We're about a month away from the start of school, the most anticipated moment (or not 

) at the end of the summer, and both children and parents are already anxiously preparing. Throughout this article, we want to bring you closer to digital and show you that technology can be an ally in building an efficient and smooth routine for the 2024/2025 school year. From organizing timetables to adapting to the new school year, there are allies in the process, such as digital tools, which should be used sparingly, but which can make this process easier and smoother. Let's explore how these digital tools can help. 

Planning Schedules and Daily Routines with Digital Tools 

Effective preparation starts with planning. Organize schedules and establish daily routines. Establishing fixed times for waking up, studying, extracurricular activities and sleeping helps children adapt better to the school rhythm. The advantages of a good, structured and efficient timetable are that it reduces stress (for kids and parents) and increases productivity, allowing students to make better use of their time without procrastinating. However, coordinating the schedules of parents, children and the whole family can be a real puzzle. Fortunately, there are several digital tools that can make it easier. 

Apps for parents' and children's daily routines 

Teaching children habits of organization and responsibility is essential for their development. Structured daily routines help create discipline and autonomy, which are essential for success. 

Here are some apps that help families get organized and make chores more fun for children. 

Adapting to the new school year with digital tools 

The transition to a new school year can be challenging. To make it easier, it's important to familiarize yourself with the new school environment. 

We share some tips that may be useful during this return to school: 

Technology is incredible and makes our daily tasks much easier, but nothing replaces the need for human care and emotional support. This is where Baby Sisters' help comes in: 

Combining technology with human care for a successful school year 

Integrating digital tools into the family routine can make the start of the school year more organized and less stressful. From planning timetables to helping children adapt to new school environments, the suggested platforms offer practical and efficient solutions. However, balancing the use of technology with offline activities and quality family time is crucial for children's healthy development. 

In addition, emotional support and care, such as Baby Sisters' services, are essential to ensure that children fulfill their school responsibilities and feel safe and supported. 

Back to School with Technology

Why not set off on an unforgettable family adventure and go camping with the kids? As well as being an excellent break to rest the mind, it strengthens the bonds between family members, promoting interest and respect for nature in the little ones. In this article, we'll explore some measures and family activities during the holidays, on a camping trip with children, away from the technological distractions and hustle and bustle of the daily routine. 

The two questions you need to answer to ensure efficient preparation are: 

How do you choose a family camping site? 

The priority on a family vacations is relaxation, which is why you should choose a place that allows you to rest and have a memorable experience at the same time. Camping with children requires a safe and fun environment. Family campsites are an excellent option, offering a structure got to welcome families, such as play areas, security, nature trails and other educational activities.

We share some family camping spots in Portugal: 

Pay attention to the weather forecast for the days of your family trip! 

Check the weather forecast and make sure you're prepared for unexpected weather changes. The site you choose for your family camping trip should have natural protection against wind and rain. 

What do you need for camping with children? 

When camping with children, prioritise safety. Supervise them constantly, especially around water and campfires. Teach them basic safety rules and have an emergency plan. 

Exploring nature is one of the best parts of camping and children love it! Choose hiking trails and routes that are suitable for little ones, that are short and safe. Observe animals and plants, making the holiday not only fun but also educational. 

Games such as treasure hunts and outdoor sports are great for keeping children active. Evening activities, such as telling stories around the campfire and stargazing, also provide moments of fun and family connection. 

Stimulate children's creativity and imagination. Crafts with found materials, such as leaves and stones, are great projects. Building campsites and improvised huts or bird's nests out of natural materials can be fun and educational activities. 

Preparing meals together is a fun and educational way to spend time as a family. You can involve the children in preparing simple recipes such as wraps, grilled fruit and roasted marshmallows. Teach them how to build a safe fire and we guarantee it will be an unforgettable experience for everyone. 

Create unforgettable memories when camping with children 

Camping with children is a fun adventure that strengthens family bonds. Good planning, such as choosing the right location with engaging activities, guarantees a safe and memorable experience.

Camping with children: everything you need to know

With summer comes the long-awaited family holidays. However, the question also arises as to how to keep the children entertained during this period. If your chosen destination is the beach, get ready for fun-filled days with the following beach activity ideas, designed to stimulate creativity, a spirit of adventure and to burn off the little ones' energy. 

For the more adventurous or those who like to tell stories, we share some unmissable beach activities to make the most of the sunny days. 

For those who like to build and play make-believe...

For those who like to build and play make-believe, we have a classic that never fails. Put together different buckets and shapes, shovels and other moulds and build a little sand empire. And if the children are old enough to talk, challenge them to imagine a story around the towers they build. 

They'll certainly be more involved in the activity. As well as developing fine motor skills, it stimulates creativity and communication skills. 

For those with a more adventurous spirit...

Hide small objects that serve as treasures, such as toys, shells and stones, by burying them in sandboxes or in an area marked off in the sand. As with the castle-building activity above, you could encourage the children to invent the origin of these objects and how they ended up there, enriching the experience with a touch of mystery and imagination. If you have the opportunity and time, prepare a treasure map, adding an extra layer of fun and challenge to the activity. 

