Mamma Musings

SmartBuyGlasses Review 

One thing that the pandemic has done for me anything is changed the way I shop. I was old school! I like to try on and touch the products, obviously not during pandemic times!  I have been a glasses wearer since my college years, showing my age now but that is over 20 years ago! I would always go in to try the frames on as I felt (without any research to be fair!) that glasses buying online wouldn’t work.  SmartBuyGlasses contacted me asking if I would like to give their services a try and I thought why not, I had been against buying online and was interested to see if I could be converted as I am very fussy about my glasses.

The process 

Pic Credit: www.SmartBuyGlasses.ie

The first thing that struck me was the sheer volume of brands stocked by SmartBuyGlasses, from high end designers like Armani, Dolce & Gabbana, Prada, Jimmy Choo, just to name a small few to their own branded frames. All of the glasses come either without prescription or with either distance, progressive or reading prescription options. Once you have selected your frames the next step is to input your prescription. See opposite for just how easy this is, you can upload it or manually type it in. Super easy and user friendly.

Once you have that done you need to input your Pupillary Distance. I had never heard of this term before!. In summary it is the distance between the centre of one pupil to the centre of the other pupil, measured in millimeters. This measurement ensures that lenses are made with the prescription sitting exactly where your eyes need it.  I did not know mine but the SmartBuyGlasses webpage has a super easy way of doing this simply using a card with a metal strip and your phone camera. Literally could not be easier.

Depending on your prescription you can get thinner lenses  and of it is sunglasses you are purchasing you can add on for example mirrored or tinted lenses.

The process is so easy to follow and user friendly. And the biggest plus for me was how quick delivery was which was such a pleasant surprise.

Not just for adults 

SmartBuyGlasses also do kids glasses both sunglasses and everyday glasses. Similar to adults the range is vast and includes lots of named brands as well as their own brand.  The procedure above is the same for ordering kids glasses. The first thing you will notice is the value. Seriously good value for money especially when it comes to kids glasses who if they are like my pair can loose/ forget/ break them!

What we choose

Pic Credit: The Mamma Fairy Blog

My husband went for the classic Ray Ban aviators  modelled below on our holidays in Sun Gardens Dubrovnik.  As a glasses wearer myself I went for the SmartBuy collection with the clip on lenses. I find these  just so handy especially when driving I just pop on the  lenses that suits. You can see them in the pic below also both linked above for more information.

Mamma Fairy thoughts

• Service is super easy to use and efficient
• Free Shipping and fast delivery
• Free 100 day returns
• Really competitively priced, it is worth signing up for their emails to hear first about discounts and offers.
• Huge selection for both adults and kids
• As a brand they are committed to social change having donated $1,000,000 worth of eyewear to visually-impaired individuals in some of the less privileged corners of the globe trough partnering with organizations such as Sightsavers and Unite for Sight. In addition to this,  they are proud sponsors of the Buy One Plant One programme with the brand OhMyWoodness!, which is in partnership with Eden Reforestation Projects.

In conclusion would I recommend buying glasses online with SmartBuyGlasses?  That is an absolute yes! Happy to answer any question do pop them below.

I have discussed this on the blog before, we took on a mammoth house renovation over a year ago, extending up, out and total remodelling inside. Well a year later we are getting there and getting ever close to the home I imagined over a year ago when I sometimes doubted I could turn around the time warped 70s house we had just bought. The location and price were perfect, the house itself not so much.  My husband who works in construction had a lot of coaxing to do to help me see his vision for what the house could become.  I can finally report, we are getting there, the house we bought all those months ago I can happily say has turned into a home for our little family.

I was asked to get involved in a campaign with AIG who had produced a really helpful infographic which I have reproduced below.  Buying a house is a major purchase, probably the biggest one we will make in our lives so its important to be well researched and well informed when contemplating such a major purchase. There are a myriad of resources out there so its important to find ones who you can trust, sites such as Homify can be invaluable for helpful tips and advice.

