MicroUSB dual interface drive can be used with any USB On-The-Go compatible device and allows users to transfer data without plugging into a computer. From Ebuyer.com

 

Leitz Complete Power Sleeve For 10 inch Tablet

This a brilliant, high-quality sleeve for dads tablet. Is lightweight and robust and looks very sleek and cool. A great present.

Around £24.30 Via Amazon

 

 

Great Gifts For Dad | Father’s Day Gift Guide

It is father’s day tomorrow but you can still buy your dad something. If you buy online he might not get it on time, but, hey, it’s the thought that counts. We have done all of the hard work for you, here are some great gifts.

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Taylor’s Eye Witness – professional knives for foodie dads

Taylor’s Eye Witness have an eco-friendly range. They use ethically sourced, raw materials to create quality tools for your kitchen. This Slate Cheese Board & Knife Set is beautiful and practical all in one. http://taylors-eye-witness.co.uk/

blacksheepcoffee

Black Sheep Coffee – fine Robusta Rivaval coffee for caffeine crazed dads

Black Sheep Coffee has launched the UK’s first fine Robusta bean product, set to turn the heads of coffee connoisseurs and seriously shake up the scene. It’s new Robusta Revival has a surprisingly different taste profile to the Arabica beans that currently saturate the premium end of the market… rich, creamy and sweet, with a less acidic tone reminiscent of walnut and dark chocolate. Very good coffee.

eauto

E-auto – a great car cleaning range for petrol-head dads 

The e-auto range works using the same microfiber technology  as it’s sister brand e-cloth and uses just water to clean as well. Products such as the e-auto dual action mitt quickly and thoroughly remove dirt without the need for harsh and expensive cleaning products. This is a great car cleaning kit. http://www.e-cloth.com/e-auto-range

workforcesocks

Workforce socks http://www.workforcesocks.co.uk/index.php

These are socks that are great for anyone that enjoys walking, gardening, has a construction job or just spends a lot of time on their feet! Everyone needs socks and these are great for practical dads.

multicigecigarettes

multiCIG,the UK’s premium e-cigarette brand, is perfect for anyone wanting to encourage their dad to quit smoking traditional cigarettes. Tar and odour free, they are healthier than normal cigarettes. http://www.multicig.co.uk/

afternoontea

The five-star Athenaeum Hotel in Mayfair is doing a bespoke gentleman’s afternoon tea including Wild boar sausage rolls, miniature steak & ale pies and includes a dram of single malt scotch Whisky for every Dad. Priced at £34.50 and available from 12-7pm until 30th June.

gillray

Gillray’s Steakhouse & Bar in the London Marriott Hotel County Hall is offering a free Aston Martin for every Dad dinning on Sunday! The traditional English steak house will be serving roast beef with all the trimmings and a match box Aston Martin for Dads.

pearapplespiritjackhigh

These spirits are great and unique. We loved them.

Vintage Pear Spirit (Owler) ABV 40%The Vintage Pear Spirit is made from the fruit of rare pear trees – which once appeared to be dying out. With names such as Hedgehog, Cowslip and Painted Lady, these unique and exquisite varieties ensure a refined drink – with a distinct pear flavour. A touch of fruity floral elegance.

Available in 700ml, 500ml and 50ml bottle.

700ml – £49.00/ 500ml – £39.00/ 50ml – £5.50

Vintage Apple Spirit ABV 40%

A similar product to the Vintage Pear Spirit – made from milled Gloucestershire apples that are grown on the farm. The end result is a spirit with a punchy tang and apple aroma.

Available in 700ml, 500ml and 50ml bottle.

700ml – £45.00/ 500ml – £35.00/ 50ml – £5.50

700ml and 500ml bottles are presented in a Charles Martell tube – which depict the view of May Hill from Hunt’s Court Farm.

Jack High Cider Spirit ABV 40%

A modern spirit distilled from local cider – it is diluted with spring water from the farm and aged in oak barrels to provide a warmer, mellower drink – almost like a delicate malt whisky. In January 2014, Charles Martell introduced Jack High Junior – a 5cl miniature bottle. Jack High Spirit comes in three light-hearted label designs; ‘Cider Spirit with mud on its boots’, Cider spirit that’s as strong as an ox’ and ‘Cider Spirit that was born in a barn’.

Available in 500ml and 50ml bottle.

500ml – £30.00/ NEW 50ml bottle – £5.00

 

Some cocktail ideas for the above.

