3 Ways to Stress-Free Mornings with Kids

As every family knows, mornings can quickly get stressful and overwhelming with children.  The start to the day requires quite a bit of work:  making a (healthy) breakfast, packing lunches, organizing backpacks and getting young children dressed for the day all before 8AM!  I have tried many methods to keep the chaos to a minimum and these are the simplest steps that work for me.  Give them a try and let me know if they worked for your family or pass along your own simple tricks for a smooth start to the day.

1. Prepare water bottles and backpacks the night before.  I prefer not to make lunches the evening before just so they can be as fresh as possible for lunchtime; however, filling water bottles and organizing backpacks are quick and can shave a few minutes of the morning rush.  I also include a dissolvable, tasteless probiotic in the boys’ water bottles (And they have no idea :).   These go in the fridge overnight.  Organizing the backpack with due homework, papers and library books keeps things moving as well so you and your child are confident nothing is being forgotten.
2. Be the first to wake up.  Impossible sometimes I know.  My oldest son, age 7, is the first up in our family every. single. day.  He rises with the sun and has since he was a newborn.  This obnoxious early morning preference does not bode well with me.  I’m a late sleeper.  But I’ve realized my blood pressure will be lowered immensely between the hours of 6-8AM if I force myself up a few minutes before he usually is or at least around the same time.  Waking up after your children is a tough way to start a weekday morning.  They have free reign of the house and pantry and although my 7-year-old keeps to himself and doesn’t do anything disastrous, I like to be present with him as we start the day (although on weekends all bets are off! I have no guilt about sleeping in a bit).
3. Use a checklist.  For my 7 and even 5-year-old this has been the most effective method to keeping our mornings on track.  Having a visually appealing and easy-to-read checklist gives children a sense of accomplishment as they work through tasks such as “eat breakfast” and “brush teeth.”  Pinterest provides lots of free printable options for this or make one of your own!  Simply type up your child’s morning to-dos in Microsoft Word or handwrite one with colorful drawings for each task.  Bonus points: have your children help do this so they feel involved and a sense of responsibility towards it.  I printed this one from Carrie This Home and inserted in a paper protector.  My sons’ check off each item as its completed with a dry erase marker.  They love finishing it off and voila!  They are ready for the day with little frustration.

Three Ways a Mother Can Rest

As a busy mom of three my moments of “rest” are few and far between.  It doesn’t come naturally to be still among the daily routine of preparing meals, cleaning up said meals, breaking up fights, consoling boo-boos and all the chaos that comes with a 7, 5 and 2 year old.  My need for rest is palpable at times.  I hit a wall almost everyday (usually around 1:00pm) and my ability to keeping going comes to a giant halt.  This is as much to do with my activity as it is my body’s sleep needs.  By nature, I can be a low-energy person.  Early on in motherhood I learned I would never get through the day without following the old adage of “sleep when the baby sleeps.”  Wiser words have never been spoken.   We mothers (and all humans no matter what your daily role) truly need to rest.  For our bodies and our minds.  For our significant others.  For our children.  Because as restful mothers we are so much more patient with those we love.  Consider the following ways you can find “rest” within your hectic lives:

1. Take a nap.  No, I’m not kidding.  Allowing yourself a 15 minute afternoon catnap can do wonders as you finish the day.  How?  Where?  As a ninja napper, let me explain:  Doze off while sitting on a patio chair while the kids run around the backyard.  Lay on the sofa with them as they watch an afternoon television show.  Hell, put your head down on the table (a practice I perfected in high school English Lit) while they work on homework.  Take a snooze in the car during soccer practice! And on the weekends never, ever feel guilty about a longer version nap.  My grandmother used to actually get in bed under the covers to accomplish this on Sunday afternoons.  That generation knew what was up.
2. Go to bed early.  Ha!  You say.  I agree this is much easier said than done but doable once you get in the habit.  I am a night owl so this one is particularly hard for me. Recently though I realized watching the 9:30 showing of Family Feud was not doing helpful in any way.  While its nice to unwind at the end of a long day with some mindless TV, it can become incredibly boring and why be bored when I can sleep?!  Set a “go to bed” alarm on your phone 60 minutes before you really intend to.  If you want to be in bed by 10PM set it for 9:00.  This reminds you to wash your face and do all that nightly stuff plus allows time for you to read or stretch before hitting the hay.
3. Sleep In.  Another toughie.  But if you have a husband, partner, even a babysitter that can be on kid-duty two Saturdays a month at wake-up time plan with them the night before so you can snooze away. When our oldest was born, my husband and I had an unofficial agreement of taking turns with him each morning.  This helped each of us know when we got to refill our sleep tank and offered one-on-one time with the baby.  As kids grow and more are born this isn’t as special its just plain work but still beneficial to the adults in charge.

I know these ideas of how to achieve more rest are fairly obvious but the main point is not to feel guilty about doing them.  Mothers tend to take on more than we should or even realize we are doing.  Our bodies have been through enough — give them a break!

