Tag Archives: Parents

Your Fail-Safe Guide To What To Eat While Camping With Kids This Summer

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The summer holidays are now in full-swing and for some parents across the UK, that can only mean one thing: a camping holiday to enjoy a hearty dose of nature and, let’s be honest, tire the kids out in time for bedtime.

You have the equipment ready, the car is packed and the kids are suitably excited for the opportunity to go absolutely feral on a campsite. There’s only one issue: what do you eat every day?!

Of course, going out for dinner is an option but heading out for every single meal kind of defeats the point of camping and can make this relatively affordable holiday quite pricey after a few days.

Thankfully, there are plenty of options to choose from.

The best foods to eat when camping

Sandwiches

I know, I know, what an obvious suggestion. However, these handy snacks are ideal for throughout the day, are very easy to store and if they’re wrapped in tinfoil, can last a little longer than usual. They’re popular for a reason!

Pasta

Whether it’s tuna pasta, tomato and cheese pasta or even just pesto pasta, this delicious dinner is great hot or cold. You can make it ahead of time to reheat once you’re camping or you can simply tuck into it cold.

Pasta salads are also a delicious go-to, just keep the components separate until you’re eating to save anything going soggy.

Breakfast burritos

The camping experts at The Adventure Bite say: “Camping Breakfast burritos are easy to put together and full of delicious sausage, eggs, crispy fried potatoes, and melted shredded cheese. It’s the ultimate lazy camping breakfast if you put them together at home and toss them on the fire in foil.”

YUM. Perfect for filling tummies ahead of a day of adventures.

Cereals

Keep milk in your cooler bag and take with you a box of cereal or muesli. Quick, simple and cheap. Plus, kids never tire of cereal.

Tinned fruits

BBC Good Food recommends: “When it comes to camping desserts, it’s often a case of assembling rather than cooking. Tinned fruit can be mixed into an instant salad, but if you want to add a special touch, melt some chocolate to drizzle over tinned pears, then sprinkle with hazelnuts.

“Sweet, shiny canned peaches with cream are a retro winner, too.”

Pre-seasoned meats

In the /r/camping community on Reddit, user RedJessa says: “I like to pre-season steak, chicken breasts or pork chops and seal them in vacuum sealer bags. Just throw them on whatever grill type you please. I also will pre-chop potatoes and veggies, seasoned and sealed.

“Ready to sautee or cook in foil packs over the grill. The vacuum sealer thing is great for prepping camp food and I re-use the bags until I can’t anymore to reduce waste. I pre-cooked bacon last time so we only had to throw it on to heat and crisp, so much easier and less mess.”

Who said camping couldn’t be bougie?

Finger foods

Eat Sleep Wild suggests: “Another favourite option is a sort of lunch mezze of breads, olives, cured meat, cheeses, and hummus. All of these options travel well, are high in calories and good fats, and are super tasty!”

Happy camping!

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My Son And I Were Turned Away From Ikea’s Play Area For 1 Disturbing Reason. Here’s What They Don’t Understand.

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In late June, a few days before Disability Pride Month began, I took my 7-year-old child on an outing to an Ikea store.

As I filled out a waiver so he could enter the store’s small play area, I noticed I was the only parent present.

It turned out that parents typically drop off their children while they shop, but that wasn’t an option for me.

My son has a rare, severe form of epilepsy called Dravet syndrome, among other medical conditions, and he can’t be without a grown-up carrying his seizure rescue medication, as I was.

The scary reality is that around one in five children with Dravet syndrome die in childhood because the seizures can be so severe. There is currently no cure.

I explained this to a staff member and told her that I’d need to be in the room with my child. She informed me that no parents were allowed into the play area.

“But isn’t there a policy for kids with disabilities?” I asked.

She told me a service dog could accompany a child, but a parent could not.

I stopped signing the form. I said to the staff member, “That’s discrimination against kids with disabilities.” She didn’t respond.

I hadn’t known about the store’s play area before this visit, and I had been happy to see that it wasn’t a playground – just a space with toys like a train set and dart board. Since my son had a seizure at an indoor playground a year ago, I’d stopped taking him to them. But now, even this play space was not an option for him.

My child and I were both upset. He loves going to Ikea to walk through the showroom and eat in the cafeteria – a place open enough that it was the only indoor restaurant he ate in during our four years of masking during the Covid-19 pandemic. We have several Ikea furniture items, including bunk beds, a coat/shoe cubby and a toy chest. He helped us build them all.

Since his severe seizures began about two years ago, he’s had to change his life in significant ways. Heat, sports, just running around to play, illness and excitement have all become triggers for him. Summer is especially hard – on hot days, he can’t be outside. In fact, we had driven the hour to Ikea in traffic just so he could walk and have a change of scenery in a large, air-conditioned space because the temperature outside was dangerous for him.

