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	Going organic: Is it worth it? With healthy eating increasingly at the forefront of many families’ minds, many of us may be wondering whether we should go organic. MyChild’s Camilla Chafer finds out if it’s worth it during Organic Fortnight.
	How to manage the cost of going back to school Back to school week is here, and the price of new uniforms and school equipment plus the thought of facing another year of additional costs is tough on many parents.
	The truth about zoos Do you love seeing wild animals but have concerns about their place in zoos rather than in the wild? MyChild’s Camilla Chafer explores both sides of the debate.
	High cost of kitting kids out for school Parents will spend an average of £122 to kit their kids out for the new school year, but extra curricular activities will be cut back to save cash.
	Mum bloggers go to Bangladesh What do you do if you’re an international charity highlighting the hardships of mothers and children in the developing world? You send out some mum bloggers to meet them and write about it. This is what Save the Children is doing by teaming up with the mummy blogging community.
	Save our playgrounds from Government cuts With the recent announcement that funding for 1300 playgrounds is being axed, MyChild’s Camilla Chafer investigates the real value of playgrounds, and what the government funding freeze means for school children nationwide.
	The primary years: Where are the male teachers? Have you noticed a lack of male teachers in your child’s primary school? It’s been a national issue for some time. However there are some signs that things are changing. Emily Organ investigates.
	National Allotments Week It’s National Allotment Week from 9th – 15th August so we’re celebrating with some tips and ideas for growing your own food. So how do you find an allotment and what does it involve.
	In celebration of left-handers The annual Left Handers Day is on 13th August, so MyChild’s Camilla Chafer gets to grips with learning the left handed way.
	Happy holiday activities There are learning opportunities all around us, if you know where to look. We have put together some happy holiday activities to keep the kids entertained and learning this summer.
	The 50 Golden Rules of Parenting As soon as you announce you are pregnant, everyone is a childcare expert, bombarding you with advice on sleep, feeding, tantrums...you name it. MyChild’s Camilla Chafer pulls together the list of the best pieces of real-life parenting advice from our wise forum members' collective experience.
	Starting school: The first day Starting school is one of the biggest events in your child’s life. As you move towards this momentous occasion, it can be with a mixture of pride that your child is ‘growing up’ to sadness that your child will be spending school days away from you.
	Outdoor living holidays: Idyllic and family friendly Forget planes and hotels - taking the ferry to an outdoor living holiday is the stress-free way to take a family break.
	Mum blogger Baby Genie chats to MyChild ummy blogger and self confessed vaccuuming addict Catherine Warrilow (aka Baby Genie) shares her favourite blogs and what blogging means to her.
	More rainy day activities Who needs sunshine when you've got MyChild's collection of creative holiday activities for a rainy day?
	Rainy day activities It can be difficult finding things to do on a rainy day for kids. Keeping the children entertained during the school holidays is hard enough, and if it’s raining then the challenge is even greater. We have compiled a list of fantastic rainy day activities to keep the kids happy.
	How to find good childcare Looking for childcare for your family? Choosing a registered childminder could be your ideal solution. The National Childminding Association offers tips on finding the right childminder.
	Protect skin in the sun Shocking findings from Nivea Sun reveal that 40% of parents don't use suncream on their children in the UK. How do you keep kids' skin safe in the sun?
	CyberMummy 2010 Hundreds of mummy bloggers descended on Earls Court earlier this month for CyberMummy, the first ever UK mummy blogging conference. Emily Organ was there.
	Cycling safety tips Here's some tips from LV=Streetwise to help keep your child out of harm’s way while they’re cycling and building their confidence on two wheels.
	Spelling queen Clare Winstanley's webchat We invited Clare Winstanley, spelling expert and author of Spelling Made Magic, to talk about her book and techniques in a lively forum webchat.
	Top 5 UK staycations If the standard package holiday is losing its appeal then why not do something different with your family? Keep it local with our look at the top 5 UK holiday destinations with a difference.