Having been through this twice, one of the best pieces of advice I can give is to do your homework, ask friends and family for recommendations for solicitors and surveyors.  I can’t stress enough how important it is to get a comprehensive survey done on the property saves a nasty surprise after the event. Also example, did you know at the time of buying your first home that lenders require you and your partners to not only have life insurance but home insurance too? Research the area, consider schools, catchment area, distance from your work etc.  Its a major purchase so take your time to consider your option.  

Although buying your first home might seem like a complicated process, which can take months or even years to get in shape to apply for one, AIG Irelands this 16 step guide to buying a house in Ireland that takes you through the steps you will have to take to get through the process should give you a good sense of what you need to get the process under control and as smoothly as is possible.

It is no doubt a stressful time but its also the most wonderful feeling the day your pick up those keys.  I will never forget our first night here – we had no working oven and ended up bbq-ing out the back for dinner (in October!!). Im sure the neighbours wondered who this crazy family were moving it!

One year on I can honestly, its all so worth it, the late nights painting, the weekends spent looking at furniture and kitchen and the one or two arguments discussions along the way!!

Take Care

Mamma F

Note: This is a collaborative post.

Every parent dreams of raising healthy, happy kids. Sometimes, it’s impossible to prevent illness, but there are steps you can take to promote good health and wellbeing. Here are some essential tips for parents to take on board. 

Health checks and immunisations

Children have underdeveloped immune systems. This is why immunisations and regular health checks  are so important. Take care to keep up to date with appointments. Keep a calendar or diary to hand so that you can jot down dates and times. If you’re unsure about immunisations, don’t hesitate to ask your doctor or practice nurse for more information. It’s understandable to have questions, especially if you’re a first-time parent. 

Healthy eating

We all know that getting kids to eat healthy food can be a struggle. But persist, and don’t give up. It’s really important to provide your children with nutritious food to boost their immunity. Try and introduce them to fruit and vegetables from an early age. Be creative and try and make meals look visually appealing. Check out sites like Pinterest for ideas. You can create stick men made from celery, raisins and carrots, for example. It’s also a good idea to hide vegetables in soups, pasta sauces and casseroles.

Exercise

Many kids love to run around and burn off steam. But we live in an age when children live a more sedentary lifestyle than ever before. Try and combine indoor activities with playing in the garden or going for walks. Kids can also learn a lot from joining local teams or getting involved with activities such as gymnastics or swimming classes. If your children would rather watch TV or play computer games, limit the time they spend in front of a screen. Make exercise fun by trying new games, getting friends and family involved and enjoying a change of scenery.

Use your intuition

As a parent, you’ll often know there’s something not quite right long before test results come through. If you feel like there’s something wrong, trust your intuition. All kids get coughs and colds. But if you think your child may have a more serious illness, seek advice. Your family doctor may be your first of call for minor illnesses. But if you suspect there is a serious problem, don’t hesitate to call for urgent help. If there is a problem, early intervention is often the best course of action, according to experts. Dr Jill Orford is a paediatric surgeon who provides treatment for babies, toddlers, and older children. Your child may be referred to a specialist if they require further tests or treatment. If you have any questions at all, your child’s specialist surgeon will be happy to help.

No parent wants to think about their child suffering from illness. But, sadly, this is part and parcel of parenting. Take these tips on board to try and boost your children’s health and wellbeing and reduce the risk of illness and infections. It’s normal for children to be poorly now and again, but if you’re worried, don’t be afraid to seek urgent help. You know your children best, and sometimes, your intuition can be incredibly valuable.

Do you feel like your family is awake all the time? If the kids aren’t refusing to go to bed, then you’re lying in bed, unable to sleep. Trouble sleeping or even refusing to go to bed isn’t just for children. Adults can find themselves struggling to sleep or perhaps not wanting to go to bed because they dread getting up the next day. Perhaps you’re not getting enough sleep because you have so much to do and end up staying awake too late. If your house has big sleep problems, it’s never too late to fix it. Try some of these solutions if anyone is having trouble sleeping.

