
Justin is a London based dad of three. As well as being a content creator, he's also interested in all things tech, law, software engineering, and photography related, and likes to cycle in his free time.

Through his content, Justin aims to show the true reality of personal parenting alongside fun activity recommendations to do as a family. He focuses a lot on sustainability as his family tries to live in an environmentally conscious way.

Follow him [on Instagram](https://instagram.com/alldadstalk).


Justin


A SOUTHBANK INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL review. (written in partnership with Southbank International School)

I recently read a very interesting article about state funded schools adapting too slowly to the realities of the world, the conclusion being that the curriculum has had too little-a-change from the initial design which, as its main aim, was supposed to get students ready for, and coping with, a factory environment. With no factories in sight for quite some time now, that education system is rendered mostly inapt. “Web 3.0” is in the works, social media is encompassing every aspect of work and home life, there is continuing progress in gender equalities at board levels and more and more people are demanding flex-work. We have never felt more the need of a better suited education model to get today’s students ready for today’s realities.

![south-bank-international](https://res.cloudinary.com/dpgowkqsr/image/upload/v1611946281/Picture4_81e9df1f8b.jpg)

Since we started looking at schools for our son who is now four, I set out to identify one to reassure me that it’s implementing a system that works around the child’s individualism inasmuch as it attempts to prepare him to adapt to an ever-evolving society. We’re pretty lucky to be in London, and this is by all means a city of choice. After a long research on schools, I’m thrilled to be able to share my review on possibly the finest school program we’ve seen: Southbank International School(link).

It’s been a while since we started looking into schooling options for Lucas. Last week we’ve visited Southbank Kensington which ticked most of our boxes. I have also managed to get an insightful interview with Siobhan McGrath who is working at the Southbank International School as Executive Principal.

WHICH ARE THE TOP 3 SCHOOL VALUES?

Southbank International School is committed to academic excellence, a liberal ethos and the values of the International Baccalaureate.

WHAT IS THE SCHOOL’S PRIMARY FOCUS IN RESPECT OF ACADEMIC DELIVERY?

Our primary focus is for our students to enjoy learning. They are exposed to a very broad curriculum that offers challenge, fosters critical thinking, encourages questioning and allows them to pursue their own areas of interest. Our students are encouraged from the beginning to develop independent learning habits and to be able to self-regulate. As they graduate on to university and then work, the skillset they have developed makes it much easier for them to do well than students who have been spoon fed.

![south-bank-international](https://res.cloudinary.com/dpgowkqsr/image/upload/v1611946280/Picture1_7e04f7a0f2.jpg)

PARENTS LOOK FORWARD TO THEIR CHILDREN’S SCHOOL BUILDING MORAL VALUES IN ADDITION TO SIMPLY PROVIDING EDUCATION. HOW INVOLVED CAN PARENTS BE AND HOW IS THE SCHOOL SUPPORTING THEIR BUSY LIFESTYLE?

All three schools have a very active PTA who organize events for children, staff and other parents. As we have a multi-national parent/student body, parents can often also feel unsettled when they move to London. New families are put in touch with buddies – other parents with the same nationality if possible – before they actually join the school to help them settle. There are many social events/clubs for parents such as coffee mornings, and there is also a London exploration Society led by one of our teachers where they are able to explore places of interest in London.Close links are established between home and school in relation to student learning, especially in the primary schools.

HOW ARE PUPILS ASSESSED?

The most important thing we do in the classroom is to conduct ongoing assessment. We find out where are students are in their learning and move them on from that point. All good teachers do this, but it is especially relevant in an international school where children arrive from all different types of schools and in different stages of their learning. In Primary Years, students’ progress is assessed by their teachers as they go alongand by the use of pre-assessments to find out what they already know. The curriculum is then adapted based on their prior knowledge. Parents are informed of progress regularly via parent/teacher conferences, student conferences and termly reports. There are also summative assessments to evaluate student learnings at the end of each unit of inquiry.

In Middle Years, students have end of year exams.

In the Diploma Programme pupils have full school reports, parent teacher conferences, interim grades and mock exam results in Grade 12.

HOW IS TECHNOLOGY USED TO ENHANCING THE LEARNING PROCESS?

