As summer winds down and the days grow shorter, the familiar back-to-school season arrives. For many parents, it's a time of mixed emotions—relief for the return to routine, excitement for new adventures, but also concern for how their children will cope with the transition. One prevalent challenge that parents, teachers, and children often face during this period is children's anxiety about returning to school after the summer holidays.
Summer holidays offer a break from the structured school environment, giving kids the freedom to explore, relax, and rejuvenate. However, this change in routine can create apprehension about returning to school. Understanding and addressing this anxiety is essential for a smooth transition.

Recognizing Back-to-School Anxiety

Back-to-school anxiety is a normal response to change, but it can manifest differently in each child. Some common signs of this anxiety include:

1. Sleep disturbances: Children may have trouble falling asleep or experience nightmares as the start of school approaches.
2. Stomachaches or headaches: Physical symptoms like these can result from heightened stress.
3. Changes in behavior: A child may become irritable, withdrawn, or clingy.
4. Expressing worries: Children may vocalize their fears about school, such as concerns about making new friends or academic challenges.
5. Resistance to routines: They may resist returning to school-year routines like bedtime schedules or homework.

Why the Anxiety?
Understanding the root causes of back-to-school anxiety is crucial for addressing it effectively. Common reasons include:

1. Fear of the unknown: Children might be uncertain about their new teachers, classmates, or the subjects they'll study.
2. Social concerns: Worries about fitting in, making friends, or dealing with bullies can contribute to anxiety.
3. Academic pressure: The anticipation of challenging subjects or the fear of falling behind academically can trigger anxiety.
4. Separation anxiety: Younger children, in particular, may struggle with leaving their parents after a summer spent together.
5. Previous negative experiences: Past negative experiences at school, such as bullying or academic difficulties, can lead to persistent anxiety.

Supporting Your Child through Back-to-School Anxiety

1. Open Communication: Encourage your child to express their feelings and fears about going back to school. Be a supportive listener, validate their emotions, and provide reassurance.
2. Gradual Transition: Ease back into school routines gradually in the weeks leading up to the start of school. This can include practicing bedtime and morning routines.
3. Meet the Teacher: Attend meet-the-teacher events if possible. Meeting teachers in advance can help alleviate anxiety by making the school environment more familiar.
4. Visit the School: If your child is transitioning to a new school, visit it together to familiarize them with the layout and surroundings.
5. Positive Outlook: Share your own positive experiences about school to instill optimism and excitement. Highlight the opportunities for learning and growth.
6. Empower Problem-Solving: Teach your child problem-solving skills to address specific worries or challenges they might face.
7. Stay Consistent: Maintain a consistent routine, including healthy eating habits, exercise, and adequate sleep.
8. Connect with Friends: Arrange playdates with school friends before the school year begins to rekindle social connections.
9. Professional Help: If anxiety persists and significantly impacts your child's daily life, consider seeking professional guidance from a counselor or therapist.

Back-to-school anxiety is a common experience for many children, but with understanding, support, and open communication, parents and caregivers can help ease the transition. Remember that it's natural for children to feel nervous about returning to school, but providing a safe space for them to express their concerns and taking proactive steps to address their anxieties can set the stage for a successful and enjoyable school year. By working together, we can ensure that children start the new academic year with confidence and enthusiasm.

Hi everyone,

We are so excited to have opened the 2023 Green Bambini Awards. We are going to publish several blogs in the coming weeks on the topics of environmentally-friendly baby products and the importance of sustainable and ecological choices when we’re making our purchasing choices as a family! 

I’ve recently been looking at upcoming green and organic festivals which are a great place to meet like-minded people, buy quality baby goods and learn more about the latest products on the market! Toda I want to give you a snapshot of events coming up in the next month!


Celebrating Nature: Organic Festivals in the UK Over the Next 4 Weeks

As the summer comes to an end, a series of vibrant and eco-conscious celebrations are set to take centre stage. Over the next four weeks, organic festivals across the country will unite communities in a shared appreciation for nature, sustainable living, and locally sourced delights. These festivals are not just events; they are platforms for fostering connections, promoting green practices, and celebrating the bounties of the Earth.

Organic Food and Farm Festival - Somerset
Date: August 31st - September 2nd
Location: Mendip Hills, Somerset
Kicking off the organic festival circuit is the Organic Food and Farm Festival, nestled in the scenic Mendip Hills of Somerset. This event is a haven for food enthusiasts, farmers, and families alike. Attendees can explore vibrant market stalls offering organic produce, artisanal cheeses, and freshly baked bread. Workshops and demonstrations by local farmers and chefs will showcase sustainable farming practices, inspiring attendees to embrace a more conscious approach to food.

Green Culture Festival - Edinburgh
Date: September 7th - 9th
Location: The Meadows, Edinburgh
Edinburgh's iconic Meadows will transform into a green oasis during the Green Culture Festival. Focused on promoting eco-friendly living and sustainability, this festival features an array of activities, including yoga sessions, workshops on upcycling and recycling, and live music performances with a strong environmental message. The festival aims to educate and inspire visitors to adopt greener habits in their daily lives.

Harvest Fest - Cotswolds
Date: September 15th - 17th
Location: Daylesford Organic Farm, Cotswolds
Set against the stunning backdrop of the Cotswolds, Harvest Fest at Daylesford Organic Farm is a celebration of the autumnal equinox and the farm's bountiful harvest. Visitors can partake in farm tours, engage in organic gardening workshops, and indulge in farm-to-table dining experiences. The festival promotes the importance of sustainable agriculture and the connection between land, food, and community.

NatureFest - Lake District
Date: September 23rd - 25th
Location: Keswick, Lake District
NatureFest in the Lake District is a three-day extravaganza dedicated to all things organic and outdoors. Guided hikes, foraging workshops, and talks by wildlife experts allow participants to immerse themselves in the natural beauty of the Lake District. This festival encourages attendees to reconnect with nature, fostering a deeper appreciation for the environment and the need to preserve it.

These organic festivals underscore the growing interest in sustainable living, conscious consumerism, and community engagement. By bringing together farmers, artisans, environmentalists, and curious individuals, these events provide a platform for education, advocacy, and celebration.

At a time when climate change and environmental degradation are at the forefront of global concerns, these festivals play a pivotal role in raising awareness about the importance of organic practices. They demonstrate that sustainable choices are not just beneficial for the planet but can also be delicious, educational, and enjoyable.

As the next four weeks unfold, these festivals offer a unique opportunity for individuals and families to connect with like-minded individuals, learn from experts, and experience the joy of supporting local businesses that prioritise ethical and eco-friendly practices. Whether it's indulging in organic cuisine, participating in workshops, or simply basking in the natural beauty of the surroundings, these festivals promise an unforgettable and enriching experience for all who attend.

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We've put together a little blog about Mother's Day with an idea for a great present for a new mum!

​Nick (my brother-in-law) invented it in 2015 when his three-month-old daughter Abby always woke up in the pushchair when it stopped moving. He noticed this problem affected other weary parents and one evening had a lightbulb moment. He took an old printer apart, salvaged the motor and soldered together a simple control circuit. The resulting prototype worked and the very next day Abby remained asleep even when the pushchair stopped moving. Nick set about developing the prototype with help from myself and another friend and over the next couple of years we turned the original prototype into Rockit, a rocket shaped portable baby rocker that was launched to critical acclaim in 2017.