In the summer months, it’s often the heat that stops people from sleeping. It can be difficult to relax when you’re hot and flustered. The first thing you should do is ensure that everyone has the right bedding. Cool cotton sheets will help to keep everyone cool, and you don’t need a duvet. However, even when it’s hot, many people like to have something light covering them. Don’t forget to consider pyjamas too. Either light PJs or none at all will be much more comfortable. Opening the windows to let air flow if there is a breeze can help, but air conditioning or fans might be preferable.

Blocking Out Noise

Many people are sensitive to noise when they’re trying to sleep. It can be especially difficult when you move house or perhaps sleep in a hotel. You might be used to the noises you had before, but unfamiliar ones are more noticeable. One of the best ways to block out any sounds is to use a white noise machine. A sleep machine is excellent for both adults and children, including babies. It can be very soothing and help you drop off to sleep. However, other people might not like it and prefer the natural noises around them.

Light Levels

Light can also have an effect on how well you can sleep. Some people like it to be pitch black, while others need a little bit of light. Many children want to have a night light or perhaps some light coming in from the hallway. It can be frightening if it’s too dark but might be hard to sleep if it’s too light. For most people, a little bit of light helps to create the perfect conditions, without keeping them awake.

Bedding

It might sound like I am stating the obvious, but do not underestimate the importance of good quality bedding. I firmly believe the quality of your bedding has a direct correlation to sleep. It is the one thing I do not scrimp on. I also maintain a summer duvet in 4.5 tog and a super cosy winter one of 10.5 tog.  For my kids I always choose a washable duvet it makes life so much easier!

Bedtime Routine

Bedtime routines can affect sleep for children and adults. Winding down before bed is important for everyone. Your kids will find it hard to fall asleep if they go straight from running around to getting into bed. You could find the same if you switch quickly between doing your bills to going to sleep. Make sure the whole family gets a chance to relax before it’s time for bed, whether that means a bath and a story or a glass of wine and a romance novel.

Don’t let your house be disturbed by sleepless nights. Whether it’s adults or babies struggling to sleep, you can find a solution.

They key to any successful project lies in the preparation and the planning. So before you get your hands dirty and bring out the hammer and chisel, come up with a plan.

Preparation Is Key

• What is the goal?

To save yourself and everyone around you stress and headache, try and make all of the decisions before the work begins. Know what you want before you start breaking down walls. This does not only apply to the bigger questions like which rooms will be renovated. Even the smallest of things should be considered beforehand, such as which paint colour, door knobs, and faucets to choose.

• Have a Plan B

No matter how well you plan ahead, there is always the possibility that something can go wrong. So find out what to expect during the renovation and have a backup plan ready. Good builders and contractors know what kind of problems could possibly come up on the job and how to deal with them without causing delays.

• What is your budget?

The last thing you want to happen is to end up with no money mid-way through your project and realise you can’t continue with the renovation. So before you start, draw up a budget detailing what kind of costs you can expect.
How expensive are the materials? Find out whether there are more affordable products you can opt for. While a crystal door handle might look the part on the Downton Abbey set, it might be wiser for you to think about cheap door furniture made out of stainless steel or glass instead of crystal.

What you need for a renovation

Renovating any room in your home requires a lot of thought and planning. There are so many elements of a renovation you need to consider to make sure it goes the way you want it to. For example, if you’re upgrading your windows as part of the renovation, vinyl windows can be an excellent choice due to their durability, energy efficiency, and low-maintenance qualities. Similarly, trex fencing can be a great choice should you wish to upgrade your fencing as a durable material can help protect your backyard. In any case, you can start your renovation by creating a list of jobs that need to be completed. From gutting the room to start work to installing the new features and then adding the final touches, a plan will make this process a lot easier.

