In Parenting, Preg & Birth

New Baby Arrival: Getting Ready

Author Nicki CawoodPosted on
New Baby Arrival: Getting Ready

First of all, no, Roy and I are NOT expecting a new baby. This is one of those useful guides for readers things, not anything to do with expanding our awesome foursome family. For those of you who are expecting, these tips might help.

Set Your New Baby Budget

Babies need things but their actual needs are quite simple. How fancy a new nursery will be, how large their first year wardrobe and what pram/pushchair they travel in will be will depend on your budget. Before you go ahead with planning out the nursery and everything you want in it, you really do need to get your money in order. It is a good idea to make a budget so that you can figure out exactly how much cash you are going to have. 

Baby Kit

Make a list of what your baby will need for those first weeks and months. It may seem overwhelming, the amount of things you need to buy for your baby’s arrival but once you’ve broken it down it seem easier to manage. Once you have the essentials, i.e clothes, wipes, a cot and even nappies too then you can start saving or thinking about luxury nursery furniture and fancy pushchairs. Get the must-haves before the really wants,

Birth Plan

Believe it or not, writing down your birth plan can be a huge help. It can also help you to get the best experience out of your whole pregnancy. It is important to write down the pain relief you are going to opt for when you do give birth and any other possibilities that may be available. One of the best pieces of advice I can give you as a mother of two is to be prepared to be flexible though. You don’t know how you will feel on the day so don’t feel that you can’t change your mind.

Your Hospital Bag

Babies do have a habit of not arriving when they are meant to. This is why you should have a hospital bag which is ready to go a few weeks before you are actually due. Your other half may also want to pack their own hospital supplies as well. This is in case you end up staying in hospital longer than you anticipate, and your other half wants to stay in the room with you. Another top tip? Alongside very comfy PJs and big knickers for your maternity pads (it’s all very glamorous) pack food. Seriously, I cannot stress this strongly enough. Labour and birth is exhausting. New babies are exhausting. It can be hard work and unlike your other half or birth partner, who can go and get a big beef curry from the canteen, you will be stuck on the ward for the majority so be prepared.

New Baby Car Seat

If you have a vehicle then you need to have a car seat that is properly fitted. This will give you the chance to take your bundle of joy home right from the hospital. You need to take the time to find the right model, style and even design that you are happy with. There are so many options out there for you to choose from and again, you may find this overwhelming but when you put everything into categories you will soon find something that you are comfortable with. It will also make it much easier for you to feel better about the big day as well. If you need some help with choosing one, then there are plenty of support guides on the internet. Don’t buy second-hand though as unless you are 100% sure it hasn’t been in an accident, even a little something minor, you can’t be sure of how safe it is.

Gosh, sharing these top tips is bringing everything back. I should re-write my birth stories I think, they make for good/amusing reading. 🙂

 

In Parenting

When Your Child Wants To Work In Theatre

Author Nicki CawoodPosted on
When Your Child Wants To Work In Theatre

One of my sons has a flair for the dramatic and I’m sure he’d love to work in theatre. The thought of a nine to five job would send my child to sleep. What about your children? Does he or she dread the idea of sitting at a desk and staring at the computer all day long? There are a lot of people who feel this way. Instead, they want a job offering excitement and a great thrill. The world of theatre definitely provides this. Nonetheless, you will need the correct training if you are to make it in this competitive industry, and therefore selecting one of the best theatre schools is of paramount importance.

Starting early is important. My youngest attended a local drama group class for a year and loved it. It was clear to see that some of those who had been going for a few years already were obviously well suited for work in theatre, or at least that they had the skill and confidence.

Courses Available – First and foremost, you need to take a look at the courses that are available. After all, there is no point going to a theatre school if it does not have the course your child wishes to embark on. Don’t make the mistake many do by simply reading the name of the course. Take a look at the curriculum and what your child will be learning on a yearly basis. All areas should be covered – i.e. acting, singing, and dancing.

Eligibility Criteria – You need to discover what you will need in order to be accepted on the course in question. After all, you will need to see what qualifications your child needs. This impacts the school you send your child too. The best schools, like LeicesterHigh.com, will ensure your child plots out the perfect career path. Nevertheless, it is worth pointing out that a lot of theatre schools accept candidates based on auditions.

Cost – The cost of your course is obviously important, as you will need to make sure it is something you can afford. This point is different for each person. After all, there are those that will be entitled to grants and loans, whereas others may need to fund their theatre course themselves. Furthermore, you should also try and factor in other costs, such as travel.

Level of Experience – It is vital to go for a school that has been set up for a considerable amount of time. In most instances, going for a school that has just been set up is not recommended. After all, how do you know that they are going to provide your child with a worthwhile education when you have nothing to go off?

Tutors Teaching on the Course – Make sure you take a look at the tutors who will be teaching on the course. Do a quick search online to discover their credentials. After all, you want to be sure your child is going to be learning from someone with a lot of experience and a successful history in the industry, especially if the end goal is to work in theatre.

Reputation – Finally, you should read reviews that have been left by those who have already attended the theatre school you are considering. It will be even more beneficial if you can find reviews that have been left by those who have already taken your course. This is the best way to get an honest assessment of the school in question. Nonetheless, consider the reviews as a whole, don’t be blinded by one.

While my son would probably love to work in theatre, he decided to go down another route and therefore we didn’t formalise his training or take it further. If we had though, Roy and I would certainly have had to do our due diligence and ensure that whatever courses, or whatever schools we looked at offered well-rounded study and that they would be places that he would be happy. It’s amazing how opportunities are open for our children these days, enabling them to build skills and even grow careers at a much earlier age than we ever could.

 

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