If you’ve ever opened your phone to find 87 unread messages about the class cake sale, you’re not alone. According to Park Christmas Savings’ research, nearly 40% of UK parents regret joining school WhatsApp groups, while more than a quarter say one over-eager ‘head girl’ and ‘head boy’ type parent tends to dominate the conversation. But despite the frustrations, a third of mums and dads still find the chats useful. So how can you keep your sanity intact without missing out on the essentials? The following advice is sure to help.

Do set boundaries early

At the start of term, suggest simple ground rules in the WhatsApp group. Stick to practical updates like trip reminders and key dates — not endless debates about wellies or trainers; as 3,500 parents found message overload was a major frustration, with many overwhelmed by late-night pings. Keeping conversations focused makes the group more helpful, reduces unnecessary noise, and means you can find the information you need when it matters.

Don’t be the ‘head’ girl or ‘head’ boy

We all know that parent: the one who replies to everything, sets the tone, and makes it feel like a committee meeting rather than a chat. Twenty six per cent of parents find these domineering personalities the most annoying part of group chats. Try not to take over or correct others constantly. Share useful info, then step back. WhatsApp isn’t a PTA boardroom. When everyone has space to speak, the group works better — and you’re less likely to become ‘that’ parent.

Do keep messages short and sweet

Nobody wants to scroll through paragraphs to find out what time pick-up is. Lead with the key detail first — such as 3.15pm — then add context if needed. Short messages avoid confusion and make it easier for everyone to keep up, especially parents juggling work and family. Overlong messages create more questions than they answer. When everyone keeps things brief and clear, there’s less drama, fewer misunderstandings and more chance people read the updates.

Don’t overshare

The group isn’t your diary or therapy space. Oversharing personal stories or passive-aggressive rants can make others uncomfortable. Keep it relevant to school life: trips, events, and reminders. Emotional venting belongs in private chats with friends, not in a group of parents. Too much information can also clutter the feed, making it harder for people to find practical updates. Keep things relevant and to the point, and the group will remain useful rather than overwhelming.

Do mute strategically

Muting the chat outside school hours isn’t rude but smart: constant notifications for parents surveyed was a top reason for regretting joining. By controlling when you check messages, you stop the chat from controlling you. It’s easier to catch up once or twice a day than deal with pings during dinner or work. Muting also removes the pressure to respond instantly, which can be a big stress trigger. Taking charge of your notification settings is a simple way to protect your headspace.

Don’t pile on the pressure

Not every parent can bake, volunteer, or attend every event, and that’s OK. Avoid language that guilts or pressures others to get involved. A friendly ‘no worries if not’ makes a big difference to how inclusive the chat feels. When parents feel judged, they’re more likely to mute or leave entirely. The goal of the group is to make life easier, not turn it into a competition. A supportive tone helps keep everyone on board.

Do be kind (even when others aren’t)

Politeness goes a long way. A quick ‘thanks!’ or a friendly emoji can ease tension if the chat gets heated. If someone is being bossy, staying calm keeps the atmosphere balanced. Be polite but firm, and remember you can mute, lock, archive or even leave if needed. Most parents just want to get through the week. Kindness keeps things light, cooperative, and focused on what really matters: the kids.

Don’t be afraid to leave

If the group has become a daily stress bomb, it’s fine to step away: almost four in 10 say they’ve regretted joining the school chat. A simple ‘thanks everyone, I’ll get updates through school comms from now on’ is polite and clear. Leaving isn’t rude — it’s setting a healthy boundary. Many parents find life quieter — and calmer — once they reduce their digital noise. Remember: protecting your headspace is a form of self-care.

The post Parents: School WhatsApp chats dos and don’ts appeared first on Checklists.

White bread
“White bread quickly converts into sugars, lowering the pH level in the mouth. This means teeth enamel begins to soften, leaving them exposed. This then becomes an easy target for bacteria, which can attack the tooth surface and accelerate decay.”

Sugary snacks
“These cling tightly to enamel and don’t wash away easily with saliva. If a child eats biscuits or sweets five times across the school day, the teeth are hit with bacteria acid attack again and again, with no time for recovery.”

