Pink for a girl and blue for a boy are the expected nursery colors. The high street is awash with pinks and blues for expectant parents to buy for their future boy or girl. Pink bunting, blue bunting, love hearts, toy trains, dinosaurs, fire engines and flowers seemingly abound in every parent and baby department.

However, an increasing number of parents choose not to find out the gender of their child during pregnancy. Many enjoy the surprise and the anticipation of the birth even more if they do not know whether they will be taking a son or a daughter home with them from the hospital.

One drawback to finding out the baby’s gender ahead of the birth is the fact that sonographers are human and can make mistakes. From an ultrasound alone, results can be a highly educated assessment or guess, but not a guarantee of accuracy. It could well be the case that a parent thrilled to be expecting a girl could leave hospital with a healthy son instead, or vice versa.

Preparations for a baby can be an exciting part of pregnancy. The nursery stands central to these preparations, but how to decorate the room is a common dilemma when you have chosen not to find out the gender of your baby or if you are in any doubt as to which gender your child will be.

It is therefore a good idea to stick to a neutral theme for your nursery, and this can be done very successfully with imagination and planning. Some parents will choose one theme and use that as a starting point. A jungle-themed room would have animal pictures, be painted in greens, whites, yellows or reds and be suitable for a boy or a girl. Animal murals or wall stickers are widely available and furnishings and rugs in bright jungle colors are easy to procure.

Similarly, a color theme on its own could be used. Just as color blocking in fashion is popular, so it is in interiors. Blocks of color used in rugs, curtains, bedding, cushions and paintwork can be hugely effective and timeless. There will be no need to redecorate when your child grows out of it. Musical mobiles, colorful curtains and rugs can complete the picture and make for a stimulating environment for a boy or a girl.

Nature themes can provide a simple and neutral background for a nursery and the possibilities are endless. Using trees, animals, seasons and color, a nature-themed bedroom can look fresh and clean, with tones of green and white, or blue skies and clouds. Simple abstract patterns in natural shades or prints and paintings can make for a room that never goes out of date and is, of course, suitable for either gender. Cot bedding, sleeping bags and cot bumpers are often available in gender-neutral tones of beige, yellow, green or cream.

Murals are often a popular choice for a baby’s room but if parents are not artistically inclined, or are afraid of making mistakes, many shops now sell high quality wall stickers, often removable, that will not damage walls. A professional look can be obtained with the right design, without the designer price tag.

A carefully thought out neutral room can last years longer than a specific boy or girl nursery and the furnishings and storage can often be used for other purposes at a later date.

Using these simple tips and a bit of careful planning, “why has he got a pink nursery?” is a question that wise parents will never have to hear.

This article was written by Barrie Smith, Barrie works and writes for Vertbaudet – an award-winning infant, children’s and maternity wear fashion brand.

Photo: Courtesy of Vertbaudet

The topic has been debated over and over. Many schools of thought exist on the matter – what’s the best way to prepare your child for school? What is the best strategy for ensuring your child is an achiever (mind you: not an overachiever, nor a blatantly gifted underachiever, but one who will fully realize their potential?). Many argue in favor of appreciating your child’s every effort, irrespective of its actual, objective value. Others insist that this is a very wrong way to go about, as it will only promote a sense of entitlement in the child. Where is the truth? What is the best solution for making sure that your child does the best they can? Here are some useful, tested and true, tips and pointers.

Encourage Effort

What you need to bear in mind on this rather delicate matter is that you don’t want your child to feel stifled and compelled to perform. If you’re familiar with the concept of the “stage mom,” then you surely know what a parent obsessed with achievement looks like. You do not want to be that parent. You want to be a parent that rewards pro-active behavior and appreciates the child’s effort to its just value. A child who will work for four hours on his or her math homework is very likely to develop an understandable adversity to this subject. Avoid the situation in which your child harbors negative feelings by making sure they are aware you understand, support and encourage their effort.