All you need to do is get the children gloves and rubbish bags and, by explaining the importance of looking after the environment while also appealing to their adventurous spirit, encourage them to help clean up the beach. To make the activity more fun, challenge the little ones to find and collect as much rubbish as possible in a set amount of time. It's an excellent way to teach the basics of environmental responsibility and also promote a cleaner and safer environment. 

For those with a lot of energy to spare...

Everyone loves a good running competition, so this is an excellent option. The beach is the perfect place for this. All you have to do is mark the starting and finishing points. The only rules to follow are: run, jump and enjoy the fun. 

Mark a line in the sand and set yourself the challenge of jumping as far as possible. Any of these promotes a spirit of healthy competition. 

If you can, use some wooden logs or large stones to create a balance course in the sand, challenging them to pass the course without touching the ground. The well-known "floor is lava". Children love it! If you can't find elements to make the path, such as logs or stones, consider the following variation. Draw a line along which the children have to walk and carry an object on their heads, such as a small ball. 

On a flat area of sand, with sticks or even their hands, the children have to draw shapes and figures. This is a relaxing activity that helps develop spatial perception and promotes the expression of creativity. They can draw whatever they like and whatever their imagination allows. Don't forget to take photographs of their creations so that they have a souvenir of these unique works of art. 

Moments of fun and growth, always protected 

Any of these beach activities keep the little ones entertained, but they also make an excellent contribution to the development of their motor, cognitive and social skills. They are also excellent moments for creating happy memories and strengthening family ties. However, in addition to all this planning, it is also essential to ensure the children's safety and comfort. Always have sun cream at hand, hats and light clothing to protect them from the sun. Keep the whole family hydrated. With all this in mind, your summer vacation at the beach are sure to become memorable days, full of joy and good memories for the whole family. 

We also know that it can be challenging, always being on your toes, trying to keep your children active and giving them quality time. All this during a period when you also want to relax and enjoy the beach, the sun and everything that's good about it. We know that you may need support, someone you can trust, to give you the quality time you deserve. At Baby Sisters, we have the perfect solution. 

With this service we guarantee childcare so that your family holiday is truly relaxing and fun. 

A vacation that really feels like a vacation! A vacation filled with diving, reading books and naps on the beach! Vacations with time to do nothing or simply have quality time with your little ones. Our babysitter will be the extra help that makes it all possible. 

you can find out more about the service and order and book babysitting. And if you just want to enjoy a day at the beach with your children, but with the extra help of our babysitter, book the day and time using our 

. In less than 2 minutes you'll have everything ready to enjoy the summer to the full. 

Enjoy every moment and make this summer at the beach unforgettable for the whole family!

Summer holidays: beach activities for children and tips for relaxed parents

Férias de verão: atividades na praia para crianças e dicas para pais relaxados

Do you live in Portugal and are about to have a baby?

 But you know nothing about how it works regarding maternity leave policies?

In Portugal, following the birth or adoption of a child, both mothers and fathers have the right to parental leave.

This benefit, provided through the social security system, serves to compensate for the income lost during the period in which parents are not working.

Parental leave comprises two categories: initial and extended. The initial phase, which can last up to 150 days, encompasses the mandatory and exclusive leave periods for both mothers and fathers. Extended parental leave extends this period by an additional three months.

In this comprehensive guide, we will provide you with all the necessary information to navigate through this exciting and important phase of your life in Portugal, 

a beautiful country known for its rich culture, stunning landscapes, and warm people.

Initial parental leave in Portugal can last for up to 120 or 150 consecutive days and includes both maternity and paternity leave. 

An additional 30 days may be added in specific cases:

Shared parental leave: If both parents decide to take leave individually, not simultaneously.

Twins: An extra 30 days are granted for the birth of twins.

If parents choose 120 days of leave, Social Security (called in Portugal Segurança Social), covers a parental allowance equal to 100% of the reference income (average gross salary declared to social security in the first 6 of the most recent 8 months before the leave begins). 

Opting for 150 days of leave, Social Security doesn't pay the full amount - pays an allowance of 80% of the reference income. 

In case you are not familiarized, Segurança Social is the Portuguese Social Security system responsible for providing various social benefits and services to citizens, including maternity allowance. It ensures that individuals have access to financial assistance during important life events such as childbirth, unemployment, and retirement, helping to safeguard their well-being and financial stability. For more information, visit the Social Security website. 

In Portugal, mothers can choose to take up to 30 days of voluntary leave, before giving birth, and they are required to take 42 days (6 weeks) of compulsory leave, after the birth. These two periods are included on what we previously mentioned as initial parental leave (which can last for a total of 120 or 150 days).

Fathers in Portugal have the right to take 28 days of leave, which can be taken consecutively or non-consecutively. At least 7 of these days must be taken after the baby's birth - consecutively and immediately following the birth. The remaining 21 days must be taken within 6 weeks (42 days) of the birth.