I told him, “This isn’t OK.”

He said, “We should talk to someone.”

I was proud of him.

After talking to a few staff members, we spoke with a manager, who said he wasn’t familiar with the policy, and he’d get back to me the next day. He didn’t.

Later, I looked online, and there was a section on the Ikea website directing caretakers of children with disabilities to start a conversation with the Ikea store manager about how the child can best have their needs accommodated in the play area. I was hopeful that when we went in the future, we could show the policy to the staff.

However, that doesn’t undo the pain my child felt after hearing that he wasn’t welcome in that play space because of his disabilities. During the hour-long car ride home afterward, we talked a lot about discrimination. I reinforced that what happened wasn’t OK, and that the more than 3 million kids with disabilities in our country deserve to be included.

I told him about my older sister, his late aunt, who had microcephaly and faced various barriers to equal access too, like having to sit on the sidelines of playgrounds in her wheelchair. It upset me.

When I was 10, in 1993, I read about new accessible playgrounds in an issue of Scholastic News, and I hoped we could build one for her. Sadly, she died a few weeks later, but in her memory, my family and I worked with the Cincinnati Parks Department to build an accessible playground. My son thought that was cool.

I also explained that many groups of people face discrimination for reasons such as gender, race, sexual orientation, immigration status and more, and we need to be allies and stand up against all forms of discrimination.

I also told him that one way to help is to make disabilities more visible and raise awareness, as we have done in his school class for the past three years.

This June, for Dravet Syndrome Awareness Month, he and I held a neighbourhood lemonade and cupcake fundraiser and donated money to the Dravet Syndrome Foundation, which helps fund the kind of critical epilepsy research that the Trump administration has recently cut.

After our experience at Ikea, as one of his bedtime books, we re-read the picture book All the Way to the Top, about a child who protested and helped advocate for the Americans with Disabilities Act, which passed 35 years ago.

Afterward, I told him about children with disabilities who went to Congress this summer, asking their leaders not to make it harder for them to go to the doctor and get the medicine and treatment they need.

Unfortunately, President Donald Trump’s domestic policy billhas since passed, and many people, including children with disabilities, will be harmed as a result.

Two days after the bill passed, my child woke up and said, “I want to make a sign about disabilities.”

He asked for my help with spelling before writing the words, “People with disabilities are important” in pencil and then tracing over them with marker. He stood by our Disability Pride yard sign, and then, since the temperature was cooler out, he walked down our street and held it up for cars passing by.

He said that when he grows up, he wants to be an “activist” and “protester.”

I told him that he already is.

[Editor’s Note: HuffPost reached out for a response, and Ikea US issued the following statement: “At IKEA, we strive to offer a safe and inclusive environment for children to play while in our stores. Our Småland policies are in place to keep children safe when they are in our space. Regarding this family’s recent experience in our College Park, MD store, we are incredibly sensitive to feelings of exclusion, and so we have shared information with the family about our accommodations process, so that they may have a more positive experience at IKEA. We are constantly working to improve how we create an inclusive space while maintaining policies that keep all children safe.”]

Do you have a compelling personal story you’d like to see published on HuffPost? Find out what we’re looking for here and send us a pitch at pitch@huffpost.com.

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I’m A Grandma To 10 Kids – Here Are 4 Common Mistakes Grandparents Make

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Grandparents can have such a positive effect on family life – but sometimes, they might overstep, and things can swiftly turn sour.

Research from Michigan Medicine found almost half of parents have butted heads with grandparents over parenting choices, often involving discipline, snacks and screen time.

Yet when families get along, the benefits can be far-ranging – not only do studies show that grandparents who are actively involved in their grandchildren’s lives tend to live longer, but kids with close relationships to their grandparents often experience fewer behavioural problems.

Parenting expert Esther Wojcicki, who is a grandmother to 10 children, is a firm believer that successful grandparenting starts with “respecting your adult children’s parenting choices”.

The author of How to Raise Successful People and founder of the Parenting TRICK app, has walked us through four common mistakes grandparents make – as well as advice for building healthier, happier family dynamics.

Here’s what she had to say…

1. Overstepping parental boundaries

“Many grandparents instinctively feel they know what’s best, having already raised their own children,” said Wojcicki. “It’s natural to want to guide your adult kids in their parenting journey, but taking charge or telling them what they should or should not do can cause tension.” Remember, your child is an adult.

Solution

“Open, honest communication is vital. Parents and grandparents should discuss expectations and boundaries before issues arise. It can help to have the grandparents acknowledge – verbally or even in writing – that the parents are in charge,” she said.

