Kirsty Ketley
@thekirstyketley.bsky.social
Early years and parenting specialist
Writer - theipaper.com, Metro.co.uk and throughout the press.
In the media - BBC Radio 2, 5Live, Kent and sometimes on the telly.
Mum of two. Wife of one.
Writer - theipaper.com, Metro.co.uk and throughout the press.
In the media - BBC Radio 2, 5Live, Kent and sometimes on the telly.
Mum of two. Wife of one.
Pinned
Kirsty Ketley | Substack
Parenting expert, freelance writer, and mum, sharing my articles on parenting topics that have gone uncommissioned.
substack.com
I’ve created a Substack to write the articles that I’ve pitched that haven’t been given the green light by editors. The rejects getting their time to shine! First article published tomorrow. Free to subscribe if you fancy a weekly dose of my opinions and thoughts!
substack.com/@confessions...
substack.com/@confessions...
I’ve created a Substack to write the articles that I’ve pitched that haven’t been given the green light by editors. The rejects getting their time to shine! First article published tomorrow. Free to subscribe if you fancy a weekly dose of my opinions and thoughts!
substack.com/@confessions...
substack.com/@confessions...
Kirsty Ketley | Substack
Parenting expert, freelance writer, and mum, sharing my articles on parenting topics that have gone uncommissioned.
substack.com
June 4, 2025 at 1:55 PM
I’ve created a Substack to write the articles that I’ve pitched that haven’t been given the green light by editors. The rejects getting their time to shine! First article published tomorrow. Free to subscribe if you fancy a weekly dose of my opinions and thoughts!
substack.com/@confessions...
substack.com/@confessions...
On my way to do the Vanessa show at 12.30pm. Tune in you can!
April 4, 2025 at 8:39 AM
On my way to do the Vanessa show at 12.30pm. Tune in you can!
Today is my first Mother's Day without my mum.
Grief isn't tied to a date. It lives with me always. But on days like this, it's a little louder.
Sending love to every heart that needs it today. ❤️
Grief isn't tied to a date. It lives with me always. But on days like this, it's a little louder.
Sending love to every heart that needs it today. ❤️
March 30, 2025 at 7:38 AM
Today is my first Mother's Day without my mum.
Grief isn't tied to a date. It lives with me always. But on days like this, it's a little louder.
Sending love to every heart that needs it today. ❤️
Grief isn't tied to a date. It lives with me always. But on days like this, it's a little louder.
Sending love to every heart that needs it today. ❤️
Is it April Fools? 🙄
How about Morrisons bans all mums from doing the food shop on Mother’s Day? Instead, we get to stay home, feet up, while someone else does the supermarket dash for the forgotten Yorkshire puddings. Now that would be a service worth shouting about…
metro.co.uk/2025/03/26/m...
How about Morrisons bans all mums from doing the food shop on Mother’s Day? Instead, we get to stay home, feet up, while someone else does the supermarket dash for the forgotten Yorkshire puddings. Now that would be a service worth shouting about…
metro.co.uk/2025/03/26/m...
Morrisons is making a major change to all supermarket checkouts this weekend
It's good news for mums.
metro.co.uk
March 27, 2025 at 10:33 AM
Is it April Fools? 🙄
How about Morrisons bans all mums from doing the food shop on Mother’s Day? Instead, we get to stay home, feet up, while someone else does the supermarket dash for the forgotten Yorkshire puddings. Now that would be a service worth shouting about…
metro.co.uk/2025/03/26/m...
How about Morrisons bans all mums from doing the food shop on Mother’s Day? Instead, we get to stay home, feet up, while someone else does the supermarket dash for the forgotten Yorkshire puddings. Now that would be a service worth shouting about…
metro.co.uk/2025/03/26/m...
