8 Reasons We Decided to Get a Fur Baby

I am happy to introduce you to the newest member of our family, a fur baby named Milo. Milo is a Havanese puppy. After years of begging, we finally decided to get our girls a dog. What made us decide to finally give in to their requests for a family dog? Beyond Milo simply being the cutest puppy I’ve ever seen, there are other reasons why we made the commitment to welcome four extra paws into our family.

1. Teach Responsibility

One of the main reasons we decided to get a family dog is because we believe our girls are at an age where they can help take care of him. When they were younger, all the responsibility fell on me. And I didn’t know one more thing to take care of. Now that they are older, we are hoping owning a dog will help teach responsibility. They will be responsible for feeding him and picking up his toys.

2. Foster Empathy

According to the American Kennel Club (AKC), “Multiple studies showed that children who owned pets were more empathetic towards others.” Learning to care for a dog helps foster compassion and empathy for people and animals other than themselves.

3. Find Comfort

Dogs are the ultimate teddy bear. They comfort kids and make kids feel supported. It’s one reason why comfort dogs show up after major disasters or events that are anxiety-inducing. Just being in the presence of a dog can alleviate stress.

4. Boost Self-Esteem

As kids take responsibility, their self-esteem grows. Kids are proud of themselves for being big enough to help. Likewise, as they feel comforted and supported, their self-esteem improves.

5. Built-In Companionship

A dog is essentially a built-in playmate for a kid. Dogs love wholeheartedly, and kids reap the benefits of their unwavering love. Plus, dogs can help kids develop social skills. For example, Momtastic reports, “A University of Missouri study found that children with autism have stronger social skills when a dog lives in the home. ‘Children were more likely to engage in behaviors such as introducing themselves, asking for information, or responding to other people’s questions,’ says Gretchen Carlisle, a research fellow who helped in the study.

6. Get Active

Dogs need exercise, which means your kids get exercise. One of the girls’ responsibilities will be playing with the dog outside. Dogs make fewer messes when they get enough physical activity, so we are making that a priority. Not only will this help kids stay active, but it will also force them to put down their devices and head outside.

7. Stay Safe

Dogs have great ears. They can hear things humans can’t. As a result, they can alert us to danger. With a dog, you get a built-in security system. For this reason, many kids feel safe having a dog in the home.

8. Have Fun

Last but certainly not least, having a dog is fun! Who doesn’t love puppy cuddles or playing fetch? We have only had Milo for a few days and our home is already more fun!

What dog tips do you have for me? We need them! Post them in the comments.

Have Some Safe Halloween Fun at Chuck E. Cheese

Halloween 2020 is looking like it is going to be a little bit different than Halloweens of the past. But if you are anything like me, you are doing everything you can to make the 2020 holiday seem as normal as you can. While many events have been canceled and trick or treating is up in the air, there is one event that has saved Halloween for my family – the Chuck E. Cheese Halloween Boo-Tacular.

I am happy to tell Halloween-loving families that you can safely celebrate all things spooky and fun at Chuck E. Cheese this year! They have made it possible for families to dress up in costume, play, dance, trick or treat, and eat without being afraid. The scariest thing about it is that the fun ends after October.

Read on to see why this is a must-do for families this October!

All the Chuck E. Cheese Fun You Love, Plus Spooky Entertainment

The reason Chuck E. Cheese is still just as popular as when you were a kid is because it is still just as fun! Chuck E. Cheese has everything kids love – arcade games, pizza, characters, and music. And, they have amped up the fun for Halloween! For example, there is un-spooky Halloween décor, photo spots, and free treat bags filled with candy, stickers, and other fun surprises for every kid in a costume.

My family had a blast! I already know it will be the most memorable thing we do this Halloween and an event we will never forget. Here’s why.

At the Boo-Tacular, all of your kid’s favorite characters join in a new show: Mr. Munch's Monster Mash-Up featuring Chuck E.'s Boo-tastic Dance. In addition to being Halloween-themed, they have also included special social distancing content for this year. Your kids will be able to safely dance along while spaced six feet apart (or more).

The fun doesn’t stop there! For Boo-Tacular, evening weekend guests get to enjoy DJ Munch’s Glow Party. Starting at 6 PM on Fridays and Saturdays in October, the lights are dimmed, and the glow party begins! The $14.99 entrance fee includes special glow gear in their treat bag – glow bracelets and glow tattoos. Guests attending the Glow Party also get to visit three touchless trick or treat stations.