Yoghurts
“Parents often think yogurt pots are protective, but their high sugar makes them just as damaging as desserts. Many fruit-flavoured yogurts contain as much sugar as a chocolate bar, cancelling out their calcium benefits.

Oranges
“In the UK, children are often given orange slices, but many just suck the juice alone which weakens teeth enamel. It’s fine to pack them in a lunch box, but make sure your child eats them properly.”

Fizzy drinks
“Cola, lemonade and flavoured water are harmful because they combine sugar and acidity, which erodes enamel and sustains bacteria. Their frequent consumption can lead to sensitivity and an aged appearance.”

WHAT TO EAT INSTEAD

Dr Gizem recommends:

• Crunchy vegetables such as cucumber, carrot sticks or peppers to stimulate saliva and reduce acid. You can also pair fruit with vegetables, such as grapes with cucumber slices, to balance sugar exposure
• Replace dried fruit with fresh produce: think apple wedges instead of raisins or dried mango
• Swap sugary fruit yoghurts for plain, adding three or four fresh strawberry slices for flavour
• Include biscuits or cereal bars with their main lunch rather than as a snack, so their teeth face fewer acid attacks during the day
• For drinks, pack plain water over fizzy or flavoured, as it’s the safest daily drink for protecting teeth

A healthy balance
Don’t feel you have to restrict every food at all times, as you don’t want your child to feel they are constantly missing out on certain types of foods they enjoy. “Even one change can have a lasting impact on a child’s dental health,” says Dr Gozem. “Protecting smiles really does start with the lunchbox.”

For more information click here.

The post What kids shouldn’t eat at school for healthy teeth appeared first on Checklists.

The solution? Reset everyone’s bedtime routine, with top tips from Alison Jones, sleep expert at Sealy. It’s easier than you think when it comes to the whole household easing back into a healthy sleep routine — so everyone can start stay refreshed, energised and the kids ready to learn.

Remember the basics

When routines feel wobbly, go back to the fundamentals. Limit screen time at least an hour before bed, as the blue light from devices suppresses melatonin, the hormone that tells the body it’s time to sleep, making it harder for children to drift off. Instead, swap tablets for reading, drawing, or quiet play to ease the transition from busy days to restful nights.

Watch what they eat

Bedtime nutrition matters, too. Avoid heavy meals or sugary drinks close to lights-out, as both can overstimulate the body and disrupt sleep quality. If your child is peckish, a light snack or drink, like warm milk or a banana, is a much better option before bed.

Make bedtime special

Structure is important, but routines don’t have to feel rigid. Turning bedtime into something children look forward to can reduce resistance and calm evening anxieties. Choose relaxing activities like a warm bath or have a “bedtime box” filled with screen-free, low-energy favourites, from books to journals, which can also make winding down something to enjoy.

Prioritise sleep for all

Back-to-school isn’t just hard on kids — us parents feel it too. Stress from school runs, packed lunches and shifting schedules can disrupt adult sleep just as much. What to do? Mirror the changes you set for your child’s routine, stepping away from screens, embracing calming rituals, and aim for consistency in your own bedtime.

Create the right environment 

The sleep space sets the tone for rest, and small tweaks can make a big difference to how easily children wind down. Use softer lighting in the evening to signal bedtime, and blackout blinds or curtains to prevent early wake-ups. Let children choose bedding they love, but make sure it’s made from breathable fabrics like cotton or linen to avoid overheating.

Pick the right mattress

Remember, your mattress plays as much of a role as your routine. Sealy Posturepedic mattresses are engineered with AlignSupport® springs, a two-stage system that senses movement and responds with deep-down support. That means parents wake up with fewer aches and more energy to tackle busy school mornings. Win, win!

The post Bedtime tips now the kids are back at school appeared first on Checklists.

With that in mind, this article will focus on the strategies and activities that will help you take advantage of your time, and make your university experience a blast!

Live away from home

If you chose a university that is far from home, you probably don’t have a choice; but if you plan to attend university closer to home, it’s still a good idea to live away from home, if you can.