Before you start your renovation, you need to make sure the area you’re changing is completely clear so that work can be completed efficiently. The last thing you want to be doing is tripping over old pieces of carpet or wood when you’re trying to paint your walls. If you’re completing a large renovation, it might be a good idea to add a skip to your list of requirements. A skip gives you the ability to throw away masses of rubbish, without having to keep making trips to the tip or filling up your general waste bins. You can get a quote here if you think a skip is suitable for your renovation. If this renovation is a DIY job, you will also need to make sure you have all of the necessary materials to complete the job, including specific tools.

Stay Safe While You Work

Renovating your home isn’t just about planning and budgeting—it’s also about staying safe throughout the process. Whether you’re knocking down walls, sanding wood, or painting ceilings, renovations can expose you to dust, fumes, and other potential hazards. Proper ventilation, protective clothing, and the right safety gear can make a big difference in keeping you comfortable and reducing risks.

If your project involves working with materials that create fine dust or strong odours, wearing a 3m respirator can help protect your lungs and make long hours of work much easier to handle. Taking simple precautions like this can go a long way in ensuring a smooth and safe renovation process.

Professionals vs DIY – Know When

While you might consider yourself a pro, it’s advisable to come to terms with your abilities and your limitations.

Chances are, you won’t have the answers to everything. Luckily, there are many ways to inform and educate yourself. Not sure which door furniture and bathroom accessories to go for? Be it YouTube tutorials or online DIY guides – you’re never far away from help. And for those who prefer a more personal touch in the form of customer service, most hardware stores, for instance, also offer free and expert advice on all renovation-related questions.

Once you have established what you have to do and how to do it, don’t try to do it all by yourself. Confidence and ambition are qualities that are commendable. In this instance, however, it might be wiser to pass the torch, or rather the screwdriver, on to someone who knows a bit more about plumbing and electrical jobs than you. So don’t shy away from calling in the professionals to take care of the big stuff.

Work with What You Have

Blowing up our budget is, unsurprisingly, easier said than done, and the simplest way to achieve that is by being unrealistically over-ambitious.

If you are thinking of moving your sink or your toilet, for example, stop. Introducing a new plumbing system into your home will almost always be the number one reason for your budget, your stress level, and your blood pressure to skyrocket. Renovate, don’t rebuild!

Resist the Temptation

There is no doubt that you want your home to look all nice and flashy after a tedious and expensive renovation. After all, you spent so much money on new fixtures, fittings, and furniture, you naturally want the end-result to look the part.  
The one way you should not go about achieving this, though, is by going for hip and trendy furniture options. Stay away from impulse purchases and buying the “coolest” items. Rather, opt for fixtures that will stand the test of time. After all, the last thing you want is to wake up in a month or two, look at your house, and feel like Justin Timberlake when he sees his hairstyle choices from his NSYNC days. #SayNoToBuyersRemorse

Note: This is a collaberative post, pic credit Pixabay

Pregnancy is a feat of nature. It can be a wonderful experience, but it can also be exhausting, stressful, and scary. One minute, you may bask in the bliss of feeling your baby wriggling around. The next, you may wonder how on earth you’re going to survive another few weeks or put up with any more mood swings, cravings, or morning sickness. If you’ve recently found out that you’re pregnant, here are some tips to help you prepare for the months ahead.

What to expect: scans and tests

 When you find out you’re pregnant, you’ll probably have to wait a few weeks to see your baby on the big screen. Most women have their first ultrasound scan at around 12 weeks. At this stage, the technician will be able to show you the body parts and check everything is developing as expected.

At around 20 weeks, you’ll have a more detailed scan, and you can usually find out the gender of the baby. Some couples can’t wait to see if their bundle is a little boy or girl while others prefer to leave it as a surprise. In some cases, it may not be possible to determine the sex. This may happen if the baby is in an awkward position. You could always book another scan if you’re desperate to find out. The sex of the baby comes down to its genetic makeup and whether it has XX or XY chromosomes. You may have tried to work out the gender using a Chinese gender chart. But in reality, much evidence suggests there’s very little you can do to influence the sex of the baby. Many women have no further scans unless there are hiccups along the way. If you do experience bleeding, or you notice that your baby has become less active, seek advice from your midwife. Don’t hesitate to get help if you feel like something’s not right. You know your body, and it’s always better to be safe than sorry.

