Innholdsfortegnelse for June - July 2025 i The Green Parent

Making your own miniature notebooks is a great way to use up scrap bits of paper. These little notebooks have been bound with a twig and some twine and the covers decorated with pressed flowers and they look just like they would belong to a fairy! WHAT YOU NEED: • Scrap paper • Thin card or heavyweight paper • Twigs • Twine • Embroidery needle (not necessary but does make it a little easier!) • Secateurs • Scissors • Hole punch • Pencil • Watered down PVA glue • An old paintbrush • Small pressed flowers or leaves WHAT TO DO: 1 First you'll need to go for a walk to collect some twigs and small flowers or leaves. The twigs will need to be straight and not very knobbly.…

Before I go into the reasons why pelvic floor exercises (or kegels) may not be working for you, I'd like to give you a little background on my birth story and journey to full postnatal rehabilitation. My Postnatal Story One particular moment stands out in my memory from the birth of my first child. As I read through the booklet provided by the hospital after returning home, my sense of love and contentment faded quickly. I had suffered a third-degree tear during labour, and as I read about the potential complications, such as incontinence and loss of body control, my anxiety and fear grew. As a professional dancer for 15 years, I had not anticipated losing faith in my pelvic floor post-birth. Being a new mother is an intense learning…

Tantrums used to rule our family life. Playdates were a minefield, leaving me tense and hyper-vigilant, so I often turned them down, fearing my daughter's reaction. Simple trips to the supermarket felt like a battle waiting to happen. I would see the signs—her little hands clenching, breath quickening—and dread what was coming next. And once the storm hit, I'd cycle through all the usual tactics: deep breaths, validating feelings, offering choices, even timeouts. I was convinced that my role as a parent was to help her self-regulate, to teach her how to calm down. But here's what I didn't know: A child who believes they can't calm down, won't. I thought I had to add more techniques, more strategies, more interventions. What I really needed to do was see her.…

TRY THIS Community Art Yarn bombing is a form of non-permanent street art that uses knitted or crocheted yarn to cover public objects or spaces. Also known as “guerrilla knitting,” yarn bombing transforms everyday spaces—like lamp posts, benches, trees, and fences—into eye-catching works of art. It's joyful and unexpected; adding colour, joy, and texture to the urban landscape. Think of it as graffiti's softer, cuddlier cousin. And there's a day dedicated to it! Yarn Bombing Day (11 June) was started by Joann Matvichuk, a Canadian artist from Alberta. Joann wanted to create a specific day where people could come together globally to make the world a little brighter - and a little cosier and community-focused. You could knit a scarf, or crochet some granny squares and wrap them around a…

All Things Tomato Tomato Fortnight (2 – 15 June) is a great time to dive into all things tomato! Tomato Bruschetta is fresh, quick, and a classic way to enjoy the vibrant taste of tomatoes. Prep 4-5 ripe tomatoes; dice and remove excess juice/seeds. Place them in a mixing bowl. Add 1 clove minced garlic, 1 tbsp olive oil, 1 tbp balsamic vinegar (optional), pinch of salt, and few grinds of pepper to the tomatoes. Toss it all together. Gently fold in a small handful of fresh basil leaves. Lightly toast a sliced baguette until golden brown. Spoon the tomato mixture generously onto the toasted bread slices. Garnish with a drizzle of honey (optional) or a sprinkle of Parmesan for an extra twist. Enjoy immediately. You can also add a…

Big Bike Revival Team Green Britain Bike Week is the UK's largest annual celebration of cycling, taking place from 9 to 15 June. It's about encouraging people to embrace cycling as a fun, healthy, and eco-friendly mode of transport. During the week there'll be Big Bike Brunches taking place around the UK, or you can get a pack to host your own. And until October, Cycling UK's Big Bike Revival offers free local cycling sessions, including learning to ride, basic maintenance, and guided rides. These sessions are ideal for families looking to build confidence and skills. Find out more and get resources at cyclinguk.org/bikeweek DISCOVER A WILD BEACH Sandwood Bay, Sutherland Accessible only via a 4-mile walk across moorland (no roads = wild peace!), these vast pink-hued sands, rugged cliffs,…

High Lane Oatcakes If you've never tried an oatcake you must! We love them with melted cheese. Competition is fierce, but we reckon High Lane in Burslem is the best. Try and time your visit so you get some that are freshly baked and warm! highlaneoatcakes.co.uk Westport Lake This is one of our favourite spots. The play area is just brilliant, there are lots of walks to take around the lake and interesting birds passing by. There are always boats coming up the canal, which we love to watch and wave at too. The visitor centre is a good place to grab coffee and snacks. visitstoke.co.uk Trent And Mersey Canal We love walking along this atmospheric waterway, which is a bit run-down, but full of treasures. Start at Westport Lake,…

