Grandparent (noun) - the father or mother of a person's father or mother. 

Nowadays, the meaning of grandparents can vary greatly from the Cambridge Dictionary definition of the word, maybe they are younger, older or not a “blood relative”. When it comes to grandparents, the focus has shifted from the traditional definition as a blood relative, to instead emphasise the relationship that a grandparent has with their grandchildren. For many modern families, it is this special relationship that makes a grandparent. Now more than ever, grandparents are much more than a biological connection, they are the parenting superheroes who are helping working families to survive and thrive in 2022.

How Grandparents are Helping Working Families to Survive and Thrive in 2022

The role of a grandparent has changed a lot over the years. As modern-day life becomes ever more hectic, grandparents are taking on more responsibilities when it comes to helping to care for their grandchildren. 

As any working parent will know, the recent pandemic has brought a whole host of additional challenges when it comes to family life, from financial struggles to self-isolation, childcare and declining mental health, the last few years have not been easy. In many cases, across the UK grandparents were the parenting heroes of lockdown and became an essential support for families, even if from a distance. For many working families, parents had to continue to work during the pandemic and it was often the job of grandparents to take on the responsibility of homeschooling - even if this had to be done through Zoom!

Despite the UK no longer being in lockdown, the relationship our children have forged with their grandparents remains stronger than ever and grandparents continue to be the parenting heroes helping working families to survive and thrive in 2022 and beyond.

Thank You, Grandparents, for being our Parenting Superheros

After what has been a challenging couple of years for us all, making sure grandparents feel valued for who they are and appreciated has never been more important. Even if you cannot be together to celebrate special occasions such as Birthdays and Christmas, personalised gifts which remind you and your grandparents of a special moment together or just that the family is still connected is a lovely way to celebrate together.

Although a present cannot really show how much a person means to you, a personal gift such as a family portrait is a lovely way to try. Whilst conventional grandparent gifts like jewellery and woolly socks are always good ideas, pictures can be a very special present and something which cannot be replaced. My family portraits of grandparents and their grandchildren are a lovely gift to show your grandparents your appreciation, particularly for grandparents who already have everything they need and can be difficult to buy for. Our children also grow up so quickly and a personalised portrait is a lovely way to encapsulate their childhood memories with their grandparents forever and is something that can be treasured by both grandparents and grandchildren for years to come.

Grandparents, the Parenting Superheros of 2022

If the last two years have taught me anything, it is the importance of being grateful for what you have got and not taking anything, or anyone, for granted. For many working families, grandparents really have been the parenting superheroes of the pandemic, a role they are likely to continue long into 2022 and beyond. If you would like to show your grandparents how much you appreciate their support, find out more about our personalised grandparent family portrait gifts here.

Deciding on your baby’s name can be completely overwhelming, particularly when there are thousands of possible names out there to choose from. The name you choose for your baby will shape their identity, so it is no wonder that you can feel a lot of pressure surrounding choosing your baby’s name. When it comes to choosing your baby’s name, there are several considerations you need to be aware of including your family name, current popular names and the meaning of potential names. Your baby’s name will form a powerful part of their identity, so these are my top tips for choosing a name for your baby.

Already decided on a name for your baby? Browse our range of bespoke illustrated names to decorate your nursery.

Important Considerations when Choosing Your Baby’s Name

5 quick considerations to check before deciding on your baby’s name:

1. How does the possible baby name sound alongside your surname? Keeping this in mind will help you to pick a baby name that fits your surname so that the whole name flows. For example, you may wish to avoid baby names that rhyme with your surname or are too similar.

2. Double-check what your baby’s potential initials would spell (if anything).

3. Contemplate whether you like names that can be shortened, such as Maggie from Margaret. If you opt for a baby name that can be shortened, it is likely to happen, even if you are not the one to call your child by the shortened name. Therefore, if you are not a fan of the shortened name, it might be best to avoid the name and look for another.

4. Avoid baby names that have negative connotations for you or your partner, for example, if someone you didn’t get on with at school had the same name.

5. If you already have children, to prevent confusion, avoid naming your baby something that is too similar to the names of your existing children e.g. Ava and Eva.

How to Choose Your Baby’s Name - Exploring Current Trends

When it comes to choosing your baby’s name, their name is a powerful expression of their identity. It is therefore worth exploring current trends when deciding on your baby’s name. Whether you want to opt for a popular name or would rather choose something more unique, either way, it is important to know what the popular names are currently.

The top five British baby names 2021 for girls are:

1. Olivia

2. Amelia

3. Isla

4. Ava

5. Mia

The top five British baby names 2021 for boys are:

1. Oliver

2. George

3. Noah

4. Arthur

5. Harry

The Power of a Name - Consider the Meaning of Your Baby’s Name 

If you are struggling to choose a name for your baby, try looking at the meaning of different baby names. Finding out the meaning behind the name can be a lovely way to find the perfect baby name. Your baby can take the meaning with them as they live their life and this can be a powerful reminder of what is important and what they are capable of. You can look up the meaning of different baby names here: http://meaning-of-names.com/  

Taking Inspiration from Your Family when Choosing Your Baby’s Name 

Another nice idea for finding inspiration for your baby’s name is to look at your family tree to see if there are any names that jump out at you. Naming your baby after a relative can give your little one a powerful sense of connection to their heritage. 

Alternatively, it can be nice to ask other family members for their ideas if you are struggling to settle on a baby name. But it is important to remember that your baby’s name is a decision for you as the parents, so don’t be swayed into choosing a name unless it is what you definitely want.

Waiting Until After the Birth to Choose Your Baby’s Name 

After your baby is born, you have 42 days to register the birth, which includes detailing your baby’s name (England, Wales and Northern Ireland). As a result of this, there is no pressure for you to decide on a name for your baby before their birth. If you are undecided you can wait until they are born and it is likely that you will think of something once you start to get to know your baby. Even if you have a name in mind, it might be worth waiting to announce the name until after the birth, so that you can see if they suit the name you have chosen.

The Power of Your Baby’s Name 

The name that you choose for your baby will form a powerful part of their identity. To help your baby to learn their name from a young age, consider decorating their nursery with a  bespoke illustration of their name. Having their name on display in their nursery will help your baby to become accustomed to and learn the shapes and letters that make up their name.

Shop illustrated baby names nursery decor.