 

Vintage Pear Perfect Serve

50ml Charles Martell Vintage Pear Spirit
1 slice cinnamon coated pear
Add ice to a rocks glass and pour over the Charles Martell Vintage Pear Spirit. Cut a slice of fresh pear and sprinkle some cinnamon onto one side. Slide the cinnamon coated pear into the side of the glass, swirl and enjoy.Vintage Pear Sour
50ml Charles Martell Vintage Pear Spirit
15ml egg white
25ml lemon juice
10ml sugar syrup
1 dash orange bitters
Add all ingredients to a cocktail shaker filled with cubed ice and shake very hard. Double strain the mixture over fresh cubed ice in a rocks glass and garnish with a slice of fresh pear.

 


Vintage Apple Perfect Serve

50ml Charles Martell Vintage Apple Spirit
4 slice apple fan
1 dash orange bitters
Fill a rocks glass with cubed ice and pour over Charles Martell Vintage Apple spirit. Add a dash of orange bitters and stir gently, top with ice if needed and garnish with an apple fan.

 

Vintage Apple Elegance
50ml Charles Martell Vintage Apple Spirit
25ml Elderflower Liqueur
20ml fresh lime juice
2 dashes rhubarb bitters
Add all ingredients to a cocktail shaker filled with cubed ice and shake hard. Double strain the cocktail into a large wine glass filled with cubed ice and garnish with an edible flower and a mint sprig.
Apple Jack
50ml Jack High Cider Spirit
120ml apple juice
Fill a Kilner jar with cubed ice and pour over a double measure of Jack High Cider Spirit. Top the drink with apple juice (non-cloudy) and stir well. Garnish with an apple fan.

 

Jack High Mojito
50ml Jack High Cider Spirit
15ml sugar syrup
40ml fresh lime juice
10 fresh mint leaves
100ml soda water
Stir sugar syrup and lime juice in the bottom of a Collins glass and fill with crushed ice. Add the Jack High Cider Spirit and churn well to mix all of the flavours. Top the cocktail with soda water and crushed ice.
Garnish with a straw and a mint sprig.

 


Jack High Fruity Cup

50ml Jack High Cider Spirit
Mixed summer berries
6 fresh mint leaves
15ml fresh lime juice
100ml still lemonade
30ml soda water
Add plenty of cubed ice into a large wine glass and top with a handful of mixed berries and mint leaves. Pour over lime juice and Jack High Cider Spirit. Top with still lemonade and soda water – stir very well and top with cubed ice if required. Add a straw and enjoy!

 

All recipes Charles Martell and BlackLeaf Events.

 

 

The Current State-of-Mind of Working Mums Today

GUILT-RIDDEN, TORN BETWEEN TWO ROLES AND OVER-LOOKED -The current state-of-mind of working mums today

* Over three quarters (80%) of women feel guilty about going back to work and worry about leaving their child in the care of others compared with just 39% of men.
* Childcare responsibilities still fall on the mother’s shoulders, even when both parents are working.
* A fifth of dads (20%) say they wished they hadn’t gone back to work after having a family, saying they wished they could have looked after their child while over a third (37%) of men say they work full time with NO flexibility at all.

competitionNew research into the state of mind of working parents in the UK has found that we are a nation divided with women battling to find a healthy work-life balance, taking on the majority of childcare responsibilities while not at work. The research, undertaken for The Work & Family Show which is due to take place for the first time on 21st and 22nd February, found that over three quarters of women (80%) feel guilty about going back to work after having a family. Men, on the other hand, are relatively confident about returning to their jobs with just 39% feeling guilty about leaving their children in childcare.

The biggest concern for more than 35% of women was not having the help or understanding from their employer when dealing with the difficult transition from working woman to working mum. They also worried that their employers would be discriminatory towards them, entrusting them with responsibility and fewer big projects.

One mum who struggled to return to work after having a baby is 31 year old Leah McGrath. She returned to her role as an HR Service Manager at a large agra-pharmaceutical company after a year at home with her daughter. The plan was for Leah to do a job share but this fell through and she found herself fitting in a full time job into her contracted three days a week. She says: “I was finding it such a struggle, commuting three hours, three days a week, and trying my best to be a good mum. I was getting ill all the time; whenever there was a virus going around, I would catch it as I was so run down and my little girl’s behaviour was becoming very challenging. After a while I realised there must be more to life and resigned. It was extremely scary but I am so pleased I did.” Leah has since re-trained as a yoga teacher, running her own Yogabellies franchise, teaching pre-natal, post-natal and baby massage classes in her lo cal wellbeing and community centres. She has managed to get a healthy work-life balance and work flexibly but only by leaving her past career behind her.

Ben Black, Director of MyFamilyCare.co.uk who, together with Clarion Events, are organising The Work & Family Show says: “Due to the lack of support from their employers on returning to work, women often feel forced to give up the careers they have trained and worked so hard for in order to fit in their new role of motherhood. However, it shouldn’t be like this. Staff need to be supported as they return to work and deal with the challenges that being a working parent can bring. Employers who respond to their needs will be rewarded with engaged, productive and loyal employees.”