Pumpkin Pizzas and More on a Special Halloween Menu

Kids love pizza, but you know what they love even more? Pumpkin-shaped pepperoni pizza with a Jack-O-Lantern smile! While we thought the pumpkin pizza was super fun, my family really loved the Halloween-themed desserts on the menu, like the Dippin' Dots® Eye Scream, Boo-tacular Oreo® Brownie, and the candy corn cotton candy. The special menu made it feel like a festive party.

Chuck E. Cheese Halloween Boo-Tacular: Safe Not Scary

2020 has been scary, but I am happy to say the Chuck E. Cheese Halloween Boo-Tacular is safe and not at all scary. During our visit, I was so impressed with how they are managing the safety of their guests. We really felt they went above and beyond. Here is a list of the ways they are keeping guests safe during this strange time:

• Temperature checks taken upon entrance

• All guests asked to wear their masks

• Hand sanitizing stations throughout

• All games are spaced out

• Team members sanitize all play and dining areas as well as restrooms continuously

• In-store contactless payments

Plus, Chuck E. Cheese has also installed upgraded hospital-grade air-filters at each of their open locations and is limiting capacity.

Safety is a top priority when it comes to deciding which Halloween events my family will attend, and Chuck E. Cheese did a fantastic job of making this mom feel safe and worry less.

Staying In? Party at Home with Chuck E. Cheese and KIDZ BOP

We had so much fun that my girls are already asking to go back. I think it is time to let some other families enjoy the in-store fun, but I have big plans to get a Boo-tacular Family Party Package to celebrate all over again at home. The package includes:

• Two large one-topping pizzas, a Boo-tacular Oreo® Brownie, two treat bags each including $5 in games to use on your next visit, as well as a free KIDZ BOP® Halloween activity sheet and glow in the dark temporary tattoos to enjoy at home for just $39.99.

Chuck E. Cheese is going out of their way to make sure families can enjoy the same level of fun while at home, even offering interactive activities, videos, crafts, and more through their website. Plus, they are pairing up with another favorite for my kids – KIDZ BOP! With this combo, you get all the pizza party fun + Halloween + KIDZ BOP entertainment.

Like I said, Chuck E. Cheese saved Halloween!

Fall is Not Canceled. Here’s Some Fall Fun for Families.

Fall officially begins next week, but it feels a little weird. The coronavirus has made distinguishing between seasons a little more difficult. And, I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t a little bummed by the traditional fall activities the pandemic has canceled.

But, I’m trying to see the glass as half full rather than half empty. After spending time thinking about it, I realized that Fall is not canceled. Sure, there are some things that will be paused in 2020, but most of the things I love about fall are still happening. For instance, no one and nothing will get in the way of my fall fashion. Bring on all the cute boots and cozy cardigans!

So, fellow fall-loving moms, here’s some fall fun for families during the pandemic.

Decorate for Fall

Take time this weekend to pull out all your fall décor and get busy decorating. Let fall explode all over your mantle and front porch. This year, the more, the merrier!

Apples Galore

A great social distancing activity for families is apple picking. Apple orchards plenty of space for families to spread out and not get close to others. Not only is apple picking a fun traditional fall activity, but you reap the rewards of your hard work. Bring home your bushel of apples and make apple pies and caramel apples.

Go Outside

The reason why fall is a favorite season for so many people is because of the weather. It is not too hot or too cold, which makes it the best time of year to spend time outside. In addition to apple picking, take the family hiking for some social distancing fun. Take a road trip to see the leaves change color. Check to see if any nearby farms are offering social distanced corn mazes.

Drink It Up

Another reason we love fall is for all the seasonal beverages. Go ahead and drink your fill of Pumpkin Spice Lattes, Oktoberfest fest, and apple ciders.

Cheer on Your Favorite Team

Yes, it is disappointing that you can’t go to a stadium and tailgate before your favorite team plays. But, you can still watch at home from the comfort of your living room! Wear your jersey, paint your face, and yell like you are there with them. (Don’t forget to make your favorite tailgate foods.)

Pumpkin Fun

Fall isn’t fall without pumpkins. Guess what? Pumpkins are still available even during a pandemic! Head to the pumpkin patch and pick out your favorites. Then, have a pumpkin carving party with your family.