Heredity is Nothing

One of the worst things you can do as a parent who wants to raise a self-sufficient, functional adult, is to tell them they were born a certain way. It doesn’t matter if you tell them that those traits are negative (“You are lazy/messy/stubborn like your dad”) or positive (“You were born with a good ear for music.”) A child who is told they were born a certain way will eventually come to take those traits for granted and not do anything about them. They will stop attempting to compensate for any shortcomings in personality and they will no longer work at honing a certain set of skills.

Don’t Buy into the Bogus

If you’re inclined to take a slightly more esoteric approach to life, do not apply the same principles to your child. It doesn’t matter if they’re a Capricorn, Scorpio, Sagittarius or whatever else. Fortune tellers don’t work. If you choose to use such methods, make sure you use them as good, clean fun. You should never tell your child that they were born a certain way (stubborn, messy, lazy) and that there is nothing they can do about it. Horoscopes are lots of fun for adults, but they are not necessarily appropriate tools for self-exploration for children. Sure, they can learn the names of the signs. A balanced approach, with both the positives and negatives of all signs, will also work. What you need to do, though, is to encourage open communication and conversations instead.

The article was provided and written by Paul Estcott. Paul also owns and operates the site http://www.horoscopes.org.uk/

Photo: flickr.com/photos/tiffany1985/2466611459/

Kids can never have enough toys but parents are likely to run out of ideas of how to store these toys. Without proper storage for toys, kids can get very messy. To keep things tidy and organized, you need to provide them with storage solutions and also teach them how to put away their toys after playing with them. It’s vital that your kids learn the importance of keeping things organized early in their lives. Make this a fun activity as opposed to a chore. Here are some ideas to reduce the clutter.

Totes:

Totes are great for storing all sorts of toys. Another advantage of totes is that they are extremely cheap. Totes are available in a variety of colors so they don’t look out of place in a child’s room.
They also come in different sizes and usually have lids. Place it anywhere you want; in the kid’s room, the living room, or the basement; a tote will fit anywhere.

Storage Cabinets:

Many types of storage cabinets are available for toy storage. The best type of toy storage cabinet comes with bins. The bins are made of soft material and are easily removable which makes them great for kids. Kids can easily remove the bin of their choice and put it back easily without having to call an adult for help. Another advantage of these cabinets is that they are of low height which is great from a safety point of view.

Toy Nets:

Children typically have a horde of stuffed animals. Kids may not play very often with stuffed toys but they do feel great attachment to them. Toy nets are great to store soft toys such as stuffed animals. Just hang the net in a corner of your child’s room. It serves the dual purpose of looking attractive and being functional.

Toy Racks:

Building toy racks early on in kids’ rooms can save you from a great amount of cleaning. It is an effective and practical way for storing toys. You can also place bins or baskets on the racks to store toys more effectively.

Toy chest:

Previously, toy chests were thought to be the best solution to keep toys. But the problem with toy chests is that kids just dump everything into the chest which is counter productive when you are actually trying to help your kid be tidy and organized. There are also some safety issues such as a child may hurt his fingers while closing the lid or the chest may topple over if the child is small. It’s a good place for storing old toys though. If you are considering buying a toy chest, make sure it has a soft lid and is well balanced.

This article was written by Mike Neil. Mike has been working in the toys industry for the last 5 years. Mike specializes in Lego toys.

Photo: flickr.com/photos/wendycopley/2354794207/

Anyone who has ever undertaken a long road trip with one or more toddlers in tow can understand why most parents dread the prospect. Sure, they’re cute and loveable, but children are also easily bored and prone to sudden bouts of unpredictability. Don’t blame the kids! With preparation and patience, traveling with toddlers needn’t be a completely unpleasant experience.

Rather than trying to make your child conform to the “rules of travel”, make your travel conform to the “rules of your child” by taking his changeling nature into account. Take note of when he becomes cranky, hungry, sleepy and playful, and pay special attention to what can trigger specific behaviors. When you understand what catapults him into gleeful bursts of unbridled energy, you have a better chance of circumventing unpleasant incidents. On the flip side, try to figure out the best methods of easing him into a more calm state of mind.

Armed with fresh knowledge about the whims of your child, you’re ready for the preparation and packing stages of traveling with toddlers. Talk with your child about your upcoming trip often and include her in your preparations by allowing her to pack a few favorite items on her own. She will most likely choose toys so be prepared to add your own choices to her travel bag. To help prepare your family for anything and everything, use the following sections as packing and planning guidelines.