If You Want to Find Your Folk Fire In The Mountain Nr. Cardigan, Wales 29 May to 2 June fireinthemountain.co.uk Back in 2009, a group of friends who loved folk and bluegrass/ old time music volunteered to help repair a farm in Wales. They brought bands to play, ordered several barrels of beer and a festival was born! The line-up is young and fresh-faced and the air filled with the smell of woodsmoke. Bands include Brown Wimpenny, Goblin Band and Milkweed. Folk In A Field Nr. Swaffham, Norfolk 3-6 July folkinafield.co.uk Set in a remote woodland clearing, for ten years, Folk in a Field has brought together a diverse mix of folk and roots. This laid-back family friendly festival is headlined by 3 Daft Monkeys and Gaz Brookfield and the…

A while back we decided to start a family blog each showcasing our passions! Our mum loves cooking and finding out how to replace storebought products with simple and delicious homemade recipes. For me, crocheting started as a way to relieve stress from my time in mainstream school. It soon became not just a hobby but a passion. From amigurumi to household items, I love showing others how satisfying and therapeutic crochet can be! When my sister, Cassidy first tried to use the sewing machine she received as a gift from her grandmother, she little thought where her “experiments” would take her. While she enjoys sewing anything and everything, her first love will always be making vintage inspired creations! Please join us at joyasitflies.co.uk if you love cooking, crochet, and…

CELEBRATE LIGHT Josée Bergeron is a FrenchCanadian Indigenous Métis and mother of five, aged from two to seventeen. She writes about ways to celebrate the season with kids at backwoodsmama.com. “Summer solstice is a time to celebrate light and show gratitude for our beautiful star, the sun. Here are some special ways to chase the sun with your child. Wake up early to watch the sunrise or stay up late and enjoy the beauty of the sunset together. Bring a blanket and some warm drinks or snacks, and talk about how the sun nourishes all living things.” Unplug Father's Day falls on 15 June this year. We've come up with some fun outdoor ideas to honour the men in your life. Spend the day on the water in a canoe…

“I'm an award-winning writer, socially engaged arts practitioner and author of Natural Wonder, a participatory poetry collection. I'd been commissioned by all sorts of people, from Cambridge University Museums to charities and community groups, but after the UN issued its reports on climate in 2018, I started to embed ecology and action into my work, too. As a mum, I wanted to do something to help my son's generation. Nature, community and art were massive parts of Otis’ early childhood. We home educated for a year, then Otis went back as he was ready for school. But we're still in touch with the home education community. The experience was amazing; meadows, woodlands and beaches became our classroom. I was commissioned by Norfolk County Council to write a poem inspiring connection…

Plastic Free Baby This Plastic Free July embrace the zero waste approach to babycare. Here are 3 ways to get started. Find out more at plasticfreejuly.org. 1. Choose Reusables – Use cloth nappies instead of disposable ones, opt for glass or stainless steel baby bottles, and choose silicone or wooden teething toys over plastic. 2. Eco-Friendly Feeding Choices – Breastfeed, if possible, to reduce reliance on plastic formula packaging, use bamboo or stainless steel baby utensils, and store homemade baby food in glass jars or silicone pouches instead of plastic containers. 3. Sustainable Clothing – Opt for organic cotton or second-hand clothes, and choose plastic-free baby wipes or reusable cloth wipes with a homemade wash solution. Inspired by Granny Petrina O'Halloran was inspired to create a breastfeeding journal after a…

During my second pregnancy, everything changed. The bump photos I took like clockwork every Monday in my first pregnancy? This time, I snapped one whenever I remembered—maybe once a month. The obsession with birth plans? Gone. Instead, my mindset was more let's just see what happens. And that weekly pregnancy yoga class I swore by the first time? Yeah… not so practical when you're chasing a toddler around and trying to fit in work. Everything about my second pregnancy felt different. I was still excited, still grateful, but I was also stretched in ways I hadn't been before. I was juggling work, parenting, and exhaustion in a way that made the idea of a peaceful, mindful pregnancy feel almost impossible. That's when I realised that if I wanted yoga to…

