Weekly newsletter · Nov 04, 2022

Weekly roundup 44: How YOU doing?

Happy Friday! I know this email is all about life with kids, but a big part of life with kids is putting them first. And sometimes that takes its toll.

Last week was my eldest son's first half-term holiday since starting Reception; it felt like a big milestone. But rather than doing fun half-termy things, the whole family took turns being sick. Not quite the R&R I had anticipated, and by the end of it I was feeling pretty tired and burnt out. That's just the way it goes sometimes.

Now, in my opinion real self-care looks like good routines around physical and mental health - sleep, good food, exercise, hobbies - and I don't think there's a substitute to that. But in today's email I'm sharing some things that perked up my week nevertheless. I'm hoping that if anything's got you down recently (hey, if it's not a viral tummy bug, maybe it's the fun factory at the Bank of England), they might cheer you up too.

- Shreya

Neat burger was really... neat

neat burger London review

Super tasty fast food that just happens to be plant-based and allergen-free. Extremely cute aesthetic. Great meal deals (Lunch for under £7! With a drink!) and kids' meals. Truly, what is not to love about this place.

Also, I will say: sometimes it's not just a buggy park that makes a place child-friendly. At Neat Burger's Soho branch, the toilets were in the basement, and I was there with a baby and a toddler. They looked after my pram, and a staff member offered to carry the toddler down for me. Impeccable service. (They also have a branch in Westfield Stratford if you're so inclined.)

Have you tried Tony's Chocolonely?

tony's chocolonely chocolate review

I've always been a Cadbury's person so even though I've seen Tony's crop up on every shop shelf recently, I wasn't fussed about trying it. Then... someone gifted me some. And now... I'm reconsidering everything. Arguably the best salted caramel chocolate on the market. Solid anti-slavery credentials and a mission for greater equity in cocoa farming. It can't help but lift your spirits.

Louis Theroux interviews Stormzy

louis theroux meets stormzy review of documentary

What's better than one legend? Two. Stormzy's last album was pretty much the soundtrack of the first lockdown and this interview covers everything that's happened since then. On iPlayer, 45 minutes, really heartwarming.

Apparently, fibre is good??

how to sneak fibre into children's diet

In a refreshing break from telling kids to eat their veggies, watch this explainer on the actual benefits of fibre in your own diet. Doctor approved and just 2-minutes long (On TikTok but you can watch without an account).

And finally, something completely different: take your kids' toys away

how many toys should a child have

Not the most obvious act of self-care but hear me out. I told my kids we were going to clear out some of their old toys before Christmas, so brought them out to give them a chance to play with them "for the last time before we say goodbye". They played with the crate of megabloks for like 6 days straight. It was blissful - they built new things, made little stories up, just got on with it. It's counterintuitive but limiting time with and choice of toys spurred the kids to be more creative and persistent with their play. Try it!

That's all folks!