The research also asked fathers how they felt about the transition from working man to working dad. More than a third (37%) said they returned to work and received no flexibility at all. One in five, meanwhile, said they wished they had never gone back to work at all, wishing they could take on the full-time role of child carer.

Ben Black continues: “So many big companies like Barclays, Discovery Channel and Rolls Royce have made big improvements to their policies to help their parents who work, but these results show there’s a huge deficit. Women shouldn’t feel restricted in work when they become a mother and a man’s role in bringing up a child has evolved so much in the past 30 years and it’s time that businesses recognise this too.”

The Work & Family Show has been born out of the high demand from families in need of help when returning to work or starting up their own business. Jenny Willott, Minister for Employment Relations and Consumer Affairs, will introduce the show while inspirational experts and employers on the lookout for motivated staff will be on hand to give working parents and career break women access to practical advice. Organised by Clarion Events and My Family Care, it takes place on Friday 21st and Saturday 22nd February 2014 at the ExCeL London. Tickets are available from www.theworkandfamilyshow.co.uk from just £12, and people coming to the neighbouring Baby Show will have free entrance*.

Opening times:
Friday 21st February: 9.30am – 5pm (trade and press entry from 8.30am on Friday for a networking breakfast)
Saturday 22nd February: 10am – 5pm
**Ends**

*Free entry will be for everyone who has a paid-for ticket to The Baby Show

We have six tickets to the Work and Family Show to giveaway

Father’s Day Gift Guide

Father’s day is on the 16th of June and it is fast approaching. For those – like me- who have not bought anything yet I have put together a gift guide. It is a range of fun and different things for the most important man in your life. Feel free to add your own ideas in the comments below.

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At Frost we reviewed Grant’s Family Reserve. Here is what we thought:

This whiskey smells great, full bodied. My first thought on trying this whiskey is oak. I then read up on it to find out it is matured in oak caskets. It is also malty, clean and complex. I can taste cinnamon stick, cloves, and nutmeg. We initially tried it without water and you really get the full flavours. With water it is just as enjoyable, and personally I found it more so because you could take it all in more without getting really drunk! This whiskey is a great blend. I really enjoyed it. It is sweet and fruity so it is right up my street.

Whether your dad is a discerning whisky lover or someone who enjoys the occasional dram, the Grant’s Family Reserve gift pack is the ideal way to say thank you and to help make this Father’s Day extra special.

Feeling inspired? Why not try something different this Father’s Day with one of Grant’s signature cocktails, the Grant’s highball.

 

Cocktail – Grant’s Highball

Made with the world’s favourite family owned whisky, the Grant’s Highball is an ideal aperitif or accompaniment to a meal and ideal for sharing with your dad.

Ingredients:

· 50ml Grant’s Family Reserve

· Ginger ale

· Dash of Angostura bitters

· Garnish with an Orange wedge

 

Fill a glass with ice cubes and add the Grant’s Family Reserve. Top up with ginger ale and add a few drops of Angostura bitters. Garnish with an orange wedge.

The Grant’s Family Reserve £16.49*, Grant’s Sherry Cask (MRSP £17.99*) and Grant’s Ale Cask (MRSP £17.99*) are available at Tesco, other leading supermarkets and off licences.

Visit www.grantswhisky.co.uk for the latest serve ideas

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This Leather Men’s Wallet is from QVC. £20.16

Item no.759923

 

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Emu Mens Romeo Sheepskin Slipper, £69.00, QVC.

Item no.153851

 

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Skagen Gents Midnight Blue Dial Titanium Mesh Strap Watch, QVC, £102.00

Item no.674551

 

 

 

FREE ARCHERY LESSON FOR DADS AND FAMILY SWORD SCHOOL

 

This Father’s Day, Sunday 16 June, at Warwick Castle, kids can send their dads back to school – Knight School – for free ‘have a go’ archery and training in swordsmanship from the Warwick Warriors, in addition to enjoying mediaeval weaponry displays and the firing of the Mighty Trebuchet. From 10am until 5pm, all dads qualify for an archery trial with an expert archer at Britain’s Ultimate Castle.

 

Kids and their dads can immerse themselves in over one thousand years of stories and legends about knights, battles and sieges, and experience firsthand how it feels to handle ancient weaponry. There’s plenty for mums to enjoy, too, including:

 

  • Raising the Portcullis
  • Flight of the Eagles Show, twice daily
  • The Sword and the Stone
  • Firing the Trebuchet, twice daily
  • Warwick Warriors live combat
  • Actor-led Tours of State Rooms and Great Hall
  • Towers & Ramparts
  • Riverside setting and Rose Garden
  • Warwick Castle Unlocked – four new rooms opened in February 2013

 

Book online in advance for the best value entrance fees: adults from £17.10 and children from £11.70: check www.warwick-castle.com for prices and latest attraction schedule.

