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The Boom Blog: Stories, Style & Small Moments ✨
Welcome to our digital corner! This is where we share the messy, beautiful reality of family life, spotlight the incredible local people shaping our community, and give you a peek behind the scenes. From handy parenting hacks and local days-out inspiration to everyday chat, grab a cuppa and stay a while.
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250 years of American independence
Written by Kim - The Shawver Family Having a mixed heritage family is full of learning, travelling and of course, extra holiday celebrations. One of which for us is the all American fourth of July! This year is special as it's the 250th anniversary of independence day. The fourth of July dates back to the beginning of USA independence from the UK in 1776. Originally the act of the celebration itself was based on the annual celebrations they would normally have each summer t
Jess Henley
Jun 292 min read


☀️ 5 Simple Ways to Squeeze the Most Out of the June Sunshine
The days are at their absolute longest, the school gates have reopened after a gorgeous May half-term, and the British summer is finally doing what it does best—giving us those beautiful, golden evenings. When the sun is shining, there’s a collective urge to drop everything and get outside. But between school runs, work, and the never-ending laundry pile, it can feel tough to make the most of it. The good news? You don’t need a packed suitcase or a grand plan to catch those s
Jess Henley
Jun 12 min read


Life in the Fast Lane, with Three Boys Under Four
Written by Hannah Marriott - Boom Buddy Family The Marriott/Fallon People often say, "Enjoy every moment, it goes so fast." What they don't say is that those moments often involve someone crying, someone climbing the furniture, and someone else shouting "Muuuuum!" from a different room while you're just trying to drink a cup of tea that's been reheated three times. I am a mum of three boys, all aged four and under. Life in our house is less "calm family home" and more "extrem

Boom Blog
May 244 min read


Pack The Perfect Family Picnic
By Steph, Co-Owner and Director, First Time Mum There’s something magical about a family picnic—fresh air, happy children, and food that somehow tastes better outdoors. Whether you’re heading to the park, beach, or even your own garden, a little planning can turn a simple outing into a stress-free highlight of your week. 🧺 Start with the Essentials Before you even think about food, make sure you’ve got the basics covered. A large picnic blanket is a must (bonus points if it’

Boom Blog
May 242 min read


Finding friendships & you again in parenthood
By Jess, Co-Owner and Director, First Time Mum Becoming a parent - whether for the first time or again; has a way of quietly rearranging your entire world. Your routines shift, your priorities change, and somewhere in-between the blur of feeds, naps, and logistics, it’s easy to feel like the version of you that existed before, has slipped out of reach. Alongside that, friendships can feel harder to maintain, let alone build. But finding your way back to yourself and connecti

Boom Blog
May 243 min read


Routines That Work: Helping Children Thrive Without Over-Scheduling
By Kendall - The Tiddlekicks Family As a mum of three, one thing I’ve learned about routines and family life is that no two families are the same - and that’s completely okay. When we hear the word ‘routine’, it can sometimes sound a bit like we need to have every hour planned out. But in reality, routines don’t have to be strict at all. For me, routine is about consistency - creating a pattern in family life that our children can recognise and rely on. Simple things like me

Boom Blog
May 242 min read


Celebrating Bank Holidays with Kids
Written by Steph, co-owner & first time mummy There’s something special about a Bank Holiday when you have children – a little extra time together, and a chance to pause the school rush. It doesn’t have to be packed with big plans to feel memorable. Start simple; a morning with no alarms, a pancake breakfast, or even a lazy morning in pyjamas can feel like a treat for little ones. If the weathers nice, head outdoors – a local park, a nature walk, or a family picnic. These ca

Boom Blog
Apr 301 min read


Ask Boom! Real Questions, Real Answers!
We have asked our followers to share questions they’d like answers too, and then you let you answer. Q : My baby won't sleep unless they are on me. Am I creating a bad habit? A: Baby has been used to being so close to you, they crave warmth & your heartbeat. The idea of 'spoiling' your child is becoming outdated and habit's can be built or changed later Q : My toddler will only eat beige food, or snack. Help. A: It's totally normal. Keep offering without pressure. One day the

Boom Blog
Mar 12 min read


A Mum’s Guide to Getting It Done in Bite-Size Bursts
Written by Jess - Director & Co-Owner of Boom Magazine, Mum to Flynn, Dog Mum & Working Part Time Spring cleaning used to mean a full weekend, industrial-strength products, and a level of focus I simply do not possess anymore. With kids aged 0–11 in the house, “deep clean” now happens in short, scrappy intervals between snacks, naps, homework, and someone shouting “MUM!” from another room. And honestly? That’s okay. If you’re a busy mum who gets overstimulated easily (hi, sam

Boom Blog
Mar 13 min read


Keeping Your Smile Sparkly and Strong: A Dentist’s Fun Guide for Kids
Written by George - A Dentist From Glendair Dental Practice in Alfreton Hey kids (and parents too!), Easter is here with yummy chocolate eggs and sweet treats. But your teeth are like superheroes: they help you munch, chat, and flash big grins. They need your help to stay strong and healthy. As a dentist, I see every day how starting good habits early keeps smiles happy for life. It’s all about consistency, a bit of fun, and patience especially since for little ones, mums, da