Don’t Skimp on Sustenance

Toddlers have tiny tummies and feel hungry more often than adults do. Plan frequent restaurant stops, which will also provide potty breaks for toilet-trained toddlers and give everyone a chance to stretch their legs. Pack a good selection of healthy snacks with low sugar content, but don’t forget to include a few favorite foods for use in an emergency. In hot weather, be sure to keep perishables packed in an ice-filled cooler.

• Favorite fruits
• Cheese sticks or string cheese
• Whole grain crackers
• Yogurt
• Dry cereal
• Juice boxes
• Small cartons of milk
• Gummy Fruit snacks

An Eye on Entertainment

One of the most challenging aspects of traveling with toddlers is keeping them amused. If you have a portable DVD player, your child may be entertained for hours by movies or cartoons, but more energetic children often respond best to hands on activities. Parcel out some of the toys you pack over the duration of the trip to keep your toddler interested. In addition to games and toys, remember that all children love attention from a parent or beloved sibling. Make up interactive games to play with your child if he becomes bored with traditional activities.

• Favorite DVDs
• Creative toys like an Etch-a-Sketch or Fisher Price Magna Doodle
• Vtech or Leap Frog toddler laptops
• Crayons and coloring books
• Age-appropriate puzzles
• Toddler music players
• Picture books
• Avoid items with many small parts if possible

Cultivate a Little Comfort

When children become stressed or anxious, they crave comfort. Since you all have limited mobility due to seat restraints, you can’t always pick her up for cuddling. Offer some loving words and stroke her hair or legs to calm her before an all-out meltdown ensues. Another option is providing your child with some of the comforts she enjoys at home. The sight, smell and feel of home can help your toddler self-soothe and may even have the power to lull her to sleep.

• Favorite blanket
• Comfortable pajamas
• Pillows from home
• Stuffed animals

Always remember that toddlers aren’t accustomed to being stuck in the car for many hours and may act out in protest. A healthy dose of patience can help you deal with potential problems as they arise while also helping your child feel secure. Other ways to avoid unpleasantness when traveling with toddlers include driving at night when your child normally sleeps, having someone share the backseat with him and planning at least one picnic or outdoor excursion for a quick shot of energy-burning exercise.

This article was written by Olivia Nicholas. Olivia is a writer and mommy to twin boys. She is always happy to share her passion for life and experiences through her work, and in her spare time works as a freelance writer for Storkie.

Photo: flickr.com/photos/freeformkatia/5333101665/

A new parent is full of worries. What if a baby won’t latch on for breastfeeding? Or what if formula makes him sick? How do you properly change a diaper? Are cloth diapers better than disposables? Is it normal for babies to cry all night? And should you let them fall back asleep on their own or cuddle them until they drop off to dreamland? These are the questions that plague all new parents, and the list of concerns will only grow until they become accustomed to the many demands and responsibilities of their new role. However, most parents are unprepared for the occurrence of vision problems in children, and as a result they may not recognize the signs until too late.

So here are a few tips to help you spot optical issues before they become a real problem.

It is important to realize that it could take up to eight months for your baby’s vision to reach the same strength as an adult. This is because a baby is born without a fully formed sense of vision; it continues to develop throughout their infancy. So if your baby seems to lack the ability to focus or see clearly in the first few months, it may not be cause for alarm. However, if you’re worried you should certainly contact your doctor for assurance or to schedule testing.

There are certain signs, though, that should not be ignored. For example, it is not uncommon for babies to be born with cataracts or develop them in the first few months or years of life. And luckily, they are easy to spot. If you notice any clouding in your child’s eye you need to see an ophthalmologist immediately. These growths will not simply go away and there are no pharmaceutical treatments. If they are not surgically removed they can damage your child’s vision permanently (by halting normal visual development). Luckily, the surgery is considered safe even for very young children, although they will likely have to be anesthetized to undergo the procedure.

