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1) Keep a box in the boot of your car with extra nappies, wipes, clothes and a towel in just in case. No matter how much you have in your changing bag sometimes it's never enough . Sarah at Boo, Roo and Togger Too 

2) Take lots of drinks cartons (and a travel potty for toddler) they are easier for them to manage and less likely to spill, always take more than you think you will need in case of delays. Mandy, Big Family, Little Adventures 

3) Travel at night or evening/early morning where possible. Means the kids should sleep a good portion of the journey! Kate, My Family Fever 

Time your journey with naptimes so that they're more likely to sleep in the car. If they usually sleep at 11, leave at 10.30 to give them a bit of time to acclimatise. Dave, Dadventurer 

4) Try to pre plan as much as possible. Playing it by ear isn't really an option when travelling with kids. Try to work out beforehand where and when your going to eat and take breaks etc. If flying research place to eat whilst there and if travelling by car looks for possible stopping points along the way, service stations, pubs etc. Takes one less stress away last thing you want when travelling is hungry little ones and you panicking trying to find a sign for somewhere to stop. Try and Stick to your normal meal and nap times as much as possible. Sarah, The Parenting Trials 

Do your homework before you go, make sure the place is toddler friendly, if your going to a theme park check which rides they can go on etc. We took the baby in the buggy to the Tower of London once and it was totally not pram friendly haha. Vicky, Being Tilly's Mummy 

5) If flying pay for the fast track security so your kids don't go crazy if there is a long queue. Plan activities for the flight, break it into 15 minute segments - scheduled with snacks, drawing, games, new toys, new book, iPad/music time etc. We find wearing our baby is easier than a taking a buggy in airports and abroad. Make sure their clothes are super accessible for airplane toilet nappy changes. Breastfeed on take off/landing for ears - if older give them drink or chewy sweets. Naomi, Nomipalony 

6) Don't forget batteries! We went away with Aria when she was two months, it seemed that everything we took to entertain her had batteries and they all ran out while we were away! Leanne, A Slice of My Life Wales 

Make sure you're fully charged! Love it or hate it, a fully loaded Ipad or tablet can totally safe the day and reduce a parents stress levels dramatically. Cat, Rock and Roll Pussycat 

7) For longer journey go to the shops and get a pack of mini cars, wrap each one up individually and give them at regular intervals throughout your journey. (these kept our girls occupied every half hour for 2 days!) Jade, Mummies Waiting  

Stickers and more stickers, baby wipes, nappy bags for all those dirty wipes / banana skins, soggy biscuits. Metal oven tray with magnetic letters and numbers (loads of fun!) Kay, Ickle Pickles Life and Travels

8) Flying long haul - when at destination, wake baby/toddler no later than an hour after normal (local) wake time even if to means drastically reducing the amount they have slept. That way they will adjust to current timezone quicker to get over jet lag. Simon, Man Vs Pink

9) We tend to buy some cheap baby clothing at charity shops and take carrier bags - if a mishap happens they can just go in the bin! Jessica, Babi A Fi 

What are your top tips for travelling with the little ones? I would love to read your comments below x

For those that are starting school, it can be an emotional time. There is the excitement of a coming of age moment, when your little one is spreading their wings and exploring a whole new world. There is also the worry of them leaving you, will they like it, will they make friends, are they prepared for it?

Working in partnership with parenting expert Liat Hughes Joshi, LeapFrog is providing parents with practical tips and activities that they can practice with their children over summer. The brand has recently launched its latest educational toy, LeapStart, an interactive learning system which aligns with the school curriculum and teaches children key school and life skills. (Review from W, our resident 4 year old, coming soon)

Liat Hughes Joshi comments: “A child’s first day at school is such an emotional time for the whole family. It’s important to remember that in preparing for this day, it’s not about competitive parenting, but more about giving children the skills to make sure they can be confident and happy and ease into this new stage in their lives”. Her top tips for parents who have children starting school this year are:

1.     DO talk to them about the idea of school – tell them about your own positive school experiences and find out any specific concerns they have about not having mum or dad around.

2.     DO attend settling-in days to help them to feel more relaxed – they’ll be able to meet the teacher and experience the classroom environment. Point out things they will be able to enjoy next time they come to school, such as the playground.

3.     DO help them find a familiar face if your child isn’t starting school with friends from their existing nursery or preschool.

4.     DO arrange a meet up - ask among local friends to see who has a child starting the same school and arrange meet ups if you can, like a picnic or a visit to the local playground.

5.     DO teach them ‘self care’ – like undressing and dressing themselves for PE – practice this over the summer with clothing that has zips and buttons.

6.     DO teach them how to eat independently with cutlery, get them chopping and slicing their food as much as possible.

7.     DO toilet train them (again!) so they know how and when they can ask to use the toilet, how to wipe up and wash their hands properly.

8.     DO practice counting up to 10 in your daily activities, as this forms the core of maths learning in the first year of school and start looking at basic sums, using practical items around the house.

9.     DO introduce books and stories so your little one can see how letters correspond to sounds and words to sentences. Sharing stories and pointing out specific sounds is a gentle way to introduce this.

10.   DO teach them to recognise their name so they can find their coat peg or spot the name label on their jumper in a pile of others.

11.   DO see using apps as a positive to help – we all worry about too much screen time but good quality, well designed apps can be an engaging way to learn.

12.   DO encourage basic etiquette, namely taking turns and listening when others speak.

13.   DO practice sitting still!  Practice for half an hour at first and introduce sedentary activities, for example, completing a jigsaw puzzle, to help with this.

14.   DO role play to help your child to feel comfortable approaching and talking to their teachers and to not be intimidated.

15.   DO take time to reassure them of any anxieties, even if you’re feeling worried yourself!

How are you and your little ones feeling about this school term? I'd love to read your comments below x

Make a treasure hunt

Take your little ones toys and hide them around the house. Tell them how many items they are looking for, give them a bucket to collect their “treasures” in, and spend an afternoon giggling together!

Create a fort out of pillows and blankets

Gather up any materials you can find such as pillows, blankets and cushions. They can set them up any way they want; the sky really is the limit. Once you have your fort ready to go, gather up some books and toys and play inside.

Start a game of hide and seek

This is an old one but a good one, and you can do it either indoors or out. If your children are very young, keep them in one general area.  If they are older, spread out a little.

Have a party

Turn on some music and encourage your children to get up and dance! Make it into game to see who can come up with the most creative moves. You may not feel like dancing when you first begin, but by the time you get moving, you will feel better. And, when you are thoroughly exhausted, you can elect yourself the judge and have your children perform for you.

Get some fresh air

Find a park or a path to walk on. Visit the ducks. Go to a playground to let your children run around. Search for bugs. There are so many things that you can see and do outside. Let your imagination be your guide (or, just defer to your children as they will have lots of great ideas!)

Do some gardening

Getting your hands dirty is fun for children of any age! Working in the garden is a great way to get rid of some excess energy, you don’t have to have a big garden to have fun. You can use your imagination and just water the grass or trees, if you have a back yard you could get some flower pots and plant some seeds. 

Jobs in the kitchen

Children want to copy you and your behaviour. So, if you have a job that needs to be done, get your little one involved. Ask them to help you load the dishwasher or wipe off the counter. You will get your work done and have a little fun in the process.