Kids

Is it time to try an online school?

With many children struggling to study at home and doubts over September start dates, specialist ‘virtual’ schools are gaining huge traction - but what do they offer that’s different?
Parent ‘Lockdown learning’ survey – the results

Earlier this month we commissioned our own comprehensive survey amongst Muddy readers into Lockdown Learning – and we’ve been blown away by the response! Thank you to the 1200 of you who expressed how you felt about virtual-schooling, the difficulties you and your children were facing, as well as revealing surprise success stories and offering […]
Kids driving you nuts? The best parenting books

And we all thought parenting was hard BEFORE lockdown. Jeez! We've got five brilliant new books that promise to help.
How to keep kids learning in lockdown

It’s tricky enough for adults to stay motivated right now, but how on earth do you keep your kids positive, bright and ready to learn? The Headmaster of Embley in Romsey gives some great advice.
Durlston Court Preparatory School

This small co-ed prep school near the Dorset border has a real family feel, excellent academic results and even has its very own ceramics studio.
How you can help your child’s mental health

Anxious, stressed, unhappy... words now regularly applied to describe children. In National Mental Health Awareness we're asking - are there simple steps parents can take to ease the pain?
Living in lockdown with teens – eek!

Here are 20 things to do that might encourage your teenagers to get out of bed by midday – or at the very least by least by nightfall (fingers crossed).
Sherfield School, Hook

A confident all-rounder and pastorally driven co-ed independent school set in 76 acres of rural splendour.
Sherborne House School, Chandlers Ford

This small co-ed, for kids 6 months to 11 years, near Southampton has a friendly feel, is big on music and drama and has plenty of quirks.
St Nicholas School, Church Crookham

Muddy says: With a high staff to pupil ratio and the best GCSE results in the county, St Nicholas' is an academically strong setting for girls in Hampshire.
5 things I’ve learned about motherhood

Acclaimed author (and Muddy favourite) Clover Stroud is in the midst of raising her 5 children. Miraculously she's found time to write a book about it all. Here's a taster.
Easter activities SORTED!

Are you in Half-Term recovery mode? Now the kids are back at school (praise be), plan for an easier Easter with Barracudas Activity Day Camps – I reckon your ankle-biters will love it.
Castle Court Prep, Wimborne

This Dorset co-ed day school, located right on the Hampshire border, caters for 2-13-year-olds in its beautiful 60-acre setting.
Bedales Nursery & Pre-Prep, Dunannie and Bedales Prep, Dunhurst

Muddy says: A pre-prep and prep unlike any other. Part of the famous Bedales, Dunannie and Dunhurst both encourage students to be free-thinkers, strong team players, with super-strong academics.
J’adore/ J’abhor

Parlez-vous teen slang? The language barrier has always been a problem when it comes to parent/child communications. Do you find the way your little darlings speak totally basic or, like, lit?
Spring School Open Days

School shopping? Then have a quick gander at some of the Open Days coming up over the Spring term in Hampshire and the surrounding counties.
Bryanston School

Muddy says: Looking for a country boarding school? Bryanston is an extremely impressive co-educational full boarding school, with some day pupils, perched in the most gorgeous of settings
Your ultimate Autumn Walks guide

Grab your kids, your besties, your dog and anyone else who is free to join you on our first Autumn Walks initiative with Joules - and win coats and wellies for the whole family!
Back-to-school essentials

Holidays nearly over? Oh, what a *shame*! Sort your kids with our pick of everything they need for the new school term - and then it's a party round at mine.
Sweetest summer fashion

There's no shortage of gorgeous children's companies, but high street brand Joules is our pick for the best-dressed kids on the beach.
Cute babywear

Is there a new little prince or princess in your family too? Click this way for the cutest newborn clothes around. Awwww!