Quick Tips For Traveling With Kids

My husband and I recently traveled to Seattle from San Diego which seemed manageable. The flight’s barely two hours. Piece of cake, right? But don’t forget there is the journey to the actual plane. Driving to the airport, the shuttle from parking and the always-fun security line. The breakdown of a stroller, shoe removal and the 20-minute analysis of applesauce pouches (all the while receiving dagger eyes from fellow passengers who just want to GET THROUGH) is enough to send me into anxiety fits. Finally we are on the airplane and have the pleasure of being trapped with two adults, a three-year-old and a 17-month-old in economy class. Did I mention the youngest one is in a leg cast? Thankfully my husband is willing and able to get us through these situations. He puts his head down and just works. I on the other hand do all the prep work (packing, preparing snacks, providing plenty of diapers, etc) and then pray.

For those of you traveling this summer with little ones I have a few ideas to help you arrive to your destination as stress-free as possible. What cocktail you need after getting there is up to you!

Usborne Activity Books
For older toddlers and preschoolers the Usborne line of sticker and activity books are the best. My older son really enjoys these and although it requires some adult help, a couple new ones for take off and landing when electronics are not allowed is key. Our particular favorites are the Little Boys’ Activty Book or Pirates Stickerbook. A fresh box of crayons helps too.

Crayola Color Wonder Books & Markers
These mess-free markers are truly a wonder. For children discovering their inner Picasso, hand them a couple of these along with a Color Wonder coloring book and rest your weary head. No worries about graffiti on the tray tables or you.

Magformers Building Tiles
Although this building toy is targeted for ages six and up toddlers find them fascinating. My 17-month-old would snap these square and triangle shaped magents together over and over again. These are a bit pricey but if they buy five minutes of peace they are worth every penny.

Do I even have to mention a tablet and headphones? This is obvious. Even if you have strict rules about electronics or screen time I say put a moratorium on those restrictions and allow a movie or two on the way to funland.

Remember sometimes in life its the journey that matters not the destination! Any tips for how to entertain kids on long car rides or flights? Please post below. And safe travels!

Baby’s First Birthday

How to celebrate a child’s birthday…simply cake and presents, right?  These days children’s birthday parties have taken on a life on their own.  Big bounce houses, professional face painters, live animals for heaven’s sake!  I admit I’ve fallen victim to this in a small way when celebrating my oldest son’s 1st, 2nd, and 3rd birthdays.  Nothing super extravagant, just a home party for the first two years and a beach party for the third, but they were fairly large with lots of details that took me weeks to prepare.  The good news is I truly enjoy entertaining and putting parties together.  However when it came time to celebrate my youngest’s 1st year I felt like taking it down a notch.  I didn’t want to be obsessing over Pinterest posts on chic baby birthday party ideas or glazing through Etsy shops looking for party printables.  I wanted simple, inexpensive (not cartoon-y) decor.  Look no further than Oriental Trading.  This online party supplier has been around for years.  It used to be the place PTAs went for all their school carnival needs but now the quantities are smaller (think 8 dinner plates in a pack vs. 50).  I was able to get cupcake toppers, personalized water bottle labels and party favors to satisfy any young partygoer.

This birthday was extra special due to the fact that my son had dealt with a health issue a few weeks prior and was hospitalized for two nights.  Instead of gifts for him we had friends donate toys to the children’s hospital for children who would truly enjoy something new.  Now that indeed was a very Happy 1st Birthday.

Cheap & Easy Art Project for Kids!

While perusing the craft store Michael’s recently I came across a simple, super-cheap painting activity for my 3-1/2 year old.  For only $1.00 (I mean what only costs a dollar anymore?!) I bought a “paint with water” book of Valentine’s scenes.  Each black and white page had tabs of color across the bottom and with nothing more than a Q-tip and water my son could paint until his heart’s content! This activity actually bought about 30 minutes of time while I prepared dinner. Amazing.  We addressed each one and he sent them as Valentine’s Day cards to family.  I looked online and found some other great options for this simple, no-fuss art project for the younger set.  I plan to stock up for those rainy days and long afternoons!

Back To (Pre)School Must Haves

It is has been nearly one year since my last post.  That’s not saying much about my blogging dedication is it?  If its any sort of excuse I did have a baby this year (seven months ago) and adjusting to life with him and his rambunctious older brother who just turned three has taken some time.  Now that Labor Day is past us marking the official end to summer, essentially fall and “the new year” has begun.  I believe September to feel more like a new year than January.  Something about the beginning of a school year and end to carefree days of summer seem like a fresh start.  That feeling has never been so true as it is this year since my oldest entered preschool.  His first day was this past week.  So far its looking good! No tears, tantrums or notes home (yet).  A three-year-old going to school two mornings a week doesn’t really warrant a brand new back-to-school wardrobe but I couldn’t resist a few new things to mark this next step.  Here is a round up of my top three preschool must-haves.

Tea Collection Surplus Playwear Pants.  Tea Collection is my favorite line of children’s clothing.  Its durable with quirky, world-inspired designs prints; although a little on the pricey side totally worth it for the quality and resale value! The Surplus Playwear Pant is a staple for any rowdy boy (and mine really puts it to the test).