“Agree not to undermine their authority or contradict their parenting decisions, especially in front of the children. If a misstep happens, address it promptly and honestly. Failing to do so can erode trust – one of the most crucial elements in any relationship.”

2. The problem with sweets and toys

The parenting pro said while it’s very tempting to show love with presents, showering grandchildren with sweets and toys – especially when parents disapprove – can create bigger problems. “While the intention is affection, it can feel like undermining the parents’ wishes and household routines,” she explained.

Solution

Her advice is simple: before bringing treats or gifts, check with the parents. “Ask if certain toys or foods are off-limits, and respect their decisions. A thoughtful note, an outing, or a shared activity can be more meaningful than material gifts, and they reinforce healthy boundaries and habits,” she added.

3. Encouraging secrets

It’s not unheard of for grandparents to let children break a rule with a wink and a “just don’t tell your mum or dad”.

“While it seems innocent – letting them stay up late or sneak an extra cookie – it teaches children that it’s okay to keep secrets from their parents, which is a dangerous precedent,” said the author.

Solution

She warns never to encourage secret-keeping, even over minor issues. “This can send mixed messages about honesty and can even risk children’s safety in more serious situations. Instead, focus on creating memorable moments you’d all be happy to share openly,” she added.

4. Criticism and undermining

And lastly, while it can be tough watching your child parent differently than you did – and even harder not to comment on things like snacks, screen time, or even clothing choices, Wojcicki said criticising your adult child’s parenting – or poking fun at your grandchild – can “hurt feelings and sow discord”.

Solution

Her advice is to aim for encouragement over criticism. “If you disagree with a parenting choice, share your thoughts privately and respectfully,” she said.

“Remember: unless a child’s safety or health is at risk, it’s the parent’s prerogative to make their own mistakes and learn, just as you did.”

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I’m A Child Psychiatrist – Don’t Make This 1 Mistake When Talking To Teens

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Raising teens can be a bit of a minefield – where once your sweet, adoring child worshipped the ground you walked on, all of a sudden they simply don’t want to know.

You might be facing more arguments, major mood and sleep changes, as well as having to become a full-time translator while your kid keeps calling everyone “chat”.

But there is one innocent mistake parents might be making in the teenage years, according to a child psychiatrist – especially if you want them to be able to open up to you.

Child psychiatrist Dr Willough Jenkins said in a TikTok video that it “might sting a little” for parents to hear, but she wants everyone to know: “If you’re doing most of the talking, you’re probably not having a conversation with your teen… that’s called a lecture.

“You want them talking more than you. That’s how you learn what they’re really thinking, and how they learn that you’re really listening.”

Her advice to facilitate more conversations with teens is simple: “Start with a question. Then pause. And really listen.”

In a separate video, the psychiatrist said one of the things that makes a successful parent is “listening more than lecturing”.

She also suggested “staying calm when things go wrong”, “repairing after you mess up” and “setting boundaries with love, not fear” are “what real success looks like”.

Therapists previously told HuffPost UK that creating a space that feels emotionally safe and low-pressured is important to help teens open up – especially if you think they might be struggling mentally.

Make conversation by asking open-ended and emotionally neutral questions and statements. You could say something like: “How’s everything going lately?” or “How are things feeling for you at school/with friends/life right now?”.

And then really listen.

BACP-accredited therapist Lauren Young also suggested resisting the urge to fix everything for teens and instead, validating their feelings and thanking them for trusting you if they come to you with a problem.

All of this can help teenagers know that you’re there for them. As BACP-accredited member and psychotherapist Debbie Keenan told us: “Sometimes, the goal isn’t to get your teen to ‘open up’ immediately, but to remind them that they’re not alone, that emotions are valid, and that you’re a reliable presence in their life.

“Trust is built in the quiet, everyday moments, often more than in the big talks.”

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Khloé Kardashian Opens Up About Tristan Thompson’s Comment On Their Daughter’s Clothes

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From infidelity to paternity scandals, it’s no secret that Khloé Kardashian and her ex Tristan Thompson have gone through public struggles during their former on-and-off relationship.

But despite all of the drama, the reality star has maintained that co–parenting with Thompson, the father of her children True and Tatum, has been relatively “seamless”.

Kardashian has been open about co-parenting with Thompson in the past. But in a new episode of her podcast Khloé in Wonder Land, the star got candid about how being a “co-parenter” can be hard emotionally at times and admitted that she can get “defensive” as a mum when she and Thompson have opposing opinions.

Kardashian then recalled an instance where the NBA star once questioned her over the length of seven-year-old True’s shorts.