The last place my 12year olds’ phone tracker picked up her location, was one of our local pubs! Assuming she was walking past and not trying to get served half a lager and black 🤷🏻♀️
March 23, 2025 at 3:25 PM
The last place my 12year olds’ phone tracker picked up her location, was one of our local pubs! Assuming she was walking past and not trying to get served half a lager and black 🤷🏻♀️
Sharing why I don’t pay my kids to do house chores in the @theipaper.com today.
inews.co.uk/opinion/no-c...
inews.co.uk/opinion/no-c...
No child should be paid for doing chores
Household chores are part of life, not opportunities for financial gain
inews.co.uk
March 23, 2025 at 9:45 AM
Sharing why I don’t pay my kids to do house chores in the @theipaper.com today.
inews.co.uk/opinion/no-c...
inews.co.uk/opinion/no-c...
Biggest accomplishment of my working week so far? Working with A (8) who has life limiting illnesses, which bring challenges, autism & ADHD & him (with little help) spending 2 hours completing a 200 piece puzzle He was so proud of himself 🥳 This kid is just amazing, the epitome of resilient. 💛
March 13, 2025 at 7:26 AM
Biggest accomplishment of my working week so far? Working with A (8) who has life limiting illnesses, which bring challenges, autism & ADHD & him (with little help) spending 2 hours completing a 200 piece puzzle He was so proud of himself 🥳 This kid is just amazing, the epitome of resilient. 💛
It’s heartbreaking when a lovely, bright, 8 year old child tells you that he is too “stupid and dumb” to go to school. He certainly is not, but the LA won’t give him the support he needs for his autism and ADHD & so he thinks it’s because he’s not good enough. 💔
March 11, 2025 at 9:56 AM
It’s heartbreaking when a lovely, bright, 8 year old child tells you that he is too “stupid and dumb” to go to school. He certainly is not, but the LA won’t give him the support he needs for his autism and ADHD & so he thinks it’s because he’s not good enough. 💔
My latest for @theipaper.com
Sharing why it’s good for kids to be unhappy sometimes and why saying “no” is a must!
inews.co.uk/opinion/im-n...
Sharing why it’s good for kids to be unhappy sometimes and why saying “no” is a must!
inews.co.uk/opinion/im-n...
I'm not afraid to upset my kids – it's good for them
There are rules to follow
inews.co.uk
March 10, 2025 at 6:42 PM
My latest for @theipaper.com
Sharing why it’s good for kids to be unhappy sometimes and why saying “no” is a must!
inews.co.uk/opinion/im-n...
Sharing why it’s good for kids to be unhappy sometimes and why saying “no” is a must!
inews.co.uk/opinion/im-n...
Found out today that @matthew-wright.bsky.social mentioned one of my @metro.co.uk articles on his @lbc.co.uk show yesterday, talking about screen time for kids. Shame I missed it live, as would have loved to ring in and speak about it!
metro.co.uk/2024/10/04/k...
metro.co.uk/2024/10/04/k...
My kids stopped asking for screen time after I made them complete 4 tasks
The days of proclaiming ‘I’m bored’ were no more.
metro.co.uk
March 10, 2025 at 6:22 PM
Found out today that @matthew-wright.bsky.social mentioned one of my @metro.co.uk articles on his @lbc.co.uk show yesterday, talking about screen time for kids. Shame I missed it live, as would have loved to ring in and speak about it!
metro.co.uk/2024/10/04/k...
metro.co.uk/2024/10/04/k...
Hiding at the back of Costa Coffee, while the 11 year old has a friend date with girls in her yr 7 tutor group. She went into the group without any friends, finally, she is making some 🥰
December 7, 2024 at 3:20 PM
Hiding at the back of Costa Coffee, while the 11 year old has a friend date with girls in her yr 7 tutor group. She went into the group without any friends, finally, she is making some 🥰
My 8 year old came home this week upset that his Year 3 peers were saying Santa wasn’t real 😢
I asked him to think about what he truly believed - could the other kids have got it wrong?
I told him that I still believe & after some thought, he told me he still did too.
And then I wrote this 👇🏻
I asked him to think about what he truly believed - could the other kids have got it wrong?
