It's been a funny sort of week. The snow came and caused major disruption across much of the UK.
I recently heard a mother of two and magazine editor talking on the radio, describing how she and her husband couldn't get into work because of the bad weather and so they spent the day building snowmen and playing snowballs with their children instead. She was delighted to have been given permission to have a day off from the usual rigours of life.
I laughed when my 10-year-old son turned to me and my husband on Monday night and asked if he could go outside in the dark to play in the snow, throwing in the great line that 'I might not get the chance again', since we don't seem to have had a lot of snowy winters during his childhood. You have to admire that determination, and he ended up making a pretty impressive snowman, much to the delight of my two young daughters who watched from the comfort of the dining room window!
In a week when the issue of how we raise our children and whether or not they are happy has been in the spotlight, as it often seems to be, it's good to hear of kids enjoying themselves with the simplest of pleasures - playing in the snow. It's also good to hear about fun things for the kids to do that don't leave a heavy dent in your purse!
Here at Parentline Plus we are in the process of putting together some tips for families to help them cope with the recession, as it's tough enough bringing up a family without the added strains of a squeeze on your household finances.
Anyone wanting help and support on this or any other parenting-related issue in the meantime is welcome to call our free confidential, 24 hour Parentline 0808 800 2222.