Parenting Blog

24 Outdoor Toddler Activities This Summer

We’ve created a list of the top 24 fun activities for toddlers that are focused on the great outdoors for the summer months. 

22 Great Family Days Out: Where To Take the Kids This Summer

We've scoured the UK to reveal the Top 22 places to take the kids this Summer across the UK. Wherever you are, you should find somewhere not too far to visit for a memorable family day out.

15 Christmas Card Ideas Kids Can Make

Let your kids have fun and give grandparents, aunties and godparents a keepsake or two by creating one of our Top 15 Christmas Card Ideas for Children.

The 15 Best Activities for Children to Help Them Learn Through Play

Play time is vital to a child's development. We have selected the 15 best activities for children to help them learn through play.

How to include children at a wedding

Children at a wedding can be adorable yet unpredictable.  Here's our guide to including young guests at a wedding and who to turn to in order to keep them happy.

Top Tips for Preventing Summer Holiday Learning Loss

During the long summer holidays, months of effort & learning risk being diminished due to children simply forgetting the knowledge they have built up. Here we discover ways to prevent 'Summer Slide'

20 New Experiences to Try This School Holiday

If you’re looking for new things to try with the kids this school holiday then you’ve come to the right place. Put down the gadgets and discover something new with our list of the Top 20 Family Experience Ideas.

Coronation Party Ideas and Activities for Kids

Got plans for a last minute Coronation party but need some inspo? Make your kids feel like royalty for the day with these fun Coronation-themed activities.

How to Organise a Toddler-Tastic Easter Egg Hunt

Make this Easter even more memorable for your toddlers with an Easter egg hunt. This is our guide to making it fun and hassle-free. 

Do You Know How Much to Pay a Babysitter?

When it comes to knowing how much to pay a babysitter you can be left in more of a tangle than attempting to wrestle a trio of bubble-bath covered toddlers against their will. How much is the ‘right’ amount?

Are You Paying the Going Rate for Babysitters?

With location, times, experience and a lot more factors coming in to play, it is sometimes difficult to know if you are paying the going rate for babysitters or not.

9 Ways To Prepare Your Children For When The Clocks Go Forward

Not long now until the clocks are go forward because of daylight savings. Here's how to cope if you're worried it will affect your child's bedtime and sleep routine.

How to Help Children Like a Babysitter

There are some important steps you can take to help your children feel comfortable with their babysitter. Find out here. 

Find the Best Indoor Activities for Kids Near Me

The weather outside can make the prospect of entertaining the kids daunting. Here are our best suggestions for indoor activities for kids near you.

What Are the Benefits of Pocket Money? And How Much Should You Give?

What are the benefits of pocket money? And how much to give? A decision all parents will face at one point, in-depth research on the benefits and negatives.

What to Do With Toddlers on a Rainy Day

What to do with toddlers on a rainy day can be a tremendous task, with bundles of energy and never ending wriggles. We have detailed the top activities here.

Top 11 Tips for Staying Sane This Silly Season

Chill out, grab a coffee and read our top tips for surviving the family Christmas madness with your sanity intact. 

At What Age Should You Leave Your Child Alone at Home?

Parents find themselves facing a tricky conundrum when it comes to considering ‘how old can a child be left alone?’ Find out how to make a rational decision here.

Accepting help with a new baby

Not everyone has an abundance of help when a new baby arrives.  So how can we survive everything parenthood throws at us? Here are some tips to help you stay sane in those early days.

The Best Ways to Stop Children Being Afraid of the Dark

Whether it’s monsters under the bed, or the bogeyman at the window, small children have a propensity to have one major fear in common: the dark.

Halloween Safety Tips for Kids and Parents

Halloween parties are a highlight for kids in the dreary Autumn term, however there are risks associated. Find out how to keep your kids safe with this guide. 

15 spook-tacular ideas for celebrating Halloween at home

Make this year’s Halloween the best ever yet with our list of everything you need for a frightfully good Hallows’ Eve that all the family can enjoy.

30 Best Toddler Halloween Costume Ideas

Halloween may be a time for all things spooky and scary, but you just can’t beat the cuteness of a toddler in costume. Find our best toddler Halloween Costume ideas here. 

Top 20 Kids' Birthday Cake Recipes

If you've been inspired by The Great British Bake Off, why not have a go at making one of these amazing birthday cakes?! We've scoured the internet to reveal the Top 20 birthday cake recipes and ideas to make for children.

Top Time Management Tips for Busy Parents

Being a productive superhero parent takes practice. Get your productivity juices flowing with Sitters 12 Top Time Management Tips for Busy Parents.

Top Tips for When Your Kids Start Primary School

Dropping your kids off for their first day of primary school can be daunting, but don’t panic. We’ve created a list of top tips to help make the day easier. 