In Primary Years all students are given iPads or laptops depending on age and in Middle and Diploma Years all students are given laptops. We use Google Apps for education and Google drive for collaborative working. We use aprogramme called SeeSaw in Early Childhood to keep parents informed on their child’progress. We also have 3D printers andlasercut printers which are used for design.

ARE NON-ACADEMIC ENGAGEMENTS AND ACHIEVEMENTS ENCOURAGED AND SUPPORTED?

Yes, we very much encourage and support non-academic engagements. Extra-Curricular activities are very much part of the IB programme and especially encouraged in the Diploma Years where pupils have to take CAS (CommunityAction, Service)in order to complete the programme.

WHAT MAKES SOUTHBANK INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL’S SYSTEM THE BETTER CHOICE FOR LONDON PARENTS WHO ARE CONSIDERING PRIVATE EDUCATION?

We offer the IB curriculum at Southbank, a system for those who want to give their children the best possible start in life, both academically and personally. It is a curriculum that encourages its students to do more than blindly accept what is put in front of them. It nurtures within its students their natural capacity to question, to inquire, to be inquisitive and to think independently, critically and creatively.

At Southbank, we teach children more than how to simply pass an exam. We give students the skills to answer life’s questions, not just those written on an examination paper for them to forget about upon leaving the examination hall. We are focused on high academic attainment while also having a truly holistic approach to learning.

The IB is also the perfect solution to many difficulties faced by the many International families in London. Having been originally established as a direct response to what is often a severe lack of flexibility in varying school systems around the world, the IB is now recognised in more than 100 countries around the world.

Unlike a lot of UK based systems, the IB does not focus on one single world view or history within its subjects, but is instead much more globally minded, thus creating more globally rounded and internationally minded students.

![south-bank-international](https://res.cloudinary.com/dpgowkqsr/image/upload/v1611946280/Picture3_9f0007ffe3.jpg)

I should have also mentioned that I’ve pretty much been in school my entire life, including when we had Lucas four years ago as I was about to finalize my Legal Practice Course. This educational process was longer for me not because I was undecided about which path to take, but because I began my educational journey within a rather strict system which didn’t offer much guidance as to options I could consider at key points in time.

I remember vividly the day I arrived at my boarding school, the smile on my parents’ faces in that contrasting sheer discipline air that emanated from every brick in the surrounding fence. Designed to instill leadership qualities into every pupil and reward high-achievers alone, it was very much different from my earlier experience of education into a state funded school. At that point in my life I knew the importance of finding for my children a school to deliver the best of both my pre-and-post boarding experiences.

On the other hand, Southbank International seems to be a different type of school which nurtures children’s early interests and curiosity by making London its classroom. Children are exposed to a healthy variety of city events and historical places, from galleries, museums and landmarks. The school itself is very different, no uniform, and children are able to move freely inside their classrooms.

There are three campuses in the heart of London attended by more than 700 students aged from 3 to 19. Southbank Kensington, the one we’ve seen, is aimed for 3–11-year-olds, within walking distance to Notting Hill Gate tube station and the very first school in the UK authorised to offer all three International Baccalaureate program. At one point during our site visit at Southbank Kensington, we entered one of the classrooms where there was written: ‘Learning another language is like becoming another person’, Haruki Murakami. Rather appropriate considering there’s also 70 nationalities attending and staff members who have already lived and worked overseas.

[Here](https://southbank.org)’s more on what the school program has to offer.


I recently read a very interesting article about state funded schools adapting...

Today’s education, tomorrow’s fine generation


What I have learnt from my first born experience is that you don’t need thousands of baby products to survive a trip to the playground, but if you don’t tick everything on the very essentials list, well, you’re in trouble. A clever changing bag is one of those mandatory essentials organiser which could make parents’ life much easier.

A while ago someone from the lovely Pacapod team wrote to me asking if I was willing to review a changing bag for dads. I was intrigued as it has been marketed as the only baby bag that brings together three bags which function as one – ‘a changer bag, cool bag and a beautiful handbag’.

![paca-pod-changing-bag](https://res.cloudinary.com/dpgowkqsr/image/upload/v1611946222/IMG_6177_dcbc9c0060.jpg)

But let’s see if that’s the case.