Coping with pregnancy symptoms

Pregnancy affects women in different ways. Some enjoy an incredible pregnancy while others have a really tough time. Symptoms vary, but usually include morning sickness, bloating, mood swings during the early stages. As your baby grows, you may find that you experience more physical symptoms. You’ll gain weight, you may retain more fluid than usual, and your back and breasts may feel sore. Hormonal changes can make you more emotional than normal. Try and take things easy and avoid stressful situations. Eat well, try and get enough sleep, and stay active. Exercises like swimming and yoga are relaxing, and they provide benefits for your physical health. At times, pregnancy can be overwhelming. Don’t suffer in silence if you’re struggling. Share your worries or feelings with your partner or a close friend. Ask your midwife if you have any concerns, and look after yourself.

Your body undergoes immense change during pregnancy, and you must have all the support you need. Apart from family and friends, support could also come in the form of simple treatments to ease your pain and discomfort, such as using a pregnancy belly wrap. These flexible garments provide much-needed support to the lower back and abdomen, especially during the second and third trimesters.

Most pregnant women find it uncomfortable to do simple things like exercise. A belly wrap helps make doing certain physical activities more bearable. In fact, it can still be worn after pregnancy and childbirth to help strengthen the core as your body recovers.

Pregnancy is a unique experience. Every woman’s journey is different. Hopefully, this guide will give you an insight into what to expect and some helpful tips to make life easier. Try and stay calm and relaxed, focus on yourself and your baby, and don’t be afraid to ask for help.

Take Care

~Mamma F

With the kids summer holidays fast approaching, and every parent knows what to expect over those weeks. Two words will likely penetrate your ears more than any others over the next few months: I’m bored!!!

Even with planned holidays, day trips to the likes of the zoo and other local attractions booked those 2 words will still be inevitably uttered at some stage over the summer holidays.  Don’t fear; these simple tricks will help keep your little ones entertained in a pocket friendly way. Win -win for parents and kids alike.

The Great Outdoors

My boys, like many kids love being outside, between being out the back of our own house, the park, the playgrounds and the beautiful Liffey walk way on our door. We get out and about as much as we can.  The kids get exercise, fresh air and generally play together and more times than not there are plenty other kids out and about and they play together.  Kids have brilliant imaginations and can happily play for hours with other kids they only just met.  I find even by getting out and about together with the boys it really does helps encourage that  sibling bond.

Keep Technology Cheap

While as parents we do try to keep screen time to a minimum, most of the older children I know do love their modern tech gadgets. As long as it’s in moderation, there’s nothing wrong with them spending some time in front of those screens (just not all day!). However, you don’t want it to end up costing you a fortune.  While my boys are still much too young to have a real interest in particular games, I spoke with my Aunt informed my with the Euro’s about to commence FIFA is the game of the moment! Im not going to pretend I know anything about games however she did give me a good tip that rather than forking out huge sums for a new game, you could simply enhance the ones they have, for example in relation to FIFA you can  buy FIFA 16 Ultimate Team Game Coins.  She says it really does save quite a lot.

As you know im a Netflix StreamTeam member and can definitely recommend Netflix for both adults and kids.  The great thing is you get a free 30-day trial so might be worth contemplating for one of the summer months. Currently writing my May Netflix picks so check back soon for some recommendations for both adults and kids.

Make Money

It’s never too early to teach kids the value of money. So this summer, why not implement those lessons by helping them earn some cash? We did this regularly over the summers as kids. My little sister still hasn’t let me forget selling an East17 poster behind her back!! Please tell me we werent the only ones to do this. (below pic is from google but you get the idea!)

Im sure our house is not alone in the amount of junk we gather over the years and as the saying goes “one man’s junk is another man’s treasure”. Selling some of this at a garage sale can help earn money to be invested in the new items they want. Alternatively, you could bake and sell cakes. Whatever you do, it should remain fun. Nevertheless, this is a great opportunity to save money while educating the kids too.

