Tips and Advice

Sleep and Parenting tips for your family

Why Your Toddler’s Bedtime Routine Isn’t Just a Checklist — It’s a Message of Safety

When bedtime feels like a battle — when you’ve done the bath, the books, the songs, and your toddler still clings to you, cries, or refuses to settle — it’s easy to blame yourself."Why isn’t the routine working?" you might wonder."Am I doing something wrong?" The truth is, bedtime isn’t just about ticking off a checklist. It’s about sending a powerful, invisible message to your toddler’s brain:"You are safe. You can relax. You can let go." Sleep isn’t only about physical tiredness.It’s about...

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Loneliness in Motherhood: why you need parenting support.

I thought I knew what to expect. I was a paediatric nurse, for goodness’ sake. I’d spent years reassuring worried parents, handling medical emergencies, and calmly supporting families through some of the toughest moments of their lives. I knew about feeding, sleeping, development, reflux, colic—you name it, I’d advised parents on it. I genuinely believed that when I had my own baby, I’d breeze through it. But nothing—absolutely nothing—prepared me for the loneliness of early motherhood. I...

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Why Is Toddler Sleep So Hard?

If you’ve ever dreaded bedtime, you’re not alone! Why Is Toddler Sleep So Hard? If you’ve ever dreaded bedtime with your toddler, you are far from alone. What looks like a simple end-of-day routine on paper can quickly turn into a stressful, emotional experience for both parent and child. From stalling and tears to middle-of-the-night wake-ups and nap refusals, toddler sleep can feel like a never-ending struggle. But the truth is, toddler sleep isn’t just about being tired — it’s about...

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Why Every Mum Needs a Village: The Power of Support

Motherhood is one of the most rewarding experiences in life, but it can also be one of the most overwhelming. The early years, especially, come with sleepless nights, constant worry, and an endless stream of questions: Am I doing this right? Why won’t my baby sleep? Is this normal? In the past, mums had a natural support system—grandparents, aunts, and neighbors who stepped in to help, offer advice, and share the load. But today, many mums are doing it alone, without the ‘village’ that...

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Frequently Asked Questions: Private Health Visiting Services

Welcome to Essential Parenting – Expert Health Visiting for Every Family Parenthood can be overwhelming, especially during those early, challenging months. At Essential Parenting, I provide expert, compassionate support to help parents feel confident and informed every step of the way. In this blog post, I’ve gathered some frequently asked questions about private health visiting services to help you learn more about how I can support you and your family. What Is a Private Health Visitor? A...

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Discover These 10 Simple Steps To More Peaceful Sleep

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  • So you can find the calm in bedtime,
  • Know that it's normal for your baby to need some help to settle,
  • Relax into a routine you and your baby will love
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