Get Spooked

Halloween festivities are still up in the air, but even if your city cancels trick-or-treating, Halloween can’t be canceled! You just may have to celebrate it differently this year. You can still get dressed up in costumes, give your kids way too much candy, and watch scary movies on TV. Plus, many places are getting creative and offering social distanced activities like drive-thru haunted houses and drive-in movie showings of classic horror films.

7 Fun and Safe Social Distancing Outdoor Activities for NYC Families

Things may not be quite back to normal, but there are still plenty of ways to have some summer fun with your family! This summer may be a bit more laid back in terms of big adventures, but there are plenty of little adventures around NYC that are perfect for families. Check out this list of 7 fun and safe social distancing outdoor activities for families.

Bike with the Fam

My girls love their bikes! Like most things, I have a feeling this is going to be something they eventually outgrow. So, we’re being intentional about going on bike rides as a family. Whether we bike around our neighborhood or hit up one of the off the road bike trails around NYC, it is a great way to get some exercise, enjoy the outdoors, and spend time together.

Go to a Drive-In Movie

We sure are missing going to the movie theatre as a family, but COVID-19 has brought back the thrill of going to a drive-in movie! Drive-ins are excellent for social distancing. You stay in your own vehicle, control the volume, and enjoy new releases on the big screen. Check out Skyline Drive-In NYC to see what is playing.

Hunt for the Best Ice Cream

Eating in restaurants is still a little challenging, but finding ice cream is not. Spend the summer visiting different ice cream shops around NYC to hunt for the best one. Many of these ice cream shops offer outdoor or patio seating.

Pick Fruit

According to Mommy Poppins, “Juicy blueberries, blackberries, and raspberries are usually in season from July through the end of August near NYC, and some farms even have a second crop of raspberries that ripen later in the summer.” And there are plenty of places to do some social-distance fruit picking near NYC.

Glamp Under the Stars

If your family is feeling bummed that you had to cancel your summer vacation, surprise them by taking them Glamping on Governors Island. Glamping is camping elevated for those families who like the finer things in life (like air conditioning). Even though Governor’s Island is still closed to the public, guests take a complimentary private water taxi to the campsite on the island. You’ll experience the city in a brand-new way while maintaining social distance.

Visit State Parks

If you are staying in the city throughout the summer, try to visit some of the nearby state parks. In addition to exploring a new park, many of the parks offer great activities for families, such as hiking and kayaking. Use TimeOut’s guide to the best hiking trails for NYC families to explore to help get you started on your outdoor adventures.

Drive Through a Zoo

We sure have missed seeing our favorite zoo animals, so I was thrilled to hear Six Flags Great Adventure in New Jersey has opened its wild safari to the public. Your family can see over 1200 wild animals from your car window!

Plus, many of the public pools in NYC will start reopening this month. Thankfully, there is no evidence that shows COVID-19 can spread through pools. Just be sure to practice social distancing around the pool areas!  

Summer Safety Tips for Kids

Even though New York families are still pushing through distance learning, Memorial Day weekend unofficially marks the start of summer. While everyone is firing up the grills and heading outdoors this weekend, I thought it would be a good time to review summer safety tips for kids.

Protect Their Skin

Did you know the sunburns your kids get when they are children can result in skin cancer later in life? It’s true. That’s why it is so important to make them put on sunscreen with SPF whenever they play outside. It is also wise to invest in some children’s clothing with UV protection. You should also try to limit their exposure to the sun’s strongest UV rays that occur during the middle of the day. Instead, aim to play outside in the morning or the early evening.

Keep Them Hydrated

Dehydration is a serious problem on hot summer days, especially for kids. That’s why it is so important to make sure they are drinking enough water. Children’s Health suggests, “The amount of water a child should drink varies by age, weight and activity level. However, a general rule is take half of your child's weight (up to 100 pounds) – and that's the number of ounces of water they should drink every day.”

Teach Them the Pool Rules

My girls love swimming and going to the pool is a regular activity for us. But, even so, I make a point to teach my daughters the pool rules and teach them to swim. During the summer, the number of pool-related injuries is alarming. For example, running around the slippery pool deck is a leading cause of emergency dental visits during the summer. And, sadly, “drownings are the leading cause of injury death for young children ages 1 to 4.” Adults should always supervise kids at the pool.

Keep Them Cool

Even kids can suffer from heat-related illnesses, such as heat exhaustion. That’s why you should never leave your kids in a parked car. Also, kids should be dressed appropriately for the summer temperatures in lightweight and loose clothing. You should also avoid being outdoors during the hottest parts of the day – the hottest part of the day is typically 3 pm.