Being a parent is wonderful. But it’s also incredibly hard work. Nothing can prepare you for the first few days of parenthood, but hopefully, these handy hints will help to make life easier, im the first to admit im no expert, but thought id share some tips I have picked up having had 2 babies!

Be prepared

When you’re pregnant, you count down the days until your due date, but really, your baby could arrive at any time during the final stages. This is why it’s beneficial to be prepared. Have the nursery ready and stock up on nappies, wipes and babygrows. You don’t need to buy everything before your baby is born, but make sure you have the essentials. It’s also a good idea to have your hospital bag prepped and ready, just in case you go into labour earlier than expected or like me end up in hospital from 30 weeks. Most certainly not what i expected but it meant i didnt get home before the baby arrived.

Get some sleep

People warn you about sleepless nights. But it’s impossible to appreciate the changes in sleep patterns you experience with a newborn until the baby comes along. It’s likely that you will wake several times during the night for the first while, and you may not get into a settled routine for weeks. This is why it’s essential to get sleep when you can. Nap when your baby naps, and take it in turns to get up during the night. Try and iron out any sleeping problems you have before our baby comes, that either you or your older kids. We spent considering time getting the big man into his own bed full time and off nightime feeds.

Invest in a new mattress and make sure your bedroom is calming, dark and peaceful. If you’re planning to try co-sleeping or you’re planning for the future, it may be worth swapping your current mattress for a larger one. Try out some mattresses  or look for a review on bestmattress-brand.org.

Ask for help

As a new parent, you may want to spend every precious second with your baby, but it’s ok to take a break from time to time if you can at all. If you’ve got parents, siblings and friends offering to help out, don’t turn them away. Even an hour’s respite can give you a chance to enjoy a nice hot bath or pop out for a bit of fresh air. There’s absolutely no shame in asking others for a bit of support. They’ll probably be overjoyed to have the chance to spend some time with the new arrival.

Look after yourself

When you’re a new parent, all your energy goes into looking after your baby. But it’s also important to look after yourself. Try and eat healthily, have some time out and rest when you can. When your baby is a little older, try and get out and about. A walk to the park or a trip around the block can do your body and mind the power of good.

Welcoming a new baby to the world is one of the most special and exciting experiences. But looking after a newborn can also be draining. Sleepless nights and busy days can make for exhausted parents. If you’re preparing for a new addition, take these helpful tips on board. Don’t be afraid to ask for help and try and get your head down when you can.

Savour every minute, they are only little for a very short space of time.

With the big mans 4th birthday fast approaching it has lead  me to think about some unique gift ideas for him.  It can be a hard decision when choosing something to buy your child for their birthday.  The boys are so lucky they receive so many toys and clothes so I like to purchase something for them which is unique. Searching the internet the last few nights has turned up some fab unique birthday gifts for kids, which has prompted me to devote an entire post to it!

A teddy

The boys receive lots of “plastic” toys as gifts and from us to be fair so I like to give them something traditional that I know they will love. You cant go wrong with a teddy, a teddy is something they can keep and treasure forever. They are unlikely to throw it out like they will do with their other toys when they grow out of them. I stumbled across this article which reveals, a lot of people still sleep with their teddies as an adult! I still have mine, Lulu has pride of place in the boys bedroom.  My own dad is almost 60 and he still has his.  My own boys are fascinated by the “really really old” teddy!! I have seen lots of places where you can customise the teddy, with the childs name or  you could add a voice clip to the inside the teddy. It’s a great gift idea from babies to toddlers and right up to older kids. There really is something lovely about a teddy that you can treasure for life.

A set of books

You cant go wrong wit books, our love of books is well known.  A set of books is also  a wonderful gift idea for your kids. They are something they can keep forever too. I love our time reading together in the evenings before bed, in time im sure he will be reading to himself and I know ill miss that lovely time together.  Some classic timeless book sets such as the Narnia books, or even the Harry Potter set are great options. 

