Olivia Ward-Smith

About Olivia Ward-Smith

Originally from Manchester, Olivia has recently returned to London after spending a couple of years between Toronto and Vancouver. She has a Bachelor's degree in English Language and Literature from King's college, London. As a writer, she is passionate about literature, and she has a particular love of travel and trying out new sweet treats. Her experience working as an au pair in Paris ignited her love for spending time with children.

Family interest

Language & Literacy

In house speciality

English

Education

King's College London

Qualifications

Bachelor of Arts specializing in English Literature and Language

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Recent Work

Two kids in lab coats and goggles ready to learn about the respiratory system in science class.

25+ Fun Facts About The Respiratory System That You Won't Believe Are True!

Image © Airman 1st Class Malissa Lott

There are loads of fun facts about the respiratory system we bet you didn't know, and it's an area of our body that's really worth knowing about.

So, why is it so important? Basically, the respiratory system is a collection of different organs, tissues and muscles that all work together to help us breathe.

But more than that, it plays a vital role in collecting and processing all the essential oxygen our organs need in order to function. Pretty important work!

We're crazy about science trivia and keen to learn all we can about plants, animals, cells, science and the world around us. If, like us, you're fascinated by the way our bodies work then read on to discover exactly what the respiratory system is and learn all sorts of fun facts about the way it operates.

Ages 7-11Math & Science

Newborn cute Girlie Girl in purple dress

117 Beautiful Swedish Girl Names With Meanings

Choosing a name for your baby in Sweden is a pretty serious undertaking.

There are rules in place to make sure that the name chosen is appropriate, inoffensive and won't cause problems for the child in later life. There are also a number of cultural practises that many still choose to follow; a middle name (or two) are very common, though they are instead referred to as 'given' names.

Sometimes people choose to go by their second name, rather than their first, or use both names together.

If you're looking for a name from Sweden for your new baby girl, there is a huge pool to choose from.

Ironically, the most popular girls' name in Sweden last year was Alice (a name we're already pretty familiar with), but there are plenty of traditional (and beautiful) Swedish names for you to choose from, many of which we've gathered here.

From popular Swedish girls names like Elsa and Alma, to a few more unique gems, we have an extensive list for you to peruse.

Though lots of Swedish names are traditionally assigned to each gender, it's looking like that may change soon. In tribute to the increasingly-used Swedish gender neutral pronoun 'hen', we've also included a selection of gender-neutral names.

Take a look at our list of Swedish girl names and pick your favourite.

Ages 0-99Names For Babies

Ranked: The Top 10 Pixar Films

Pixar films are among the best that children's cinema has to offer.

Champions of ingenuity, both creative and technical, the animation studio has been charming children (and adults) ever since the release of ‘Toy Story’, its first full-length film, way back in 1995. They're the kinds of films that shape childhoods; each one offering an extraordinary imagined universe, beautiful visuals and a unique brand of age-transcending humour.

Attempting to rate one over the other provides endless opportunity for debate; there's a reason these films are revisited by families again and again, and we know everyone will have one that they particularly cherish. But that's what these lists are all about, no?

Inspiring debate, inducing nostalgia and, perhaps most importantly, bringing us to the conclusion that we'd better watch them all again, just to be sure.

With that happy prospect on the horizon, may we present: the top 10 Pixar films, ranked.

Ages 0-99Movies & TV

two kids with buckets on an England beach

England's Best Beaches By Region

A day at the beach is a wonderful way to make memories with your family.

But with children in tow, there are several things you need to consider before packing your beach towels and heading for the waves. Find everything you need to know in this handy list; we've rounded up a collection of the best beaches in England for safe swimming, family-friendly facilities and beautiful surroundings.

Plus peak sandcastle-building conditions, naturally.

Ages 0-99Days Out

The New Normal: Playgrounds

Image: iStock

Okay, so when it comes to easing the nationwide coronavirus lockdown measures, playgrounds are a tricky one.

They are typically the sorts of places that are full of children screaming and sliding, running and climbing, getting in each other's space and putting their hands all over everything. And yet, for any of us who have young children, the opportunity to visit an outdoor play area is a godsend after months of being housebound.

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They provide a fun and stimulating environment in which children can engage with each other and the world around them, allow for fresh air and exercise, and give frazzled post-lockdown parents a much-needed respite from hands-on parenting.

With that in mind, here's a round-up of all the government guidance on how to take your children to a playground whilst adhering to social distancing measures.

Sports & Active Play

Ages 0-99Money, Fashion & Lifestyle