I’ve chosen the sleek Gladstone bag which you can easily see in photos below (a rather rainy winter day well spent running around the maze gardens of the Ham House in Richmond).

![paca-pod-changing-bag](https://res.cloudinary.com/dpgowkqsr/image/upload/v1611946226/IMG_6761_81da1e9e56.jpg)

The bag comes with a Feeder Pod meant to keep food and bottles insulated, which we don’t make much use of, not because it’s not a great feature, but because we’re not using any bottles for the baby. Yet. Then, here comes the Changer Pod which is so cleverly designed to help you out in those change-the-nappy-NOW emergencies. The changer pod is also great for changing rooms when dining out for example, as you have everything in one place without having to check five pockets for the nappy cream.

Keeping the two hygienically apart is one of the best features I find great about the PacaPod.

![paca-pod-changing-bag](https://res.cloudinary.com/dpgowkqsr/image/upload/v1611946221/IMG_6163_b4031e4418.jpg)

As soon as the pods are removed you would be amazed to see how much space you’re left with so you can use the bag on its own. When Aly @allmumstalk doesn’t borrow it (or forgets to return it for days), I am taking it to the office as my laptop fits in perfectly. However, despite being a brilliant changing bag, I must add that this bag of mine had already been on at least 10 flights in the three months and it makes THE BEST TRAVEL BAG for a dad.

I’ve noticed that being more organised while having all essentials in place means I’m faster at executing the emergency baby jobs (any new parent knows changing and feeding are just a few tasks among the many others so one must be prepared).

![paca-pod-changing-bag](https://res.cloudinary.com/dpgowkqsr/image/upload/v1611946222/IMG_6760_bdc3e99609.jpg)

In a nutshell, this is the bag all dads would appreciate for its cleverness and versatility.

![paca-pod-changing-bag](https://res.cloudinary.com/dpgowkqsr/image/upload/v1611944525/3_C895_DB_7_55_C9_43_E9_8_BC_6_A73_D1_B3_EA_690_5a83961b3c.jpg)

The Pacapod bag has been gifted, all opinions are mine. After extended research in the bags for dads area and comparing it to a couple I have previously owned, I must say this one is a keeper.


What I have learnt from my first born experience is that you don’t need thousands of...

Dads with bags - PacaPod


It’s been 11 years since Aly and I were both dreamy students with lots of plans and no clue about how far we’d get together. We didn’t even think about co-sleeping dramas, teething, grumpy babies, mushy pea stains, witty poo talks or nursing pads. Neddless to say I never thought I’d become the man spending weeks researching on baby carriers and changing bags (now I’ve got two baby changing bags!). But here I am now talking buggy life and eco diapers…

![jord-wooden-watch](https://res.cloudinary.com/dpgowkqsr/image/upload/v1611944940/EA_3645_A2_62_C1_4_D29_A84_F_B2_A6937321_CB_461ef588fd.jpg)

Nonetheless, I’ve learnt that making time for ourselves to take it all in is so important. Celebrating your other half aka tribe co-sleeper survivor with a bit of shopping for a Valentine’s Day gift feels nice. It’s true, the no anniversary, out of the blue gifts are always winners, but when it comes to festive seasons I’ve been learning from my mistakes: Do. Not. Show. Up. Empty. Handed! Ever! Despite her saying ‘darling, you shouldn’t have!’

![jord-wooden-watch](https://res.cloudinary.com/dpgowkqsr/image/upload/v1611947905/375340_C3_D9_E3_4778_8995_EEE_1_CB_9253_E2_2f2c224a9d.jpg)

This year I went for a more unique gift which would surely tick more boxes on her wish list: great accessory (when I actually understand women’s fashion), smart, sustainable, green because it’s actually made of wood, therefore the choice was rather easy: this pink [watch](https://www.woodwatches.com/series/frankie/purpleheart-and-plum/#alldadstalk). She’s already wearing it which is a good sign I might have nailed another great present (yet it’s only fair as not long ago she surprised me with a wooden watch from the Jord men’s [shop](https://www.woodwatches.com/shop/men/#alldadstalk), so I can’t honestly say the inspiration wasn’t there).