Something customised

Who doesnt love something customised.  For something unique, you cant go wrong with a customised gift It could be a picture of them with a favourite doll/car/toy or perhaps a toy box with their name on. For something fun, I found these custom bobbleheads probably for a littler older kids, but great idea. You can even get the bobblehead dressed in their favorite football team or character costume to make it more fun.

Traditional board game

The big man loves, and I mean really loves board games.  Current favourite is Operation, which Santa brought last year.  In a world of electronics i love to see him interested in some “old school” board games.  They don’t get old (my son doesnt believe I had Operation game as a child!!) and the biggest thing i think is they encourage all the family to get invloved, not really a feature of the electornic side of things. There are so many you could get that your child will love; here is a good selection for kids!

A present from your past

Another unique present idea your child will love is a present from your past. Perhaps you have something you had when you were little that you want to pass on to your kid.  This doesn’t have to be crazy expensive, a lovely idea could be a retro/ classic sweet hamper, to show them the type of treats you enjoyed as a child, for example you can purchase a classic sweat bouquet from Sweet Bouquet.

Another example could be a teddy or a piece of jewellery.  I received a bracelet from my nannie for my 16th birthday that was hers. She has passed away since and that bracelet has become priceless to me.

Once I finally have the present sorted its time to think about organising a little party. He loves the idea of blowing out candles on a cake! And sure who doesn’t love a party!! 

Note: This is a collaberative post 

I have written about the bond between my boys before, I love watching them interact, I love watching the bond grow and develop over the months.  A strong sibling bond can last a lifetime. But the same reasons that siblings bond can be the reasons that they fight too! They are constantly by each other’s side and often know exactly what makes the other one tick. This means that they can help, reassure and support each other. But it can also mean they know what buttons to push. At any age, a sibling bond can be encouraged to develop and improve. A strong sibling bond doesn’t necessarily mean that all arguments and disagreements will become a thing of the past. But it does mean that at the heart of it all they are good friends and will always try to be there for each other. If you’re trying to encourage the sibling bond in subtle but effective ways, try a few of these fun activities.

A Joint Project

Encouraging siblings to start a project together can be a great way to help them become close. It might be a building task such as a new toy or even a sandcastle. Perhaps it could be a creative project like a painting or a jigsaw. Baking something together under supervision can also be fun. Presenting cookies or a cake to a loved one will be the result of their teamwork. This can create a sense of pride and accomplishment, meaning they will have good associations with working with their sibling. Many siblings can struggle to share toys or activities and can quickly become territorial. If they learn that working and playing together can be more fun and rewarding, sharing will start to come naturally to them. If one sibling has more experience than the other, they can become the “teacher” in the pair. This also helps to generate a bond of trust and collaboration between them.

A Sleepover

A home sleepover can be a fun activity that is often overlooked. But building a cosy fort with snacks and story books, a night light and some games can be a great way to bond. One sibling could invite the other to their room, or perhaps both siblings could camp in the garden for part of the evening. With blankets and outdoor lights this can feel like a real adventure and bond the two together. Indoors, even if siblings share a room, a sleepover can be made exciting. Extra cushions, blankets and bunk beds are all fun for children.  My oldest is obsessed with bunk beds, he doesnt have them yet but we are hoping to get some this summer for them both.  There is tonnes of choice on line but probably the coolest triple bunk beds ever are top of the list at the moment so his best pal and little cousin can stay over with them. Stacked bunk beds are not only fun to climb but they also save on space in a bedroom because they are high rather than broad. That leaves far more floor space and a larger area for play!

A Team Game

Board games or quizzes can be made into a fun team activity and siblings can be paired up. Even if they are only playing against parents or a few friends, this can encourage them to stick together. A fun sense of rivalry against others for the game will stay playful. But it will also help encourage them to support each other. This can stay with them long into later life.

I’m sure I have said this a thousand times but it warms my heart everyday when I see my boys interact with each other. I truly do hope they will be life long friends.

Note: This is a collaborative post