Exclusive Magazine athome 2013 - (Page 136)

family SCHOOL DAYS MADE EASY FOR YOU A BIT OF FORWARD PLANNING CAN MAKE ALL THE DIFFERENCE FOR BUSY PARENTS Ready, steady... 'What I like to do (it doesn't always happen!) is to get both my work clothes and Nicole's uniform ready and laid out, including underwear and socks or tights, so I'm not running around looking for things when I don't have much time. And, because Nicole doesn't like rushing in the morning, I turn getting dressed into a game! 'In between the ﬁrst and second Peppa Pig episodes when the adverts are on, we race to get ready before the second one starts, which makes it a bit more exciting and fun! Works every time.' SALLY SMITH, 38, MUM TO NICOLE, FIVE, FROM NORTHAMPTON xclusive 136 | E Label it! 'I didn't bother labelling my children's belongings when they were younger and at nursery, but I lost so many things, and when Saskia, my oldest, started school, the teachers were so strict about putting names on everything that I had to get my act together. It did help in the long-term. 'I had a dilemma over which type of labels to buy - stick on, iron on, sew on, even staple on! I opted for sew on in the end (but had to ask my practical friend to do it for me). Now, around the house, I know which kit belongs to which child and I haven't lost anything!' GEORGINA MARIC, 43, MUM TO SASKIA, SEVEN AND MAX, THREE, FROM SURREY Pack it up 'For my family, eating healthily is key, so when it comes to Coby's packed lunch, I do discuss options with him. 'Obviously his preferences aren't always healthy but I insist on two pieces of fruit and always sneak a dose of calcium and a "treat" to make it more appealing. His sandwich or wrap will usually consist of ham or tuna as he loves those the most. He'll argue, though, so coming to a compromise can be hard. I always make sure there are lots of berries (for antioxidants) and dairy (mini cheese or a yogurt drink). 'When you're a busy parent you have to allow extra time to prepare lunches so you know your child will eat it up.' SARAH TEPPER, 38, MUM TO COBY, SEVEN, FROM NORTH LONDON Food for thought 'Not knowing what to cook at dinner time for my two children always used to stress me out, so I decided I had to get super organised. 'This involves planning exactly what we're all eating for the whole week and it allows me to do my weekly shop with the exact menus and recipes in mind. It works well because we don't always eat the same old things, which means no moaning and I feel like my kids are getting a good balance of meat, ﬁsh and vegetables. It also cuts down on cost, waste and - most importantly - my stress levels!' KELLY LEVER, 41, MUM TO OLIVIA, 10 AND JOSEPH, SIX, FROM BRISTOL WORDS: GEORGINA MARIC PHOTOGRAPH: SHUTTERSTOCK M ornings, afternoons and evenings... When you have kids, they all roll into one. Fighting for the bathroom before school, getting the kids to eat breakfast, making packed lunches and thinking about what to cook for dinner when each child wants something different - being a parent is hard work! Then there are the arguments about what the children have lost at school that day. These mums share their tips on how to make the working week a little bit easier...

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Exclusive Magazine athome 2013

COVER
EDITOR’S LETTER
THE BUZZ
G’DAY, MR ANDRE
BOYFRIEND IN THE BUFF
PARTY PLANNER
NEED A PARTY DRESS?
GOLDEN GIRL
FELINE FASHION
ANIMAL INSTINCT
GO BIG, OR GO HOME
STYLE SOS
STEP, STRUT, STRIDE
HI, HONEY!
ON THE LASH
SCENT OF A WOMAN
KISS AND MAKE-UP
BEAUTY CAN BE SKIN-DEEP
FAKE ID
A-LIST LOCKS
HOLLYWOOD SMILE
FACE FACTS
A IS FOR AMBITIOUS
INNER PEACE
THE C WORD
ALL EYES ON STIS
IS HE FIT?
DYING TO BE THIN
EATING ISN’T CHEATING
ROCK YOUR BODY
ITALIAN STALLION
COCKTAILS AND CANAPÉS
MAKE OR BAKE
WHEN I GROW UP...
SHE MEANS BUSINESS
LOVE IS IN THE AIR
PARENTING KIMYE-STYLE
BABY STEPS
DE-STRESS YOUR DAYS
GOING SOLO
A CELEB’S BEST FRIEND
SHAKE UP THE ROOM
GO RETRO
ON THE FLOOR
THE CENTRE OF ATTENTION
21ST CENTURY HOME
SUN OR SNOW?
VIP LOUNGE
CHART-TOPPER
ANDRE’S ANTICS
KINGS AND QUEENS OF REEM
TUCK IN
THE GIFT OF GIVING
STOCKISTS

Exclusive Magazine athome 2013