Another warning sign can come in the way of eyes that do not seem to align properly. When one eye is weaker than another (due to eye muscles that aren’t functioning properly or a pathway to the brain that is underdeveloped, for example) you will begin to see the signs. Amblyopia, or lazy eye, can usually be identified by one eye turning inward or outward, strabismus may cause crossed eyes, and nystagmus will result in one or both eyes appearing to tremble or shake. All of these symptoms tend to indicate weakness or vision loss, but all may be correctable with early treatment so that your child’s vision develops normally.

Of course, your child may simply suffer from common vision problems like nearsightedness, farsightedness, and/or astigmatism. While it may be a bit more difficult to identify these problems on your own, a visit to an eye doctor can either confirm or rule out the possibility. And if your child does have these problems, they’re often easy to correct with glasses or contact lenses (even small children may be good candidates for the latter). Whether you notice problems or not, it’s not a bad idea to have your child examined annually, so look for an eye health center in your area and make an appointment, especially if you think there are potential issues with your child’s vision.

This post was written by Evan Fischer. Evan is a freelance writer and part-time student at California Lutheran University in Thousand Oaks, California. Evan is a contributing writer for EZ Contacts USA where you can find contact lenses and locate an eye health center close to your home.

Christmas season is a hectic time for everyone, especially parents with children under five. You have so many things to do, but only so much time to do it in. Stress levels run high, and you need to find ways to survive during this hectic time. Here is a practical guide for parents that is bound to have something you can use.

Share music. Music soothes the soul of everyone, parents and children alike. There are many ways to share music during the holidays. Put on some traditional holiday tunes and play them in the background throughout the day. Listening to “Silent Night” always soothes the soul. And, “Jingle Bells” is a perennial favorite. Or, set aside an hour at the end of each day for a family music get-together. Have everyone sing along with the song playing. Or, if you or any family members play a musical instrument, lead the show. Have lyrics available so everyone can sing along. Start playing a song and encourage everyone to sing along. If you own a piano, have your family gather around the piano as you play. Encourage your young ones to sit next to you on the piano bench. If you do not have a piano, have your children act like they are leading an orchestra as you play your instrument. Singing and music not only bring families together, but can relieve stress levels. Moms, in particular, will relish escaping everyday stress by getting lost in music.

Start a family tradition. Traditions are what the Christmas season is made of. Start a family tradition by introducing your kids to traditional movies such as the original “It’s A Wonderful Life”, “Holiday Inn”, “Scrooge”, “Miracle on 34th Street” or “White Christmas”. Kids love Clarence the Angel in “Wonderful Life” and Santa in “Miracle”. And, the songs and pageantry of “White Christmas” will leave lasting impressions. For even better results, bone up on your history of these movies to share with your family while watching.

Watch a fun video or movie together. Now is the time of year for an abundance of new or recently released holiday movies and videos. Choose five of the most appealing and take a family vote on the two favorite. Order the movies or videos, pop up some popcorn (a quick and tasty treat) and enjoy the event as family time. Laughter breaks the tension during this stressful time of year. Who doesn’t love watching Jim Carey as the Grinch? Or, the Muppets during the holiday season?

Treat yourself to a spa treatment. Every mom deserves some alone time, especially during the holidays. When out shopping for a day, take a couple of hours to schedule a foot or body massage at a local spa. Or, stop at the make-up counter and have a make-up artist do a makeover on you. Dads may want to treat themselves to a barber shave and hair cut, watch an uninterrupted football game or have their own foot massage. Everyone needs a good foot massage now and then. Pampering yourself is important for all parents during the Christmas season.

Shop online. Christmas shopping is part of the season, and the reason for increased stress levels. Instead of fighting holiday shopping crowds, sit in front of your computer and do your shopping. Many stores offer online sales not available to brick-and-mortar outlets. Have your little one sit on your lap while shopping and explain what is going on, so he feels part of the process.

