Family Life

How to Encourage Independence Safely at Every Age

Parenting is the only job where the ultimate aim is to be made redundant. You spend years holding a child close, only to spend the next decade slowly loosening your grip. The objective is to raise an adult who can stand on their own two feet, make sensible decisions, and function without you hovering over their shoulder. However, handing over the reins is rarely straightforward. It requires patience , nerve, and a scaffolded approach that respects the child’s current capabilities rather than just their age.

Start Small in the Early Years

Autonomy starts long before a child asks...

Exeter Children’s Venue Alibi and St Thomas Library join forces to create a story wonderland during half-term

Free drop-in event celebrates National Year of Reading with week-long programme of stories, crafts, and creativity

Families across Exeter and the wider region are invited to step into a wonderland of free creative activities for children this February half-term.

Children’s venue Alibi are teaming up with St Thomas Library to present The Story Box (16-21 February) celebrating the 2026 National Year of Reading.

Emmanuel Hall, home of both Alibi and St Thomas Library, will transform into a giant library filled with cosy reading corners, creative play spaces, and a welcoming...

Devon welcomes Government drive to raise profile of fostering

Authored by News Desk
Posted: Thu, 02/05/2026 - 10:29pm

The Government’s announcement to recruit 10,000 new foster carers by 2029 has been welcomed by Devon County Council.

The plans, backed with £88 million over the next two years, are part of a government drive to provide more loving homes to vulnerable children while improving support for foster carers and tackling the shortage of carers.

Declining numbers of fostering households is a national issue, and in Devon the number of approved fostering households has fallen by a third since 2020.

Devon County Council committed a £2million investment to its fostering...

Coping Strategies for Families of Alcoholics

Authored by Val Watson
Posted: Thu, 01/15/2026 - 7:32am

It’s fair to say that alcoholism doesn’t just affect the person that is living with it. While they are, of course, the primary concern and they’re the one that needs help to get their life back on track, it can be a challenging period of time for friends, colleagues and family alike.

For family members in particular seeing a loved one go through addiction can be tough, and it’s important to ensure they get the alcohol help they need. For you, as a family member, it’s also valuable to find methods and strategies to look after yourself and the rest of the family too. So here are...

How to protect your familial inheritance without losing its value

Authored by Val Watson
Posted: Thu, 10/16/2025 - 9:50am

Preserving the value of a familial inheritance needs great planning and strategic decision-making. With inheritance tax receipts reaching record levels and estates becoming more complex to manage, protecting your family's wealth demands a proactive approach.

Understanding Probate Loans

The probate process can create some financial pressure for beneficiaries and executors. During this period, assets remain locked within the estate whilst essential expenses continue to mount. Probate loans provide crucial access to funds before probate completes , allowing families to...

How to Protect Your Finances When a Marriage Ends

Authored by Ellie Green
Posted: Thu, 08/07/2025 - 11:31am

Divorce and finances go hand in hand—and while divorce is never easy, protecting your money during the process is not only sensible, it’s essential. Whether you're anticipating a separation or in the thick of it, financial decisions made now can affect your long-term wellbeing.

From property and pensions to debt and day-to-day expenses, the choices you make early on can shape your future security. For many people, seeking the support of specialist divorce and finances solicitors ensures nothing is overlooked. In this article, we’ll walk through the steps to protect your finances...

Free family fun returns to Exeter Quay

Families can enjoy a summer of free activities down by Exeter’s waterside.

Running every Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday during the school holidays, the Transit Shed and Piazza will be hosting creative and hands-on activities for all ages.

Once again, Summer at the Quay has been organised by Exeter Canal and Quay Trust, bringing free holiday fun to the quayside.

No booking is needed, just drop in and enjoy activities ranging from wool weaving and boat building to circus skills, puppetry and music making.

Highlights include Prom Prom’s Free Quay Fridays,...

Babies learning to swim in Devon before they can walk and it's saving lives

Authored by WaterBabies
Posted: Thu, 07/24/2025 - 6:51am

As the summer sun shines across Devon, families are heading outside to enjoy paddling pools, beach trips, and time by the water. But for children under five — the age group most at risk of accidental drowning — this season also brings hidden dangers.

According to the Royal Life Saving Society UK, one child drowns at home every month in England, with toddlers and preschoolers most at risk. These sobering statistics are a powerful reminder that water safety isn’t just a summer issue but it’s one that comes sharply into focus during the warmer months.

Swimming lessons aren’t...

Libraries across Devon celebrate the Summer Book Quest with special events

Children across Devon can join The Summer Book Quest for free at their local library from 12th July. The brand new Quest has been created by Libraries Unlimited, the charity commissioned to run the libraries in Devon and Torbay. It offers a refreshing change to the usual reading challenge with children encouraged to participate by doing a variety of activities along the theme of "Deep Sea Adventure".

Activities include drawing a sea creature (real or imagined), trying a water activity like swimming or rock pooling, and telling a member of staff an underwater fact. To promote...

Why Owning a Dog Brings Joy to Families

Authored by Liv Butler
Posted: Sun, 06/15/2025 - 9:24am

Bringing a dog into your home is more than just getting a pet - it's inviting in companionship, laughter and a little everyday magic. For families, dogs quickly become part of the rhythm of daily life, offering not just wagging tails but warmth, connection and countless moments worth remembering.

From energetic puppies who turn every corner of the house into an adventure to wise older dogs who provide quiet comfort, the presence of a dog adds a special layer to family life. They help us slow down, stay active and see the world through more curious, joyful eyes. In return, we...

March for Children: Families oppose the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill

Families unite to oppose the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill

Standing up for our children: Families march against dangerous education bill #MarchForChildren

On Sunday 18th May, the March for Children brought together families, educators, campaigners, and allies from all walks of life in a powerful show of unity. Starting in Whitehall and moving through Trafalgar Square and along the Embankment, the march ended in Parliament Square with heartfelt speeches and a shared commitment to protecting children's rights. The crowd was diverse—home educating parents, children, SEND advocates, faith leaders, and children's rights campaigners—all standing...

Ida Hotel and Restaurant, Icmeler, Türkiye
your pets daily logo
Home Education Daily logo
Food and Drink Daily logo in red, white and black
your beauty daily logo with heart

Top video

Selco Builders Warehouse | England Rugby star Jack Nowell visits Exeter Saracens junior teams

England ace Jack delivers tips to Saracens

Exeter Weather