Questionnaires...
Below are our articles on the subject of Questionnaires. If you can't see what you are looking for our other categories are displayed on the left under 'Our Quick Links'...
Advice and Entitlements for Lone Parents
Lone parents are entitled to a wealth of government benefits and discounts. Single mums should learn how to get the advice they need and discover what their actual entitlements are as quickly as possi...
All About Term-Time Working
Term-time working allows working mums - and dads - with school-age kids to take time off when they're children are off school. If you can cope financially with 13 weeks' unpaid leave per year, and you...
All About the Child Trust Fund
Virtually all children in the UK born after a certain date are eligible to free money from the government in the form of a Child Trust Fund. This money is supposed to encourage parents to save for the...
Asking for Help with Childcare or Work
Many people are reluctant to ask for help for fear their plea will be interpreted as a weakness. But if you need assistance either at work or with childcare, don't wait until your problems snowball in...
Being Both Mum and Dad to your Child
Single mums have it hard. Being both mum and dad to your child can be incredibly difficult, especially if you are working. But studies have shown that children in one-parent families can do as well as...
Being Pregnant at Work: A Case Study
Jennifer Smithson found working when she was pregnant to be stressful both mentally and physically - and it was even worse the second time around......
Building a Relationship with Your Child's Teacher
Having a strong relationship with your child's teacher and helping support your children's learning is important. There are ways to nurture and develop the relationship to encourage an effective paren...
Buying Child Care Vouchers
Buying chidcare vouchers can save working parents several thousands of pounds in childcare costs every year. See if this scheme is the right one for you....
Child Benefit Explained
Every child in the UK is entitled to child benefit, a payment that is made weekly or monthly, depending on circumstance. Applying is easy and your income makes no difference as to whether you get paym...
Childproofing your Marriage
Too many couples stop making time for each other once children come along, and as a result they drift apart - often irrevocably. Start childproofing your marriage before it's too late......
Choosing the Right After School Activities
Today's children are faced with a huge number of after-school activities to choose from. We parents should help them make choices based on their innate interests and abilities, but still leave them en...
Coping When Your Child is Ill
It's every working mum's nightmare: the night before an important meeting Junior wakes up with a high fever. How do you cope when your child falls ill?...
Coping with Morning Clothing Battles
Nipping those morning clothing battles in the bud before they escalate into full-scale war is important. Set the ground rules but be reasonable and you can't go wrong....
Coping With Playdates When You Work from Home
Scheduling playdates can be hard when you work from home. But with a little advance planning you can still entertain your children's friends - and get some work done at the same time......
Coping With Redundancy as a Working Mum
Coping with being made redundant can be difficult, especially for working mums who don't have the time -- or the luxury -- to feel sorry for themselves. Keeping a positive outlook, creating a set stru...
Coping with School Holidays when you Work
Most working mums find coping with school holidays an incredibly stressful time. But it needn't be that way. With a little advance planning, you can find fun, safe and even affordable childcare to kee...
Coping with the School Run
Coping with the school run can test the patience of even the most hardened mother. But getting the kids to school on time is a necessity not a luxury, so follow our tips to do it right....
Cultivating Discipline When Working from Home
Working from home can be difficult, especially when used to a structured office environment. With nobody to tell you what to do and only self-imposed deadlines, it can be difficult to resist the tempt...
Dating Without the Guilt
Single working mums find it hard to manage a love life when they are juggling the demands of work and children on their own. But making time to date again can benefit everyone, including your children...
Dealing With Guilt Because You Work
Why is it that mothers who work outside the home are so often made to feel guilty? Men who are family breadwinners are applauded, not condemned. No matter why you work, you should be comfortable with ...
Dealing with Over Zealous Stay at Home Mums
It's hard enough to be a working mum without having to deal with guilt from stay-at-home mums who have the luxury of being able to volunteer for every school event and bake sale. Here's how to deal wi...
Dealing With Troublesome Teens
Adolescence is the time when most teenagers seek to define themselves as individuals, distancing themselves from their parents and getting closer to their peers. But how can we, as parents, deal with ...
Doing Activities You and Your Partner Both Love
Indulging in activities you and your partner both love is pertinent to helping keep your relationship alive. But it can be hard to make time when the pressures of work and family commitments threaten ...
Do's and Don't's for Playdates
Planning a playdate isn't rocket science, but you should always adhere to proper playdate protocol to avoid unnecessary tantrums and tears, as well as total meltdowns......