Are You Ready? Approaching potty training from a respectful parenting perspective means focusing on your child's readiness, autonomy, and emotional well-being. Here's how: Firstly, follow their readiness cues. Look for signs like staying dry for longer periods, showing interest in the potty, or communicating about wet/ dirty nappies. Avoid pressure or a strict timeline—every child is different. Offer the potty as an option and make it accessible. Let them observe family members using the toilet to normalize it. Ask rather than demand: “Would you like to try sitting on the potty?” Respect their “no”—forcing can create resistance. Read books or sing songs about using the potty. Normalise accidents as part of learning: “Oops! That happens. Let's clean it up together.” And finally support their independence. Teach them how to pull…

Maintaining an active lifestyle is a must. It has numerous benefits, aiding young ones with cognitive development, helping to build stronger bones and improving cardiovascular fitness, which can protect against major heart events later in life. However, for parents, it can be difficult to get everyone outside, with so many digital distractions. Let's take a look at the most effective exercises that can help children maintain fitness. Swimming Swimming is a fun activity that offers a full-body workout, allowing children to remain fit and healthy while doing something enjoyable. It works every muscle in the body, so there's no better way to build strength and improve overall fitness. It's a family-friendly activity that can be incorporated into holiday planning or general everyday routine. Running Going for a run is one…

Have you always been a reader? “I was born in Germany, but came to Scotland to study for my degree. I've always been motivated to write. I had an accident as a kid, and books got me through that phase in my life when I was stuck on the sofa and couldn't go anywhere. That sparked a lifetime love of stories and performance.” What kind of performance did you get into? “My two sisters put on puppet shows for me! I actually became a puppeteer after university for a few years. I loved that traditional, non-digital way of engaging with an audience. And now I work as a drama teacher.” How did you get into writing? “I didn't think people like me could write for a living. I didn't go…

Stretch And Relax Here are three benefits of yoga for teenagers, especially meaningful to explore around International Yoga Day on 21 June. Yoga helps to support emotional balance – it can help teens manage stress, anxiety, and mood swings by teaching calming breathing techniques and mindfulness. Practicing even a few poses can offer a grounding moment of calm in their busy, often overwhelming lives. It also builds physical strength, supporting healthy development by improving posture, flexibility, and core strength. And yoga helps to boost focus and concentration. With schoolwork, screens, and social media distractions, yoga can improve attention span and clarity. A great reminder to slow down, breathe, and refocus.…

In 2022, the owner of Refilled Chichester, Esther and I embarked on a journey to build a community around gut health and saving the planet. We decided to join forces and offer a range of workshops and talks. As I sit and write this, just over two years later, our fermenting and gut microbiome-based workshops overflow onto waiting lists and our wellness community grows daily via our social media channels and newsletter subscribers. Yet despite our growth and relentless drive, Esther is struggling to make ends meet and we don't seem to be the only earth conscious shop suffering the same fate. Esther started Refilled six years ago after returning home from travelling around New Zealand with her husband, Harry. ‘Earth conscious stores are everywhere out there. It's a normal…

The distance in miles that bees will travel from the hive to forage for food SLOW IT DOWN Simplicity Day on July 12th is the perfect excuse to slow down, unplug, and enjoy the little things. Inspired by the birthday of writer and philosopher Henry David Thoreau, it's all about appreciating life's simple pleasures. Here are some easy and fun ways to celebrate as a family: BAREFOOT WALK Kick off your shoes and feel the earth beneath your feet. Whether it's a garden, park, or beach, a barefoot walk encourages mindfulness and connects you to the natural world. CLOUD SPOT Wrap up warm and lie outside as evening falls. Watch the stars come out, or, earlier in the day, spot shapes in the clouds. MAKE A BOOK OF JOY Fold…

the Green Parent LOVES 2025 Bamboo Balance Bike Self-Build Kit Designed for families and budding cyclists, this unique self-build kit combines creativity, sustainability, and craftsmanship, offering the perfect opportunity to build a child's first bike while also creating lasting memories. Whether you're a seasoned DIY enthusiast or a first-time maker, the kit is beginner friendly and easy to build, requiring only 2-3 hours to complete. With no specialized tools needed and a step-by-step video to follow, building your child a functional bike can be completed in an afternoon! The kit costs £165 and is available from bamboobicycleclub.org. SAVE THE DATE: It's Log Cabin Day on 29 June – why not celebrate with a stay in one? We love all the quirky places available at canopyandstars.co.uk…

