Tips, advice and little nuggets of dad knowledge I’ve picked up in the crazy world of being a parent.
I’d never claim to be an expert at being a dad (or at anything, for that matter) but every day’s a learning experience with our little boy Sonny and if anyone can take any useful tips or advice from the things we do together then great!
This Dad Knowledge section is all about the random things that happen to me as an out-of-depth dad and it’s also a place to record some of the memories and experiences I’ve shared with my little champ. From surviving Sonny’s first flight abroad to strapping him into a bike seat for the first time, and from making a mess of our first family picnic to our first dip in a swimming pool together, we’re learning every day!
- Best family camping kit – 2021
Camping trips with kids require good camping kit to survive the experience! There’s a lot out there to choose from, so here’s a roundup of our best family camping kit from 2021.
- What’s the best stand-up paddleboard for families?
If you want to try paddleboarding with your kids but don’t know which one to buy, check out our review of the Aquaplanet Max SUP. The best family paddleboard we’ve found.
- Ready Camp Hayfield: Peak District Glamping
Want to go family camping without the hassle of pitching tents and blowing up air beds? Then the Safari Tents at Ready Camp Hayfield could be the answer!
- What’s the best first mountain for kids?
There so many great family walks in Britain that it’s hard to pick the best first mountain for kids. But here’s our favourite – Cat Bells in the Lake District!
- What size bike is best for 5-year-olds?
Choosing the right size bike for your child depends on lots of different factors, including height and ability. So, what size bike is best for 5-year-olds?
- Winter camping with kids – good or bad idea?
Is winter camping with kids a good idea or a recipe for disaster? We spend a long, cold night in our new tent to find the answer…
- 11 tips for climbing trees with kids
Climbing trees with kids is fun, adventurous and simple. All you need is the right tree and a head for heights – and you’re off!
- 6 reasons why you should buy an adult scooter
Scooters aren’t just for kids – there are plenty of great options for parents too! Here are six reasons why you should buy an adult scooter.
- How to teach your kid to ride a bike
Teaching your kid to ride a bike is one of the most rewarding experiences as a parent. But where do you start? Here’s how we did it…
- Why active kids need protective summer clothing
It’s easy to think protective kids’ clothing only matters in winter, but high temperatures and blazing sun make it vital in summer too.
- Surviving lockdown (and 2 kids) with a broken leg
Well, what a plonker. As if the summer of COVID wasn’t already stressful enough, I decided to turbo-charge the hassle by snapping my left leg in half trying to ‘surf’ down a toddler slide.
- Are air tents good for family camping?
We recently tested our first inflatable family tent – the Easy Camp Base Air 500 – and loved it. But in general, are air tents good for family camping trips? Here’s our verdict….
- 54 activities to do in your garden with kids
Here are 54 things you can do in your garden with kids to keep your family active outdoors during the coronavirus lockdown.
- Why family adventures don’t have to be epic
You don’t need to plan a massive expedition or spend a fortune on getting your kids outside. Simply open your door and start exploring!
- Why kids should spend an hour a day outside
I read a brilliant report the other day highlighting the many benefits of getting kids outside – like learning new skills, boosting confidence and making friends. Just an hour a day makes a huge difference!
- Family camping checklist – 18 essentials to pack
So you’ve decided to sleep in a tent with your kids (you must be crazy!), but what should be on your family camping checklist? Here are 18 gear essentials we recommend for every trip.
- How to turn your garden into mini a water park
It’s been another summer of heatwaves – and the best way to cool off with your kids is to turn your garden into a mini water park. Here’s how we did it…
- 8 tips for walking with babies and toddlers
So all of a sudden we’ve got two young kids, but it hasn’t stopped us getting outdoors as a family. Here are our top eight tips for walking with babies and toddlers – it’s tough, but not impossible!
- What’s the best age for children to play football?
Playing youth sports can be one of the best experiences of a child’s life. Football is the biggest and most popular sport in Britain – but what’s the best age to get started?
- How to go canoeing with toddlers
Canoeing with toddlers for the first time is daunting, but if you prepare properly, pick the right location and the right weather, it’s a wonderful family activity. Here’s how we do it…