Make Them Wear Helmets

Whenever your kids are enjoying any activities with wheels, such as riding bikes, roller skating, or skateboarding, they need to be wearing helmets. According to Children’s Health, “Apart from automobiles, bicycles are related to more childhood injuries than any other consumer product. Wearing a helmet is the first rule to preventing serious bicycle injuries in kids.”

Protect Them from Bugs

When spending time outdoors in a locale where bugs are biting, be sure to use insect repellant. Insects, like mosquitos and ticks, can bite and spread disease. Plus, bug bites are super annoying. You can also avoid getting bit by saying no to strongly scented soaps and lotions.

Summer Safety Tips During the Time of COVID

The summer of 2020 will look different than previous summers because we are still dealing with COVID-19. As a result, it means there are some additional summer safety measures parents will need to consider. For example, kids (and parents) are still encouraged to practice social distancing. Plus, as pools and other kid-friendly spaces open back up, parents should remind kids not to share anything – especially things like swim goggles or nose clips.

Why Your Family Needs a Staycation

My followers know how much I love to travel. I mean, I LOVE TO TRAVEL. Traveling is an essential part of who I am. But, what may surprise you is that I also a good staycation. Just in case you don’t know – a staycation is a vacation spent where you live. Since my family is lucky enough to call NYC home, a staycation is super easy to pull off.

We had our own little staycation this past weekend and got to stay at the fabulous WestHouse Hotel in NYC. It was just what we needed after the busyness of the new year and before the start of actual vacation traveling. We feel relaxed and refreshed and ready to take on the weeks until Spring Break.

Today I’m sharing just some of the reasons why your family also needs a staycation.

Less Money

Let’s be honest. Traveling is expensive. Many families have to budget all year to go on one family vacation in the summer. Plus, if you are traveling to a destination you can’t get to by car, you have to pay for your hotel and flight tickets. With a staycation, you have the option to stay in your own home or splurge and stay in a hotel in your own city. You will save tons of money simply by not having to fly.

Less Stress

Family vacations typically require a ton of planning. And, even with all the best planning, traveling with kids is still stressful. When you choose a staycation, you will be much less stressed. You don’t have to worry about getting everyone from here to there or what will happen if one of the kids gets sick.

Less Packing

Another bonus of a staycation is that it involves much less packing. If you choose to stay at your own home, it means no packing at all! Hooray! If you do opt to stay at a local hotel or resort, then you still don’t have to pack as much as usual because you don’t have to worry about “forgetting something.” Even if you do forget something, you can go home to get it.

Less Busy

Possibly the biggest perk of a staycation is that it is much less busy. When my family travels, we want to do it all, which means we stay busy from morning to night. Our schedule is jam-packed. With a staycation, you can set a totally different pace. You can pick and choose just the things you want to do because there is no pressure to do it all. As a result, you will have a much more relaxed vacation.

Less New

And finally, there will be less “new” that you feel like you have to do. As I mentioned, when we travel, we want to make sure we try everything. But, there is something nice about taking time just to do the things you really love. For example, during a staycation, you can visit all your old favorites around town that you haven’t gotten to in a while.

When’s the last time you had a staycation? What did you do? Let me know in the comments!

Fun Ways for Families to Celebrate Leap Day

Did you know that tomorrow is Leap Day? February 29th is the one day we get once every four years or every Leap Year. The History Channel explains, “Put simply, these additional 24 hours are built into the calendar to ensure that it stays in line with the Earth’s movement around the Sun. While the modern calendar contains 365 days, the actual time it takes for Earth to orbit its star is slightly longer—roughly 365.2421 days.”

Since this day only occurs every four years, it is important to use your extra day wisely! Today, I’m listing a few ways your family can take a leap and make this Leap Day extra special.

Build a 4-Year Time Capsule

A quick, easy way to celebrate Leap Day is to build a 4-year time capsule. For example, I plan to have my daughters write a little note to their future selves (their 4-year future selves, that is). Then, we will put in a family picture of us and some other things that we think we will want to remember in four years. Just remember to make a note of wherever you hide your time capsule so you can find it on February 29, 2024!

Play Leapfrog

Do you remember playing leapfrog as a kid? Leap Day is the perfect time to play a few silly rounds of leapfrog with your family. Or, head to a park if it is warm enough and practicing leapfrogging over various park structures.

Read Leap Day Themed Books

Another easy way to simply acknowledge this extra day of the year is to read books about it. Check out all the book suggestions on Leap Year Day to help you find one to read with your family.

