3 Things we've learnt from being parents 

Hi Alfie, thank you for stopping to say ‘hey’ on Tuesday in The Lanes. I stopped to talk to Zoe as you were filming by the Red Roaster and I can actually hear myself talking to Zoe on your vlog!! I was very surprised to see you and couldn’t manage to get my words out, I also didn’t want to keep you for too long!! But thank you for all your videos, they bring me so much joy and I’ve been a silent watcher for about 10 years!!

As a parent of three, older than your girls. One thing I'd say is, pick your battles, if your child wants to wear the most oddest shoes with the outfit they have on, let them. If they want their mattress on the floor for a camping sleepover, let them. There's loads of other things and obviously there's some boundaries but if it doesn't affect your life negatively and it makes them happy. Let them x

As a silent watcher for the last 13+ years, I just wanted to pop in and thank you for the recognition for single parents! I’m a single mum to a 11 month old, watching your vlog (and love island) once bed time is done is my one treat for each day! It’s tough! Loved this 😊

I’m not a mommy just yet but I’m due December 26th this year with a baby boy. It’s so refreshing hearing the positive side of being a parent. I’m pretty young (22) and don’t have support my parents/ family or the father but I’m still so happy and excited. At this point know it’s not going to be easy but I’m ready to be the best mom for my baby. Baby’s really are an innocent blessing. Watching you two reminds me of that constantly 🤍 thank you so much !

The calendar part was super interensting because I'm trying to do the same as a single mom. And actually, it would be amazing to get tips for organising your calendar!😄🤷🏻‍♀️

Honestly this video couldn’t have come at a better time. We had a family emergency last night and I felt all over the place and watching you and Zoe was such an escape. Thank you for that, it means a lot 🫶🏻

Every phase with your children you won’t want to pass but it’s not sad when it does as the next bit is just as good. Take pictures of their drawings, stickers in the wall and put in a book ❤

The clock says 2023 too - had me 2nd guessing the year we’re in 😁 😅

the amount of joy I get from watching you two be parents is indescribable. you make the whole of UK so proud ❤️ you two are the best role models, I’ve been watching you both since I was 9 and now I’m nearly 20! it’s been the best watching you two grow up x

Loved this one. Things about parenting…I can’t believe how much joy we get from watching our daughter enjoy life..like dancing together…it makes her so happy and we always feel like our hearts are bursting with joy. Also can’t get over how much kids teach you about enjoying the everyday things and slowing down. Like you said simple things make them happiest - such a good reminder for us. Lastly can’t get over how quickly our daughter forgives things and never holds onto them - a reminder again to forgive and move forward. Such little teachers (as well as sleep stealers!!!)….so much JOY. Enjoy your Sunday x

Currently in hospital with our ONE day old precious baby girl & I’m really really enjoying the end segment of the vlog! Just feeling so thankful for the present & excited for the future!

Hahaha Zoe drinking the water at 16:53 her mouth through the bottom of the glass had me laughing for ages!!!!! Dunno why it looked so funny caught me off guard haha!

The biggest thing to remember for me is that I'm not raising children, I'm raising adults. I feel guilty sometimes in having to be the disciplinarian or having to keep to the consequences once a boundary has been drawn. But all of it is teaching. Even the hard stuff. You're teaching them how to survive in the world by themselves, emotionally, physically, financially. If they get into the big bad world and they feel lost, that's on us as parents. And that's pressure! But I'm determined for them to be equipped properly because it's not fair on them otherwise. I'm not saying I'm a harsh mum, I'm saying "make your mistakes while you're with me and your safe, and we can fix things together so you know how to fix them yourself when you have to" Sorry, longer than I meant to write but I really feel this one is important, especially these days

Haha ‘courgette’ I got instant flashbacks

You 2 were BORN to be parents, you're both so good at it, and it's so enjoyable to watch you as parents

As a single parent of three grown daughters there are some things I did when they were growing up to make my life easier. In the evening I got all their clothes ready for the next day set out so all they had to do was get out and get dressed because they're closed were already laid out for them. They all had Long thick hair and whoever was able to get dressed make their bed and brush your teeth the fastest and be ready for me to do their hair was the one who got to pick what we watched on TV that night. I know there are other things but I've had brain surgery and so my memories not that great and right now I can't think of them if I can I'll come back and edit this.

