Kids

Wise words for back to school

Sanity resumed! We’re relieved they’re back – but a bit nervous too. Time for some more wise words from our Hampshire Heads.
7 fun things to do in the garden with kids

Study a minibeast, plant a jam jar garden or measure a tree with your bum! Cabin fever begone with these cool garden activities kids will dig.
Half-term hack: the best online courses for kids

Run out of ways to entertain the kiddos? Check out Muddy's list of the best online classes and workshops that you can do from anywhere across the country, just in time for half-term.
Harrow School online – your prayers answered?

Combining Harrow's heritage with leading online tech, Harrow School Online offers co-ed learning for ages 16-18. We spoke to the new head for the full lowdown.
FREE specialist fitness class for tweens and teens

The brilliant online FitLife Academy focuses on fun classes for 10-15 year olds. Try for free and, if they like it, use our Muddy exclusive deal to keep them active (and out of your hair) all month!
Wise words for lockdown learning

Homeschooling is hard work - and it's not over yet. Time for a pastoral pep-talk from some of Hampshire's wisest headteachers.
Mayville High School, Southsea, Portsmouth

A seafront city school with specialist SEN support and newly-launched standalone remote learning offer
Stop fussing! And other lockdown lessons

Parenting can be a little fraught when you're essentially under siege in your own house. So we decided to talk to our young people to find out what they think we could be doing better.
Great outdoors: The best Winter walks near you

Need to stretch your legs and work off any indulgence? Then boot up and head out with seven glorious strolls around the counties.
Forres Sandle Manor, Fordingbridge, Hampshire

Lots to love about this co-ed prep day and boarding school on the Hants/Dorset border, with its leafy New Forest setting and nurturing family vibe
December is on – and we’ve found the hottest tickets in town

Jingle all the way to Christmas Day with illuminations, celebs, skating, panto dames and special appearances from the guy in red
6 reasons to consider InterHigh

If you're one of the many parents considering an alternative to mainstream education right now, virtual school InterHigh could be the answer to your prayers.
The Portsmouth Grammar School, Portsmouth

A historic through-school in the heart of the city, Portsmouth Grammar School’s individualised approach nurtures high-achievers
Alton School, Alton

Educating all age groups, from babies to sixth formers, this leafy Catholic school in Alton, East Hampshire, has a new Headmaster and ambitious plans for the future
6 family-friendly walks to explore this half term

Short of fresh air and vitamin D since the clocks went back? Round-up the little (and big) ones and give it some welly with these child-friendly walks around the county
10 of the best subscription boxes for kids

Running on empty when it comes to entertaining the kids? Royal Mail comes up trumps with these brilliant subscription boxes – time to sit with a gin and wait for the postman.
How to manage back-to-school anxiety

With the nation’s schoolchildren poised to go back to school, it’s a tense time for everyone. So, how, as parents, should we control our fears? Muddy finds out.
10 books for younger kids

Kids have had a lot on their plates: no school, no play dates, and slim chance of a summer of fun in the sun. Here's 10 great book for ages 5-8 to create a fictional escape route from the madness.
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.
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).
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.
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?
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!
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!