All Mum Said

Telling it like it is...

Archives for January 2015

Hunter Valley Gardens Christmas Lights Spectacular + Giveaway

By 15 Comments

In our family there are a few traditions that we never miss. Since moving from central Queensland to the Hunter Valley just shy of 5 years ago, we have without fail been to the Hunter Valley Gardens Christmas Lights Spectacular every year. We look forward to seeing how they have expanded and increased their displays and every Christmas we are far from disappointed.

This year was the best yet, besides the fact it started pouring rain while we were halfway through. A little rain wasn’t going to stop us enjoying the night though. If you haven’t been before you need to add it to your To-Do list or try and win yourself a family pass below.

There was really something for everyone this year at the Hunter Valley Gardens Christmas Lights Spectacular. The fairytale section showcasing the castle, princess and noble steed was one of my absolute favourites. It was magical and simply stunning.

I love Ferris wheels and had it not been pouring rain I would have taken my kids on it to get an aerial view of the gardens. They were so excited when they saw it as they have never been on one before. Can only imagine how beautiful it would look from that high up.

My sister and brother-in-law  also joined us this year to view the Hunter Valley Gardens Christmas Lights Spectacular and their favourite part was the 12 days of Christmas segment. It is fun, colourful and everything merry.

We enjoyed some quality family time and of course some hot sugary churros (like we do every year) and as usual we were not disappointed. They were so delicious!

There was beauty to be found in every corner of the gardens. Everywhere you looked there was something else that you had to see. From the Storybook Garden to Candyland and everything in between you will be delighted and amazed.

Seeing the Hunter Valley Gardens Christmas Lights Spectacular is a wonderful tradition that can be continued regardless how big or small your family is. You can go alone or with a friend. Just make sure you see them at least once.

Tickets can be purchased and more information can be found on the Hunter Valley Gardens website.

We have also experienced the Mega Bugs which are also on show right now and these family passes can be used to enjoy both of these amazing events at once!! Read more about our Mega Bugs experience.

2 PRIZES UP FOR GRABS!

Each prize contains: 1x Family Pass (2 Adults & 2 Children) to the Hunter Valley Gardens Christmas Lights Spectacular/Mega Bugs. Valid until 26 Jan 2015.

GIVEAWAY CLOSED!! Winners are: Kara N & Angela F.

 **As the winners are chosen based on skill and not chance; you will be sharing for 0 extra entries however I’d love you to share the giveaway with friends and family. Sharing is caring and karma loves kind people. **

a Rafflecopter giveaway

If you want to enter more giveaways click over here.

Disclosure: I received 1x family pass for the purpose of this review. All opinions are my own.

5 Toilet Training Tips for Boys

By 2 Comments

I have been told that toilet training boys is a completely different ball game to teaching girls. While I cannot comment on the accuracy of this statement, yet anyway. I do know that after teaching two boys how to use the toilet there were a few things that worked a treat for us and without these tips they would have been in nappies a lot longer. I hope these 5 tips help you and your son make the transition to independent toileting an easy one.

  Toilet Training Tips for Boys

1. BE PATIENT
This is one of the most stressful things for parents because we know how easy it is to do. Unfortunately children don’t until they learn how. Be patient with them. Children are ready at different ages so just because your first child or your friends child was toilet trained by a certain age doesn’t mean they all will. If they aren’t ready give them a few more months and try again. It’s ok if they don’t pick it up straight away. They will have accidents and you will get frustrated but they are trying.

2. BE CONSISTANT
Ask them every 20-30 minutes if they need to go and do a wee/poo. Yes it fills your day and it is very repetitive but that is how they learn. Consistent reminders are the key!

3. MAKE IT FUN
    1. Drop a ping pong ball into the toilet as a target for them to wee on. It makes it enjoyable for them and there is less chance they will wee all over the floor.
   2. Colour changing water. You can do this by adding a couple of drops of blue food colouring into the water or the blue cistern block used when you clean a toilet so when they wee the water *magically* turns green! This simple trick did wonders for the boys when they were toilet training.

4. BRIBE
Bribe your arse off! Give them stickers, stamps, match box cars, whatever they love – give it to them! We purchased a bulk amount of matchbox and hot wheel cars and stashed them in the cupboard so every time they successfully went to the toilet they got to pick a prize from the box. It’s a win – win!!

5. PRAISE
This goes without saying but even as adults we crave praise so it’s only natural children are going to want it. If they have gone to the toilet or have told you they need to go before weeing on the floor PRAISE THEM. If they know how proud you are and how excited it makes you they will want to continue to impress you.

*In addition to these main 5 tips I also want to share these:
1. Encourage good hygiene from day one by washing their hands with soap. I have also written Tips to Teach Kids Personal Hygiene which you may find to be handy.
2. Invest in toilet wipes that are flushable. It makes clean up easier for both them and you.

Do you have any must know toilet training tips for boys? Share them below.

Top Posts & Pages