Hotel Babysitting Options When You’re on Holiday

Babysitting and childcare while you're away from home can be difficult to organise. Find out what your options are with Sitters. 

How to Get Kids to Sleep in the Hot Summer Months

With the long light evenings and when temperatures rise, it can be really hard to get children to sleep in the summer months. Check out our guide for more peaceful nights.

How to Find a Babysitter Near Me?

Leaving your kids whilst you go out, especially if it’s the first time, can seem daunting. However, don’t despair as Sitters can help you find a trusted babysitter near you. 

Ways to Help Your Child Transition from Primary to Secondary School

Moving from primary to secondary school sees big fish in small ponds suddenly becoming the tiny ones again. Here's how to help them make the move.

20 Homemade Father’s Day Cards and Gift Ideas for Kids

If your little one loves the idea of crafting and creating the perfect Father’s Day gift, then discover our Top 20 Homemade Father's Day Cards and Gift Ideas for Kids.

How to find childcare for a wedding

Do you have an upcoming wedding, whether your own or as a guest, but unsure how it will play out with the little-ones? Sitters help you in your time of need and offer advice on how to find childcare services for weddings.

Last Minute Babysitter Booking?

When it comes to last minute childcare, you can find yourself in a bit of a conundrum. Find safe and verified babysitters last minute with Sitters. 

Return to Work After Maternity Leave: How to Prepare

At some point, you’ll need to consider whether you will be returning to work after maternity leave – we have some great tips to help you. 

Anxiety in Children: What You Need to Know

Anxiety impacts everyone at some-point, even children. We have prepared an extensive guide for parents, anxiety in children, with information on what you need to know.

Using a Babysitting Website for the First Time

Babysitting websites can provide a simple, stress-free solution to childcare challenges but understandably, many parents feel nervous about using a babysitting site for the first time. 

Star Wars Themed Party Ideas

Are looking to plan the best Star Wars Themed Party? We take you through every element to ensure your Star Wars party is a direct hit.

How to Prepare your Children for a New Babysitter

Leaving children with a new babysitter can be stressful for parents and children. Read our comprehensive guide, written by our parents and babysitters, to make it an easy, simple process.

What are the Best Small Pets for Children?

Many parents have never owned small pets before, or at least not since their own childhood, so what are the best small pets for kids?

20 Great Indoor Games for Kids

For when you’re stuck indoors and looking for ways to entertain your children we have compiled a list of the best indoor games for kids. 

How to Help Kids Sleep Before the Babysitter Arrives

You don't have to put your children to bed before one of our babysitters arrive - but you may prefer to leave when they're already asleep. If so, our handy tips can help you get them off to the land of nod as quickly as possible.

The Importance of Dating Your Partner Again When You Have Kids

Life with young children is exhausting and frantic (and often hugely pleasurable) but what is the importance of dating your spouse again when you have kids?

The Best Ideas for Hosting an Awesome Pyjama Party or Sleepover

Hosting a sleepover can be fun but exhausting!  We have some hints, tips and ideas to ensure your kids pyjama party or sleepover goes with a bang. 

Help! I Need a Babysitter!

If you’re in a slight panic Sitters can provide you with a babysitter with as little as two hours’ notice ... find out how right here. 

15 Fun Winter Activities for Kids

If you’re ready to take winter on, and get outside whatever the weather, then here are our top 15 winter activities for kids.

The Best Cooking Games for Kids

Children learn through play – and there’s no better place than the kitchen. We reveal our pick of the best cooking games for pre-schoolers and primary-school children.

How To Find A Trusted Babysitter

Choosing a babysitter is a daunting task for any parent. Discover how to find a trustworthy babysitter here. 

What Are the Best Options for Parents Looking for Babysitters?

Parents sometimes need a helping hand, especially when it comes to finding trusted babysitters. Discover what the best options are for parents looking for babysitters.

When Should You First Leave Your Child With a Babysitter?

As new parents you're likely finding yourself caught between the opposing camps of 'desperate to go out' and 'don't want to leave baby'.  There's no right or wrong answer - but here's some wise advice.

How to Help Your Kids with Homework without Doing it for Them

Find out how to help your primary-school child with their homework - without doing it for them - and discover our tips for making homework a more positive experience for everyone involved.

How we choose the very best babysitters

As the UK’s most experienced online babysitting service, Sitters only recruits childcarers who can demonstrate a long-term commitment to childcare and babysitting.

How parents are using Sitters.co.uk – we’re not just for Saturday nights!

Many of us turn to babysitters when we’re heading out for the evening, but savvy parents are increasingly using babysitting websites to give them extra flexibility at other times of day too.

15 Best Things to do in London with Kids

London is bursting with opportunities for kids to learn, have fun and let off steam. Here are our 15 Best Things to do in London with Kids.

