Life has a funny way of presenting you with a free weekend just when you least expect it. Maybe you’ve had a cancellation, maybe wanderlust has simply got the better of you, either way, you’re now seriously considering booking a cruise with barely any notice. And honestly? That’s not as mad as it sounds

The BBC is casting children aged 5–8 who are finding it hard to make friends for new BBC One/iPlayer series Will You Be My Friend? Apply at bemyfriend.tv.

Fumo Manchester is hosting an exclusive Supper Club celebrating the flavours of Puglia — all in support of Maggie’s, the charity providing vital cancer support. Guests will enjoy a curated four‑course menu, wine pairings and an intimate dining experience, with all profits donated to help families facing cancer.

Millennials and Gen Z are reshaping the conversation around marriage by embracing pre‑nups as a practical tool rather than a taboo. Armed with better financial literacy, greater access to information, and a realistic understanding of modern relationships, younger couples are approaching marriage with both romance and long‑term planning in mind. For many, a pre‑nup isn’t about mistrust — it’s about mutual respect, transparency, and protecting the lives they’ve built before saying “I do.”

New research from the ICO shows 75% of parents worry their children aren’t making safe choices online, yet many rarely talk about online privacy at home. A new campaign is now encouraging families to treat digital privacy as an essential life skill, just like road safety or stranger danger.

In this edition of Auntie Cath Cooks, Catherine Tyldesley shares two fresh, flavour-packed recipes perfect for busy family life — a chilled honey chicken poke bowl and a hot soy beef poke bowl. Simple, satisfying and full of goodness, they’re ideal for an easy lunch or midweek dinner.

A stay at Märchenhotel Braunwald feels like stepping into a fairytale, with snowy mountain views, family-friendly touches, and plenty to keep little ones entertained. In this BROOD travel review, Lolo Stubbs shares why this Swiss hotel is a magical choice for a relaxing family escape.

Working mothers often carry an invisible mental and emotional load long after the day appears to be done. In this powerful piece, Sarie Taylor explores the “stress hangover” — the exhaustion, anxiety and overwhelm that can surface once the crisis has passed — and offers a compassionate reframe for why it happens and what it really means.

The clocks have gone forward, the evenings are lighter, and for many parents that means one thing — sleep routines suddenly feel harder. In this expert column, Amanda shares why the seasonal light change can affect babies and toddlers, plus practical tips to help your child settle well, sleep longer, and wake less.

The Women of the Year Awards are back for 2026, with nominations now open to celebrate exceptional women making an impact across the UK. From business and leadership to community and motherhood, this is a timely reminder to recognise the women whose work deserves to be seen.

Endometriosis isn’t “just a bad period”. It’s a chronic condition where tissue similar to the lining of the womb grows in places it shouldn’t (often around the pelvis, but it can show up elsewhere too)

March always sounds like a fresh start. Lighter evenings. A hint of spring. That little voice saying, “Right, this is the month I get my life together.”
But if you’re a working parent, you already know how that usually goes.

When Families Fall Out explores what the recent Beckham headlines can teach us about family rupture, repair and the role mediation can play when relationships feel strained. With insight from JMW Solicitors’ family law team and child anxiety therapist Saskia Joss, it looks at why disconnection happens, how to name it, and what practical support can help families move forward with more understanding and kindness.

Relationship expert Sally Land highlights the hidden toll that high-conflict separations can take on children — and how often schools end up caught in the crossfire. Citing research from The Parents Promise, she notes that teachers are regularly seeing the fallout in real time: slipping grades, increased absence, withdrawal, behavioural issues and worsening mental health.

Building a brand as a working parent looks great on paper — flexible hours, doing something you love, creating a life that fits around family. But the reality is often messier. You’re juggling school runs and deadlines, client work and packed lunches, confidence wobbles and cash flow worries… and somehow you’re expected to show up online like you’ve got it all under control.

I hate admitting that because I value play so deeply, especially in those precious early years. It’s how our children learn, explore, imagine and build confidence. But as a mum trying to keep a household running and a business growing, it’s not always easy to appreciate those moments.

Rachaele Hambleton, aka Part Time Working Mummy, is an inspirational mum of six. The incredible 43-year-old is a Sunday Times Bestselling Author—four times over—founder of The Patchwork House, a support and guidance service for vulnerable individuals and families, and she’s also a successful entrepreneur, which includes her own clothing brand REBL.

At BROOD, we’re always drawn to stories that celebrate not just professional triumphs, but the heart and humanity behind them. Someone who embodies this spirit perfectly is Chris Billam-Smith—a world-class athlete
whose grit in the ring is matched only by his devotion to his family.