If You Believe In Magic WizardFest York 24-26 May wizardwalkofyork.com/wizardfest WizardFest is set to enchant the city with a spellbinding array of activities for families. Highlights include magical walking tours, interactive storytelling sessions, film screenings, and a whimsical night market. There's wand-making, face painting, and mythical creatures to meet like dragons and owls. 3 Wishes Fairy Festival Glastonbury 1-3 August fairyfestival.co.uk Close your eyes, wish very hard, and you might see a real-life faerie or three at this gathering of the Celtic clans. The Fairy School opens every day; make wands, watch circus acts, paint and take part in full-power cacao ceremonies. In the evening, there are magical shows and drum circles in the Big Top. This is a plant-based festival – all food is vegetarian and vegan. New Forest…

Green Gathering Chepstow 31 July-3 August greengathering.org.uk Powered by wind, sun and people this original off-grid festival brings an eclectic array of artists to the stage; this year Billy Bragg, Beans on Toast and Martha Tilston top the bill. There's also crafts, campaigns, permaculture, kids’ area, green markets and more. The large, central Children's Garden has shady trees and grassy lawns to run around in, surrounded by tents packed with activities and kids’ hang-outs. The Teens Space has circus skills, crafts, music and games. The Magpie's Festival Sutton Park 8-9 August themagpiesfestival.co.uk Run by Yorkshire-based all-female folk band, The Magpies, the local community is central to the festival's ethos. The super-relaxed festival focuses gender equality in the music industry, achieving gender parity in both line-up and staff, as well as…

CREATE SPACE On World Listening Day (July 18), one thing we can do for one another is to create a space for active and empathetic listening. We're often juggling many responsibilities; listening with full attention can help reduce stress and strengthen our relationships. With your partner, try setting aside a quiet moment after the kids are asleep or during a break in the day to talk openly and listen attentively to each other's experiences and needs. Get Inspired Galway International Arts Festival is renowned for its large-scale street performances, including mechanical insects, acrobats, and interactive installations. Visit from 14 - 27 July for theatre productions and circus shows, workshops and more. The Festival Garden is a space where artists and audiences come together to enjoy a relaxed atmosphere, often featuring…

Joy In Puddles International Mud Day, celebrated annually on 29 June, connects children and adults with nature through messy, hands-on play. Originating in 2009 as a collaboration between educators in Nepal and Australia, the day highlights the benefits of outdoor play, creativity, and sensory exploration. Playing in the mud is good for our immune systems, and can help nurture a love for the environment. There are many ways to participate: for example, you might organise mud-related activities, like mud painting, setting up a mud kitchen, or puddle jumping. The whole event is about promoting joy, inclusivity, and a deeper appreciation for the natural world. Get and ideas and watch videos atmuddyfaces.co.uk/outdoor-hub/mud/international-mud-day…

the Green Parent LOVES 2025 Nature Connection Skye-lee is the founder of BarefootChild, and she's passionate about bringing more nature connections into the classroom and children's education. “The products I create are influenced by the Reggio Emillia approach. I believe in creating and finding affordable wholesome resources to help you along your path to keep kids wild, spark curiosity and easily be able to adapt to your own style of teaching.” Check out Skye-lee's Mega Ocean bundle, which contains over 70 pages of sea life learning flash cards, activities, worksheets and lots of information about sea animals. This would make a perfect resource for World Oceans Day on 8 June. Find on Etsy at BarefootChild or follow @embracethewildling on Instagram. CARIBBEAN COMMUNITIES Windrush Day is celebrated every year on 22…

I always swore I'd never be a teacher. My mum was a teacher for thirty years and I saw firsthand how hard she worked: planning, marking, preparing. She lived and breathed her work and she loved it, but I knew I didn't want something that demanded quite so much of my life. Fast forward a couple of decades and I'm… a teacher. I spend my evenings thinking about the best way to introduce new maths concepts. I spend my weekends planning the work for the week ahead. But here's the twist: Much to my own surprise, I'm teaching my own two children. I live and breathe my work, it demands a lot of my life, and, just like my mum did, I love it. We never know what life has…

WHAT IS A SPICY KID? A “spicy” kid is one who has a strong and intense temperament. They often react to the world in ways that seem bigger, louder, and more intense than other children. This intensity can manifest as strong emotions, big and quick reactions and being highly sensitive to both their inner experience and outer experience. WHAT IS TEMPERAMENT? Temperament is the way your child interacts with the world around them. It influences how they respond to different situations, people, and environments. Temperament is made up of different traits, and how your child “ranks” on these traits (high/low/in between). WHY IS IT HELPFUL TO KNOW YOU HAVE A SPICY KID? It's important to know your child is spicy for many reasons. 1 You don't feel confused or alone…