There are so many benefits to moving out. All of a sudden, you’re in charge of your life, and if you haven’t fortified good, healthy habits, there could be a steep learning curve; but an important one nonetheless.

There are some essential things you should try to get right early on, this includes learning how to budget, do laundry, keep up with cleanliness, and cook (and eat healthy). It’s okay if there’s an adjustment period; but you should aim to figure these things out quickly to help you alleviate stress and give you more time to have fun.

Other things that could take a bit longer to adjust to are: managing loneliness, independence, and responsibility for yourself. These are a bit more abstract and could take years to figure out, so don’t worry, you’ll figure them out eventually.

Attend freshers week

The first choice you’re given once you get to university is whether to attend freshers week or not; but it should be a no-brainer. There will be all sorts of activities to make the week worth your time.

Freshers week is your initial opportunity to make friends, and after freshers week, most of your friends will likely be in the same programme as you; so it’s your first chance to meet people outside of your major.

A good tip is to go out of your way to approach at least a couple of random people during the week. You never know what you might have in common, or whether the interaction could blossom into a lifelong friendship. If it doesn’t, no harm, no foul.

Don’t worry if you can’t attend freshers week, there will be plenty of opportunities to make friends.

Go to lectures

Lectures might seem like a waste of time to some, and you might think that after you attend a few, you can make do with just the lecture slides. You might even think that you can skip lectures and still get good grades.

But going to university in a half-hearted capacity is a mistake. University might not be for everyone, but if you’re there, commit to it. If you don’t fully commit, you might never find your true passion.

Attending lectures is also just one step of the process. When you really focus and listen to your professors, you can perfect some other important life skills. One of them is finding effective ways to take notes and truly absorb information. Another one is quick, critical thinking; which you can practice when you attend lectures, listen, and ask questions.

Going to lectures also gives you a chance to meet people and get to know your professors.

Get to know the area

Once you have a handle on your lectures, it’s wise to get a good bearing of your surroundings. You might only be there for a few years, so find some unique places to hang out. Discover the best local shops, pubs, restaurants, and parks. Locate the hospital, train station, and other key surroundings.

Once you’ve found some cool spots, share them! Your friends will be thankful for your local knowledge and you’ll have fun going somewhere new.

Join clubs and teams

Extracurricular activities are a good step towards individual flourishment. Social life on campus can be almost as important as in-class experience, because in the working world, sometimes it’s about who you know rather than what you know. Also, extracurriculars look good on a CV.

Look around campus for clubs and groups that pique your interest. If you enjoy reading, find a book club. If you like arguing, join the model UN committee. If you’re into sports, try out for a team.

Joining a club or team will bring some fun to your spare time, give you a sense of belonging, and give you a reason to take a break from your studies.

Stay organised

Now that you’ve found your lecture halls, the best local restaurants, and joined a club, you’re going to have to manage your time effectively to accomplish everything.

Organisation is a key life skill. With so many things on the go, a calendar and a budget can go a long way to help you keep track of all the important and not-so-important things.

Organising your week or month ahead of time can help you get the most of it. It doesn’t have to be meticulously crafted, but get an idea of how much time you need to study, attend lectures, sleep, go to football practice, and of course, party. This will make it easier to plan things when you have blocks of free time. Maybe you won’t perfect it right away, but getting the right habits started will ensure that you don’t miss an important exam or meeting.

Take advantage of resources

There are so many resources at your disposal when you’re a student. Most campuses have a leisure centre, library, art studio, and many other facilities related to coursework. It’s in your best interest to use these while they’re free, because once you graduate, they won’t be.

One of the better perks at university is the widespread student discount, on and off campus. Many local shops will offer lunch deals, and some bigger companies like phone and internet providers could offer student discounts as well. Take advantage of these while you can.

Another benefit of campus life is the access to academic advisors and mentors. These are free services that can help you if you get stuck or if you need some advice. Everyone needs to ask questions sometimes, and talking to someone with your best interests in mind can help you make the most educated decision.

