A recent US study showed that kids eating dinner with their families are less likely to smoke, drink and take drugs. The study by The National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse (CASA) at Columbia University showed that kids who ate five meals a week with their families are: 45 percent less likely to drink and 66 percent less likely to do drugs. More likely to get A's and B's in school. More likely to think their parents are proud of them.

I've lost myself in motherhood. It's been 4 and a half years since I had a career. In September my eldest starts school and my youngest starts preschool, more 'me' time is winging its way and I have no idea what to do with it. I've been willing this time to come and probably been wishing away moments with my kids which no doubt I'll regret not cherishing later. Now its here I feel like a rabbit in the headlights, paralysed with fear. I chose to be at home with my kids till they started school, but it's not been easy. I miss office banter, drinks after work (that occasionally got messy) and being able to eat my lunch and go to the toilet alone. Being a 'stay at home mum' definitely highlighted my need for adult interaction and I'm so thankful for my mummy friends who've helped keep me a float when I've been drowning in domesticity.

Mumzine girls Dixie and Bella are both off to primary school this September and it is creating a lot of mixed feelings for us both. Although it's amazing to Dixie grow and learn I can't help feeling a bit sad that my influence is going to be over taken by that of teachers and peers. It got me thinking about what I could do to prepare both of us for Dixie's big day.

Does your child having a temperature send you into a panic? Before you reach for the calpol read on, understanding the process of fever may help alleviate some of that anxiety. Fever is one of the immune systems way to neutralise a threat inside the body (bacterial or viral). A temperature is considered elevated when it is higher than 100 degrees F. Although, it can be uncomfortable, it is a protective response and enhances the body's defense mechanisms. At some point, most children develop high fevers with minor viral illnesses. While a fever signals that a battle might be going on in the body, the fever is fighting for the person, not against.