	The top ten toy predictions for Christmas It's still summertime but the experts are already predicting the toys that will have parents rushing to be the first to bag for the kids' Christmas stockings.
	As easy as riding a bike Learning to ride a bike (and falling off it) should be a normal part of growing up, shouldn't it? But some parents are delaying teaching their kids to cycle because of safety fears. Here's how to teach your kids to ride confidently and safely.
	Loving this Blogging Dad - Kurt Jewson from Frugi Pulchritudinous parent and part-time pastyologist Kurt Jewson shares his thoughts on blogging, organic cotton clothes, and builder's bums in the workplace.
	How much is a mum worth? Recent research has found that mums are worth over a million pounds for all the unpaid jobs they do.
	What does the emergency budget mean for families? George Osborne's emergency budget has been a tough one for millions of people, but families have taken the brunt of some of the harshest cuts. So what does it mean for you?
	Child safety tips Child Safety Week runs from June 21st-June 27th 2010 and aims to raise awareness of the number of accidents that kill or seriously injure children every year.
	Gifts for Teachers: What they REALLY want Prepare for the truth about gifts for teachers...and some novel uses for unwanted gifts.
	Make time for safety in Child Safety Week Child Safety Week runs from June 21st-June 27th 2010 and aims to raise awareness of the number of accidents that kill or seriously injure children every year, and how to prevent them.
	Our new fave mum blogger, Claire Willis of Snug Baby Mummy blogger Claire Willis shares her thoughts on babywearing, parenting boys, and the nanny question.
	Are you a confident parent? We all know them. Those people who act like a walking advert for a 'How to be a Perfect Parent' manual, who seem to sail through their child's formative years with barely a hair out of place or laughter line to show for it. But what's the real story?
	Parents walk for the Joseph Salmon Trust Dad blogger Dan Hughes has been working hard to get others involved in walking and cycling Hadrian's Wall in aid of the Joseph Salmon Trust.
	The questions kids ask - and how to handle them Why? How? What? The words uttered by children that bring dread to the ears of parents everywhere. We've teamed up with Outnumbered on GOLD to bring you the answers you need to those awkward questions.
	Try an outdoor living holiday this summer We have teamed up with Canvas Holidays to bring you some top tips for making the most of the great outdoors on holiday this summer.
	Does my child have ADHD? Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder, otherwise known as ADHD, is a complicated condition. It’s hard to identify the cause and can be difficult to diagnose.
	How to get the best out of parents' evenings If your child is starting school this September then you’ll have your first experience of a parents’ evening soon. However, parents' evenings all too often end with mums and dads having no clear idea of how their children are doing at school, claims a survey by educational toy company Leapfrog.
	How to improve your child's reading and understanding You’re the most important person when it comes to improving your child’s reading and understanding. Their daily interaction with you will help them develop these skills, you can also work proactively with them by using the MyChild comprehension worksheets.
	Bring back letter writing! Exchanging hand-written letters can have a positive impact on child development, yet according to a new survey commissioned for children’s charity World Vision as many as one in five children in the UK (20%) have never received a letter.
	Camp Bestival: Oh what a weekend What a weekend. From the incredible Gruffalo stage show to the magical and eclectic House of Fairy Tales to Madness’s stunning performance, this was a family event that lived up to all expectations.
	Walk to School Week All too often, with our time pressured lives, it’s easier to jump in a car then walk to school. MyChild’s Camilla Chafer explores why we should be pounding the pavements instead.
	Meet Suburban Mummy, blogger Nataliya Huxley Our new favourite mum blogger, Suburban Mummy Nataliya Huxley, on raising a "three-nager"and her dream of having staff.
	Russell Grant pops in for a webchat When we heard that Russell Grant was joining us for a live chat, we wanted to know all about our future, and he certainly didn't disappoint!
	How to help your child with maths homework Maths can easily be made enjoyable with a bit of imagination and some extra help with downloadable maths worksheets. Here are some ideas on helping your child with their maths homework and keeping it fun.