The last major advantage given to university students is the opportunity to get field-specific work experience – which is sometimes only available to current students. Working in your field before you graduate is a good way to get your foot in the door, and also obtain vital experience that might help you decide on your future.

Be patient

Perhaps the best advice to tie this all together is to remain patient.

Make mistakes, play, have fun, and explore your interests – and yourself. University is as much about personal growth as it is about graduating and getting your degree. As long as you grow a bit year-over-year, your time on campus will be worthwhile.

You might have trouble making friends or trusting new people at first. Do your best to stay positive and things should work out.

If you keep these tips in mind, you’re more likely to succeed than fail. Even if you do fail, dust yourself off, and try again. It’s all about the journey!

To see your company in any upcoming features we are arranging, please email editorial@hurstmediacompany.co.uk

The post Top tips for your first year at university appeared first on Checklists.

There’s the mountain of stuff they’ll need, from pencils to stencils; tech to textbooks; shorts to shoes and they’ll need to be fully equipped, kitted out and suited and booted all in time for the big day. And it doesn’t end when term starts, of course – there are the seemingly daily battles with finding nutritious and tasty lunchbox fillers when one-time favourites lose their flavour, not to mention replacements needed, surprisingly regularly, for the quickly-outgrown and the ‘misplaced’ items.

Here are some ways to ride the tide of trials, tribulations and joys of sending them back to school.

1. Home learning with Bloomsbury Education

For parents coping with the challenges of home schooling and navigating a flood of online materials, Bloomsbury Education is here to share their top tips and resources.

The Andrew Brodie’s Let’s Do activity book series is ideal for children aged five to 11, providing English and maths practice tied into the National Curriculum which is child and parent friendly. Each book provides over 100 stickers for much needed motivation and includes notes to parents and an answer section.

Apps, videos and games offer beneficial educational content and break up the day’s activities. To practise essential skills, the Andrew Brodie Let’s Do apps consolidate children’s learning and boost confidence in maths, spelling, times tables and telling the time.

Find out more at bloomsbury.com

2. Stationary from STAEDTLER

Get set for the new term with a fantastic, 31-piece collection of stationery from STAEDTLER. Packed in a handy tin to keep everything neat and tidy, this collection represents incredible value and contains STAEDTLER classics, such as the famous yellow and black striped Noris school pencil.

As well as six break-resistant pencils, the set contains eight premium quality colouring pencils, together with an eraser and sharpener. There are three useful ballpoint pens and six Triplus Fineliners, ergonomically designed for maximum writing comfort, plus a Triplus highlighter to aid revision. Add in a ruler, protractor, set squares and a letter-number stencil, and you’ve got the kids’ stationery for the new term well and truly covered.

Find out more at staedtler.co.uk

3. Just Hype

Up your kids’ wardrobe game with a haul from HYPE’s collection – X NERF Kids. The range features HYPE’s signature camouflage print with iconic Nerf references.

Check out the graffiti-spray, galaxy space and gradient effects in unisex t-shirts, crop tees, long-sleeved tees, hoodies, joggers, tracksuits, leggings and shorts.

The heat map print nods to thermal vision, displaying the inspiration behind the collection combined with elevations such as MA1 pockets, ripstop panels and pocket overlays delivering that performance feel.

Find out more at justhype.com

4. Happy Little Soles

Looking for a convenient way to shop for children’s shoes? Happy Little Soles is an online shop, dedicated to offering a globally-sourced selection of high-quality barefoot shoes for all ages.

From school to beach, city to snow, they offer something for every size and occasion on their easy-to-navigate website. With straightforward measuring, comprehensive fitting guidance, fast delivery and free returns, you will never have to leave your own home to buy shoes again.

Medical experts worldwide agree that being barefoot is best for children’s foot health. Barefoot shoes are made to allow the foot to develop naturally whilst still providing ample protection, supreme comfort and maximum style.

Find out more at happylittlesoles.co.uk

5. Casio calculators

From Year 7 to Year 11, college to university and beyond, a scientific calculator is an important investment.