Watch a Leap Day Movie

Depending on your kids’ ages, choose a Leap Day-themed movie to watch as a family. For younger audiences, there is the movie Leap! For older audiences, you may enjoy the romantic comedy Leap Year (rated PG) starring Amy Adams.

Bake Leap Day Treats

Of course, whenever there is a holiday, it is always a great excuse to bake some treats. Get your kids to help you in the kitchen while you bake special Lead Day cookies or cupcakes.

Visit a Trampoline Park

Another fun way to celebrate this special day is to head to a place where you can literally leap! Since it falls on a Saturday, this is a wonderful time for your family to finally check out that local bounce house or trampoline park. See who can leap the farthest and the highest!

Take a Big Leap of Courage

Finally, consider making this Leap Day a day when you do something that takes a big leap of courage. Maybe this is something for work or your family. Or maybe it is just about conquering a specific fear. Go big! For example, go bungee jumping, take a ride in a hot air balloon, or visit an indoor skydiving venue.

What do you plan to do to celebrate Leap Day with your family?

How to Take Perfect Fall Photos for Your Holiday Cards

It’s that time of year again – family photo season. Whether you love or hate getting your family’s photo taken, it has become a yearly tradition for many. Why? Because Autumn offers brilliant color palettes for photos. And also, because it is the right before you need to start addressing and sending all those photo Christmas cards.

At this point, fall family photography has become an art form. It can be overwhelming and stressful – especially for moms who tend to do all the planning when it comes to family photos. To make your lives easier, I am highlighting some of my favorite fall photo session tips for families.

Start with the location.

Before you do anything else – I mean anything – pick your location. Everything else for your photo session depends on where your picture will be taken. It will determine the type of photographer to hire, what to wear, etc. But don’t worry! The reason fall is so popular for family photos is that the season offers numerous optimal locations. For example:

• Pumpkin Patch – By far, one of the most popular options is to head to a pumpkin patch.

• Autumn Woods – If you are over the pumpkin patch, consider a wooded area where the autumn leaves are bursting with color.

• Orchards or Fields – Apple orchards and harvest fields also make great photo session locations.

Book a professional photographer.

Yes, I know you’ve gotten pretty good at taking pictures of your kids with your phone’s camera. But, if you want a photo that is going to appear on holiday cards and various walls in different homes, then you want to put the phone down and hire a professional. Plus, professional photographers know what they are doing when it comes to fall family photos! They know the best time of day to shoot and how to capture your kid’s personalities on camera.

Choose Mom’s outfit first.

In your family, who is typically the hardest to dress for a special occasion? I’m guessing it is you, Mom. Since you are the queen of the home and the one planning this whole thing, choose your outfit first. The more comfortable and beautiful you feel, the more relaxed you will be. And, once you have chosen your outfit, you can easily find outfits for everyone else.

Pick clothes for the rest of the family.

After Mom’s outfit has been selected, it is time to choose outfits for the whole family. You do want to coordinate, but there are some dos and don’ts.

• Avoid trendy pieces. I’m all about fashion trends, but I recognize that what looks great today might not look so stylish years down the road. Since family photos are meant to last, go with more timeless and classic looks.

• Do not go matchy-matchy. You want your family’s outfits to coordinate with one another – not to match. Matching colors and matching outfits are a thing of the past. Plus, it doesn’t look as good in photos as coordinated ensembles.

• Use subtle patterns only. You absolutely do not need to stick with just solids and avoid patterns. Embrace the patterns – just make sure they are subtle and not big or flashy.  

• Choose a color scheme. Decide on a color scheme before shopping. However, this does not mean you say everyone wears blue. Again, that is too matchy-matchy. Instead, select a palette of coordinating colors for different family members to wear.

Have picture ideas before the day of the shoot.

Finally, have ideas for some of the types of photos you’d like to take before the photoshoot. Spend time on Pinterest and send your photographer some examples of things you’d like to try at the shoot. Don’t try to remember the day of the shoot – trust me, you’ll forget.

Is Your Family Prepared in Case of an Emergency?

The heartbreaking stories coming out of the Bahamas after Hurricane Dorian has got me thinking about what my family would do if we were in a similar situation. While New Yorkers typically don’t deal with hurricanes, we do face plenty of other emergency situations. Therefore, it is wise to have a family emergency plan in place.

