This week I shared how I was feeling overwhelmed with parenting, running a house and a business. Sometimes there aren’t enough hours in the day! The playHOORAY! community kindly jumped in with their support and suggestions for managing the feeling of overwhelm so I wanted to share those with you. I’ve also recently discovered Mel Robbins and her 5 second rule which I think you will like! Have a listen and then come and let me know what you think! Happy Playing! Claire

Today I am sharing a snippet from an interview I did at the beginning of the year with lovely Natalie Costa, award winning coach helping children to deal with big emotions. This part of the interview I ask about parents feeling overwhelmed and Natalies tips and advice were super useful as always! Please go and check out lovely Natalie and enjoy her helpful content on Instagram @powerthoughtsnc

This month we are celebrating learning through play in May! So today I am talking about learning through play how to set it up in the home the benefits of learning through play and the resources you will need if you want to set up playful learning experiences with your young child! Come on over to the playHOORAY! website to see our new and exclusive learning through play bundles only available in May! And come and find me over on Instagram @play.hooray where I will be sharing lots of ideas throughout the month of May! Happy Playing!

Personal one for me today, here I am sharing my thoughts and feelings after six months of having Leo I looked at an old photograph of myself and dare I say it miss the old me! After sharing with my community the response was overwhelming from mums who felt the same way, mums who could appreciate with how I was feeling and those who sent their love. I hope this helps anyone else feeling the same way. And please, do come and connect with a lovely group of like minded parents, carers and educators in our playHOORAY! Community Facebook group where you will be welcomed with open arms! Big hugs, Claire x

In this episode today I am recording for my garden on Earth day with the Sun on my face listening to the birds singing, how lovely! And I am talking about encouraging our children to play outside whether that’s a garden or a public space. The benefits of children exploring and learning about nature and how you can be creative with the resources you’ve got. I also asked if you noticed any change in the way that your children play outdoors and I’d love to hear from you! Also don’t forget that April is outdoor month for playHOORAY! And for this month we have exclusive outdoor bundles available on the playHOORAY! website which will help you to find new ways to play outdoors! Visit www.playHOORAY.co.uk to find out more and come and chat to me over on Instagram and Facebook @play.hooray

I ask you for your patience in this episode as the only opportunity I had to record it was whilst out walking with the baby in the pram...busy mum life!! So talking over the tractors driving by and the birds singing in the background, I share lots of easy ways you can support and prepare your child for starting school this September. It’s a big step I know from being both a Reception teacher and parent, I have experienced it from both sides! With lots of easy tips and ideas, I hope this episode helps ease your worries! And remember to head to the playHOORAY! website to check out our extensive blog post which includes a recommended book list. Happy Playing!

In this episode I talk about the use of screen time after school, the pros and cons and share ways we can encourage kids to play even when their tired! I’d love to hear what works for you so do drop me an email or DM on Instagram or Facebook! And our playPROMPTS plus pack of activity cards available on the playHOORAY! Website includes after school activity ideas so do check them out! Happy Playing!

In this episode why messy play is good for young children’s development and ways you can make it manageable at home. I also share ways you can encourage children who don’t feel comfortable getting messy! | The Messy Play Recipe Cards mentioned in the episode can be found in the shop www.playHOORAY.co.uk alongside many other playful products and activity cards! | Please come and say hi to me @play.hooray for lots of daily inspiration and community support! | Happy Playing!

Today I am recording this in the middle of half term, during lockdown oh and it’s winter so the weather isn’t great! So it felt appropriate to chat about SCREEN TIME! I know! Perhaps you’re noticing the kids are watching more than normal, perhaps you’re feeling guilty about screen time or maybe you’d like to take back some control of screen time with the kids? Well today, I’m sharing what works for me and my family and posing some questions that might help you when thinking about how you use screen time in your house. I’d love to chat to you so as always come and find me on Instagram @play.hooray visit our website www.playhooray.co.uk or email me with any playful topics or guest suggestions! In the meantime Happy Playing!

Join me chatting to lovely Susie founder of Totter and Tumble, the amazingly, beautiful play mats for all the family! We chat all things play, home life and of course have a giggle along the way! Please visit Susie to say hi and check out her awesome play mats on Instagram @totterandtumble www.totterandtumble.co.uk | And I always love to hear your suggestions for playful brands, people and topics you’d like me to cover so do drop me an email and come and say hi, I always love to hear who’s listening! | Never be stuck for play ideas, playHOORAY! is always here to help through podcasts, community, social media, blog posts and playPROMPTS activity cards! Visit www.playhooray.co.uk for support and inspiration! Happy Playing!