	Want to be a blogger? Here's how The mummy blogging community is expanding at a fast rate. It allows parents to share experiences, tips and advice with other like-minded people. It can run deeper than this too: parenthood is isolating at times and some people find real life friends among fellow bloggers.
	Our new FMB, blogger Jackie-Mehlmann Wicks Canadian mum blogger Jackie Mehlmann-Wicks is proud mum to Hartley. She shares her thoughts on guilty pleasures and the worry of weaning.
	Dick and Dom in da MyChild house! When we set up a web chat with Dick and Dom, the cheeky presenters of Dick and Dom in da Bungalow and The Legend of Dick and Dom, little did we know we would be in for such an entertaining time with the masters of acting like big kids.
	Balls: Heads will roll over SATs boycott The schools secretary Ed Balls is seeking advice from lawyers on mounting a legal challenge against headteachers in primary schools in England who have voted to boycott the national tests for 10 and 11 year olds.
	Homework tips for children with dyslexia Homework can become a battleground for dyslexic children and their parents, but this useful advice from the British Dyslexia Association will help you to develop strategies to help your child to cope with their homework.
	Dyscalculia: What are the signs of dyscalculia in children? Does your child have dyscalculia? Does your child struggle with mathematical skills such as counting, telling the time or giving and receiving directions? MyChild looks at how to recognise the signs of dyscalculia in children.
	Famous dyslexics With a greater awareness of dyslexia now, and more help available, if a learner is struggling with reading and writing, there’s no reason why they can’t aim for the stars.
	Spelling expert Clare Winstanley shares her spelling secrets Have you ever wished there was a better way to learn how to spell rather than memorising boring lists of words? Clare WInstanley shows you how.
	Meet our new FMB: Hot Cross Mum Hazel Gaynor Our newest Favourite Mummy Blogger, Hot Cross Mum Hazel Gaynor, blogs about getting used to life on the "mummy-go-round". Here she tells all about new beginnings, and her love of ABBA and salad cream!
	Our new favourite mum blogger, Claire Curran Claire Curran, aka 20something mum, has two kids and an obsession with shoes that she can't wear.
	Being a mum and working – Make it work for you Being a mother and holding down a job is a daunting task. So how can you make sure that it works for you?
	How to find the right childcare How do you choose the right childcare setting for your child? Finding a safe and stimulating environment for your child can be made easier if you know exactly what to look for.
	Top tips for flying with kids Flying with your kids might fill you with dread, but we have some great advice for making the journey as stress-free as possible.
	Chocolate and Finn from Glee: the guilty pleasures of our new FMB Liz Jarvis is a working mum who shares parenting tips, family holiday ideas and other useful titbits for parents at her LivingwithKids blog. Here she tells us about her crush on Finn from Glee and the new circle of friends she's found through blogging.
	Could you be a school governor? One parent's story Working away behind the scenes at your child’s school is a governing body, some of whom will be parents. It makes important decisions about school budget and policies, as well as keeping a check on the head teacher. For parents, it’s a fantastic way to make a real contribution to your school, and ensure that parents’ views are represented in significant decisions. We talk to a mum-of-two and school governor, who wished to remain anonymous, to find out about the plus points and pitfalls.
	Fun science activities at home During National Science and Engineering Week, schools will be running activities to show that science encompasses many fascinating, kid-friendly subjects, such as space, wildlife and computers. Science can not only lead to well-paid and exciting jobs (think doctor, sports technologist, space craft engineer), it also opens up children’s minds to new ideas and encourages a curiosity about the world around them. Here are some fun and interactive activities that you can do with your child to inspire their interest in science.
	Italy - the perfect family holiday destination Take the whole family to Italy this summer – and create some beautiful childhood memories for your kids to remember for years to come.
	How to appeal against a secondary school place decision National offer day has passed, and 540,000 children and their parents will now know whether they got a place in their preferred secondary school or not. It’s a day most parents approach with a mixture of hope and dread: particularly now that statistics show that competition for school places is fiercer than ever.