Drawbacks and Advantages of Working from Home
Working from home may sound ideal, but it's not everyone's cup of tea. There are myriad advantages and disadvantages of not working in an office, so if you are considering making the move it's a good ...
Earning More than Your Partner
When she earns more than he does, it can often be a recipe for disaster. But it needn't be that way. While men should rejoice if their partners are big earners, not all do. Our top tips can help put t...
Easy Ways to Boost Your Mood
Everyone gets in a bad mood from time to time, and it's no surprise that working mums feel stressful more than anyone else. Luckily, there are plenty of easy-to-do stress busters that can really lift ...
Eating the Right Food with a Busy Lifestyle
You'll be surprised how healthy eating can give you renewed vim and vigour. Busy mums often rely on ready-meals and takeaways, but changing your eating habits - and those of your family - can make a r...
Employing a Cleaner
Many middle-class families initially balk at employing a cleaner, but working mums need all the help they can get. If you can afford it, it can make an enormous difference to how you run a household -...
Employing a Nanny
Deciding to employ a nanny is an enormous step. Hiring someone else to look after your children can be fraught with anxiety - and guilt - but many working mums have no choice. And once you have the Ma...
Employing an Au Pair
Not many people realise the value of employing an au pair. Half-way between a nanny and a baby-sitter, they can help busy working mums deal with both the morning scrum and afternoon/evening chaos. But...
Fighting in Front of the Children
Should Mummy and Daddy ever argue in front of the kids? The answer is a tough one. Most experts believe that while arguing in front of children can be detrimental, it can actually be beneficial for ch...
Finding a Suitable Babysitter
Finding a suitable babysitter can be incredibly stressful, but getting the right person is vital for both you and your child....
Finding a Suitable Childminder
Childminders can provide children with personal attention, and give busy working mums the flexibility they need. It's no wonder childminders are currently the most popular form of childcare in the UK....
Finding Childcare When You're Working Away
You might think you have all your childcare needs sorted. But what happens when your boss suddenly asks you attend a week-long conference abroad? Having someone on hand to step in and fill the gap, es...
Free Child Care Places for 3 and 4 year olds
Free childcare places are available for all three and four-year-olds living in England. But as the government only pays for five two-and-a-half-hour sessions per week, working parents may find this is...
Freezing Meals Ahead of Time
Few working mums have extra time to spend slaving over a hot cooker. If you want your family to have fresh, nutritious meals that don't cost the Earth, read on. Freezing ahead may just be the answer.....
Full-time Freelancer With Kids: A Case Study
Lisa Silcock, 45, is a full-time caterer from London who takes on freelance contracts, more often than not cooking for large parties and corporate events from home. With two small children and little ...
Getting Income Support as a Lone Parent
Single working mums who are unable to work full-time due to other commitments may qualify for Income Support. This means-tested benefit also comes with a host of other benefits, such as free dental ca...
Getting the Support You Need as a Single Mum
Everyone needs a little support and understanding from time to time, single mums more than anyone. But where can you go to get the support you need?...
Getting your Tax Credits Entitlement
Many people who work either full or part-time are unaware that they may qualify for tax credits. Most of us could use a helping hand, so it's a good idea to learn what your entitlements are....
Going on Regular Dates with Your Partner
Going our on a date with your husband or partner might sound a tad odd, but making time for each other is a crucial part of keeping a relationship alive. Regular dates together can help rekindle the r...
Having a Holiday Without the Kids
It's okay to have a holiday without the kids, it just requires a lot of advance planning and a little sensitivity......
Having a Job Share
A job share can often be the best of both worlds - you get to keep your job, but work fewer hours. Having a job share that really works, however, depends a lot on the communication and coordination sk...
Having Emergency Childcare Plans
There's no need to panic when your childminder falls ill or Junior comes down with a bad cold. With a little advance planning, you can have emergency childcare at your fingertips......
Home Alone: Leaving Children on Their own
Would you ever leave a child home alone - even to pop out to the shops? While the government has no set age at which children can be left alone, it's up to parents to use their common sense....
How to Attend School Meetings
Parent-teacher meetings are vital to learn about your child's progress and show the teacher that you are involved as a parent. It can be difficult for working mums to make time to attend, especially i...
How to Enjoy a Holiday with the Kids
Don't turn your potential holiday heaven into holiday hell. You can enjoy travelling with the children - just make sure everyone has age-appropriate activities they enjoy, and don't set your expectati...
How to Find a Suitable Nursery
Finding a suitable nursery for your child could be one of the most important decisions you'll ever make. But how do you which nursery is the right one?...