Over the last 10 years, the maths curricula and exams have changed a great deal and become more demanding. For these reasons, the same old calculators aren’t sufficient anymore. With 14 additional functions, a clearer display and now using the latest ClassWiz technology, the new GTX range is built to last through those important educational years.

The fx-85GTX has the addition of solar power to ensure no loss of battery during those crucial exams. Recommended by 87% of teachers across theUK and Ireland, the new GTX range can be used in GCSE and IGCSE, National 5 and Highers, Junior and Leaving Certificate examinations.

Find out more at education.casio.co.uk

6. SKIPPY Peanut Butter

Whether you’re making a picnic for the park or thinking ahead to when the new school term begins, ideas for lunches the little ones will love are always welcome.

So take some inspiration from across the pond and treat them to a real American original with some US-style SKIPPY® Peanut Butter.

Made from the finest peanuts, it’s super nutty with a creamy texture. And there are so many ways to enjoy this delicious peanut butter; spread on toast for breakfast, in the ultimate Peanut Butter and Jelly sandwich for a packed lunch, flipped in a few peanutty pancakes, or baked into moreish cupcakes.     

Find out more at peanutbutter.uk.com

7. Staples office supplies

Staples have everything you could possibly need to get your little ones prepared for success at school.

From stationery and pencil cases to printers for the home, Staples are set to ensure you’re well-equipped to deal with whatever challenges academic life may throw your way. Who knows, they may even come in handy for grown-ups too.

Find out more at staples.co.uk

8. First News

Helping to inform and inspire the next generation, First News is an independent weekly newspaper aimed specifically at seven to 14-year-olds.

In the era of fake news, where information on social media – accurate or not – goes rebounding around the world unchallenged in seconds, it is so important for children to understand that the source of their information must be a valid one: independent, balanced and adequately researched.

First News allows children to read the news using language they can understand and provides all the background they need to understand the key issues of the day.

Find out more at firstnews.co.uk

9. Brioche Pasquier

Get the kids through the day with a tasty treat. PITCH Chocolate Chips and PITCH Chocolate Filled are the ultimate brioche snacks to fill their tummies and put a smile on their faces.

These fluffy brioches are individually wrapped and can be enjoyed straight from the pack. Perfect to pop into a lunchbox or share after sports; you can be sure that even the fussiest of eaters will enjoy these sweet goodies.

PITCH are also a treat for the whole family and can be enjoyed for breakfast, lunch or as an afternoon boost. Which filling will you choose from: the smooth chocolate centre or the dark chocolate chips?

Find out more at briochepasquier.co.uk

10. Tassomai

If your child prefers technology to textbooks, try Tassomai. This clever online learning and revision program for GCSE science (and some other subjects) has helped thousands of students get better GCSE grades.

It also organises learning to avoid stressful cramming by encouraging a little and often approach throughout the year. Tassomai’s subject specialists turn each syllabus into multiple choice-style quiz questions that students answer on their phones or laptops. And it really works!

Over 450 schools now use Tassomai’s GCSE science program – and 98% of the teachers using it recommend it. Private subscriptions include weekly activity reports for parents, so they can keep a discreet eye on their child’s progress without nagging.

Find out more at tassomai.com

To see your company in any upcoming features we are arranging please email laura@hurstmediacompany.co.uk or editorial@hurstmediacompany.co.uk

The post Checklist’s top 10 ideas for going back to school appeared first on Checklists.

In order to maximise your learning potential, it’s key to have everything you may need close to hand and in working order, from batteries and extension cables right up to a comfortable chair and desk. With this in mind, high street favourite, Ryman has joined forces with Checklist to give top tier advice on all you need to nail your courses this year with its back to university checklist.

1. Logging on and typing up

A dependable laptop is an essential bit of kit for surfing the web and doing your research, and you’ll also need it for typing up your findings into those long essays. The affordable ASUS VivoBook E210MA (£229.99) is an 11.6 inch laptop designed for daily computing. Powered by an Intel Celeron processor, you can enjoy speedy performance and smooth responsiveness for your everyday internet browsing. It also has a 12-hour battery life which means it doesn’t matter if you leave your charger at home when you’re on campus.