FIND SUPPORT Early parenthood can be a lonely time. This Loneliness Awareness Week, which runs from 9 to 15 June try leveraging technology to help find and build communities. Platforms like the Peanut app connect parents at various stages of their family journey, while Happity lists local baby and toddler classes. Additionally, meetup.com offers a range of parent-focused groups, and befriending.co.uk can help establish supportive networks. Let's work to create meaningful connections, reduce feelings of isolation, and build stronger, more supportive communities. DANCER POSE Natarajasana is a heart-opening joyful pose that helps to improve focus, works on core stability and builds confidence. Start with your feet hip-width apart. Shift your weight into your left foot and bend your right knee behind you with your heel toward your glutes. Reach your…

Frog Bikes Frog Bikes offers lightweight, premium kids’ bikes designed in Great Britain with child-specific components for safety and easy riding. Tailored to various age groups, these research-led bikes promote confidence and fun. Environmentally conscious, they use sustainable materials and exceed safety standards. www.frogbikes.com CY&A Psychology We offer support tailored to your unique family and needs. Our clinicians are trained in a range of evidencebased therapies for children, teens and families. Based in Marylebone, London www.cya-psychology.co.uk Elephant Box Everything we make is useful, durable & stylish. A whole range of things for a sustainable home. From lunchboxes to drinkware, plus our bestselling washing up bowl. The best thing? Everything is built to last. elephantbox.co.uk Natracare Natracare's New First Period Kits Help prepare for a child's first period with a kit…

“We had moved up from London to the village in the Yorkshire Wolds where I grew up. We bought a very small, two-bedroom cottage, which we loved, but quickly outgrew. When this house went up for sale, it seemed like a once-in-alifetime opportunity. It had belonged to my Nanna and Grandpa, and as a child I spent a lot of time here. I have a lot of happy childhood memories of time spent here and remember my Nanna saying to me “It's a lovely family home – lots of housework to do though!”. She was right! We moved in in October 2021, lit the Aga in the kitchen and the house felt alive again. Rhys and I both wanted a project, and more space for ourselves and the kids. I…

POTTERING ABOUT Gladstone Pottery Museum This working museum with its distinctive brick bottle ovens is perhaps now most famous as the filming location of The Great Pottery Throw Down. It escaped demolition in the 1970s and has become a place to explore the process of making pottery, with hands-on displays of throwing, moulding and decorating. stokemuseums.org.uk Potteries Tile Trail Take a tour around the pottery towns of Stoke-on-Trent with these fun to follow, free, downloadable adventures. Each trail takes you around locations in the town where you'll find interesting examples of ceramics in buildings and public spaces. visitstoke.co.uk Middleport Pottery Located in Burslem, this working factory is home to Burleigh, a company that specialises in traditionally decorated earthenware tableware. Its 19th century buildings are also home to a visitor centre,…

If You Love Food! The Big Feastival Cotswolds 22-24 August thebigfeastival.com Taking place on Alex James’ idyllic Cotswolds farm, Big Feastival brings together music from the UK's biggest artists (this year Faithless, Travis and Sophie-Ellis Bextor all take to the stage), Michelin star chefs, award-winning street food, great live comedy and family activities that include hip hop karaoke, wild play, talent shows and appearances from Justin Fletcher and Hey Duggee! Garlic Festival Isle of Wight 16-17 August garlicfestival.co.uk Chop chop! Time to get to this bite-sized party that celebrates all things pungently savoury. See star chefs using the versatile ingredient in the most creative of fashions, enjoy live music, dog shows and learn how to make the perfect garlic bread. Plus hail the Garlic Queen! As they say, ‘eat, drink,…

If You Want to Be Active Greenbelt Festival Boughton House, Nr. Kettering 21-24 August greenbelt.org.uk The theme this year is Hope in the Making; a vibrant blend of music, arts, activism, and spirituality. The lineup features a diverse array of performers, including Adjoa Andoh, Brian Eno, Jordan Stephens and Kate Rusby. Families are at the heart of Greenbelt, with heaps of activities designed for children and young people. The festival boasts dedicated spaces like the Make & Create venue for arts and crafts, TaDah! for all-age performances, and The Lawn for outdoor games such as ultimate frisbee and Quidditch. Younger children can enjoy the Play Tent, filled with toys and ride-ons, while older kids can participate in the Late Night Village, offering evening entertainment. Go for the eclectic music lineup…