Bess has had the same bedroom since she was 6. We have of course tried to update it in small ways as she has aged but fundamentally it has been pretty much the same.

Her bed is a high sleeper style storage bed we bought from Mrs Flatpack who are based a few miles down the road in Rutland. The bed was chosen because at the time she had a lot of toys and was desperate for storage. I really liked the bed we opted for because it has a built in wardrobe and desk – both things she needed.

A couple of years ago, MrG got stuck into converting the alcove in Bess’s room into a wardrobe which provided a fantastic space for her clothes and has definitely made a world of difference to how she uses her room.

Bess has an issue with her tendons. In simple terms, her tendons haven’t quite kept up with how quickly she has grown and need to be stretched or lengthened possibly with surgery when she (finally) stops growing taller. This makes certain movements like riding a bicycle pretty much impossible and others such as getting up and down a ladder a bit trickier for her than it would be for others.

The high sleeper bed has been brilliant but it has got to the stage where getting in and out of it is borderline painful. So it’s time for it to go!

Picking a bed

So which bed. Bess is definitely not a child anymore. She isn’t an adult either though. Choosing a new bed is not going to easy. I want to give Bess the ultimate choice on what she has. It is her room after all and I would like it stay that way for as long as possible.

We need to take into account though that it won’t be long before Bess is off to university and the room may double as a space for guests while she is away from home. With that in mind, storage and practicality will be key.

Bess and I have picked out a few of our favourites that we have spotted online. I think we have managed to narrow it down to our top 3!

The Amazon find

We both loved the look of this bed. The drawer at the end of the bed would be really handy and we both liked the white wood finish. Early one we agreed that a small double or double would be the best size for the room.

I really like the shelves at the head of the bed but Bess isn’t sure about having that over her head while she sleeps. I suppose that’s fair

The teenagers choice

It has a built in tv. It’s not a hard sell is it. I have to admit that when we went into Dreams and tested this bed I was pretty impressed. Its a good size without feeling imposing and along with having a very swish built in telly, it also has an ottoman feature so is great for storage. As well as this it has ambient lighting and a little slot at the side to pop things like a games console or biscuits. On the side of the headboard there is a hook for headphones.

This bed comes in black leather or grey fabric. We both agreed immediately that the grey was far far nicer. It is pricey but you get what you pay for.

The day bed

I really like the idea of a day bed. Lots of cushions to give the sofa look during the day and then easily transform into a comfy bed at night. I remember really wanting one as a teenager and I think Bess quite likes the idea too!

This bed is available in a few different colours but I like this combination.

I think we would buy or make a drawer to push underneath which would offer the storage she needs.

Products were received in exchange for writing this post

Amazon really is my absolute saviour this year when it comes to shopping and Black Friday will be no different. Being able to hop online and make my purchases while on my break at work saves me a ton of time and effort and is definitely the reason I am on track for an end of November finish on my Christmas present buying. 

Black friday is upon us and that means Amazon is absolutely teeming with bargains! I really need to update a few bits around the house so I went hunting for some of the bargains on offer in this years Amazon Black Friday deals to help spruce up your rooms. 

Amazon Basics 

I love plain white crockery and I am picky AF about the shape of my bowls and plates. Seriously. It’s a problem. The great thing about buying plain white is that you mix and match with other sets – handy! This 18 piece set is just £33.99 down from £39.99.

This item is described as a microwave cart. You could use it for a microwave but ultimately it’s extra worktop space or a shelf on wheels! Very good for the upcoming festive madness or I suppose you could even pop it in the hall to use to store all of the crap your (my) family leave laying around! This microwave cart is £46.29 down from £66.12 in the Black Friday deals.

Eono 

This set of wireless earbuds IS for the home. Hear me out (see what I did there?) My house has been known to descend into looking like a bombsite thanks to the kids and a husband who likes to start many, many jobs at once. Unlike my weirdo sister, I do not enjoy cleaning up. However, stick some earbuds in and some decent music and the game changes.. See. I told you. They are for the house because the house will benefit from me owning them. Plus the Eono earbuds are a bargain at £20.78 from £28.99 

Dear kids, keep your mucky mitts off my charging cable. Thanks. This brightly coloured C type to USB cable is a super long 3m and down to £7.64 from £10.99 and best of all you have a spare for when the first is inevitably swiped!

Umi

I am going to put my hands up at this point and admit that I had no idea you could buy scented duvets. Now that I know this information I feel like I need one. Lavender is supposed to be very good for helping you get a restful night and I honestly love nothing more than a good sleep. Nothing. 

This fine looking duvet is £87.99 from £109.99 and is 10.5 tog goose feather with a lavender scent. What a time to be alive.

I am not a gamer but I am a sit-at-my-desk-all-day-er and this chair looks very comfortable indeed! Boasting an adjustable headrest and lumbar support as well as a reclining function this is also fabric covered so you won’t get that horrible squeakiness of skin on chair if you happen to have not bothered getting dressed for the day. Lovely. 

The ergonomic (ooo) gaming chair is £151.99 down from £179.99

Pet ownership comes with a hefty task list.

But our furry friends bring so much joy into our lives in return.

Owning a pet is also a positive way to teach children about responsibility and can bring the family closer together.

With that in mind, these are five pet care tips for parents that will make your life easier, help your kids understand the importance of good pet care, and ensure your animal companions are well looked after.

1. Prepare together

If your new pet is going to be a surprise for your child, you can skip this step

But if you’re planning in advance as a family, involve them in the early stages of preparation – from choosing your pet, to buying essentials like beds, cages, and toys.

Letting them help you with these decisions early on will help them feel involved, and the experience of that early excitement before adoption will only encourage them to play a hands-on role with their new best friend.

2. Create a rota

Sharing chores is an excellent way for children to learn valuable life skills and master the art of responsibility.

And doling out pet-related tasks on a rota is a great way for them to enjoy the full pet ownership experience too! Family chores app Cozi is a favourite with many parents when it comes to task delegation.

3. Know what to look for

We hate it when our pets suffer, and unlike us, they can’t explain what’s wrong.

That means that when something isn’t right, they rely on us to notice the warning signs, such as a lack of appetite, low mood and more obvious physical symptoms.

Some of these may indicate a serious underlying health condition. But just like humans, others may be more manageable, such as allergies. A good vet is a valuable ally, particularly one that pairs with experts like Avacta Animal Health to provide thorough and up-to-date treatment.

Teaching your kids to keep an eye on your pets helps them develop that caring role, and strengthens the bond between pet and young owner.

4. Teach them training

Training a pet can be a surprisingly useful skill – we’ve all seen those Facebook videos of dogs who can fetch snacks from the fridge.

It also makes your life easier – there’s nothing worse than an animal who doesn’t heed the word ‘no.’

And involving your children in the house-training process is good for both you and your pet, who will learn authority form every individual in the house. It’s also rewarding for your children to be involved in this part of pet ownership.

5. Make memories!

The most important part of childhood is the memories you make as a family, and pets will only add to the experience.

Be sure to take plenty of photographs together to remember those special times – your pets will make a hugely positive impact on your child’s treasured memories, and it’s a time in their life that you and they will always reflect upon fondly.

These are just five ways for parents to teach their children the importance of pet care and make the most of the experience together.