Turn baking cookies into a family event. Christmas is the time of year when baking cookies is a tradition. If it is not a tradition in your family yet, make it one this year. Children love to get in the kitchen and emulate their parents. Turning your kids under five into active participants can lead to a lifelong love of cooking and food. Plus, it can lower your stress levels by easing your workload burden. After putting all the ingredients into a bowl, have one of your kids mix the ingredients together to feel like they are doing something. Children under 5 are curious, so answer all their questions about the cookie dough, cooking process and any other tidbits of information they want to know. Who knows, you may have a future professional baker in the making. After properly mixing the sugar cookie dough, place the dough onto a rolling board. Show your kids how to roll out the dough with either a large glass or rolling pin. Let them roll out the cookies and place them on a cookie sheet. Have your kids put some smiley faces with icing on the cookies. Or, give them a container of colored sugar to sprinkle on the cookies. Remember to thoroughly supervise your children under 5 throughout the entire time in the kitchen. You can never be too safe

Visit Santa as a family. Santa not only wants to hear from children under 5, but from parents as well. After your children have visited Santa, you take part and ask for a day trip somewhere. Ask for whatever you want. After making your wishes, have a family portrait taken with Santa. It will become a treasured family photo.

End each day leading up to Christmas, and even Christmas itself, with a nice cup of hot tea or cocoa. Finishing your day with your warm beverage soothes your nerves, stomach and mind. Enjoy the beverages while sharing stories about the day. Your family deserves it.

This post was writen by Tyla from AuPair.org.

Photo: flickr.com/photos/marquiroga/3093280848/

If you’re a parent, you have already experienced different forms of guilt. Sometimes it feels like it comes with the job description. When I gave birth to my second child, Jessica, just 16 months after having my son, Robbie, my guilt went into overdrive. When you bring home a new baby to her sibling, sometimes that means double the guilt. You feel guilty about your older child…What are you doing to your little best friend? Are you taking away his mummy time? Is he simply going to feel like a helper to you with the new baby?

If that’s not enough, you will inevitably feel guilty about the new baby. Your latest addition will have to be toted all around, regardless of her nap schedule. You can’t devote 24/7 to reading every book on sleep, poop and early admissions to college like you did for your first.

Some things I try to remember to help ease the guilt:

This is an opportunity for your older child. Your first born will get the chance to share her toys, your attention and the family’s space. This is not such a bad thing. These are valuable lessons for her to take into school and beyond.

There are perks for the baby too. Your newborn will grow up in a world where people share and take turns. Many parents say that the second child is naturally more easy going than the first. And you won’t have to read a book on how to make that happen! Your youngest child will have special time with you once your older child starts school. And he may even be more appreciative of the time you can give him because he instinctively knows that mum has lots of jobs.

You can be more flexible to make your life easier. What does it matter if the baby naps in the car as you drive your eldest to football practice? Isn’t it a good thing that you put less pressure on yourself about a perfectly clean house and pat yourself on the back for making it through the day?!

Walk away from the guilt gremlin. If guilty feelings start creeping in, remember that these negative thoughts don’t help you find an extra hour in the day. Mothers are notoriously hard on themselves and all the angst still doesn’t get the laundry done.

Feel it and move on. Every parent feels guilty at some point. Just because you feel guilty doesn’t mean you are guilty. Your children are lucky to have a parent who cares enough to want the best for her children.

This post was writen by April Paine. April is an American living in England and the co-author of The ABCs of Baby #2: Tips, Hints & Real Mum Advice for Celebrating the Arrival of Your Second Child, now available on Kindle, itunes and Sony Reader.

Photo: flickr.com/photos/stephenr/1317897186/

Here comes the snow! Winter can be a fun-filled season when you get out and enjoy all the activities it has to offer. There are a lot of sports, such as sled-riding, skiing, snowboarding , tubing and more to keep the entire family busy and happy. But the outdoors can be a bit dangerous, as well, and accidents can easily happen in the snow and on the ice. You don’t want to end up in the emergency room instead of playing in the snow. However, It’s easy to have fun and stay safe at the same time, by following a few simple tips and tricks!

Activity Related Accidents

Ice-skating, sled-riding, snowboarding and skiing are great fun. But injuries can easily occur with these activities. In the winter, the local emergency rooms see many more head, neck and abdominal injuries from kids who accidentally hit objects while playing out in the snow. Make sure your children are old enough to know the safest places to enjoy their activities.

