Family Life

Growing older does not automatically mean wanting a completely different way of life. For many people, the small things matter most: sitting in a favourite chair, sleeping in their own bed, knowing the neighbours and having familiar shops just around the corner. As more families consider how best to support ageing relatives, preserving those everyday comforts is becoming an increasingly important part of the decision.

This is one reason home-based care is gaining popularity across Britain. Rather than asking older adults to adapt to a new environment, it brings the support they...

Moving to Devon was the right call. The lifestyle, the coast, the pace of life, all of it. But if your parents stayed put in the South East, there often comes an evening when you find yourself at the kitchen table researching care homes in Brentwood for your mum, or looking into nursing homes in West Sussex for a relative on the coast, and feeling every one of those two hundred miles. Plenty of people across Exeter and Devon are in the same position: settled here, with parents who built their lives somewhere else.

Being the child who moved away comes with a particular mix of...

Ask most adults about their favourite childhood memories, and very few will immediately start listing the toys they received. Instead, they often recall adventures, family traditions, birthday parties, holidays, funny moments with friends, and the occasions that made them feel excited, included, or special.

Presents certainly have their place. The excitement of opening a gift can create wonderful moments of joy. Yet the memories that often stay with children for years are usually tied to experiences rather than possessions. Experiences engage emotions, relationships, imagination...

Stress is often thought of as an adult problem, but children can experience stress, too. School pressures, social challenges, family changes, and even busy schedules can all contribute to feelings of anxiety and overwhelm. While some stress is a normal part of growing up, prolonged or excessive stress can affect a child's emotional, physical, and behavioural wellbeing.

Understanding how stress can impact your child is the first step towards helping them manage it effectively. By recognising the signs early and providing the right support, parents can help their children build...