Hi all, this is my first attempt at writing an article so please be gentle.

This topic has been on my mind a lot recently, especially as my children are getting older. We think it is important for children to know that they are loved by mummy and daddy

equally, and noone is the favourite. This is a particularly close to home subject for me. My childhood had to be shared with 2 sisters and 3 brothers. I was number 4 and always felt left out or forgotten. Middle syndrome i guess. So i have always promised to myself that when i had children i would make sure that that felt equally loved and loved by mummy and daddy.

So, one of the things that we make sure as parents that we do is make special time for each child. And each child has something that is only done with mummy or daddy and that the other child doesn't get to do.

For example, Iesha is almost 3, so she gets to cook with daddy at least once a week. And for her special time with mummy, she gets to go for a walk to the park with mummy on her bike. Which doubles as exercise for mummy.  As she gets bored with each "special" activity we change it. We have done things like, gardening, playing tea party, watching movies, drawing. We usually change it once a month. And when Iesha is having "special" time, the other parent and child disappear so that she feels really special and that its all about her.

Julius is 6 months so we are just starting special time with him. Its a great bonding experience for the whole family and so far, Iesha really loves it. We really feel that we make her feel loved as an individual and as a part of our family.

We also have family fun days. These are days purely for us and noone else is invited. It could be as simple as a family walk or going to the zoo, but our children really enjoy it and makes them feel like part of the family. Now that Iesha is getting older we give her a few choices and she picks out what her special time will be and sometimes what the family day will be. Obviously, as the children get older, they will both get a chance to pick our family days. I have found these small activites have brought our family closer together and have created a strong family bond.

I hope some of this helps someone else. Please feel free to leave more ideas of "special" time activities. I always need new ones.

Thanks.