The Robot Factory Dominos set has lots of colourful dominos, a cart and many track pieces that can be used as a smooth run or turned over to make a zig zag path, a tunnel, a great ball launcher that can be aimed to hit a target, a spinner, a rocker, a robot flag machine and much more.

We have had hours of fun playing with this set and there is still much more to discover. We have enjoyed setting up mini domino experiments but we have not been brave enough to make a huge domino display yet. I don’t trust Bow not to knock them over before the big reveal. This happened so many times with our little domino runs that we could have easily made an outtakes video. It was funny when it happened with mini runs but I am not sure that Bob and I would feel the same if we had spent ages creating a big display.

Here is Bob’s review from her You Tube channel. The Crumby Mummy You Tube channel is no more. Bob has hijacked it and, I must say, she is doing a fabulous job!

Bob and Bow love the Robot Domino Factory and Bow asked to play with it every day. It is great fun and, as there are so many different elements, it never gets boring.

Disclaimer: We were sent this product free of charge in exchange for an honest, unbiased review.

We were recently asked if we would like to review the new How To Train Your Dragon game, DreamWorks Dragons Dawn of New Riders was released at the beginning of February.

It is a role playing game where you play as Scribbles, a boy who can’t remember his own name or a dragon named Patch (you can switch between the two). Bob enjoyed playing the game but she needed me to play it with her as you had to read quite a bit of text to introduce you to the game and the characters and she couldn’t be bothered. I didn’t mind. It was quite fun reading a game to her.

We began by exploring the island as Scribbles and chasing after a man who stole a dragon egg, which would later hatch into Patch. Later on in the game, when Patch has grown we could fly on his back. This was very exciting but there is much more to the game than this. It is full of puzzles, quests and battles.

We haven’t finished the game yet and we are looking forward to seeing what happens next.

We were sent a code to download this game free of charge in exchange for an honest, unbiased review.

Luckily the terrible pain didn’t start until Christmas Day. Luckily seems like a very strange way to describe it as being ill at Christmas is terrible luck but at least I got to have a nice Christmas morning with my family before it all went horribly wrong.

I had toothache for a few days before Christmas but it wasn’t terrible and pain killers were helping. Then on Christmas Day I was in agony. No pain relief was touching it and I felt like my head was going to explode.

I went to the out of hours dentist on Boxing Day. After waiting for ages the dentist had a quick look in my mouth, told me my wisdom tooth was infected and prescribed antibiotics. I tried to explain that the pain was further forward than my wisdom tooth but he just shrugged and said I must have another infected tooth too. After paying for an emergency dental appointment I felt very let down but I hoped that the antibiotics would work.

The next morning I felt horrendous. Michael had gone to work and I tried to be alright and to take care of Bob and Bow. I made an appointment with my dentist for later that day but I soon realised that there was no way that I was going to be able to drive. The pain was so bad that it hurt to focus. I asked Michael to come home. I felt terrible but I didn’t know what else to do.

The dentist took one look at me and started to write a hospital referral. She said that I needed some IV antibiotics as the swelling under my tongue could block my airways. When I arrived at the hospital I had an x ray but, as they couldn’t see a problem with my tooth they thought that my saliva glands may have been infected. They decided to admit me to hospital so that they could start the IV antibiotics and try to get to the bottom of things.

Michael took Bob and Bow home and I waited. The doctor realised that the problem was with my tooth but, as the tooth had a white filling she thought it hadn’t had any treatment. She said that I could either have the tooth removed the next day or wait for the antibiotics to work and then return to my dentist at a later date to have a root canal.

By the next morning it was a different story. My face had doubled in size. A surgeon came to see me and he said that I had to have life or death surgery. I was very ill by this point and I was struggling to stay awake. They explained that as my airways were closing he would need to insert breathing tubes and a camera before they gave me a general anaesthetic. He explained that he would sedate me so the process would be easier. He then joked that I may not need sedating as I was so spaced out. I just remember trying to focus on what he was saying. It took everything I had just to hear his words.

After the operation I was taken to a different ward which was to be my home for a while. I was constantly pumped with 2 different types of antibiotics, anti-inflammatories, steroids and pain killers. After not eating for several days I was placed on a liquid diet. It was not very Christmassy.

I was very pleased when I was told that I could come home. I was able to swallow tablets which meant I could take my medication at home. I was still very poorly but it was lovely to be back with my little family.

I am much better in myself but my face is still numb. I have since been back to the doctors (to treat an allergic reaction to the general anaesthetic) and to the dentist for a follow up appointment. The dentist told me that it could take 6 months for things to heal completely. The surgeon said that the numbness could be permanent but I am hoping that the dentist is right.