	Didn't get your first choice school? How to turn it around Most parents have a first preference for their child’s school with 83% getting their highest priority secondary school choice last year. However, figures also show that one in six children don’t get their first choice, a number that rises to one in three in London. How can you work with the school to make it a better place for your child to be?
	Green-fingered families unite for community garden Green-fingered parents in Bothwell, Scotland, have set up a community gardening project to engage youngsters in nature and growing their own produce. Jac Kent tells us how they made the project happen.
	How to develop your child's literacy skills in the early years It is well known that reading with your child helps to strengthen their literacy skills, and it's never too early to start.
	Meet Sarah Winborn, our new FMB and Brit living in Berlin Our newest addition to the Favourite Mummy Blogger hall of fame is Sarah Winborn, who blogs about the highs and lows of life as a single working mum in Berlin.
	Engaging activities for autistic children Taking your autistic child out of their comfort zone might fill you with unease, but it could help them to enjoy new experiences and gently extend their boundaries.
	Help our schools to combat racism Primary schools across the country are doing their bit to tackle racial divides and promote community cohesion. It’s not a nationally co-ordinated effort, but some organisations and schools have long known that encouraging awareness and an appreciation of different faiths and cultures from a young age could be key to combating racism.
	Meet Little Mummy, our new FMB and entrepeneur Erica Douglas, a.k.a. Little Mummy, tells all about how blogging shaped her life, keeping nannies in cupboards, and becoming a student again.
	Time for another FMB! Introducing Sandy Calico Our latest favourite mummy blogger Sandy Calico lives with her husband Andy and two sons and writes about parenting and family life at her blog Baby Baby.
	How to keep your child safe online Happy Safer Internet Day! Ok, so it doesn’t have the same ring to it as, say, ‘Happy Birthday’ or even ‘Happy Mother’s Day’, but it does highlight an important message about internet safety. Our youngsters are growing up in a digital age, and with that comes access to a mine of information and innovative new ways of learning, but also some sinister dangers. Here are some practical tips for introducing internet safety at home:
	The FMB spot is back with Emily Vest Our new FMB and PhD student Emily Vest on parenting, politics and life as a Brit in Bosnia.
	MyChild's Story competition - the winners are announced! We had some incredible entries for our storytelling competition to mark National Storytelling Week, and it's been a tough job but we've chosen the winning stories.
	Too much too young? Last week a survey by the charity Children’s Society showed that children are most unhappy with their appearance, above confidence, school and family life. Could this be a result of pressure in the media to look older, skinnier and prettier? MyChild takes a look into the over-sexualisation of young girls.
	Michael Gove is new Schools Secretary Michael Gove has been appointed Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families in the new coalition Government. What does this mean for the future of education, and can a coalition with differing ideas work?
	SEN support in schools - What's the real story? A recent government inquiry showed that parents of children with special educational needs feel let down by the educational system.
	How to talk to your kids about sex The Government has announced that from 2011 a basic form of sex education in primary schools will be a statutory part of the curriculum. How do we talk to our kids about the birds and the bees?
	Supporting your children through a family break-up The proposed Government support for families going through separation and divorce is much-needed, and helping children through this difficult, emotional time is vital. MyChild talks to parents and experts about ways of coping and supporting your child through a family break-up.
	Butcher, baker, body part maker – the jobs of the future revealed Commissioned by the Science: [So what? So everything] campaign, expert future researchers from Fast Future analysed future trends, such as population growth and climate change, alongside developments in science and technology, to create a list of 20 potential jobs of the future.
	Celebrate National Storytelling Week Storytelling is the oldest form of oral art, one that has really stood the test of time.To celebrate this very special ancient tradition, the Society for Storytelling is running National Storytelling Week from 1 February, which every year involves fun storytelling events for kids across the country.
	Family walks to beat the winter blues Favourite family walks bring laughs, fun and memories to share. What could be better than exploring new journeys in the fresh air with your children unearthing new sights and experiences along the way?