How to Fit in Your Supermarket Shop
Most of us hate having to go the supermarket, especially if you have to drag a load of screaming kids with you. But how can busy working mums fit in the supermarket shop?...
How to Make Friends with Other Mums
Don't spend the rest of your children's time at school hiding behind the school gates. Making friends with other mums isn't that tricky to accomplish, as long as you're willing to make the first move ...
How to Reduce your Bills
Reducing your bills is the first step in getting through a difficult economic period. Our top tips can help you come out on top, even when things around look bleak......
How Will My Business Affect My Benefits?
Setting up a business of your own can be exciting and, in the long run, financially rewarding. But can your benefits be affected while the business is still in its infancy?...
I Went Freelance After My Second Child: A Case Study
Molly Jones never thought she'd go freelance. But after the birth of her second child, it seemed to make a lot of sense. Now, she says, she has the best of both worlds......
I'm Working Part-time and Having My Fourth Child!
In the past six years, Vendela Wiberg has given birth to three children. Now, the 36-year-old is expecting her fourth - and credits her flexible part-time working schedule for keeping her sane....
Improving Communication With Your Partner
Learning to communicate as a couple is really the cement of each and every relationship. Failing partnerships can be saved when both members want to save it, and key to that is healthy communication....
Introducing Your Children to Your New Boyfriend
Introducing your children to your new boyfriend can be tricky. But with a little patience and a lot of tact, it can be done......
Involving the Kids in the Housework
Teaching your kids to pitch in with the household chores is important. They are learning life skills, and you get a cleaner house! Use our tips to make doing the housework a family affair that is both...
Juggling Family and Full Time Work: A Case Study
Polina Ivanova works full-time, yet often feels guilty that she isn't spending as much time as she should on the job - or with her eight-year-old daughter Hannah......
Keeping the Romance Alive as Working Parents
Working mums all too often find that the demands of their children and job leave them with little time for anything else. That's why relationships with significant others so often suffer. But keeping ...
Keeping the Spark Alive in your Relationship
Keeping the spark alive is vital for every relationship - and when there are children involved, it's more important than ever. Getting back on the right track isn't that difficult, it just involves ma...
Legitimate Home-Based Business Ideas
For mums who no longer want to work in an office environment, working from home can be a tantalising proposition. But play your cards right and invest in an opportunity that is legitimate, will eventu...
Making the Transition to Working from Home
Working in an office outside the home is a lot different than working from your own house or flat. While having no commute and being able to work in your pyjamas might sound great, the reality is a lo...
Making Time for Yourself
Few working mums have enough time to themselves, and most are so used to being everything to everyone that they don't know what to do with the time when they finally get it. But spending a bit of "me ...
Making Your Own Home Office
Creating a home office is one way that working mums can combine working from home with family life. It can be a bit tricky to set one up, but it's not impossible - even is space is at a premium....
Meeting Other Single Mums
Meeting other single mums who can share your experiences can be a godsend. But where to find them?...
My Partner is a Stay at Home Dad: A Case Study
When Sarah Whitby discovered she was pregnant for the first time, choosing who would look after the baby was not a difficult decision. Seven years and three more children later, her partner David is f...
Organising your Work/Life Diary
Organising a diary with your work/life commitments written down, as well as your children's activities, will help you to better organise your working week - and also decide whether you are concentrati...
Packed Lunches for Both You and the Children
Making a healthy packed lunch for both you and your children isn't rocket science. In the long run, it can make financial sense - and even taste good!...
Paying for Breakfast Clubs and After School Clubs
Bringing down the cost of childcare for school-age children is easy if breakfast and/or after-school clubs operate in your area. If not, ask their school about setting up their own clubs......
Planning a Birthday Party
Planning your child's birthday party shouldn't zap you of precious time and energy. With a little creativity and forward-thinking, you can easily stay on top of the game - and host a birthday bash you...
Planning a Budget as a Working Mum
Many of us have no real idea what our spending habits are. That's why planning a realistic budget - and sticking to it - can help us cut down costs and ensure that we have money there when we really n...
Pocket Money: When is Enough Enough?
Giving your children pocket money is not something all parents feel entirely comfortable with. But teaching the skills of money management from an early age can help set them up for life....
Practical Stress Relieving Tips
Today's working mums seem to think they can have it all - but that they have to do it all as well. The result is a new generation of women who are more stressed than ever. If you recognise yourself, f...
