You’ve Got A Friend In Me

I always wanted a big brother growing up and I could have done with one on more than one occasion! I often think how lucky Ava is to have two who absolutely dote on her. Her very first friends!

Finlay and Ava shared a room this week whilst on our holiday to Cornwall. There are four years between them, but they will make up little games together and we often find them playing an imaginary game somewhere. So it came as no surprise to find them playing with their new Buzz and Woody toys in their bedroom together. We had to bring them on holiday of course!

Finlay’s favourite is Buzz and Ava definitely loves Woody so that worked out well. 

Toy Story to me is the ultimate childhood film of true friendship. The films are something we can all watch together when having a movie night and a firm family favourite. Unbelievably, Toy Story is now over 20 years old! Doesn’t that make you feel old?! And in anticipation of Toy Story 4 (I know you are just as excited as me!) being released in June 2019, Smyths sent us the Thinkway Toys Buzz Lightyear and Woody Two Pack. 

The action figures are the perfect size for little hands (12 inches) and little imaginations as they are so realistic. They have quickly become a favourite of both Finlay and Ava who have played with them together creating adventures. 

Childhood Friendships

Over the last year as Ava’s speech has improved, so have her friendships. It’s hard to form those bonds when you can’t be understood. I often watched from the sidelines, burning with frustration and sadness for her as she tries to navigate the already complicated world of friendships. To see other children run off before she has made herself understood is pretty heartbreaking. It isn’t a case of her not wanting to make friends, it has just been a little more difficult.

Next week we see Ava starting her second year of Pre-School and I have so many hopes for her forming friendships this year. She will now be able to tell us who her friends are for a start. But not only that, with the improvement in her speech she will hopefully be able to play with rather than alongside, which we know she loves to do. 

All we can do as parents is teach our children to be kind and caring and role model good friendships and relationships. We have to hope others they encounter do the same. I didn’t worry as much about the boys making friends, although with Kyle starting secondary school next year and moving away from many of his current friends, I’m sure that will all change. But watching Ava struggle, when she is naturally friendly and loving has been hard.

I hope for all three of them that they have friends who make them laugh, make them smile, raise them up and most importantly have their back when times are tough. I’m lucky to have some of these friendships in my life and I know how important they are to me. 

Win £50 to spend at Smyths

To celebrate back to school with new and old friendships being formed and continued. I have teamed up with Smyths Toys Superstore to give you the chance to win a £50 voucher. Enter via Rafflecopter below and for full terms and conditions. Good Luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

*Collaborative post