Maybe all your dad wants is a phone call.

Lonely Dads Hoping for a Phonecall from their Children this Father’s Day

Panasonic survey finds over half of British dads long for more contact with their grown-up children

  • A third of fathers see their offspring once a month or less
  • Over half of dads would like to hear from children more often

 

Reports of middle-aged parents suffering Crowded Nest Syndrome due to the return of Generation Boomerang may be premature, according to a new study published ahead of Father’s Day. A survey of UK dads carried out by Panasonic reveals that 83 percent admit they miss having regular contact with grown-up sons and daughters who have left the family home.

 

A third of UK fathers see their adult offspring once a month or less, with five percent only seeing their children once a year at most. It seems dads can’t get enough family time, with 52 percent saying they would still like to hear from their kids more often.

 

Empty Nest Syndrome has historically been more commonly associated with mothers, but fathers who participated in the survey were keen to overturn the gender stereotype. Forty-six percent believe they miss their kids at least as much, if not more, than their mother does, and only one in three believes their mother misses them more than they do.

 

When it comes to keeping in touch, the home phone still reigns supreme; 68 percent of dads mainly use their landline to talk to their son or daughter. Of the many ways to stay in touch now available, dads agreed on which would appreciate receiving a new home phone as a gift. 42 percent rated the trusty home phone the best of the bunch, with 24 percent giving mobile phones their vote and Skype video calling trailing in third place with 10 percent.

 

The study shows that children are still turning to dad for advice, with petitions for help featuring in eight in ten of phone conversations. An enterprising 30 percent of children have taken the opportunity to ask for a loan during a catch-up, 33 percent have sought DIY guidance and 17 percent have asked for career advice. Oddly enough, they aren’t so forthcoming when it comes to their love lives, with just one in ten dads ever having been consulted by their children on affairs of the heart.

 

 

Free Massage for Dads at K West Hotel & Spa

 

Mother’s Day, Valentine’s Day, spa days away. With all these treats for the ladies, Dads might be feeling a little neglected.

 

This Father’s Day on 16 June 2013, K West Hotel & Spa will be giving Dads the treatment they deserve with a free back and shoulder massage.

 

To claim this fantastic treat, family members need to book a two course dinner at the stylish Kanteen restaurant (priced at just £16 per adult and £8 per child) and lucky Dads will receive a complimentary massage voucher.

 

Get your Dad a copy of the Breaking Bad Boxset from Amazon UK. He will be eternally grateful.

SBRP2080UV_BreakingBadS5_UK_BD_STD2_ST_2D

Check out these great gift ideas from buyagift.com

Double Supercar Driving Blast: £59

2BA4B4AE-EBDD-49C8-A2DC-AE63947665A0

Choose from nine of the world’s most renowned and respected supercars and enjoy the high-octane adrenaline thrill of your life with this amazing driving blast! Your adrenaline levels will soar as you take control of two incredible driving machines for 3 miles each, with options including the Ferrari, Lamborghini, Porsche, Aston Martin and Audi R8 – each effortlessly combining style, speed and unbelievable power! With six locations across the UK to choose from, this is your chance to discover the true power of the world’s most impressive beasts!

Helicopter Ride Over London for Two: £225

helicopter ride over London

Treat yourselves to a unique tour of London with this helicopter tour over the capital’s rooftops. London is full of famous landmarks and attractions, from Canary Wharf to the Houses of Parliament, and this unforgettable experience will give you a totally new perspective of one of the world’s greatest cities. Sit back during your flight and appreciate all the grandeur of London as you take in stunning aerial views of a city steeped in history and culture. Just remember to bring your camera!

 

Helicopter Pilot Experience Day: £139

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This amazing experience is your chance to discover if you’ve got what it takes to fly a helicopter and be a commercial helicopter pilot. Arrive at the airfield for 9am, where you will be greeted with refreshments by your hosts for the day. An introduction and safety briefing will be given by a CAA Licensed Helicopter Instructor, followed by a talk on being a commercial pilot, and a presentation on helicopter pilot career options. Next comes the highlight of the day – a hands-on, one-to-one helicopter flying lesson and hover challenge! You’ll take the controls as your instructor gives you helpful tuition. During the experience you will receive a buffet-style lunch, as well as a guided tour of the hangars and a discussion about various helicopter types.

If you have a dapper dad you can always buy him some clothes.

Father’s Day is coming up and High and Mighty is here to help with its one stop shop for all things Dad-related. Designers such as Polo Ralph Lauren, Tommy Hilfiger and Lacoste have an array of presents and everything from fashion and fragrances, to electricals and DVD’s are all under one roof at www.highandmighty.co.uk. Perfect for the Dapper Dad.

father's day present