A new survey out today shows that a culture of ‘all work and no play’ in the UK is damaging family life, causing high stress levels, and creating an inability to switch off at home. The …
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‘You know your children are growing up when they stop asking you where they came from and refuse to tell you where they’re going.’ – P.J. O’Rourke
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Baby name trends are changing faster than ever with experts saying names for 2013 are likely to be affected by the birth of the royal baby and numerous celebrity offspring. If you’re due this year, it’s worth knowing Roman Gods rule, as do nature inspired names like North, Frost and Rain and quirky (read nutty) names like Bear and Star.
Yet, the hottest trend is for names is inspired by a place. Numerous US celebrities have chosen Camden (which makes us wonder if they’ve ever been there), and countries like Ireland, India and Asia are also storming up the charts. Nordic names also dominate with Freya coming back into the girl charts and Kai and Axel proving to be popular amongst boys.
Of course, what’s most likely to affect the name charts in the UK is the birth of William and Kate’s baby in July. Whether it’s a boy or a girl it’s likely to be bestowed with a classic name. Hot tips are on the name Alexandra though Kate has said, “We have a shortlist for both (boy and girl), but it’s very difficult. My friends keep texting me names!”.
If you’re wondering how baby names are generally picked an interesting piece on Live Science says while some names are chosen for meaning,”Baby name choices aren’t made in a vacuum. Without intending to, parents gravitate toward trendy sounds. In recent years, the most popular girl names have been melodic and vowel-filled, such as Sophia, Isabella, Olivia and Ava. And the popular choice for boys has been the -en ending: Both Jayden and Aiden have risen high in the name charts.”
Whatever you choose beware, nothing sinks a name faster (or gains it more criticism) than popularity. So when choosing your baby’s name your best bet is to keep it quiet until the very end.
Do you have kids that bicker constantly? Mine certainly do. If the three year old is not copying everything the six year old says (and driving her insane), the six year old is perfecting the …
Hands up if you’re a bit slack about kids and sunscreen? I am, even though I should know better. Aside from underestimating the power of the sun, I always think the kids aren’t out in …
I’m loving all the press at the moment about first and second babies and whether mums bring them up differently. For me this goes hand in hand with how your place in your sibling line …
I am a fan of Victoria Beckham, and have it on good authority that despite her severe and gruff appearance in pictures she is both funny and a woman’s woman. I also like her because …
A new survey by Legal & General Retail Protection has found that new mums underestimate the cost of raising a child by as much as 59%. Figures from the 2013 Value of a Parent report has …
I love this picture because like many mums and dads it perfectly sums up my life. As a family we really do need a longer weekend with more time to spend with each other that …
There’s an interesting story on the parenting tech site Quibly, asking if we should protect kids from the terrible stories on the news. It’s interesting debate because the responses are divided on what’s best for …
It’s chicken pox season and don’t I just know it. In the last three weeks both my kids have had chicken pox. The two year old coped admirably but I realise that’s down to the …
Sometimes there are whole areas you forget about parenthood until you have a second child. I am not sure if it’s amnesia or simple forced forgetting but it happens. We are currently potty training child …
Recently my kids have been to some really OTT birthday parties. One was so lavish that it could well have been a wedding as it had table service for the kids from waiters, two entertainers …
Should parents drug babies on long flights is a subject that’s been causing a storm online. The story which led on BBC website yesterday definitely leads to strong feelings on both sides, with some parents saying …
It’s the Easter holidays, which means for most parents having to spend more money on days out. I’m having a lean month so it means I have to be more creative with what I do …
LivingWithKids is a family blog from KidStart designed to help you and your family get through the week unscathed and with money in your pocket! We will try to help you to do the very best for your children, financially, practically, and emotionally.
Meet the Editors
I’m Anita, a mum to two under 5s, a blogger, journalist and author. I’ll be blogging about all things family related whether that’s ranting about legislation, or a general heads up about something to make family life happier and less stressful.