Preparing Your Yr 6 Child to Travel to School Alone
Travelling to and from secondary school on their own is a rite of passage for most eleven-year-olds. While the vast majority of them take it in their stride, it can wreak fear and terror in the hearts...
Pros and Cons of Working Flexible Hours
Working flexible hours is a dream come true for many working mums, but each type of working scenario has its own pros and cons. If you want a good work/life balance, however, then flexible hours could...
Pros and Cons of Working Part Time
Working part time can be a fantastic family-friendly solution for working mums, but you have to carefully weigh up all the advantages as well as disadvantages before you set out......
Pumping Breast Milk at Work
Many women want to continue breastfeeding their babies even after they return to work, and there's no reason why they shouldn't. Pumping breast milk at work will ensure your baby has breast milk, even...
Questionnaire: Are You Ready to Work Full-time?
Working full-time can be stressful for mums. Some mums choose to do it out of financial necessity, while others just love their work. If you are considering working full-time, take our quiz to see if ...
Questionnaire: Could You Be Better Off Not Working?
Many working mums work because they derive pleasure from their jobs. For others, however, work is simply a way to make ends meet. Have you ever thought about whether you’d be better off not working?...
Questionnaire: Is Working from Home Right for Me?
Working from home isn't for everyone. If you think you can handle the distractions and have the discipline, motivation and organisation a self-starter requires, take our questionnaire to see how you r...
Questionnaire: Is Your Home/Work Balance Right?
Working mums often find themselves split into several different people: employee, mum, wife or partner, and individual. How can we make sure that we are allowing each part of us to develop to full pot...
Questionnaire: What Type of Mum Are You?
We never know what type of mum we'll become until we actually become one. Take this quiz to see what type of mum you are - whether you think of everyone, or whether you always put the children first, ...
Relying on Friends and Family for Help
Every parent needs a little extra help from time to time, and working single mums probably need it the most. Don't be afraid or embarrassed to ask for - and get - the help you need......
School Costs: Music lessons, Activities, Trips
Many parents struggle to pay for extra school costs, such as music lessons, school trips and other activities. However, help is out there to help take the load off a little bit - you just have to ask ...
Set up a Car Share Scheme
Setting up a car share scheme to take the children to and from school can save you both time and money. It makes a lot of sense if public transport is not an option and you live too far away from scho...
Setting up Emergency Contacts While At Work
Supplying adequate emergency contact numbers is imperative if someone else is looking after your children while you're at work. You always need to have a responsible person authorised to respond in an...
Setting Up Your Own Business: A Case Study
Ronit Conforti-Brinkmann set up her own architectural firm almost a decade ago, and is pleased with the freedom it affords her - especially as she now has two young sons....
Shared Childcare Duties With Partner: A Case Study
When Yaa Taylor worked in an office, she found sharing childcare duties with her partner didn't work out as well as expected. So she negotiated working most of the time from home, and found having fle...
Sharing the Workload as a Busy Parent
Do you and your partner share the workload evenly? Arguing over whose turn it is to get up with the kids or sort the laundry can sap your strength. But when both parents work, the chore wars have a wa...
Single Parent: Child Holidays
Just because you're a single mum doesn't mean you can't go on holiday with your children....
Single Working Parent Benefits and Entitlements
Single working parents have a variety of government benefits which they are entitled to receive. Some are designed for those who do not work full-time, others are there regardless of the income you re...
Starting a Baby Sitting Circle With Friends
For parents who cannot afford a regular babysitter, often the only option is to rarely go out. Setting up a babysitting circle, however, could be an affordable way to revolutionise your social life......
Stay at Home Dads: Pro's and Con's
The vast majority of working mums find having a husband or partner who's a stay-at-home dad a mixed blessing. But once the initial obstacles are ironed out, it can be a great lifestyle change for ever...
Staying Involved with your Children's School
Staying involved with your children's school means more than just occasionally helping them with their homework. Take the time to see what else you can do, by either volunteering, attending school eve...
Studying and Working: A Case Study
Vesna Popovski gave up a full-time job to work part-time, start a new course, and look after her daughter. While she has a smaller income, the benefits are more than worth it......
Studying With Two Kids: A Case Study
Adelina Hysenaj knows what it’s like to have to organise her time. The 32-year-old single mum is studying for a combined degree in educational studies and English, and looks after her two children on ...
Taking a Weekend Break Away From the Children
Most working mums dream of having a little time to themselves, away from the pressures of the office and family life. With a little advance planning, spending a weekend away with either your partner o...
Taking on Extra Work
In today's economic climate, many of us are seeking to take on extra work - even busy working mums. But what kind of work is out there, and is it really worth the effort?...
