August 2012
I always think of August as being an in-between sort of month. If, like us, your family break - home or away - was in July, August means four weeks of arranging for someone else to look after and entertain the kids while you are at work.
However, unlike the rest of the year, because school children are all on holiday, I feel that I should be too. I want to only think thoughts of summer meadows, afternoons at the park, lazy picnics and about whether we might be able to BBQ tonight.
The novelty of a sunny day in Northern Ireland makes it just not quite right to be in an office when the temperature goes above 20°C or perhaps my lack lustre for work is less to do with quality family time and really due to the desire to see more of the Olympic Games on telly.
But while on one hand I am still dreaming up ways to enjoy a great family summer, something is constantly nagging at the back of my mind that what I need to actually be thinking about is September and the ‘back to school’ shop. Because, I know that once this mammoth task is achieved we can enjoy what’s left of our summer without a constant reminder that September and therefore, Autumn is hurtling along towards us faster than Usain Bolt.
Ni4kids is all about giving a helping hand to families and that is why this August issue is packed full of ideas for back to school style, products, afterschool clubs for the autumn term and the parenting issues that back to school can raise. Check out our feature on how to boost your child’s confidence for big occasions such as starting a new school on page 9.
One the biggest issues facing parents during the summer holidays is childcare. The debate on affordability, quality, choice and availability continues with a recent survey suggesting one in three parents has considered leaving their job because of the cost of childcare. Find out what local parents have to say on this issue on page 8.
What else is great about this August issue? We welcome back our June guest columnist Belfast Dad on page 21, you can win a fabulous makeover for your child’s bedroom on page 8 and, as always, our what’s on guide is full of fantastically fun things to do for the entire month. Not only have we brought you the very best guide to family events but our friends at Translink are offering an even bigger incentive to get up and go somewhere special before school starts again.
Travel to one of the venues or attractions listed with a summer icon beside it and present your Translink travel ticket to receive a great family discount or offer.
Have a wonderful August, see you in September.
Contact Nadia at editor@ni4kids.com