Music to dance to
We love Louis Prima, The Original. It’s got a mad energy which exactly replicates the boisterousness of an excited child.
We love Lemon Jelly, particularly the first album, tracks three and four. We float to King Raam. Sometimes we fly.
We love the Beatles Love Album. Grace and I discuss this with an earnest passion. I like John. She likes Ringo. She’s immune to the pleasures of Come Together. She considers that Octopus’s Garden can’t be beaten. She finds something irresistibly funny about it when Ringo says: “He’d let us in. Knows where we’ve been.” ‘How would an octopus know where we’ve been?’ - she says that every time.
Movies for parents
We like Knocked Up. The funniest film about parenting ever. OK, the competition mainly involves Steve Martin, or that one with Tom Selleck.
We like Blue Cow (which isn’t a movie, although it’s usually epic in scope).
We like My Life as a Dog. We’ve watched that film more than any other. I’m still irresistibly amused by the foolish but kindly uncle, and his enthusiasm for “I’ve got a lovely bunch of coconuts.”
Baby Stuff
We like Salmon Luke baby feeding bowls. They’re for any parent who’s bored of babies spooning yoghurt onto the floor.
We favour Mountain Buggies. Click here if you want the full buggy rant…
Books
We love reading. The book that’s most inspired me is Impro by Keith Johnstone. It teaches you how to play. It’s not for any parent mainly concerned with getting their kids to pass exams. It’s essential for any parent who’s concerned that their kids should be outstanding at the job of being children. It’ll show you how to join in with them. Click here to see Impro
After you’ve spent a day of childcare, you’ll need something to soothe the mind, and lift the spirit. I recommend Patrick Neate, who shows you why modern Britain is funny, and The Life of Pi, which shows you how to wonder, and David Sedaris, who shows you how to laugh at your family. I’ve just finished Rachel Johnson’s Shire Hell which was even funnier than Notting Hell.
My daughters are passionate about The Poisonous Centipede, and anything by Lauren Child. Sadly though I can’t get them to read The Storybook Wolves. They explain that some things are just too scary.
Other Stuff
We like Hoegaarden beer.
We like Quiez ear plugs. Sometimes you’ve just got to shut it all out.
TheUnder5snetwork.co.uk This is a most charming website for parents, giving advice, ideas and funny stories. They’re currently focused on Norfolk but plan to expand.
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