For more browsing inspiration, here’s the women’s [shop](https://www.woodwatches.com/shop/women/#alldadstalk).

![jord-wooden-watch](https://res.cloudinary.com/dpgowkqsr/image/upload/v1611944546/9_BD_9725_B_6537_49_D8_9_EFB_49_A338_D8_C7_AC_5094c5a426.jpg)

Nonetheless the wooden watch was still very much a surprise from the moment she opened the beautiful presentation wooden box to the moment I put the watch onto her wrist. The only downsize is that Amelie doesn’t seem to understand that this watch doesn’t fall into any teething jewellery categories!

![jord-wooden-watch](https://res.cloudinary.com/dpgowkqsr/image/upload/v1611944516/2_BAB_4717_D609_4348_A4_AB_18_CC_22056_DD_5_5a8c2a2071.jpg)

COMPETITION

Today you can enter to win a $100 credit to use towards a Jord wooden watch of choice by entering this [GIVEAWAY](https://www.woodwatches.com/g/alldadstalk). Regardless of the outcome, every participant who doesn’t win still goes home with a special 10% off discount code by entering.

The contest will close February 11th at 11:59pm. Both the $100 and the 10% off codes will expire on 2/25.

Good luck!

![jord-wooden-watch](https://res.cloudinary.com/dpgowkqsr/image/upload/v1611947804/B8_EA_67_B8_79_A0_4_AD_6_A549_5_FB_63638_DD_3_A_e30f7841e8.jpg)

Photography credit [Anna Pawleta Photography](https://www.annapawleta.com/)

Wooden Wrist Watch


It’s been 11 years since Aly and I were both dreamy students with lots of plans and no...

Our time is NOW


> WE HAVE SO MUCH TIME AND SO LITTLE TO DO. STRIKE THAT, REVERSE IT!

Trying to remember who said that, yet, gosh, don’t you feel this way when you watch a child turning into a completely different one with the passing years? As owner of a three year old toddler, it feels we had been having several different children in one every time we go down the memory lane and dare to touch the photo albums and phone folders. From sweet babyhood to the terrible two (which were terrible indeed, we’re both still trying to recover!) and now going through the threenager’s stage, I can honestly confess I’ve personally had to make huge efforts to embrace the harsh tantrums and white nights. But it’s all worth it when you remind yourself to freeze time and watch them go…

![daniel-wellington](https://res.cloudinary.com/dpgowkqsr/image/upload/v1611947551/img_1648_b3b80f778d.jpg)

Here’s a timeless Daniel Wellington piece, my daily reminder to slow down, enjoy the ride and spend more time with the ones that count. I’ve partnered up with this cool brand to offer our readers a brilliant discount of 15% off everything on the website by using the code ALLDADSTALK15 (valid until the 15th of July 2017). In my 20s I’ve been a watch collector and constant researcher because let’s be honest, there’s very little accessorising men can play with. Except for my wedding band I got in my early 30s, there’s nothing much I could use to compliment an outfit (not a huge fan of bracelets or rings) so a good watch will always do the trick.

![daniel-wellington](https://res.cloudinary.com/dpgowkqsr/image/upload/v1611944955/img_1645_d3b35f6b4a.jpg)

I chose to feature a Daniel Wellington watch because legend says they aren’t released until they are completely perfect (in true Scandinavian style). The brand prides itself on being fashion forward and innovative, yet simplicity seems to be the focus and this is where they got me engaged. From colourful to leather straps, there’s plenty of options for you to choose from (founded in and operating from Sweden, within three years Daniel Wellington managed to get selling watches across 144 countries and all continents). I have partnered with Daniel Wellington in order for our readers to get a cheeky 15% discount on their timeless timepieces. It’s so simple, just enter the code ALLDADSTALK15 when you buy your chosen watch to receive 15% off the price.

![daniel-wellington](https://res.cloudinary.com/dpgowkqsr/image/upload/v1611944955/img_1646_f52a853978.jpg)

The harder part of the whole process will be deciding which one to get. So which one is yours?

![daniel-wellington](https://res.cloudinary.com/dpgowkqsr/image/upload/v1611944951/img_1638_61dd260b13.jpg)

Follow Daniel Wellington on Instagram for more styles.