I told him that I still believe & after some thought, he told me he still did too.
And then I wrote this 👇🏻
December 7, 2024 at 8:34 AM
My 8 year old came home this week upset that his Year 3 peers were saying Santa wasn’t real 😢
I asked him to think about what he truly believed - could the other kids have got it wrong?
I told him that I still believe & after some thought, he told me he still did too.
And then I wrote this 👇🏻
I asked him to think about what he truly believed - could the other kids have got it wrong?
I told him that I still believe & after some thought, he told me he still did too.
And then I wrote this 👇🏻
My youngest turns 8 tomorrow! I always make homemade cakes. They are never perfect, but that’s the point, right?
If you’re interested; Chocolate sponge, with peanut butter frosting between layers, chocolate frosting on top, with peanut M&Ms, Reeses’s peanut butter cups and chocolate fingers.
If you’re interested; Chocolate sponge, with peanut butter frosting between layers, chocolate frosting on top, with peanut M&Ms, Reeses’s peanut butter cups and chocolate fingers.
November 29, 2024 at 7:59 PM
My youngest turns 8 tomorrow! I always make homemade cakes. They are never perfect, but that’s the point, right?
If you’re interested; Chocolate sponge, with peanut butter frosting between layers, chocolate frosting on top, with peanut M&Ms, Reeses’s peanut butter cups and chocolate fingers.
If you’re interested; Chocolate sponge, with peanut butter frosting between layers, chocolate frosting on top, with peanut M&Ms, Reeses’s peanut butter cups and chocolate fingers.
What’s the worst thing about Christmas when you have kids?
November 26, 2024 at 10:00 AM
What’s the worst thing about Christmas when you have kids?
Benefit of youngest child being born prematurely: The school Xmas fair has landed on his birthday this year, meaning I can’t spend an hour questioning my life choices - sorry, helping out! 🙌🏻
November 25, 2024 at 6:42 PM
Benefit of youngest child being born prematurely: The school Xmas fair has landed on his birthday this year, meaning I can’t spend an hour questioning my life choices - sorry, helping out! 🙌🏻
Asking my nearly 8yr old what he wants for his b’dy in 6 days:
“Some sweets would be nice!”
“Some sweets would be nice!”
a man in a suit and tie is eating m & ms
ALT: a man in a suit and tie is eating m & ms
media.tenor.com
November 24, 2024 at 11:04 AM
Asking my nearly 8yr old what he wants for his b’dy in 6 days:
“Some sweets would be nice!”
“Some sweets would be nice!”
My Yr 7 child was put in a tutor group with none of her friends from primary. She is struggling to befriend others in her tutor group due to them all already being mates & her shyness. I’ve suggested a hot choc meet up on a wkend & thankfully a few love that idea, so hopefully this helps her 🤞🏻🤞🏻
November 22, 2024 at 5:15 PM
My Yr 7 child was put in a tutor group with none of her friends from primary. She is struggling to befriend others in her tutor group due to them all already being mates & her shyness. I’ve suggested a hot choc meet up on a wkend & thankfully a few love that idea, so hopefully this helps her 🤞🏻🤞🏻
Is your child a snack monster? For a feature in Fabulous, I’m looking for a mum who admits her kids are snack monsters. she can't get out of the cycle because it’s too hard but also she just wants an easy life some days.
£250 for taking part - short interview, pics and readback.
Pls share 🙏🏻
£250 for taking part - short interview, pics and readback.
Pls share 🙏🏻
November 20, 2024 at 12:58 PM
Is your child a snack monster? For a feature in Fabulous, I’m looking for a mum who admits her kids are snack monsters. she can't get out of the cycle because it’s too hard but also she just wants an easy life some days.
£250 for taking part - short interview, pics and readback.
Pls share 🙏🏻
£250 for taking part - short interview, pics and readback.