I know it feels scary to think about, and it feels overwhelming, but taking a little bit of time today to prepare for an emergency tomorrow can make all the difference. And, for those working moms who already don’t have enough time, I am attaching links for as many pre-made tools as possible.

Sign Up for Emergency Alerts

First, be sure to sign up for emergency alerts on your cell phone. These alerts are lifesavers. You will receive notifications for any potential emergency, including tornadoes and winter weather. You can do a quick Google search for your town and the word “alerts” to find the one for your area and opt-in for alerts.

Write Out Emergency Contacts

If you are like me, you don’t have very many phone numbers memorized. With cell phones, memorizing numbers is a thing of the past! However, in case of emergency, it is helpful to have your emergency contacts written out – and it is especially helpful if you have children. I like FEMA’s Family Emergency Communication Plan form, which also has space for email and social media handles. All you need to do is write out all your important phone numbers and save it.

Have an Evacuation Plan

Next, give thought to where your family would meet and go if there was an emergency. Then, communicate this plan clearly with your family and anyone else it involves (such as evacuating to a different family member’s home). The American Red Cross has an excellent Family Disaster Plan template. Likewise, it is important to have a fire escape plan for your family. For an example and checklist, see the National Fire Protection Association’s Home Fire Escape Plan.

Store Important Documents Safely

It is also important to store your family’s important documents safely. You want to place documents such as birth certificates, marriage certificates, and passports in a fire safe and waterproof storage container. Use The Spruce’s guide to The 8 Best Fireproof Safes of 2019 to help you shop.

Prepare an Emergency Kit

Last but not least, it is wise to prepare a family emergency kit. This kit should include the essentials for your family in case of an emergency. Ideally, the items should be stored in a duffle bag or storage container that is easy to grab and go in the event of an emergency. If you want to pack your own emergency kit, see FEMA’s Emergency Supply Checklist. If you don’t have time to put one together yourself, you can purchase a pre-made emergency kit from the American Red Cross, which includes first aid supplies, emergency food, and other essentials.

Remember – a little planning today can make a huge difference tomorrow. Here’s hoping your family never has any need to use your family emergency plans.

Fostering Strong Bonds Between Siblings.

“There’s no better friend than a sister.” - Mary Engelbreit

One of my big dreams for my two daughters is that they would grow up to be close friends. When I hear stories about siblings who don’t get along or don’t speak to each other as adults, it breaks my heart.

Having healthy relationships with your siblings is so important – even the research proves it! One study found “Sibling affection was positively associated with adolescents' sympathy and prosocial behavior. Sibling hostility was positively associated with adolescents' depression.” Therefore, it is important for parents to help their kids develop positive relationships and strong bonds.

With summer approaching, I know I don’t want to spend my days acting as a referee between my girls, so instead, I’m going to act like a coach. Plus, a little conflict between siblings is healthier than them ignoring one another! Here are some of the tips I found in my research that I plan to use in my home to help my girls grow closer to one another and build a lasting relationship.

Don’t Make Them Compete

Why do parents do this? While it is easy to judge from the outside, it is easier than you may realize. You may even be doing it without noticing it. For example, have you ever commented on how one child is better at cleaning up her dishes or one child is faster to get buckled in the car? Instead, the only competition should be in the spirit of fun – and even then, be careful to avoid creating sibling rivalry.

Teach Them to Fight Fair

Like I said earlier, it is normal and even a good thing for siblings to have conflict now and then. It can actually work as a safe place for kids to learn how to handle conflict in healthy ways. For instance, while you don’t want them giving each other black eyes, you do want them to learn how to express their frustration in the right way. Along those lines, have some clear family rules for handling conflict, such as no name calling.

Remind Them They’ll Always Have Each Other for Support

Make a point to teach your kids that they have each other for support. Remind them to support one another and cheer one another on. Explain that, as they grow, their siblings will be their secret keepers and the only other people who get their family’s inside jokes and know their family’s history.

Encourage Them to Play Together

The more often siblings play together, the more memories they make. Depending on your kid's ages, this can be tricky. For instance, LEGO Movie 2 reminded audiences about how play becomes separated as the age gap appears wider. While your ten-year-old probably won’t always want to play with your five-year-old, you should still encourage them to play together – even if it is something as simple as a game of hide and seek.

Find Things They Enjoy Doing Together

Speaking of play, you may have to create moments for your kids – especially if their ages do not make it easy. For instance, encourage them to go on walks, bake cookies, or watch America’s Funniest Home Videos together.