A slightly more robust built laptop is the ASUS W202NA-GJ0022R (£239). It has rubber-lined edges and corners that help protect it against bumps and knocks so is ideal if you’re slightly clumsy or have a habit of ramming lots of items into your backpack or cupboards.

If you’re looking for something that will allow your creativity to run wild, then here’s something a little more up your alley. The Wacom Intuos S Creative Pen Tablet with Bluetooth (£69.99) is the perfect tool for digital drawing, painting and photo editing.

2. Perfect presentation

Save the hassle of having to go to the library and queue to print out projects by taking your own printer to uni. The Epson XP-2100 Printer with 12 Month Ink Subscription Included (£59.99) allows you to wirelessly print, scan, and copy what you need quickly and easily with this reasonable all-in-one compact machine. Plus, with mobile printing you’ll have the freedom to print from almost anywhere. The Epson Expression Home XP-3100 3-in-1 Wireless Inkjet (£54.99) is another sophisticated and easy-to-use printer. It too is compact, producing clear and vibrant prints and is capable of mobile printing with Wi-Fi, Wi-Fi Direct and a range of compatible Epson apps.

3. Designer desks

You are going to need a desk to work at and the stylish Bray Corner Desk is currently on sale for £39.99! The classy corner design is a space saver, and the two shelves give added storage or make an ideal spot for a printer. With an open back, there’s no need to worry about threading through cables or extensions and the white finish matches any decor. Proving to be a very popular choice by students, it’s time to get in quick!

You know what they say, all work and no play… so a perfect compromise is the Brayan Gaming Desk (£79.99). Made with a robust steel frame for durability and a sturdy MDF top, this desk is ideal for gaming but will also be perfect for working at as it has a spacious tabletop with a built in cupholder and headphone hook so your desktop will stay tidy and clean from accidental spills.

You need to see what you’re doing when working late so the Status Palma Desk Lamp (£9.99) is perfect for brightening things up. This great value light features a recognisable classic look and provides adequate lighting for reading in the dark, writing, hobbies or working on the computer at night – it’s also dimmable for when you’re ready to doze off!

4. Comfort is king!

With the Ophelia Velvet Tub Office Chair with Massage Pillow (£89.99) you’re never going to want to step away from your desk! With a clever USB powered massage pillow, this luxurious velvet-feel upholstered chair has an extra-wide seat, a high back with armrests and a 360-degree swivel base. Relax and feel pampered while you work away.

Another snug option is the Stylish Medium Back Executive Mesh Chair (£39.99). Featuring air mesh upholstery back support and fixed arms, this chair provides comfort for hours on end. Essay writing never felt so good.

5. Boxing clever

Underbed storage boxes (£14) are great storage options for uni rooms when space is often limited (top tip: they’re also ideal for packing towels and bedding in for the journey to uni!). These Strata boxes have a folding lid for easy access and the wheels make them easy to slide in and out from under the bed.

For transporting and storing smaller items, like stationery or kitchen utensils, the stackable, aptly named Really Useful 9 Litre Boxes (£18 for three) are another great buy. With strong handles, they’re easy to grab and go, and it’s obvious what’s inside them as they’re made from clear polypropylene.

But if you’re looking for something to add a touch of personalisation to your new uni room, why not grab the Wham Studio Basket 4.02 (£7 for three). This sleek and versatile storage box is perfect for storing bathroom toiletries, cleaning, and laundry products. Plus, it comes in a range of different colours so you can choose the right one to suit your style.

6. Carry on working

Need your laptop on campus? No problem with the Samsonite GuardIT 2.0 Laptop Backpack (£29.99). Combining style, comfort and practicality to bring you an all-round functional backpack, this is perfect for transporting your laptop and work supplies – it’s also currently on sale for half price (did somebody say more money for fresher’s week!?).

7. Take note!

Do your bit for the environment and take notes on the Pukka Recycled Pad (£7.49 pack of 3). With 110 pages, these A4 feint-ruled pads will be perfect for scribbling notes during lectures and they’re hole-punched so you can file everything neatly away when you get home.