THANK YOU for mentioning single parents! I raised my children alone from the youngest being 18 months old and the oldest 4. I obviously worked too, and it was so hard but also so incredible. The sad part was having no one to share the little wins, celebrations and memories! It’s all just by yourself and when you look back no one else remembers other than yourself. And imagine doing everything on your own and juggling all the jobs, discipline, night time wake ups, potty training, school runs, firsts, when you and the children are poorly, juggling time off work for sports days, concerts, and a million more, EVERYTHING that goes into it on your own. ♥️

Wow how lovely does the sweet pea wigwam look. I watched you plant it and what a success. Spending time with your beautiful family is such a joy. Thankyou 🤗

Currently in a coffee shop writing my personal statement for University to become a primary school teacher - this is the perfect break! Thankyou Alfie !

I think one of the biggest things I've learned as a parent is how much faster time goes! Everyone warns you that is a parent how fast it goes when you're pregnant with your first, but you don't really believe it until your mini you is growing so fast in front of your eyes! My girl is nearly 4 and I can't really believe how fast that's gone or where that time has gone! Last trimester now with her brother who is meant to be our last and I'm dreading that newborn phase we'll have being over so quickly!

Love Tracey’s growing plants!

These vlogs are such a lovely way to start my day before a 10 hour work day. Thank you for these vlogs ❤

Hi Alfie, I’m Italian and watching your vlogs helps me improve my English listening skills. Thanks for that! And your children are so adorable. Your family is amazing. Hugs from Italy 🇮🇹

Love love love this style of vlog where it just feels like we are following along your plans for a nice week and get to see you both together supporting each other ♥️

That was so interesting what you said about there being some things not being in the right phase of life. Family is so important. My eldest is currently finishing primary school and I just cannot believe we are here! I look at photos and videos of him at 1/2/3 years old and I actually cannot believe how I blinked and we’re here. Now my youngest is starting reception in September and again I’ve blinked!! I wish I could go back and know what I knew now and enjoy certain moments properly again ❤

I absolutely love yours and zoes vlogs. Im not a parent yet but its been so lovely watching your family grow. If you had to pick one aspect what is your favourite part about being a dad?

I absolutely love these vlogs, truly makes my Sunday! Zoe's glowing, can tell how happy you guys are as parents and it's super nice to see😊

Thank you Alfie and Zoe for yet another great video! I’m a new mum to now a 1 year old ❤

i kinda would love to hear tips or apps you use to organize your calendars 😂 sending love from argentina 🇦🇷🤍

Hi Alfie, I can see my daughter has also commented. She was so excited to see and chat to you and Zoe on Tuesday in Brighton. Thank you for taking the time out of your day. Emily’s mum and also vlog fan!

I honestly could watch your videos for ages!!!! The happiness you both transmit is incredible!! 💓 you obviously have your hard days parenting, and juggling everything. what do you do when you have that kind of days?

Gona be a single mum and I’m nervous but soooo excited! Love watching you both ! Been going through it lately with juggling work and preparing for being a first time mum and watching you guys helps in ways I can’t explain so thank you 🤍

I haven’t been this early since middle school when I used to live in Paris. Now I’m a grown ass adult living in Seoul, still fully invested in this parasocial relationship 😂

Just buying random stuff instead of meals is the most relatable adult grocery shopping.

What a beautiful family, much love from Australia 🥰💜

I find myself being so envious of your season of life. Watching Ottie reminds me of my daughter so much. She's about to be 15, and my youngest is now 9. I watch your videos and truly feel so nostalgic for the days when mine were little. You'll never regret this season...you'll only regret it being over. ❤

Bit of a random one, but when you go to the lanes I always notice people in the background who don’t obviously spot you and know who you are and likely wanna say hello. Do you guys get that still where people wanna come and have photos or do you think that it’s calmed down now you’ve had children? I think I’d internally break down if I happened to see you guys out and about as you’ve been my friends for years and years (unknown to you 😂) but I’m not the “I’m gonna go say hello” type of person my awkward personality could NEVER 😂 but even more so now that you’d likely always have a child with you I would be even more respectful of your space and wonder if the locals are respectful too? X

I’ve been a mother for just 2 months and I’m completely amazed with how much my life is different now. I’ve never suspected that my friends with kids live in a completely different universe. Hopefully things will get a bit easier as my newborn is a very demanding one

The calendar organizing/productivity planning is SO interesting to me. My husband and I sit down every week to do this. Love it!

