Siblings – August 2016

When my daughter started to walk it soon became clear that it was not just a case of feeding her, encouraging sleep and keeping her warm and dry so she’d survive. Oh no now they can get into everything given half a chance and they've no idea that they could injure themselves!

We've had to take off the cooker knobs as she can switch on the oven otherwise! The washing machine also features buttons that little fingers find irresistible to press! Doors to cupboards have had to have the locks on and we are even considering one for the fridge now!

She loves her food and will run into the kitchen and throw open the fridge door. Yoghurts, cheese, and fruit are all firm favourites with our eldest. If a spoon is required she’ll then go to the cutlery drawer and demand a spoon. She drinks tap water and cow’s milk, but dregs of tea, orange and peach flavoured water as well as her sister’s bottle are all in her sights given half a chance!

She understands far more than she can say and therefore can follow simple commands if she wishes to. From giving things to her Dad or Mum, getting a nappy for her or her sister, putting things in the bin or searching for the potty she really is getting rather independent. Of course with all this learning comes the odd nap or two and she’ll sleep on her toddler bed unless she rolls off it. Fortunately there’s not far to fall.

Of course she also likes to entertain her sister and offers up kisses freely. She’s even tried to pick her up once or twice and will help me slide the Moses basket stand in to place in the morning.

The youngest member of the family will then sleep in the living room during the day so she can pick up the difference between night and day. When awake she’ll drink between 30-150 ml every three and get angry at having trapped wind.  All this sleeping and eating of course has led to plenty of growing so we've not needed the tiny baby clothes as much this time round.

What are your top tips for parenting siblings?