When your child clings at the school gate, it’s not a failure — it’s a feeling. Starting Reception is a big leap, and drop-off wobbles are more common than you think. This blog unpacks what’s really happening under those first-day nerves and gives you simple, honest ways to build independence without ignoring the emotions.

Cold tea. Bathroom audiences. Conversations hijacked by stick stories. Toddler life is noisy, clingy, and often makes you wonder if you’ll ever eat a hot meal again. Here’s why it’s normal, why it feels so intense, and how to survive with a shred of sanity (and maybe a biscuit in hiding).

Phonics can feel like a secret code—especially if you missed it at school. This blog breaks it down clearly for parents: no training required, no flashcards needed. Just a no-nonsense look at how phonics works and how to support your child’s early reading journey with confidence (and without confusion).

Starting school brings big changes — and not just for the child. When your little one goes from 1 adult for every 8 children to a classroom of 30, the expectations shift fast. This post breaks down what really changes in Reception, why independence matters more than ever, and how to help your child feel ready (without turning your house into a school).