Yesterday we had a pretend Christmas to make up for the one that we missed. My parents came over and we had a few presents, Christmas dinner and I even managed to find some crackers in the sale. It was a lovely day and much less stressful than Christmas Day as there was no pressure. I think that Christmas in February may be the way forward!

In particular, there are four relaxation tips that are bound to improve your quality of life. These include a family holiday, taking a break from technology, going on a scenic walk, and booking a trip to the spa. You always have a choice over how you spend your day, and the suggestions above are a good place to start. 

1. Family holiday

Travel is an activity enjoyed by people far and wide and a family holiday could be exactly what you need in order to de-stress.

Spending time with loved ones is always time well spent, and there are plenty of trips you can book that offer the perfect environment for your relaxation needs. The south of Portugal is one popular example, and you can easily find Algarve Holidays online to suit any group size or budget, as the stunning beaches and cliffs are bound to put a smile on anyone’s face. 

2. Take a break from technology 

Social media is widespread, but it also means that some people spend an unhealthy amount of time glued to their phones. 

As opposed to browsing through Instagram or scrolling on Facebook late at night, consider shutting off your mobile phone, particularly once it’s late in the day. This will help you get a better night’s sleep, and you will notice your mood begin to lift in the process as well.

On the flipside, spending too many hours glued to Instagram will lead you to unnecessarily compare your life to others, when you should instead focus on being gracious for what you have and the life you lead.

3. Go on a scenic walk 

When was the last time that you went for a walk, especially one that was scenic? It has been proven that there are countless mental health benefits associated with spending time outdoors and walking, and this is an easy habit to adopt as well. Consider driving to a park that is near your home, or even planning a weekend get-away with friends and family members.

4. Book a spa trip 

Planning a spa trip is a classic option for helping you relax. You can never go wrong with detoxifying in a sauna, getting a massage and much more. This will help put your mind and body at ease, and you will forget about the worries that clouded your mind before your spa trip. 

When you feel blissfully happy, you will focus on nothing outside of the present moment, and this is a state that you want to achieve in order to properly de-stress.

These four methods for relaxing are not all encompassing, as there are additional activities that will benefit your mental health. Still, this is a start, and these are habits that are easy to adopt, and you will never regret trying them out for yourself.

This post has been written by Maggie Hammond. Maggie is a retired nurse and freelance writer, exploring and writing in the U.S. in retirement. An advocate for public health and nursing qualifications, she feels passionate about raising awareness of the current strain on public health organisations.

I have just started writing about our disastrous Christmas and it has really helped to write about my experience. Blogging is a great form of therapy and there is also a chance that my experiences will help someone else who is going through a similar thing.

I have vowed to return my blog to it’s former glory. Here’s to making memories, and processing problems.

I hope you all have a wonderful 2019!

Declutter After the Holidays

Getting organised after Christmas is a great way to beat the post holiday blues. Buy some storage units to put all of the new toys in order. Involve your children by asking them to help sort out the Polly Pockets from the Lalaloopsys. This will keep them entertained for hours. Trust me, I am speaking from very recent experience.

Shop for a New Wardrobe

Winter is coming. That does not mean style has to go away. On the contrary. There are dozens of different styles you can dress your kids in for this time of year. Just because coats are thicker and hats or hoods are worn on your kids’ heads doesn’t mean they can’t have these things and be fashionable.

Take your kids out shopping or do it online from the comfort of your couch. Help them pick out the latest boot styles or name brand shoes. Let your kids pick out what they want though and let them decide what styles they want to wear this winter. You simply provide the transportation / Internet access and, of course, the funds for their new wardrobe.

Play in the Snow

With those new winter coats, take your kids outside to play. Yes, their little faces will turn red from the wind and the cold, but that’s part of the fun. Scoop it up and throw the powdery snow into the air, or throw balls of it at each of your kids. Let your kids hit you with snowballs as well or it is not as fun for them.

If there is enough snow on the ground, start rolling it into a snowman. Have your kids help make a snow friend. You can even use old, outgrown clothes to “dress” it in. Neighborhood roads or hills slick or snow covered? Then bring out the sled and slide down them. No sled, no problem. Use the lid of a trash can to sit on and go down the wintry hills.

Get Away For Another Summer

You can take the kids on a summer vacation. That’s right – a summer vacation. Remember: only half the world is shivering right now. The other half is basking in the sun. Take a trip south of the equator to warm up from the freezing temperatures.

