A Twitter friend recommended a magazine to help me with my self-care, so I decided to see what’s out there. I went to my local supermarket and found three so I bought them and have given each a good read through. I thought I’d share what I think about them in the hope it helps someone to decide whether or not it’s for them.

Firstly, the one I was recommended: In The Moment.

Published by Immediate Media, I recognised the layout as being similar to my favourite crochet magazine, which they also publish. At first glance, it’s easy on the eye and a good balance between text and images. With articles ranging from addressing self-doubt to exercise for depression, and postive thinking to a how-to on macrame, this magazine has it all. It’s easy to read, yet powerful enough to help those who are struggling. With a free gift this month, a booklet on calm and focus, it’s worth the cover price of £5.99 per month for 114 pages. It is linked to the Calm Moment project which has its own website with lots of useful articles.

Secondly, I looked at Happiful.

At £4 a month for 90 pages it’s considerably cheaper than In The Moment. Also, all content is available free on their website, but you onbviously don’t get the free gifts that way. All previous editions are available to read online and you can sign up to receive the newest edition via email. With a vision board craft kit and articles on spoons, menopause and stories from people who have experience poor mental health, this is a very glossy and approachable magazine. It feels aimed at younger women, yet has articles for all ages. They also have a weekly podcast for those who like to listen.

Finally, I bought and read Breathe.

This feels like a very sophisticated magazine with beautifully drawn illustrations and informative articles. Looking at managing stress, poetry and stepping out of your comfort zone, I found this publication the most helpful of the three. I intend to cut out and keep some of the illustrations as they are just so beautiful, whilst referring to the information on the back. With five regular sections – wellbeing, living, mindfulness, creativity and escape – it covers everything I need.At £5.99 for 120 pages,  you get a little more for your money, though no free gifts (if that’s more your thing). There are only 9 issues a year, so not a monthly publication. They also produce Teen Breathe for young adults which may be of use to some of your teens.

So, I think you can tell which is my favourite, however I’m not sure 9 issues a year is enough for me. All three are great and well worth a read. Maybe visit their websites (below) to have a look and decide what’s for you. Obviously, with Happiful’s content being free to access online, it’s the option if you’re on a tight budget (which I am!). Let me know if you find any other titles worth buying. Comment below with your thoughts.

https://www.calmmoment.com/magazines/in-the-moment/

https://happiful.com/

https://www.breathemagazine.com/

I’m currently in my first year of three of a Masters degree in Inclusion and Special Educational Needs. My third year is focused on researching and writing a dissertation. I’ve chosen to do mine on adoption in schools. Think attachment disorder, NVR (Non-Violent Resistance), teacher training, support in schools, etc. I’m also considering doing a PhD (or EdD) if I am successful in this course, so would go into more detail along the same themes. Or try something new, who knows?

The last term of year two will be spent choosing a title and learning research skills. So, yes, I’m way ahead of myself and appear to be a swot (a friend’s word, not mine, though I may have to agree lol!).

Some problems I may come across include talking to children/parents/staff as I don’t currently teach. Having one child home educated and both with additional needs, my husband and I agreed that I would not return to work until Jay has finished Y11 (he’s currently in Y8).

So, I’m looking for ideas, inspiration, and also other problems I may encounter. I have many adoption and education links on Twitter so I’ll be tweeting this a few times to ask for help.

If you’re an adoptive parent, adoptee, teacher, academic, or anyone involved in adoption or education, what do you think needs investigating or needs to change? What works, what doesn’t? What do you live with day in, day out, that breaks your heart? Or, imagine I have a magic wand and could fix school for you or your child. What would it look like?

Please comment below or, if you’d prefer, complete the contact form (on the menu above) and it will be emailed to me.

Many, many, MANY thanks in advance.

As an adopter of two children with their own monsters, this book was not only heartwarming, but also heartbreaking, and highly informative. We’re nearly 11 years into our adoptive journey and there was still something I could learn from Cat. Alternating between stories of the Boy and his Monster and informative tips of how to look after yourself, your children and their monsters, Cat successfully reduced me to tears after only reading the first chapter.

I saw in the Boy my own little boy (not so little any more) and my heart broke. We’ve been where they are now and, with time and so much love (and self-care!!!) we’re moving forward and have almost said goodbye to his Monster.

Cat tells it how it is, there’s no sugar coating here. Yet there is an outpouring of love on every person in their family with humour thrown into the mix.

If you’re thinking of adoption, read this book. If you’re an adopter, read this book. If you’re a friend or family member of someone who is adopting/has adopted….you got it….read this book.

Who knows where this blog will go, but thank you for coming along on the ride with me.

“I write because I don’t know what I think until I read what I say” – Flannery O’Connor