Rachel's childminding

The last couple of days we have done father day cards, world Cup activities and lots of nursery rhymes singing.

Well done England 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿

💢💥💢One of the hardest parts of being a childminder is seeing little ones upset when they first start.

For many children, it's their first time away from Mum and Dad, their first time in a new environment, and their first time being cared for by someone they don't yet know. It can be overwhelming, and sometimes those tears and worries can last for a little while.

But this is also one of the most rewarding parts of my job.

Slowly, trust grows. The tears become smiles. The hesitation at the door turns into excited little feet running in. The cuddles goodbye become quick waves as they rush off to play with their friends.

Watching a child go from feeling unsure and anxious to feeling happy, confident, safe, and loved is truly amazing. It's a privilege to be part of that journey and to help them build those important first steps towards independence.

To all the parents currently going through those emotional drop-offs, please know that it does get easier. Before you know it, your little one will be running through the door with a smile, ready for another day of adventures. ❤️

Does your child love these squishy dumplings? They’re the latest craze – with unboxing videos gaining millions of views.

But their popularity and high demand mean lots of fakes are now available to buy. And the counterfeit versions may contain harmful levels of dangerous chemicals.

✓ Buy from trusted retailers if you can – fakes may not meet our safety standards
✓ Check for proper labelling – missing safety information is a sign it’s fake
✓ If the toy is damaged, leaking or smells unusual, stop using it
✓ Avoid buying for under 3s - they’re most at risk from dangerous toys.

More tips on buying safe toys: https://capt.org.uk/buy-safe-toys/

We love this reminder of all the reasons we read aloud to children!

We’re thrilled to announce The Baddies will be our next Dame Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler adaptation this Christmas! 😍 Is your little one a fan of this story? 🧙‍♀️👻🧌