10 Top Tips for keeping Children Cool, Calm and Protected in the Sun

As temperatures soar we discover 10 ways to keep your cool with kids in the heat.

How Can I Find an Emergency Babysitter?

Finding an emergency babysitter can be immensely stressful and worrying. We aim to take the stress out of the equation.

How to Help Children When They Fall Out with Friends

It can be a terrible time for your little one if they fall out with their friends. How can you support them? Discover how to help children when they fall out with friends.

What’s the Best Way to Find a Babysitter at Short Notice?

Sometimes, even with the best laid plans, you may find yourself needing a babysitter at short notice. Sitters have the answer to solving the last minute panic. 

How to Balance Work and Family Life

Sitters understands that every family is different. No two families have the same set of identical needs.  Here's some advice from our childcare experts on how to balance work and family life.

What Should You Expect From Your Babysitter

The term ‘babysitter’ can sometimes seem like a poorly-defined role which varies from post to post, and home to home. So, what can you expect from your babysitter?

Postnatal Depression: The Facts, Symptoms and How To Get Help

Postnatal depression is a very real concern with new parents. Discover all the information with our guide on postnatal depression and ways to make it bearable.

How Much Sleep Do Kids Really Need?

Bedtime routine is essential, yet children's sleep patterns can become erratic - sometimes seemingly out of the blue. We uncover the truth and the requirements on how much sleep kids really need.

Hiring a babysitter for the first time

Hiring a babysitter for the first time can be stressful, so why not read our top tips to ensure everything goes smoothly. 

10 Best Outdoor Activities for Kids this Easter

Fed up of being stuck indoors? If you’re ready to get outside (whatever the weather) then here are our top 10 outdoor activities for kids this Easter.

14 Egg-citing Easter Egg Decoration Ideas

Kids love to decorate and design their own Easter Eggs. Get inspired from some of the most creative and cool eggs that we could find. Have a fun and Happy Easter!

The Top 15 Tasty Lunch Ideas for Toddlers

Lunch times with toddlers can feel like Groundhog Day, but fear not. Liven up your toddler’s lunch with this list of the top 15 lunch ideas for toddlers. 

A Guide to Toddler Development and How You Can Relish It

This guide takes a look at toddler development milestones, what you can expect, and more importantly how you can relish it.

15 Best DIY Bath Toys for Toddlers

Bath time isn’t simply a chance to get clean, but can be a place to play, unwind, change the mood, and even learn. Find the best DIY Bath toys for Toddlers here. 

How to Stop Siblings Fighting

Siblings can go from best buddies to arch enemies in the blink of an eye. Is sibling fighting just par for the course of parenting? Is there a way you can stop it?

15 Fun & Easy Kids' Cooking Recipes

Get your little ones in the kitchen and let them cook up a storm with these 15 fun and easy cooking recipes for kids.

15 Christmas Decorations to Make with Children

Christmas is a time that allows kids to be creative, why not keep yourself and the kids entertained with our top 15 Christmas decorations to make.

15 Christmas Crafts for Kids

It's that time of year when creativity flows and inspiration is everywhere. Nothing says Christmas like getting crafty with loved ones. We have 15 Christmas craft ideas for you and your kids.

How to Manage Toddler Tantrums and Tips to Make Them Less Frequent

Raising children brings incredible love to your life, but also terrible tantrums. Learn how to manage toddler tantrums and how to make them less frequent.

Kids and Babies First Aid Courses for Parents

Would you know what to do if your child had a serious accident in or around the home? Find out about First Aid Courses for Parents here. 

25 Things to Do With Babies at Home

From cookery play, to sensory activities and more. Discover 25 things to do with babies at home to keep you both entertained for hours.

How to Overcome Separation Anxiety in Young Children

The ball and chain of parenthood can feel immensely overwhelming when separation anxiety strikes. So how do you overcome separation anxiety in young children?

Finding the Right Childcare Agency

If you’re looking for a Childcare Agency then Sitters is the right place to find experienced, referenced child carers and babysitters. 

10 Most Popular Bedtime Stories for Kids

With 50 years' experience of reading magical bedtime stories to sleepy children, we've come to know which ones are the favourites.  Here's a list of our top 10 bedtime stories to keep children happy.

Easy Cooking Ideas for Kids

Are you struggling to find healthy, quick and easy meals for you kids? Fear not, as we’ve compiled some of the best recipes for you. 

15 Fun Books for Boys and Girls to Read

Reading has the ability to ignite the imagination of a child of any age, whether spy, adventure, or comedy themed. We have compiled 15 fun books for boys and girls to read

How to Improve Behaviour with a Kids Reward Chart

When it comes to keeping a check on your little one's behaviour, nothing ticks the boxes like a reward chart. Rewards can be a very handy parenting tool, and here are a few ways to get the best out of them.

