Written by Claire Burgess, Family Consultant.

When and how to start: readiness over age

The first thing to say is that there isn’t a one-size-fits-all age for toilet training. Instead, focus on your child’s developmental signs:

• Showing interest in the potty or toilet (you can have a potty available from baby stage)

• Staying dry for longer periods

• Communicating bodily needs (with words or gestures)

• Disliking dirty nappies

• Able to sit independently which can be from around 6-9 months

These signs suggest your child may be ready to begin introducing potty skills. It is important to emphasise that you don’t need to wait for perfect readiness — starting with gentle exposure can help your child understand the process gradually.

Written by Claire Burgess, Family Consultant. Very often I am contacted by parents, panicked by a sudden change in their child’s sleep – whether it’s nighttime sleep or naps. It’s usually when things have been going really well: sleep routines are established, bedtimes are smooth, and then suddenly – it all seems to go off track. The worry creeps in because no one wants to go back to broken nights, early starts, or an overtired little one who’s refusing to nap.

If this sounds familiar, take a deep breath. It’s more common than you think – and the good news is, in most cases, it’s just a temporary blip.

Written by Claire Burgess, Family Consultant.  Getting your child to take medication can be a daunting task, especially when they’re resistant to it. Whether it’s for a common cold, an ear infection, or a chronic condition, the struggle is real for many parents. The good news is that you can make the process smoother and less stressful with a few strategies that work for young children.

Here are some tips and techniques to help.

Written by the experts at Trinity Healthcare. With life expectancy increasing, many families now find themselves caring for elderly parents / relatives well into their own adulthood. While caring for a loved one can be incredibly rewarding, it also brings significant challenges, especially for those balancing the demands of a young family, work and personal well-being. To support you on this journey, the professional carers at Trinity Homecare have compiled some practical tips and resources to help you achieve a healthier balance between caregiving, family life and personal wellbeing.

Written by Claire Burgess, Family Consultant.  As parents and carers we can often see our little ones have a meltdown after a day at nursery or school. This is known as ‘after-school restraint collapse’ and happens when children, who have been holding it together all day, finally let out all their pent-up emotions when they return to their safe space at home or when they see you and feel safe to relax and show how they are feeling.

Written by Claire Burgess, Family Consultant. In the busy lives we lead, establishing a consistent bedtime routine can often take a back seat. However, the bedtime routine is not just another task to check off the list; it's a powerful tool that can transform those bedtime battles and prepare our little ones for a good night’s sleep! So, let's delve into the importance of a good bedtime routine!

Written by Lucy Oladapo, Family Consultant. This family came to us for a parent consultation, not because they were having any major difficulties but because Mum wanted some support in putting a routine in place for baby. The catch was that it needed to fit in around their 3 year old’s daily routine including nursery drop offs and pick ups.

Written by Holly Howard, Founder of Nanny Cooks. Having nannied across the world, I have supported young ones from babies who are weaning all the way up to 12 year old children. I have come across a fair few fussy eaters along the way. This has allowed me to create a bank of resources to help deal with the challenges of fussy eaters and test tricks to help prevent it.

Written by Claire Burgess, Family Consultant. This family came to us for a 1:1 parent consultation because sleep deprivation from their 7 month old not sleeping was affecting the whole family. Dad was in the spare room to make sure they weren’t both exhausted all day, their older child wasn’t getting the attention they wanted to give her, mum was exhausted and dreading naps and night-time and little one was grumpy and fractious.

Written by Claire Burgess, Family Consultant. This family approached us as they felt that they had tried everything and needed some support. They were particularly concerned about their little one starting school and having toileting issues.