Skip Hop Backpack.  These popular animal backpacks are just so for good reason.  They are super cute and the perfect size for preschoolers.  Not too small, not too big.  Kind of like the Goldilocks of kiddie bags.

Oliver’s Labels.  Kids seem to have lots of stuff:  sippy cups, extra clothes, snack traps, books, loveys.  Once they go to school its a free for all with keeping everything straight for moms and teachers.  Oliver’s Labels are the perfect way to keep your child’s things from getting lost or mixed up.  I first purchased their “starter pack” over two years ago and have yet to have a label wash off or have one come apart through hundreds of dishwashing and loads of laundry.

Gender Reveal Parties: Silly or Fun?

I’m heading into my 22-week ultrasound appointment today with no intentions of finding out the gender of baby…am I crazy?  Some seem to think I am.  When pregnant with my son my husband and I both definitely wanted to know the sex as soon as we could.  There was no discussion.  This time around I’m the complete opposite feeling a sense of surprise would be a fun change.  This could be my last pregnancy after all so what not switch it up?  But many people look at me quizzically when I tell them I don’t know what we are having.  Which is the second most common question to a pregnant woman after being asked “when are you due?”.  So what’s the verdict?  To know or not to know?

Along that note what about these gender reveal parties?  I love getting together with friends for any occasion but a party simply to cut into a cake to see if its blue or pink seems a little overindulgent to me.  The idea is that the doctor places gender of baby in a sealed envelope, the parents-to-be take said envelope to a bakery to have a cake made with blue or pink flavoring inside.  I’m guessing the options are blueberry or strawberry here.  At a party or shower the couple slice into the cake to reveal the color.  A cute idea I think but not for me.  What are your thoughts?

Partying Made Easy With Printables

Party printables?  What is that exactly?  I learned last year when planning my son’s first birthday party they are a hostess’s dream who wants a pulled together party with a theme but doesn’t have the time or interest in hiring a professional.  Enter party printables.  Although available on a variety of blogs, my favorite selection of party printables can be found on Etsy.  Graphic designers create a complete package of design details such as banners, water bottle wrappers, food labels, cupcake toppers, invitations, etc and charge a set price for the digital file.  After choosing your theme and purchasing the file you then print at home or at your local copy store as many copies as you need, use a few simple craft supplies and you’ve got great details for your party’s finishing touches!

Elmo Party

The theme I used last year was Little Blue Car by Belva June.  As my son’s tastes have matured (wink) for his second birthday we are going with his latest obessesion:  Elmo.  I found  a cute printable package on Etsy yet again by Your Printable Party.  Even the kids seem to love the label wrapped water and cupcake toppers and the theme cannot be missed!

Fortieth Birthday

Party printables are great for all ages.  Hosting a 40th birthday party?  Try this elegant Tiffany’s-inspired 40th birthday package from Printables By Amy.

Little Man Baby Shower

A baby shower?  Tons of options.  One I find particularly cute is the Little Man Baby Shower by The TomKat Studio.  With a little bit of cutting and pasting on your end any party you throw will look totally pulled together.  Happy Hosting!

Todd Oldham’s Modern Art For Target

Yet another Target collaboration this time with designer Todd Oldham for a line of kid’s art supplies.  What product category has Target not collaborated on?  Designer canned food?  No matter what they do, Target does seem to hit the spot (pun intended) with their designer collaborations.  The Kid Made Modern line includes colorful duct tape, a jewelry-making kit and oversized crayons among other things.  The line was inspired by Mr. Oldham’s 2009 book Kid Made Modern, a DIY guide for children’s arts and craft ideas.  To see Mr. Oldham show off the collection visit this Target video.  All items are priced under $20 and are sure to keep your kids busy for at least one afternoon when school’s out this summer.  Kid Made Modern will be available at Target stores and online May 20.

Finding (And Accepting) Help

When I became a mom almost two years ago the decision for me to leave my professional job to be a stay-at-home-mother wasn’t too difficult.  My husband and I easily agreed it was the right option for our family (although ultimately it was my choice).  Once my son was born and the reality of motherhood set in I had some mixed emotions.  Is this really how I want to spend all day everyday?  After a couple months I realized the answer was, in fact, “yes.”  I love having this precious time with my son who is now 20-months-old and growing by the second.  But do I want a break from him sometimes?  Absolutely.  As with any job we all deserve downtime.  Hence my experience with finding and accepting help.

Once the baby was several weeks old I began my quest for a weekly babysitter.  Ideally I wanted someone who could watch my son at my home for a few hours the same day each week.  I went through Sittercity to find this person and could not be happier!  My experience with Sittercity is that it is user-friendly, organized and efficient….all things an overwhelmed mother needs.  To access Sittercity’s database of caregivers you must join as a member but worth the price to find the right, dedicated person to watch your child.  This is the most important hire you will ever make!  After several interviews and phone calls we finally settled on a young college student who to this day continues to be at our house every Wednesday and is ultimately my son’s best friend.  She has been a blessing to our family and when she moves on to bigger things in life upon graduating (sigh) I will again return to Sittercity for that very important person in our lives.

If you are looking for a little help with your family right now Daily Candy is offering a deal on Sitterycity membership at over 50% off.  A value I recommend!