Sled-riding is one of the most popular activities of the winter, but sledding accidents can be very serious. Head trauma, broken bones and internal bleeding can occur from a serious accident. Keep kids away from wooded areas and roadways. Watch for areas that are covered with rocks or tree stumps. If your children are younger, make sure you supervise them while they are sled-riding.

Playing on the ice is another popular outdoor activity in the winter, but make sure your kids play safely. When ice skating, ensure that the skates your child wears are fitted properly and supportive, and provide elbow and knee pads. Remember, ice-skating rinks are much safer than ponds. But if the only place you can skate is a pond, make sure to test the ice yourself, and always supervise your kids. Ice can break easily, and drowning and hypothermia can happen in the blink of an eye.

Snowmobiling is also a popular choice, but these machines can go fast and can be very dangerous. Helmets and eye gear should be worn, and adult supervision is required at all times with young children.

At Home Illnesses

Keep your family safe this winter season by ensuring that they take care of themselves indoors. Make sure everyone understands the importance of hand-washing, especially after sharing toys, before and after eating, and after blowing one’s nose. This will help prevent the spread of viruses.

Snow shoveling is a necessary part of the winter activities. It can be great exercise for some, but beware of young children helping out. Older kids can help shovel snow, but muscles can easily be pulled and strained from lifting those heavy shovelfuls of snow. Don’t let younger kids over-do it. Very young children can participate with smaller shovels, although they may have more fun just throwing the snow around!

Many kids have so much fun playing out in the snow that they don’t realize it is time to come in. To keep frostbite from occurring, check your children at regular intervals. Make sure that they are not too cold and that their hands and feet are dry. Insist they take a break and warm up if they have been out too long.

Going out in the Cold

When your children are ready to hit the snow piles, make sure they have a good snack first. The calories will help to give them the extra energy they will need while out in the cold. Sunscreen is also a good idea, because even in the winter, the snow can reflect nearly 85% of harmful UV rays on our kids.

Dress your kids warmly and in layers. That way, they can take a layer off if they get too wet and still stay outside. Cotton clothing is not the best choice for cold-related activities, as it doesn’t keep kids warm enough. Go with wool or other kinds of fabrics instead. Choose a good pair of long underwear, turtlenecks to keep the neck covered, sweaters and warm coats. Look for waterproof jackets and pants, such as snowsuits, that will repel the water and keep clothing dry. And of course, warm socks, preferably thick ones, along with a pair of waterproof boots, will complete the outfit.

All kids have different cold-weather tolerances, so it’s hard to set an actual time-limit to being outdoors. But remind them that if they are too cold, to come in and warm up. Keep extra gloves on hand for them to switch up when their hands become too wet. Sometimes, a pair of dry gloves can do the trick!

In Case of Emergency

Children are more than likely to get frostbite than adults are. To prevent it, make sure that they dress as warmly as possible, and that their hands and feet do not get wet. If the weather is too extreme, limit times spent outdoors.

Frost nip, an early sign of getting frostbite, leaves the affected skin numb and white. If your child experiences this, bring them inside, remove all of their wet clothing, and immerse the chilled part in warm water. You don’t want hot water- 104-108° F will do. Keep their affected area immersed until they are able to feel sensation again. If in doubt, or sensation does not return, a trip to the local ER is a must. It’s always better to be safe than sorry.

Frostbite mostly happens to the fingers, toes and ears. The nose and cheeks can be affected, as well. The area that frostbite occurs on will be extremely cold and will turn white or a yellow-gray color. Your child needs to be seen at the nearest ER if frostbite occurs, without delay.

Finally, if you are going on a road trip during the winter, it is essential to have an emergency kit in your car. Include a first aid kit, heavy blankets, extra gloves and hats, and even changes of clothing. Water and dry food may also be a good choice, in the event you get stuck in the snow. A jumper cable kit is also essential.

Winter can be just as fun as the warmer months. Practice common sense and safety and make this season one to remember!

This post was writen by Erik Braunitzer of Douglas Elliman Real Estate Company, agents for New York City Rentals.