	How to create a good homework/life balance School and homework can take up a large portion of every school day. In addition, more hours are dedicated to extra-curricular classes taken in the afternoons and at weekends with topics as varied as languages to art, sport and music. As much as many children love learning, they need down time too. How do you strike a balance?
	Raising bilingual children Being able to speak two languages has numerous educational, social and economic benefits, particularly in an increasingly globalised world. For many parents of different cultures, it provides their child with a link to their family heritage.
	Do your children help around the home? Few of us expect a child to complete a full school day, do their homework and do an endless list of chores. However, many MyChild readers agree that encouraging their children to complete a few simple tasks around the home is beneficial for the whole household and helps children grain crucial skills that will take them through life.
	How to prepare for starting school Should a child be able to write their name and do basic maths before they start school? One mother debates when formal education should start.
	MyChild and Kodak's dad of the year has the holiday of a lifetime MyChild and Kodak's Dad of the Year recently returned from his winning trip with his son Sam and tells us about what a great time they had.
	The lazy mum's guide to baking There may not be a Fifties housewife inside you trying to get out, but no-one can deny that there’s nothing like the smell of freshly baked goods wafting out of the oven, inviting your family and friends to sniff the air like spellbound Bisto kids.
	Introducing our new LBD, it's Dan Hughes! LBD? That's Loving (this) Blogging Dad to the uninitiated. Dan Hughes is our first, and he tells us about how he combines being a mental health nurse with parenting, blogging and making a change.
	The Young Vic brings 'The Forest' to life ‘The Forest’ at the Young Vic is a multi-sensory show that takes learning outside of the classroom to explore the feelings, sights and sounds of being in a forest when you are young.
	Top tips for family cruises Forget the notion that cruising is for an older generation. You can find amazing sights by day and fun-packed activities by night with a family-friendly cruise. Travel writer Linda Jones offers her top tips on how to make the most of setting sail with the kids.
	Our brand new FMB, Emily Organ Our mummy blogger of choice this week is Emily Organ, mum of two (soon to be three) and prolific poster on everything about life with Podge, Fington, and bump.
	Educational toys – worth the money? Do 'educational toys' really enhance your child's learning? MyChild looks at how your child learns through everyday experience, not bleeping gadgets.
	Where's Santa? Places to see Father Christmas this year Where can you see Santa this year? MyChild has teamed up with Let’s Go with the Children to bring you a selection of places to see him and have a word in his shell-like about what’s on your child’s Christmas list this year.
	Fresh from the mummy blogosphere - it's Rosie Scribble Our new found favourite mummy blogger is Rosie Scribble, mum to six year old IJ.
	Low sugar lunchbox ideas The food in a child's lunchbox can contain as much sugar as ten doughnuts, alarming new research from consumer watchdog Which? found this week. Registered Nutritionist Carina Norris suggests some healthy lunchbox alternatives.
	Our box-fresh FMB - Linda Jones Mummy blogger Linda Jones spills the beans on blubbing at parents' evenings, free holidays and explaining the class system to an 11 year old.
	'The Bear of My Dreams' story competition winning entries! We teamed up with Build-a-Bear Workshop and Pudsey Bear and asked you to send in your stories and poems about 'The Bear of My Dreams'. All the entries were wonderful, but we had to choose eight winners, and here are their inspiring entries.
	Taming temper tantrums at any age Tantrums are a part of everyday life for children and their parents, and it’s not just toddlers who are guilty of losing it from time to time. MyChild looks at ways to deal with the drama of tantrums.
	Teach your kids the value of money Saving was second nature to our grandparents’ generation, and teaching our children how to save is a valuable lesson for them. These tips will teach your child how to appreciate their money, while improving their maths skills.
	Could your child have neuro developmental delay? Neuro developmental delay could explain why your child is having problems with their development. NDD expert Sue Cook of www.helpingadhd.com explains what NDD means for your child.