Pls share 🙏🏻
This time last year, I shared a reel about the overwhelming correspondence from schools in Nov/Dec. Our PTFA chair, got the proper a**e, unfollowed & blanked me in the playground 🙈BUT it seems she’s taken on my advice of how to make it easier. 👇🏻 1 day, 1 list, 1 email 🙌🏻
November 19, 2024 at 10:28 AM
This time last year, I shared a reel about the overwhelming correspondence from schools in Nov/Dec. Our PTFA chair, got the proper a**e, unfollowed & blanked me in the playground 🙈BUT it seems she’s taken on my advice of how to make it easier. 👇🏻 1 day, 1 list, 1 email 🙌🏻
Boomtown Rats inspired Monday anthem:
“I don't like Mondays
(Tell me why)
I don't like Mondays
(Tell me why)
I don't like Mondays
I gotta sit through swimming lessons, ooh, so the smallest don’t drown!”
How’s your Monday?
“I don't like Mondays
(Tell me why)
I don't like Mondays
(Tell me why)
I don't like Mondays
I gotta sit through swimming lessons, ooh, so the smallest don’t drown!”
How’s your Monday?
November 18, 2024 at 4:26 PM
Boomtown Rats inspired Monday anthem:
“I don't like Mondays
(Tell me why)
I don't like Mondays
(Tell me why)
I don't like Mondays
I gotta sit through swimming lessons, ooh, so the smallest don’t drown!”
How’s your Monday?
“I don't like Mondays
(Tell me why)
I don't like Mondays
(Tell me why)
I don't like Mondays
I gotta sit through swimming lessons, ooh, so the smallest don’t drown!”
How’s your Monday?
World Prematurity Day.
They may be 11.5 yrs & almost 8yrs and the guilt and feelings of failure have subsided, but the experiences have had a profound lasting effect. 💜
They may be 11.5 yrs & almost 8yrs and the guilt and feelings of failure have subsided, but the experiences have had a profound lasting effect. 💜
November 17, 2024 at 9:36 AM
World Prematurity Day.
They may be 11.5 yrs & almost 8yrs and the guilt and feelings of failure have subsided, but the experiences have had a profound lasting effect. 💜
They may be 11.5 yrs & almost 8yrs and the guilt and feelings of failure have subsided, but the experiences have had a profound lasting effect. 💜
Sorry. Not sorry. Have just watched Elf with the biggest, because sometimes you’ve just got to put your favourite Christmas movie on and the world feels alright again.
November 16, 2024 at 5:54 PM
Sorry. Not sorry. Have just watched Elf with the biggest, because sometimes you’ve just got to put your favourite Christmas movie on and the world feels alright again.
Are you guilty of 'Phubbing' in front of your kids? Here's what's helped me decrease the habit ⬇️
www.kirstyketley.com/post/stop-th...
www.kirstyketley.com/post/stop-th...
Stop the scroll! - How to stop 'phubbing' in front of your kids
"Mummy! Get off your phone, I am trying to tell you something!" The words uttered by my eldest, Ella, who was then nearly 9 years. Let me tell you, there is nothing like your own child telling you off...
www.kirstyketley.com
November 7, 2023 at 9:30 AM
Are you guilty of 'Phubbing' in front of your kids? Here's what's helped me decrease the habit ⬇️
www.kirstyketley.com/post/stop-th...
www.kirstyketley.com/post/stop-th...
If you need some stocking filler inspiration, from babies - teens, I've put together 100 ideas 🌲🎁🌲
November 6, 2023 at 7:47 PM
If you need some stocking filler inspiration, from babies - teens, I've put together 100 ideas 🌲🎁🌲
A little Monday Motivation:
Being a parent can be tough. But just remember, that in your child's eyes, nobody does it better than you 🫶🏻
Being a parent can be tough. But just remember, that in your child's eyes, nobody does it better than you 🫶🏻
November 6, 2023 at 7:21 AM
A little Monday Motivation:
Being a parent can be tough. But just remember, that in your child's eyes, nobody does it better than you 🫶🏻
Being a parent can be tough. But just remember, that in your child's eyes, nobody does it better than you 🫶🏻