Places like New Zealand or Australia are perfect winter vacationing spots. While one is mostly a desert and the other is broken into two main islands, there is plenty to see and do in these Oceanic countries. Rainforest exploration, swimming and surfing, massive stone monoliths, dark caves full of glow worms, glaciers to tour, and ‘roos to pet; there is a lot to do in these summer locations.

Whilst it may be you who officially becomes a foster carer, if you have birth children living with you, you’ll all be becoming a ‘foster family’. Recognising that fostering will have an impact on everyone in your family, and the family dynamic, is an important first step in learning to become a foster family.

Firstly, whilst different foster families can undergo similar experiences, everyone’s experience is as unique as they are. Therefore, whilst there are common positive and negative impacts on your family, none are guaranteed to happen.

What we do know, is that if you prepare for fostering as a family, rather than as a unit of individuals, you will all rise to, and benefit from, the challenge that fostering brings.

The family nature of fostering

By its very nature, fostering involves offering care to another child within the family and home environment. Therefore, it isn’t a typical ‘job’, nor is it typical parenting. It is a highly unique dynamic.

Therefore, there is no escaping the fact that fostering will impact everyone within the household unit. Meeting the needs of both birth and foster children will become a balancing act you need to master.

However, don’t feel despondent that balancing a foster placement, with children still at home,is impossible without detriment to birth children. It’s not. In fact, the long-lasting positive impacts of fostering on children within the family mean that many go on to become foster carers themselves as adults.

What will my children gain from being in a fostering family?

The benefits of fostering are wide reaching for the whole family.

Birth children within foster families gain exposure to situations which facilitate the development of empathy and compassion. These children become adept at understanding their own identity and family security and gain appreciation for what they have in terms of security and love. They develop patience and care skills which stand them in good stead for their own futures.

Much of this comes about precisely because they are exposed, through direct contact, with the care needs of others either younger or less fortunate than themselves.

Furthermore, birth children can play an enormously positive role in helping a foster child to settle with the family. They can break down barriers through play and child-level communication, which is far harder for an adult to do. This in turn boosts your child’s self-esteem as they see how they have such a positive impact on those around them.

As you learn to become a foster family together, it is worth increasing the time spent in family activities and days out. Enjoying time together, means that your children too, see a real benefit to having a foster child in their home.

Making it a positive experience

The onus is on the foster parent themselves to make the relationship between all family members a positive one. Welcoming a child in to your home will likely foster independence in your own children, but their needs shouldn’t be ignored. As a parent, you can ensure you speak often and openly with your children about how they feel about fostering.

There will be times when the placement may seem negative for your child. Interestingly, this can be most apparent at the end point of a very positive fostering placement. Your child may legitimately experience loss. Helping your child navigate the sense of loss and transition will be an important part of your role as their parent.

Many other ‘negatives’ can also become positives. If your child struggles to share with the foster child, for example, this can become a valuable learning opportunity.

Focus on the match

When you are fostering with your own children at home, you really must pay attention to getting the placement ‘match’ right. By fostering with the right agency, you should feel confident that your birth children’s needs are considered in each and every placement. You should also know that you will receive support and training to facilitate positive relationships for all parties concerned.

Author bio: David Milsont is an ardent writer, who inspires the readers by writing highly factual and informative posts.  When he is not busy with his writing assignments, he loves to spending time with his loved ones.

Why Is Foster Care Needed

What Types Of Foster Placements Are There

1. Comfortable Beds

A child between the age of 5-11, on average, needs 10 hours of sleep according to the NHS website, which is why having comfortable, single beds (it will feel like a huge, adult upgrade when they eventually get a double bed!) are extremely important to children’s bedrooms.

The bed is a place that they will spend nearly half of their day and ensuring that their bed is comfortable and well-tailored to them is important.

It is important that a mattress should provide adequate support to help your child’s spine develop. Happy Beds would recommend a pocket sprung mattress for this as it offers a firm base, without compromising on comfort.

2. Desks

As a child gets older, they will be given more homework, and given plenty more essays and books to read. Giving a child a desk in their room will allow them to complete all essays in peace and quiet, rather than trying to do it in the living room while the family are watching TV.

To make it more fun, why not get a themed desk? There are plenty of funky desks available like this JCB Yellow Children’s Desk and Chair that can make studying fun.

3. Bright Colours

While furniture should be plain and colourless, so that children can’t grow to dislike it as they get older, bedrooms should still have bold colours and accessories, to add fun to the room.

Adding features such as colourful pillows and cuddly toys will bring touches of a child’s personality to a bedroom, and they can easily be swapped and changed without spending a fortune in the future.