Boom Blog
Mar 14 min read


Shhhh 🤫 ... It's a secret : The P Family secret 1 2 3 4 pancakes! recipe
Written & shared by the P Family We’ve finally done it. We managed to twist his arm, and Mr. P has officially agreed to share the legendary P Family Secret 1 2 3 4 Pancake Recipe. Usually kept under lock and key, Mr. P’s special method is the stuff of family legend—guaranteeing the perfect golden flip and a batter so light you'll be coming back for thirds (or fourths, we won't judge!). Whether you’re a traditional lemon-and-sugar family or you go wild with the toppings, this

Boom Blog
Feb 72 min read


Affordable Family Adventures in Derbyshire & Nottinghamshire
Written by Claire, The Rudd Family January in the Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire area may be chilly, but it’s one of the best times of year to enjoy budget-friendly family fun. With quieter attractions, crisp winter scenery, and plenty of free or low-cost activities, families can enjoy memorable days out without stretching their wallets. Here are some of the best cheap and free things to do in the region throughout January 2026. 1. Explore the Winter Trails of the Peak Distri

Boom Blog
Jan 122 min read


Fun Adventures on a Budget
Our boom buddies have shared their favorite budget-friendly outings for fun days out with the kids! For The Adamson Family, it's National Trust properties... For a joint membership (under 5s are free!) it works out at £13.40 a month for unlimited visits. So far this year (before we have even done any of the Christmas events, of which we are planning to do at least 5 different events) , we would have spent over £500! By being members, we've saved over £300 and had so many grea

Boom Blog
Jan 124 min read


The Benefits of Singing, Reading and Signing at Home With Your Children
By Emily Reeve, Tiny Talk Derby North Some of the most meaningful moments with our children happen in the simplest places—on the sofa with a much-loved picture book, during a long car ride singing their favourite nursery rhymes, or snuggled under a blanket humming the same lullaby you’ve sung a hundred times before. For me, those moments have shaped not only my children’s early years but also my classes where I connect with families Singing: Connection Through Rhythm and Joy

Boom Blog
Jan 122 min read


🌧️ Don't Let the Rain Stop Play: Muddy Adventures for Your Little Ones!
Written by Jess Mum to 1, Dog mum, Co-Owner & Director of Boom Magazine It's that time of year again. The days are shortening, the sky is turning a permanent shade of grey, and the rain seems relentless. It’s all too tempting to stay snug indoors, watching the downpour from the window. But trust us—those memories of splashing and getting delightfully muddy are the ones your kids will treasure forever! Childhood is fleeting, and the chance to simply play is precious. So, embra

Boom Blog
Dec 31, 20253 min read


Beating the January Blues: Practical Money Moves for Busy Families
We all know the "holiday hangover" well—it’s that familiar mix of festive fatigue, a house full of new toys, and the inevitable arrival of the December bank statement. Between the magic of gifting, the cost of travel, and those extra-special grocery hauls, it’s completely normal for the family budget to feel a little stretched thin. But the New Year isn't just about resolutions; it’s the perfect moment for a financial "reset." For busy parents, we know that saving money isn't

Boom Blog
Dec 31, 20252 min read


Elf on the shelf ideas & tricks
The "Elf on the Shelf" tradition is all about creating fun, festive mischief each day leading up to Christmas. For parents it can quickly become a nightmare! So sit tight and save this page for the panic of what to do next! First up the nice and easy - Elf welcome!! & where it all goes down hill... 💌 Elf Arrival Ideas Make the beginning of the season special. Grand Entrance: Have the elf arrive by "parachuting" down from the ceiling or light fixture with a small paper parach

Boom Blog
Nov 27, 20259 min read


How To Enjoy Christmas Without The Festive Period Disrupting Your Little One’s Sleep
Written by : Emma Hill from Sleepy Baby Happy Mama Emma is a certified baby and toddler sleep consultant who offers bespoke advice to families with children up to 4 years old. The Christmas season is magical, but for parents, it can also bring stress about how the festivities might disrupt their child’s sleep. If you’ve worked hard to establish a sleep routine, the last thing you want is for it to unravel over the holidays. Here are some tips to help you maintain your child

Boom Blog
Nov 17, 20253 min read


World Prematurity Day
Written by The Watkiss Family Every year, on the 17th November, World Prematurity Day shines a light on babies who arrive too soon. A baby is classed as premature if they’re born before 37 weeks, in the UK that’s around 1 in 13. For us, this isn’t just a date, it’s a reminder of our daughter’s beginning, and a world we knew nothing about until we were suddenly living it. Our daughter arrived unexpectedly at just 30 weeks, weighing 3lbs 8oz. Nothing could have prepared us for

Boom Blog
Oct 31, 20253 min read


Firework & Sparkler Safety
Are you celebrating firework night at home this year? If so, make sure you read this blog first – it is predicted that this year 500 children and their families will join the growing number of people who will remember bonfire night for the wrong reasons . . . Here are the facts: Over 550 children under 16 are taken to A&E in the 4 weeks surrounding Bonfire Night alone Most injuries happen at private or family displays The vast majority of firework burn injuries are to the e

Boom Blog
Oct 31, 20253 min read
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