Additionally, fathers are entitled to an extra 7 working days of voluntary leave, which can be taken consecutively or non-consecutively and can be taken at the same time as the mother's leave.

In addition to maternity and paternity leave, Portugal also offers shared parental leave, allowing parents to divide the leave period between them. This flexibility empowers families to make individual decisions based on their unique circumstances and needs.

If parents decide to share the initial parental leave, there are 2 options: 

Each can take one period of 30 consecutive days (not at the same time), 

Or, take 2 separate periods of 15 consecutive days, after the mother's compulsory 6-week leave (adding an extra 30 days to the initial 120 or 150-day period). 

For 120 + 30 days of leave, the parental allowance from social security will be 100% of the reference income. 

For 150 + 30 days, it will be 83%. If the father takes 60 days of paternity leave, the allowance increases from 83% to 90% of income.

Parents have the option to extend their initial parental leave by up to 3 months, both for the father and the mother. This extended leave must be taken right after the initial leave ends.

During this extended leave, Social Security provides an allowance equivalent to 25% of the reference income. However, if both parents share parental responsibilities during this period, the allowance increases from 25% to 40%.

Employees, self-employed individuals, and certain categories of workers, including mariners, scientific research grantees, and those in a pre-retirement situation covered by pension schemes, as well as individuals receiving unemployment benefits or pensions, are eligible to request parental allowance.

When can you request the parental allowance?

You must request the allowance within six months from the date of the qualifying event. Delayed requests may result in a loss of entitlement for the corresponding days.

To qualify for the allowance, you must have worked and contributed for at least six consecutive or interpolated months preceding the date of incapacity to work due to childbirth. 

Additionally, you must have fulfilled the corresponding legal conditions for absences from work and have paid social security contributions until the end of the third month preceding the month of incapacity.

You can apply online via the Social Security portal or in person at Social Security offices, by submitting the required form and documents. Online, go to 

, select the "Família" tab and click on "Parentalidade". Choose "Pedir novo" button and select "Subsídio parental inicial".

Experiencing pregnancy in Portugal is a wonderful journey filled with joy, anticipation, and the opportunity to embrace a new culture. 

Check out your rights, and some essential aspects to keep in mind during your pregnancy:

Pregnant women, including foreign nationals* residing in Portugal for over 90 days, are entitled to free check-ups during pregnancy and for the first 60 days post-birth. These appointments are only available at Health Centers with family doctors.

*Pregnant women who are foreign nationals and do not have a residence permit are entitled to free check-ups during pregnancy, as long as they can produce proof of residence issued by the parish council in their area of residence, indicating that they have resided in Portugal for more than 90 days.

Both mothers and fathers can take time off work to attend pre-natal appointments, with fathers allowed up to 3 days off to accompany the pregnant woman. This includes preparation for childbirth.

When they have their first appointment, pregnant women receive a pregnancy health record (called in Portugal Boletim de Saúde da Grávida), which includes their estimated due date and doctor's observations. 

This record serves as proof of pregnancy to the employers, and provides priority treatment at public services, along with exemption from health service fees.

In a normal (low-risk) pregnancy, here's what they are entitled to: 

Up to 30 weeks - Frequency of Check-Ups: Every 4-6 weeks

Between 30 and 36 weeks - Frequency of Check-Ups: Every 2-3 weeks

Between 36 weeks and birth -  Frequency of Check-Ups: Every 1-2 weeks

Under the National Health System, pregnant women are also entitled to receive 'dental vouchers' for free treatments, issued by their family doctor. 

They are entitled to a maximum of three vouchers per pregnancy, valid for 60 days after birth.

As the due date approaches, the family doctor refers the pregnant woman for a hospital appointment to discuss the birth plan and preferences.

For comprehensive information related to birth and related matters, the official Segurança Social website is the primary and most reliable source. You can find detailed guidance and resources regarding pregnancy, childbirth, and family support at the following link: 

. This website offers official and up-to-date information, ensuring you have access to accurate resources for all your needs concerning childbirth and family matters.

Portugal's maternity leave policies and support systems are designed to prioritize the well-being of parents and their children. By understanding the benefits available to you, seeking appropriate prenatal care, and embracing the unique experiences of pregnancy and parenthood in Portugal, you can embark on this new chapter with confidence and excitement. Remember, every step of the way, Baby Sisters is here to provide exceptional child care and support, allowing you to focus on the joys of parenting.

Lifestyle - Parents & Children

Back to School with Technology

Camping with children: everything you need to know

Summer holidays: beach activities for children and tips for relaxed parents

Exploring Maternity Leave Policies in Portugal: A comprehensive guide for expecting parents moving to Portugal

Back to School with Technology

Camping with children: everything you need to know

Summer holidays: beach activities for children and tips for relaxed parents

Exploring Maternity Leave Policies in Portugal: A comprehensive guide for expecting parents moving to Portugal