Such a beautiful family! 🥹 been a fan since 2013 and you guys still lighten up my day with your vlogs!

Anyone else shout 'COURGETTE' when they said courgette, original watchers will remember that video of Alfie saying it 😂😂😂

Hi Alfie, just wanted to tell u a little something. I work with people with dementia and I would say about 90%of the people I work with go back to when they where the age we are right now, so make this time a good one❤

As a parent to a toddler and pregnant with twins... I am currently learning to give myself grace. I can only fo as much as I can do. Some days are rough and uneventful. I get the minimum done. And thats okay.

Something that I try to keep in mind is thinking about mess like this--in 5 years, will I remember that my house was clean before bedtime or will I remember how much fun we had spending time together? It's like you mentioned--you need to give yourself a lot of grace as a parent.

I’ve been watching since i was 8/9 and I’m now 18, the indescribable love i have just to watch you two grow from the time i started watching till now and you have 2 little girls now, theyre so lucky to have you two as parents and you guys are doing the best and hope you achieve everything you need and want in the future and your girls too. ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

I love the Lanes. We cannot wait for our house move to Brighton ❤❤

Loving your videos particularly the longer ones. When you were talking about the clock did you notice it was also a year behind?

I wish you were my parents. You're such amazing parents! Congratulations.

Like they say - You will have your entire life to know your kids as adults but only those few precious years to know them as the little babies they are :)

Question Alfie when you and Zoe have time together just the two of you what do you enjoy doing the most (keep it clean) hugs xx

I've learned since being a parent that saving the "no"s for when it really matters with my two boys is something that has saved us a lot of tantrums and has actually given us some truly beautiful memories. You want to go and jump in that huge muddy puddle? Go for it! You want to have a mud fight with your brother? As long as you aren't hurting each other- go for it! You want to build a den in the front room using all of the cushions even though we have your Nan and Granddad coming over in an hour? Go for it! We can all sit in the den and have a cup of tea! We don't let them take advantage and get away with everything but one thing to remember is- they are kids! They are little beings who just want to have fun, to see everyone happy and explore their imaginations! .... (it gives us an excuse to be big children too!)

Alfie- love that way of thinking. things that you want to do or want to happen and saying, “I’ll be able to do that in the future. right now it’s not the time.” my baby is 6 months old and the messy house is so real. and my husband wishes he gould golf every weekend and I wish I could be with the girls every weekend, but one day we can do that! just not now.

Someone told my husband "the vast majority of the time you will know your children is when they are adults, enjoy them as children." ❤

hi alfie bless you 4. Love from nz. Been watching since the start, Got a family of my own now too enjoy your parenting bits

Just noticed the clock still says 2023 😂 love the Sunday diaries!

You guys always looks so calm and at ease parenting. What I would like to know is have you ever reacted in a way that you felt guilty for? I can’t imagine either of you ever raising your voice or losing your cool. I was always much cooler until mine hit an age where they want to fight everything and now just feel a shitty parent. As for what I’ve learnt I agree with Zoe I used to think I had no time before I had kids now I’m like what did I do with all that time 😂 I also learnt how resilient I am. I had no idea but some days after a tough day and I’m cooking the dinner I think you know what I’ve still managed to parent despite feeling absolutely awful. This weeks been rough for us as my daughter has chicken pox, the dog had surgery and then this morning my little girl threw up (I’ve a phobia of sick) so the fact I’m still functioning is a miracle. I’ve had no sleep since Monday 😂

As a single mom of two I have learned that I’m constantly learning about myself and my kids every single day. Also just how many decisions that have to be made in the day.

The way the water made zoë’s mouth look when she’s drinking water at 16:54 killed me 🤣🤣🤣 it’s the little things in life ☺️

Morning. Here from your IG broadcast and repping my FS tshirt in Spain and bumped into another couple in their FS Shirts ❤

That play set BBQ is soo cute!! 🥰

You should paint over the door with the stickers on them, with a different colour, so the shape is always on the door if the stickers ever come off ❤

I love those chats at the end, you guys are the best ❤️

Cosy comfort vid! Yes!

