About me
I’m Lauren, a wife, mummy and former Deputy Headteacher. I’ve been lucky enough to be able to be at home with my three children since my eldest son was born nine years ago. It is this experience that led me to create Busy Brains Activity Packs, which launched at the end of 2019.
The Juggle I Think Many Parents Can Relate to...
After returning to work following my first maternity leave, I began to realise just how difficult juggling being a mummy and a full-time teacher was going to be. I adored my work but, like many working parents, I felt uneasy that my dedication to the job and long hours meant I wasn't able to give my daughter enough of my attention. Despite this, I continued to juggle the demands of my work and motherhood for a couple of years until my second child was born.
The Moment Everything Changed
Soon after his birth, we learned that my son had been born with a condition called Microtia and Atresia, resulting in severe hearing loss.
In the beginning, we were unsure how his hearing loss would affect his development and were warned that he might not be able to develop spoken language at all. As a family, we started learning sign language. I was determined that I would use my knowledge and skills as a teacher to help him as much as I could. So, with a mixture of sadness and excitement, I decided to take some time away from the classroom, and I threw myself into life as a stay-at-home mum.
Discovering the Power of Play
Being at home had its own challenges of course. Going from a busy work environment surrounded by people, to suddenly being alone with the kids all day took some getting used to but we soon found our rhythm. Still thinking very much like a teacher, we got into a routine of baby classes, playdates and activities at home. It was equally hard (if not harder!) work, but the benefit to my children soon became apparent. As my son started to talk, his vocabulary grew and grew, and we soon realised that he was coping just fine with his hearing loss. In fact, both of the children were making huge progress.
My Family's Experience Sparked An Idea
At weekends, when my husband was home from work, he would offer to do something with the children so I could have a few minutes to myself. He is an amazing daddy and loves to play with the children, but would be the first to admit that he sometimes struggles to think of what to do with them. Not wanting to switch on screens to entertain them, I'd help him find things to do, but in doing so, I often forfeited my child-free moments!
After he'd spent time setting up games that they had little interest in, he was the one who noticed how the children were more interested in the play I set up because I was choosing things that were developmentally appropriate for them. I was naturally using my knowledge and understanding of how children learn, my background in teaching and my love of learning, to create activities that sustained their attention and were fun. ​
Busy Brains Activity Packs Was Born
​So the idea of creating a resource to support parents was born!
I spent the next two years researching and writing to ensure every pack contained enough ideas and information to arm parents with the skills, confidence and inspiration they would need to create fun, playful moments at home for themselves. I wanted to do more than simply share play ideas to replicate, I wanted to explain why or how each one is beneficial as I believe this is the key to creating playful moments that are ideally suited to your child. My aim has always been to help parents, like my husband, gain the understanding of how children learn so they can use my ideas as a starting point and then adapt them to help, support and nurture their individual children.
Designed for Real Families
​​​​I wanted to make the cards accessible to as many people as possible, whether you're a parent, grandparent, childminder, babysitter or teacher looking for inspiration. So the activities don't require families to buy expensive new toys or lots of additional items. I was conscious of the fact that some parents have time to prepare activities in advance, whilst others want something that they can pick up and do on the go - so I included a mix of both.
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I also wanted to make sure there was a range of different types of play in every pack (creative, physical, musical, literacy, numeracy, social and scientific) ​to ensure that all areas of the brain were stimulated and the activities link to the Early Years Curriculum. I've poured all of my knowledge and experience into the creation of the cards so you are free to enjoy your play knowing your child is learning AND having fun!
Every Busy Brains Activity Packs set is:
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Suitable for busy families
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Made using everyday household items
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Affordable
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Linked to the Early Years Curriculum
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Full of activities across literacy, maths, science, creativity, physical play, music and social development
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Easy to pick up and use in minutes​
What Parents Say...
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"Absolutely amazing! I've been using since my baby was born, my third pack arrived this week (6-9 months) and I love it! You can get lots of ideas on social media for free but I find it so helpful having a reliable batch ready to go. I keep them on my fridge for easy access ideas, and love the explanations, really helps us learn and understand his development." Heather
"These are soooo useful for us busy mums, trying to juggle working and parenting, they mean I can do quality activities without the stress of thinking what to do, thank you so much!" Charlotte
"I bought the full pack from 0 to 5 years and I've started using some of the cards to implement activities. It's fun and helps you keep track of your baby's development and helps you help them achieving their milestones! We love the product." Sandy
Thank You
Thank you so much for taking the time to read my story. I truly hope Busy Brains Activity Packs help make playtime simpler, more enjoyable and more meaningful for your family.
If you've enjoyed using the packs, I'd love to hear from you. Please leave a review or email me at contact@busybrainsactivitypacks.co.uk