4. Bedside Lamps

Children should have side lamps, as well as normal lights, so that they can read books in bed without using a harsh light.
This will also mean they can turn the light on if they need to get up in the middle of the night, rather than walking around the bedroom looking for the switch, as they may hurt themselves in the darkness.

5. Storage

Children get more and more toys and clothes as they get older, and they will need a lot of storage to keep it all out of the way.

Start purchasing baskets that you can slot onto the top of cupboards and under the bed, to hide little pieces of Lego and cuddly toys. Or, if you’re looking for a further investment, you can try purchasing an ottoman bed; a bed that stores all your belongings inside.

You can find out about the different types of fostering placements available through us here. This article looks at the different types of placements and why they suit different foster carers.

It is imperative that there is a strong match between fostering placements and the needs of the child at that point in their life. Meeting the needs of different placements often requires some distinct skills and availability. An honest discussion about the best type of fostering placements for you can help to ensure the overall success of a placement.

Short term v long term foster placements
Before looking at more specifics, it is essential to understand the difference between short and long-term fostering placements. We often discover that there is a misunderstanding with regards to these placements, believing the definition lies in time factors alone.

However, the difference is more distinct than this. A short-term placement is simply one where the long-term arrangements for the child have not yet been finalised. This may indeed mean it is just a few nights in an emergency, a few months until they can go home, or even a few years where court cases are concerned, or until the adoption is finalised. Really, it’s about providing a home and stability until long-term solutions are settled.

Long-term fostering placements are those where the long-term plan for the child, until they reach adulthood, has been finalised: this child will stay in foster care.
This means that the vast majority of children start off in foster care in short-term care.
When considering short and long-term placements in terms of physical time, different carers prefer different things. For example, a foster family with their own birth children may prefer long-term placements to minimise disruption for those children. Conversely, some foster carers prefer successive short-term placements to enable more flexibility.

Distinct types of fostering placements
Within both short and long-term placements, there are a number of different distinct types of placement. Let’s look at these:
• Step-down foster placements: When a child has been cared for within residential care, it can be difficult for them to transition back to living with a family, even if this is in their long-term interests. Step-down placements are designed to smooth the transition back into a family home. In these cases, specialist skills can be required on the part of the foster carer.
• Parent-child fostering placements: In some unique situations, it is in the best interests of a baby to provide their birth mother with support and assistance in the early days of parenthood. These are specialist placements where mum and baby are placed together, and your role as a foster carer is to nurture them as a unit.
• Sibling placements: In many situations, it is beneficial to keep sibling groups together to provide consistency and security to the children. It’s vital to have foster carers who are willing to take sibling groups to enable each child to flourish within the safety of their sibling relationships.
• Respite care: Foster care placements can be used to provide respite care to families where a break is needed. This may be due to parenting a child with a physical, learning or sensory disability. It may be due to behavioural difficulties or a temporary problem at home.
• Sanctuary-seeking placements: Some children arrive in the UK seeking asylum. These children often require specialist care and a place of safety and security.
• Remand placements: A court may order that a child who is charged with an offence and is awaiting trial, or a child convicted of a crime but it is unsuitable for them to return home, be placed in foster care. Again, these can be specialist placements requiring additional support and training.

How to choose the right fostering placement?
During the process of becoming an approved foster carer, you should be trained to understand the nature of different placements. This will help you think for yourself which type of placements best suit you. Additionally, the process of approval will also help to highlight which fostering placements are the best fit.

Author bio: David Milsont is an ardent writer, who inspires the readers by writing highly factual and informative posts.  When he is not busy with his writing assignments, he loves to spending time with his loved ones.

We watched our first Christmas film the other day. You may have seen us shouting about it on Twitter. It definitely put us in the festive spirit and we are now planning to watch only Christmas films until the big day.

The Littlest Reindeer is a perfect example of a heart warming Christmas film. Blitzen has been pulling Santa’s sleigh for many years and the time has come for him to retire. Santa needs to find a replacement.

Elliot (a miniature horse) has to prove to that he is the ‘horse’ for the job. He is put through his paces in the reindeer try outs but luckily he has his friend Hazel to help him.

Unfortunately Elliot is placed in a tricky situation and he has a hard decision to make. Should he save his friends or save Christmas? Obviously I am not going to tell you the answer as that would be a huge spoiler. Luckily we have 2 copies of the DVD to giveaway so you can watch this wonderful festive film for yourself.

There are many ways to enter using the Rafflecopter below. Good luck!

The Littlest Reindeer is out now on DVD/Digital

a Rafflecopter giveaway