We have so much time and so little to do ... wait, strike that, reverse it...

Timing Childhood - a Daniel Wellington watch review


What we unmistakably learn while becoming mature adults is that parenthood is an un-smooth, unrehearsed and, quite often, a pretty unplanned game changer. Well, at least this is what the latest two years of fatherhood have managed to teach me. The pressure is even harsher as the new addition requires not only constant energy and pretty much all your bank resources, but the most invaluable tribute of them all: time.

![nursing-mum](https://res.cloudinary.com/dpgowkqsr/image/upload/v1611946217/IMG_5527_f3da0f74cd.jpg)

Thanks God I’m part of a strong team where SHE is the influence, the inspiration and spark we rely on as I am not utterly sure I could manage all this fun that comes with these 10 perfectly shaped wee fingers and toes. Here are the things that amaze me day after day when she’s around but never got to say out loud…

![nursing-mum](https://res.cloudinary.com/dpgowkqsr/image/upload/v1611944965/IMG_1746_1_5b64399dcd.jpg)

1. HUNGRY? TEETHING PAIN? THERE’S A BOOB FOR THAT.

I think my better half is stronger than she looks. Oh, but she is! Three reasons she may be the toughest cookie in this house: sore nipples (I can’t imagine we, men, could live with this, only the thought of it makes me brrrr shiver!); having to fix tantrum after tantrum after tantrum after tantrum after tantrum 24/7 (well, I could but not without three pints of lager) and managing the longest whitest nights nursing, changing, nursing, nursing, nursing; this kid is definitely having the longest meals in the history of parenthood. She does somehow survive them all.

![nursing-mum](https://res.cloudinary.com/dpgowkqsr/image/upload/v1611944963/IMG_1738_01768a6274.jpg)

2. SHE’S A MAGIC POTIONS WIZARD.

What’s my superpower? Seemingly, making milk is not equal to men’s ability to successfully fixing broken things around the house, even changing risky nappies or free falling from outer space at Mach 1. In men’s world these must count as superpowers, but not in mothers’. I got to learn that nor does solving this quadratic equation equals their efforts of upbringing our children…

![nursing-mum](https://res.cloudinary.com/dpgowkqsr/image/upload/v1611944959/IMG_1731_439ad79646.jpg)

3. I CAN STILL SLEEP LIKE A BABY.

She can’t. And I do feel guilt about it. She may be able to create and support life, but she can’t make a the toddler sleep at 4am. She lullabies for hours, nights, then years, grumbling about her eye circles and constant baby brain, but she kindly manages to spare me on most nights so I don’t get any of her vibes of zombie-ness at work with me.

![nursing-mum](https://res.cloudinary.com/dpgowkqsr/image/upload/v1611944949/IMG_0869_1710e3e918.jpg)

4. I ENVY HER.

Sometimes. All the time (except for those endless night shifts). But I do envy her like I never envied anyone. For all those winks when she holds on tight that tiny creature and all those times he gazes deeply into her tired eyes while softly nursing as if there’s no one else on planet Earth but them two alone.

![nursing-mum](https://res.cloudinary.com/dpgowkqsr/image/upload/v1611944959/IMG_1701_8f4385698c.jpg)

5. SHE’S STILL THE BREAKFAST QUEEN

She’s still cooking it. Single handed most often. While I’m dragging myself away from the warmth of my king sized bed, right before slamming the front door ungratefully because I know I have to adult again in an office full of people on the go. Today she won’t be strangled by a bright expensive tie, she won’t attend late meetings, yet fighting stains of beetroot purée on her old designer shirt (now half pjs) which had recently been sacrificed in the name of motherhood sound like a lot of fun. I have breakfast, I go to work, but she gets her breakfast in the afternoon…

![nursing-mum](https://res.cloudinary.com/dpgowkqsr/image/upload/v1611944960/IMG_1735_5d5fc5fd1e.jpg)

Ergo she’s "thy goddess".


What we unmistakably learn while becoming mature adults is that parenthood is...

Today’s education, tomorrow’s fine generation

Dads with bags - PacaPod

Our time is NOW

Timing Childhood - a Daniel Wellington watch review

FIVE things I’ve learned about the nursing mother of my child