Hello Moms! This may hit a chord with some of you but I thought I'd throw it out there anyway. My brother's wife has asked for a divorce and they are starting to live in separate households next week with 50/50 custody. I'd love to send my brother a package of things that will make the separation more comfortable for him and his 2 children (6 and 4.) Something that will make it fun and exciting for the kids when they go to "Daddy's house." Something like children's plates/cups, posters for their rooms, books...any ideas would be great!
Ask him what he's bringing with him and what he needs. The kids will need a lot of things that their current household will only have one of - beds, sheets, plates, movies, etc. If you could help him with some of those things, that would help all of them.
How sweet of you to think of this. I can think of so many things to add to your list, but I don't think that's what you're looking for. The 4 yr old may be harder to try this, but the 6 yr old is perfect. Ask them what they'll miss most in their rooms when they go stay at Daddy's place. Do they have a favorite doll,car,book, blanket...etc. that don't come to Dad's when they do? Maybe your brother can help out with the 4 yr olds favorites since he/she is a bit young. If they are sharing a room at Dad's place, maybe an inexpensive table and chairs for them to play on. Make a sign with their names on it that reads.." _______'s room." Something that gives them claim to this new house. Making it personal. Get Dad to ask the 6 yr old advice on where to place some of the not so important furniture for example. He can get his younger child to help set up their room. Also, a simple pet would make Dad's place special. Something like a goldfish or hermit crab. Simple, yet special.
Hope I've been of some help for you.
What about board games and soft blankets, cozy fleece blankets.
Hey E.! I think it's really sweet of you to make them a care package; no matter what you put in there, it's your support that really counts.
Maybe you could get them fun decorations for their room and help them decorate, or get some fluffy bean-bag chairs and a few books for a 'reading corner' or something. A couple funny movies couldn't hurt either.
the dishes idea is a good one but i would try and find out what she is keeping and then go from their
sounds sill but change up his bedroom decor! and well the towel closet
you know basically things that could erase the presents of her and make the girl friends not feel uncumftable
send him some easy recipe ideas that he can cook himself so that when the kids come they too get a balanced diet if he is not into cooking dinners
Your brother needs you right now...you are amazing for reaching out to him during this difficult transition. You had great ideas for items to send...it is as if he is "starting over", so to speak, so anything you send, I am sure will be very appreciated. Coloring books/crafts/books are all great. So are they special dishes that you already listed. Even "new" toothbrishes, combs, brushes...all helpful, useful and will make for a comfortable home for your brother. Keep up the great work, you are a great sister!!
What about a cookbook? Dad's Own Cookbook by Bob Sloan has been a favorite in our family. Every recipe we try from it is great! And it's just right for this situation. I think it's really nice what you're doing. Good luck!
How about a gift certificate so your brother can take the kids out to help pick out whatever he needs for them? It will make the items doubly special.