I bought the “Big Brother” and “Little Sister” t-shirts, I involved my older child in every step of the pre-baby preparations, and I even planned what our first Christmas card photos would look like. But my son and daughter didn’t get along as beautifully as I imagined. Finally, I put some techniques in place to aid the strong bond I hoped they’d have.

Find below some sibling advice that I had to give to myself:

Make a tradition. Whether you always eat Sunday lunch in the backyard or insist on Family Game Night well into their teens, give your children something to enjoy on a regular basis. A family ritual will strengthen your children’s bond (and their bond to you).

Let them fight. And argue. And agree to disagree. Rather than insist that your children be best friends in every situation, accept that siblings squabble from time to time (and sometimes even more often). Remember that it’s not easy to live with someone harmoniously all the time (you may have an argument or two with your husband every now and then??!).

Play sports. Whether it’s family football or rock climbing in pairs, athletics will improve team spirit within the family.

Make them work. Just like athletics breeds teamwork, chores that your children have to complete together will keep them in sync.

Let them laugh at you. Allow your kids to enjoy a chuckle at your expense –maybe not when you’re speaking at The PTA Barbeque—but enjoy their mutual amusement if you bake a lopsided cake or when you go on your invariable search for car keys.

Encourage common interests. If your children enjoy a day at the seaside but you and your partner prefer riding bikes down a country lane, give in to the kids’ matching request when possible. Your family will have a nice day, your children will be happy, and the sibling relationship continues to deepen.

Get together with family. The best way to promote future closeness between your children is to show them how it’s done. Invite your siblings and relatives for visits and family teas. Let your kids know how important you regard family and family bonds.

Praise their efforts. They can’t be best mates every day, but when they do share nicely or help each other, commend them for their sibling kindness.

This post was writen by April Paine. April is an American living in England and the co-author of The ABCs of Baby #2: Tips, Hints & Real Mum Advice for Celebrating the Arrival of Your Second Child, now available on Kindle, itunes and Sony Reader.

There are a number of things you can do for your kids right now, to help them with their student finances later on. Besides the obvious college fund, you can begin teaching your kids about money management and budgeting from a really early age. We’ll suggest some ways to do this here.

Early years

Counting coins can help children develop a concept of money. They don’t need to know the value of the coins at this stage – that can come later, but they can role-play buying things with pretend coins and notes.

As they get towards the age of between, say, 7 and 11, they can learn about how many coins it takes to buy candy bars, apples and things they like. Putting into practice their counting, addition and subtraction at home will help them to apply it in the classroom.

High-school

Teenage children love to be treated like adults, so allow them a little responsibility with a cash incentive. Depending on the ability and willingness of your child, they could do chores around the house, cook a meal or get a part-time job around their classes.

Earning your own money is an important part of growing up. Learning to make that money last without extra hand-outs (or putting it into savings) develops a better understanding of what money management is like in the adult world.

This may be a good point at which to help them open their first bank account. Watching their savings grow can be a real confidence boost and it’s good practice for when they’re grown-ups.

College / leaving home

This is a risky period financially for your child. As they reach the age they can get credit cards, overdrafts and store cards of their own, they could get into debt problems further down the line if they haven’t learnt the money management lessons of the past.

Budgeting for expenses that they never had before – like rent and bills – can be difficult at first. A ‘managed’ bank account that puts part of their income (for bills) into a separate account can be a helpful stepping-stone to budgeting for their bills themselves. Some types of basic bank account provide this service which could be especially useful for a student. A basic bank account doesn’t have an overdraft, therefore they shouldn’t be tempted to overspend. You can see the features of this type of basic bank account here.

You could also help them to draw up their own budget. Include their income (grants, scholarships, loans, money from you, money from employment) and their essential living costs (rent, bills), as well as money they put into savings. As long as they stick to their budget, there’s no reason for them to get into trouble with debt.

Finally, not all debt is bad and for many people going to college, it’s necessary to borrow money to pay your way. However, encouraging your kids to earn their own money, live within their means and spend wisely should help them avoid getting into the kind of debt that can cause problems later on.

The post was kindly provided by Ian Williams and thinkbanking.co.uk who provide banking services and basic bank accounts.