And what’s a well organised backpack without stationery? Never run out of pens again with this Zebra Ballpen Medium Retractable Pack of 10 (£5.99). These long-lasting and rubber-gripped black ballpoints are ideal for everyday uses such as form-filling, note-taking, exams, or just plain doodling!

But perhaps maybe the most important stationery step of them all. The only way to keep your pile of scribbled down lecture notes clear and concise…a good ol’ pack of highlighters. The STABILO BOSS Pastel Highlighters Pack of 8 Assorted (£9.99) are perfect for highlighting important text and getting you revision ready.

8. Crunching those numbers

For those that are a sucker for an equation (or just your course forces you to be) this Casio CG-50 Graphic Calculator (£79.99) is the perfect addition to your stationery essentials. With 61 KB RAM and over 65,000 colours, it’s an ideal companion for you budding mathematicians and professionals out there.

9. Tidy desk, tidy mind

To keep your room organised and clutter-free you’re going to want something that keeps all those random notes and bits of paper in one place. The Osco Bamboo Desk Organiser is an excellent solution in attempting to achieve a neat and tidy desk. You’ll never have to search high and low for a pen again.

10. Stick to it!

What’s a uni room without a wall full of post-it notes ay? Be sure to kick off the new term with these super sticky post-it notes firmly in your bag. An ideal way to keep on top of upcoming deadlines and of course those not to be missed social plans. Get the Post-it Super Sticky Waterfall Miami and Rio de Janeiro.

To see your company in any upcoming features we are arranging please email laura@hurstmediacompany.co.uk or editorial@hurstmediacompany.co.uk

The post The only survival back to university guide that you will ever need appeared first on Checklists.

TIPS FOR PARENTS

It’s all-too-easy to overlook your own stress levels because you’re too concerned with the rest of your family’s needs. From new mums caring for a newborn to families with kids of all ages, it’s important to take time out and ask for help when needed. Men, too, suffer in the family unit, with 38% of first-time fathers concerned about their mental health.

OK, so you might not be able to rely on your parents for babysitting right now, but there’s bound to be someone in your support bubble that can lend a hand with your brood. Take advantage of help when offered, giving you space to take a walk, enjoy a nap or grab a hot bath.

TIPS FOR KIDS

Just like adults, kids can suffer from stress – and COVID-19 certainly hasn’t helped the situation. Classic signs of stress in children include being irritable or clingy, having difficulty sleeping and finding it hard to concentrate, so now’s the time to lavish your kids with the attention they deserve. Routines are important, as tempting as it is to let them go to bed late. Try to limit any news or social media that could have an impact on their emotions – and encourage them to keep in touch with friends or family members, if you’re unable to currently meet in person.

TIPS FOR WORK & SCHOOL

One minute the kids are back at school; the next it’s live lessons, continuous snacks and worksheet-related bribery. Bound to increase stress levels around the home, parents are suddenly transformed in to teachers while your kids push every boundary going.

Here, routine is again key, producing a clear and achievable timetable for children to follow if their school doesn’t supply one. Don’t be surprised if one day it works wonderfully and the next your child struggles – 52% of parents have found themselves in the same situation. Adults working from home should also make sure they work to set hours, with just 30 minutes extra work a day equating to 10 hours unpaid per month – that’s £174.80 for Brits on the average salary.

TIPS FOR THE FUTURE

These days it’s stressful enough for someone in their elder years just stepping out the front door – not to mention worrying about their retirement. With a recent survey revealing one in eight are considering delaying retirement due to the downturn in financial markets caused by COVID-19, plans for the future are up in the air.

Now more than ever is the importance of keeping in touch with your friends and loved ones. A phone call or email is a mood-booster for both sender and recipient, while popping a note through a neighbour’s door continues contact while showing you care. Again, keep to routine, and spend time on a new or existing hobby to pass the time, be it a puzzle, out in the garden or catching up on your favourite TV show.

The post How to lower your stress levels as a family appeared first on Checklists.