“Tristan’s not wrong, but he’s like, ‘Don’t you think those shorts are too short on her?’” she explained during Wednesday’s episode. “You wanna almost be like, ‘Yeah, she’s my kid!’ But it’s our kid. You just want to have that ownership.”

Kardashian continued: “I’m like, ’Yes, they’re short, but we’re just hanging out at the house pool – because I will send pictures to him or whatever.”

In moments like those, Kardashian said she gives herself and the Canadian basketball player grace.

“You still wanna let your co-parenter be the parent as much as they want to. And you also have to give them grace [and] yourself grace,” she shared.

Tristan Thompson and Khloe Kardashian first began dating in 2016.

Jerritt Clark via Getty Images

Tristan Thompson and Khloe Kardashian first began dating in 2016.

Kardashian added: “Sometimes, you have to take a breath and be like, ‘It’s OK. He’s doing what’s right. Yes, the shorts are short, but we’re at home lounging, so let me explain the context of these photos.’”

Wrapping up her comments, Kardashian noted that her exchanges with Thompson can cause an “emotional battle” within herself.

“That is an emotional battle I have [with] myself. I can’t be like, ‘This is my kid.’ I have to allow for Tristan to be the dad, too,” she said.

Despite their occasional difference in parenting styles, the mum of two said elsewhere in the episode that there’s ultimately “no drama” when it comes to co-parenting with Thompson.

“Him and I are seamless co-parents. I’m really grateful for that,” she said. “Tristan trusts me as a mom, so I don’t get a lot of pushback … he just knows that I’m not going to do anything to harm the kids.”

Watch Kardashian’s Khloe in Wonder Land podcast below.

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Ed Sheeran Has 1 Bit Of Parenting Advice For First-Time Dads

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Ed Sheeran has two young girls, and he’s got some advice for anyone about to be a first-time dad.

“I just think always be the one that makes the breakfast in the morning. Always be the one that gets up first and lets your partner have her lie-in and do the breakfast,” he said on last week’s episode of Kylie Kelce’s hit podcast, Not Gonna Lie.

“Because also, that’s the time of the day your kids are, uh, the least angry, because they’re rested and they wake up and it’s fun,” he said. “Your partner gets to have a lie-in, but also then you get the golden moments in the morning when your kids are like, calm and happy.”

Kelce chimed in and agreed with Sheeran’s assessment.

“I say it all the time. They’re their best selves in the morning,” the mum of four added. “They’re like sweet and cuddly, and their voices are like gentle.”

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Kylie announces some big news in this episode… (it will be available @ 12pm ET!) \n.\n.\n.\nDownload the full podcast here:\nApple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/not-gonna-lie-with-kylie-kelce/id1780888125\nSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0RgXbSGGmwpzAyeLHbDqUD?si=4585dab89c4f4c11&nd=1&dlsi=e178bf324b99403f\n\nFollow Not Gonna Lie on Social Media for all the best moments from the show: \nlnk.to/j61XD8\n\nSupport the Show: \n\nToyota: To learn more about the Toyota Sienna, please visit https://www.toyota.com/sienna/\n\nEd Sheeran’s New Album “Play” Is Out 9/12! https://es.lnk.to/playWE\n\nChapters: \n00:23 – Intro\n01:11 – Kylie’s Big Announcement\n03:24 – Feral Child Summer\n08:06 – Breastfeeding Etiquette \n13:33 – Ed Sheeran Joins the Show\n14:10 – The Girl Dad Experience\n17:23 – Kids Music That Slaps\n22:52 – Ed’s New Album\n26:22 – Performing in Philly\n30:01 – NFL Fandom\n33:05 – Most Memorable Duets\n40:30 – Love Actually\n43:57 – Fatherhood Advice\n\n#kyliekelce 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“They want to help out as well!” Sheeran said. “So I’m handing them plates, and they’re putting the plates away, and I’m like, you’re making my job easier. And also, we’re spending time together.”

The singer continued: “So yeah, I’d say always do the morning shift. I actually love the morning shift and the evening shift. Reading 40 different stories and having someone like, fall asleep on your shoulder is actually really lovely.”

Sheeran and his wife, Cherry Seaborn, have two girls: Lyra Antarctica Seaborn Sheeran, aged 4, and Jupiter Seaborn Sheeran, who is 3.

The Perfect musician has spoken about the ways that parenthood has changed him, calling fatherhood “the best thing that’s ever happened to me”.

“There’s so many different sides and shades to it,” the songwriter shared during SiriusXM Hits 1 interview in 2021. “You know, there’s difficult days, there’s amazing, easy days.”

He added: “It’s just a roller coaster of emotions. I know that sounds like a cliché thing to say, but it’s amazing. I love it.”

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