Taking up a Hobby as a Working Mum
Taking up a new hobby can be a fantastic way to relieve stress and provide a creative outlet for self-expression. And it doesn't have to involve train-spotting or collecting ceramic figurines either.....
Talking to Your Kid's About Money
Kids need to learn about money when they are still kids, so they can manage it wisely when thy are adults. Teaching them can be difficult, but there are many ways to make learning fun!...
The Importance of Keeping Fit
Keeping fit is important for everyone, but working mums in particular should make safe, gentle exercise a part of their daily routine. Not only does exercise had far-reaching health benefits, but it a...
Tips for Eating Out With the Kids
Most people envision a restaurant meal as a relaxing time, away from the stresses and cares of everyday life. When you take the children along with you, however, sometimes things have a way of getting...
Tips for Getting that Homework Done
Working mums find it harder than anyone else to find time to help their kids do their homework. But even though we may hate it - and the kids certainly do - homework has to be done. Follow our tips t...
Tips for Working Mums Who Study
Everyone knows how difficult it can be to juggle a career and family. But for working mums who also study, life can become even more difficult. These tips can help......
Top PTA Fund Raising Ideas
Parent Teacher Associations, or PTAs, exist as the school’s primary fundraising bodies. Whether it’s to raise money for computers, playground equipment or art supplies, PTAs play a vital role in helpi...
Volunteering for School Events
Helping out at your child's school will benefit both you and them. Even if you don't think you have the time, volunteering for a one-off event can make a world of difference....
What are Free Entitlements?
Single mums are eligible for a host of free entitlements from the government, designed to help them cope better on a limited budget....
What Are Staggered and Compressed Hours?
Not everyone these days works from 9 ‘til 5, Monday to Friday. Many different types of flexible working arrangements are now available, including working staggered or compressed hours, which can help ...
What Does a Governing Body Do?
Governors make decisions on areas such as school policy and targets, and both support and challenge the headteacher and help prepare for inspections. Their input plays a vital role in the runnings of ...
When Your Kids Don't Live With You
Raising kids is difficult enough, but when your kids don’t live with you, things can be even harder. But with a little time and effort on the part of both parents, it’s a situation that can work - or ...
When Your Partner Loses His Job
When your partner loses his job, it can be tough on the whole family - even if you are the main breadwinner. This can be a trying time both emotionally and economically, so do all you can to be as sup...
When Your Partner Wants You to Quit Work
If your partner suddenly asks you to quit your job, the reaction can be complete joy - or utter frustration. Looking at the reasons behind his not wanting you to work are important, but ultimately, th...
Why a Nanny Share Might Work for You
If you’re a working mum who needs childcare - either before your child is of school age, or after he or she finishes school for the day before you come home from work - then a nanny share might be you...
Why Consulting Might Work for You
Many working mums find it difficult to combine home and career, and wonder whether a part-time or working-from-home job might be the answer. Luckily, there is always consulting, where you offer your o...
Why I Prefer Nursery to Nanny: A Case Study
Gloria Wallace preferred sending her two young children to nursery, although a nanny would provide more one-to-one attention. Why? Because they learn to share, play well with others, and interact with...
Working as a Single Mum: A Case Study
Karen Beadle never thought she'd end up a single mum. But her son Matthew is now a happy, confident eight-year-old, Karen is running her own business, and things couldn't be better...
Working From Home: A Case Study
Delia Lloyd used to have a high-powered and stressful career. But working from home gives her more personal fulfilment, and it also means she has a lot more time to spend with her two children....
Working Mums and the New Lone Parents Scheme
The New Deal for Lone Parents is a government programme that can help people re-enter the workforce. It provides training and assistance, as well as help with childcare and transport costs....
Working Out a Work, Life, Kids Routine
For working mums, it's all about juggling. Make sure you get the balance right to avoid everything from crashing down, and set up a healthy work/life routine that will allow you not to lose sight of t...
Working Part of the Week Abroad: A Case Study
Ruth Webb was thrilled when she landed a teaching job at a university in Paris, even though it meant leaving her young daughter back home in London for part of the week......
Working Part-time: Case Study
Having a baby didn't change Anastassia Uspenskaya's working life all that much. She still works part-time running a ballet school with husband Andrei, and the two trade off childcare to look after Mar...
Working Term Time Only
Chris and Sara Miller found the ideal solution to achieve the perfect work/life balance when Chris started working term time only. He gets to spend more time with the kids, and her work doesn't suffer...