Should you bother celebrating Valentine’s Day when you have kids?

Do you have the energy to celebrate Valentine’s Day when you have a young family?  We look at the importance of romancing your partner. 

The Top 14 Party Games for Kids

We’ve compiled a list of the best party games for kids – perfect to use at birthday parties. Discover them all here. 

How to Find a Babysitter for New Year’s Eve and the Going Rates

Demand for a New Year’s Eve babysitter is high. Find out how to get the best rates and ensure you aren’t let down this year with Sitters. 

How to find a great Santa’s Grotto near me.

Kids love to see Santa, especially if he gives them a gift! But how do you find the best Santa’s Grotto near you. We share our top tips, ideas and resources.

Which is the best Babysitting Website in the UK?

‘A godsend’ – my experience of the Sitters website, by Karen.

5 Ways to Teach Kids the Value of Money

Kids may think that money grows on trees.  Teaching them about the value of money early in life can help them to learn healthy financial habits that'll last a lifetime. Here's 5 ways to teach the kids the value of money. 

‘A godsend’ – my experience of the Sitters website, by Karen

Karen describes her experiences of using the Sitters website from the initial decision to try the service, to how 4 years later, it has transformed her life as a single-parent.

15 Creative Birthday Cake Ideas for Girls and Boys

Producing a cake that meets expectations can be achievable. Here are Sitters’ 15 Creative Birthday Cake Ideas for Girls and Boys to take out some of the hard work for you.

29 Amazing Face Painting Ideas for Kids

Don't worry that great face painting is only for fine artists. With good-quality face paints, a few brushes and sponges, you too can create face paints to wow, inspire, and amuse.

How to Interview a Babysitter?

Here at Sitters, we understand it can be scary leaving your child with a babysitter for the first time.  Put those worries aside & discover our advice on interviewing a babysitter. 

Becky and Arlo review Sitters' daytime childcare

Becky aka 'Mum of three small people, digital bod, blogger and coffee fiend' writes about her first time using Sitters' daytime childcare.  Find out how she and Arlo got on here.

How to Find a Childminder

Finding an approved and reputable childminder can be like gold dust. We help unveil the meaning, requirements, and how to find a childminder that meets your needs.

Should You Let Your Babysitter Bring Her Boyfriend Over?

It’s an age old conundrum: knowing your kids are likely going to be asleep for most of the babysitter’s time should you let her have her boyfriend over? In Sitters opinion, the definitive answer is 'No' ... and here’s why.

What is the Difference Between a Childminder and a Babysitter?

There are several important differences between a childminder and a babysitter. We explain in detail what these are and which is best for your needs

Should my Babysitter have Insurance?

Every parent knows how important it is to check the credentials of a babysitter. But would you think to also check that your babysitter is insured? And why should that matter?

How to plan an Easter Egg Hunt

Easter is an exciting time for little ones. There are outdoor adventures to be had, cards and decorations to be made – and of course, LOTS of chocolate to be eaten.

How to become a babysitter

Babysitting can be a great way to earn some extra income, but there are several important steps to consider before you become a babysitter.

How to Find a Nanny

Our foolproof plan to help you in your search to find someone who’ll give Supernanny a run for her money. 

Do I Need to DBS Check (previously CRB) My Babysitter?

Have you got an approved babysitter? Have you ever wondered if you should DBS check your babysitter or how to do this?  

15 Amazing and Creative Cake Ideas For Boys or Girls

Stuck on ideas for your son or daughter's next birthday cake? Allow your creativity to flow with these 15 amazing cake ideas for children that will certainly bring smiles to their faces.

Should My Sitter Have a Babysitting Certification?

We always want the ultimate reassurance that we’re choosing to leave our children in good hands.  So, given the existence of babysitting certifications and qualifications, do you need to make sure your sitter has one?

How to Keep Children Safe on the Internet

The online world provides our children with a global playground, and opportunities for socialising and learning outside of their own local bubble - but how can you be sure that you’re keeping them safe on the internet?

Should You Post Pictures of Your Kids on Social Media?

At the end of the day, this is a divisive issue but teaching your children important lessons about posting images online is vital in this day and age. Find out more here.

How to Find a Babysitter

Trusting someone else to take care of your kids is hard enough, and finding a worthy candidate just makes it harder.

15 of the Best Sleepover Games

If you’re looking for sleepover games which will elevate your sleepover to the downright awesome and memorable, we’ve got you covered.

Babysitting Children with Food Allergies and Intolerances

Babysitting children with food allergies and intolerances can be a scary thought, we analyse each case and advise on how to proceed.

How to Get Your Kids In to the Primary School of Your Choice

Most parents will face this same worry, how to register for primary school. Follow our informative guidelines and put this fear to bed once and for all.

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