You guys make me so happy ♥ one of the best vlogs ever, the baby IS SO CUTE ♥♥♥

Talking about calendars, make sure you leave space in December for Zoe’s vlogmas! Kidding 😭😂

This vlog is amazing Alfie , I love watching yours and Zoe’s vlogs they make me feel so much better after a hard day , you have a beautiful family and you and Zoe are a massive inspiration to me ❤🫶🫶🫶❤️❤️ Love Grace ❤

My favorite time of the day ! are you planning on visiting Malta? 🤩🤩

I am giving birth to my second child in 7 days (if not before) and gosh have I been beating myself up about how little I’ve been able to do with my toddler while being so heavily pregnant. But I know it’s a moment in time, I solo parent 5 days a week because of my husbands working hours atm and it’s been crazy! But I couldn’t be more excited to meet my second child and get my body back so I can start doing all the crazy daily outings with both of the kids!

What parenting books or RU-vid channels did you watch/read to prepare to be parents??

Love to see the family vlogs! ❤️

The girls are the cutest 😻🥰💕 And you guys are the best parents to imagine 🫂

Please tell us which books you’ve read that helped you raise ottie and any newborn books as well. Thank you

Hi Alfie! Just wondering what type of calendar system you’re using? Much love!

Miss a trick with the series name, should have been the sundeye diaries 😉 another brilliant video mate, loving the vlogs, keep up the good work 👍🏻

Can we see the new artwork pieces you mentioned a few vlogs back? 🎨

Great questions the more u have the easiest it gets 🌻

Ahhhhhh novie is so precious I’m only 3 mins in and I’m loving this ❤

I am learning to be extremely patient.

Zoe’s: 1) Zoe and Alfie make a good parenting team 🥰 2) Having kids makes you very busy 😂 (true lol) 3) Zoe really enjoys being a parent 🩷 Alfie’s: 1) One day, but not today. Spending time with his girls is more important 🥰 2) Parenting is SO hard but SO rewarding 🫶🏻

The outfits in this video are everything 🥰

I spent your whole video running on a treadmill! 💪🏻 #gettingbackontrack

Love your vlogs 🤍🤍

Uhhhh we’re gonna need more ASMR with Alfred thank youu

We have a very small extraordinary detail in common : ☕️ I leave about 1 to 2 mm around the edge when I tamp my coffee ☕️ Extraordinary ! 😝

The Buckley’s have trouble with a clock like that.

Kitchen clock also says 2023 not 2024 :)

You should use howbout calendar it merges both ur calendars and is a life saver!

Alfie it also 2024 not 2023 like it says on your clock lol

💜

before having a baby i though i was tired, now i know i wasnt xD

Hello Alfie deyes 1 question ask you and zoella do you Both want to have a 3th baby girl 👶? My question? How are you feeling 10 or 5 ? Well see you more vlogs Alfie deyes am from Scotland 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 from Ashley 😅

I have 4 Kids 😅

🌱🐝💜🌞💜🐝🌱

Omg so early! ❤ Question for you - what are the top 3 things you’d like to teach the girls when they’re teenagers and top 3 things you’d like to teach them when they’re adults?

I love Tracey's and Amanda & Nick's gardens! I'm taking all the inspo for my tiny sliver of garden that I have no idea what to do with. Also, yeah can't believe Ottie's going to be 3 soon! Where does the time go!

You saying that office was 10 years ago is crazy! I remember so many good vlogs in that place and even the one announcing you got it.

commenting around the last minute of the video- there’s a saying i love, it’s something along the lines of “how you spend your days is how you spend your years”. i think this quote really sums up what you guys were saying about the little mundane things being so special, as these really are the parts of life we remember the most. every little bit of happiness and positivity, or a good routine even, that you put forward on a daily basis really changes things. a lot of time people are working towards “the goal”, without realizing that just being here is the goal. enjoying every second of a beautiful life is so special and imo is such a key to happiness in the long run

Honestly for us - we have two girls as well, making sure we find time for just the two of us, for quality kid free time, a date night or just to have a conversation has been super important. Because we both work it gets really tough. Family time is obviously amazing but staying connected as a couple is essential. But yes team work makes the dream work!!!!

my question is, what’s something really small and simple that you and Zoe couldn’t live without? love you guys!

Sending all the love for the vlogs from New Zealand 😃 Couldn't wait to jump on and watch!