Category: Family

  • Easter Egg Letter Matching Game

    Easter Egg Letter Matching Game

    Create this fun Easter Egg Letter Matching Game for the kids to play this Easter season!

    Easter Egg Letter Matching Game

    It’s hard to believe that my daughter is almost finished with her first year at school as a kindergartner.

    It seems like we sent her off on the bus for the first time just yesterday. In a few short months the summer break will be here and she will be getting ready for first grade.

    Printables You May Like:

    During her first year of Kindergarten, she has learned quite a bit. She learned her ABC’s and knows most of her sight words. She’s putting sounds together as she’s reading.

    We are working with her at home to practice what she’s learning so that she can end the year on a successful note.

    Easter Egg Letter Matching Game

    One of the basic skills for Kindergarten is letter matching. Learning the upper case and lower case letters for some students can prove to be tricky!

    Then you have letters like p and b and d and g that all look similar in some ways. It’s easy for kids to get mixed up on letters at times.

    Now that the Easter holiday is approaching, I wanted to make a fun game for my daughter to play so that she can practice her letter matching before we finish out the year.

    This Easter egg matching game below is a great review game for her.

    Easter Matching Game

    Easter Egg Letter Matching Game

    Supplies:

    • plastic Easter eggs
    • black permanent marker
    • Easter basket

    Directions:

    Take each egg and write one letter of the alphabet on each egg with permanent marker. You’ll write the upper case letter on one half of the egg and the lower case letter on the bottom half of the egg.

    Take the eggs apart and put them in a basket.

    Let your child match the upper case letter to the lower case letter until they have completed the whole alphabet!

    My daughter enjoyed this game!

    Easter Matching Game

    If you need to practice other areas with your child, feel free to switch things up! You can create word family eggs, addition and subtraction eggs, money eggs, and more!

    Easter Egg Letter Matching Game

    Easter Egg Letter Matching Game

    Materials

    • plastic Easter eggs
    • black permanent marker
    • basket

    Instructions

    Take each egg and write one letter of the alphabet on each egg with permanent marker. You’ll write the upper case letter on one half of the egg and the lower case letter on the bottom half of the egg.

    Take the eggs apart and put them in a basket.

    Let your child match the upper case letter to the lower case letter until they have completed the whole alphabet!

  • Mom Duties List

    To help make your life a little easier, I’ve put together a mom duties list of printables that you can refer to when things start to get overwhelming.

    As a mom, you have a lot of responsibilities.

    From taking care of your family to keeping the house in order, it can be easy to feel like you’re always on duty.

    There is no one-size-fits-all answer to the question of what duties a mom performs, as the role of a mother can vary greatly from household to household.

    However, there are some general duties that most moms perform on a regular basis.

    These duties can include things like preparing meals, cleaning the house, doing the laundry, taking care of the children, and driving them to and from their activities.

    Moms also often take on additional tasks such as grocery shopping, paying bills, and managing the family budget.

    Tips for the Multitasking Mom

    In addition to these everyday duties, moms also often play an important role in their children’s upbringing.

    They typically serve as a child’s first teacher and confidante, and provide love and support throughout their development.

    Moms are also responsible for teaching their children the values and morals that they hold dear.

    All in all, being a mom is a demanding but rewarding job. It requires a lot of time and effort, but it’s definitely worth it when you see your children thriving and happy.

    Mom Duties List

    Home Management Binder // Printable Planner Inserts  PDF
    Printable Mom Planner


    Household Binder Daily Planner Printable Planner Pages Mom
    Printable Mom Management Binder


    Busy Mom Planner  Printable Checklist  Organized Life
    Busy Mom Planner Printable Checklist


    Ultimate Mom Planner Printable Home Digital Download Baby
    Ultimate Mom Planner


    Life Planner Home Management Binder Ultimate All in One
    Life Planner Home Management Binder – Ultimate All in One


    Work From Home Mom Planner Mom Checklist Stay at Home Mom
    Mom Daily Checklist


  • What to Write in a Time Capsule Letter to Your Child

    As a mom, you probably have thoughts and feelings about your child that you want to share with them, but might not have the time or opportunity to do so in person.

    A time capsule letter is a great way to record your thoughts and send them to your child at a later date. Learn what to write in a time capsule letter to your child!

    What to Write in a Time Capsule Letter to Your Child
    Photo by Joanna Kosinska on Unsplash

    No matter what parents include in a time capsule letter to their child, the most important thing is that it comes from the heart.

    Writing a letter like this is a wonderful way to show your child how much you love and care for them, even long after you’re gone.

    How to Write a Letter to Your Child

    How to Write a Letter to Your Daughter

    But you’ll also need to include some essential supplies!

    In order to make sure your time capsule letter is as complete as possible, you’ll need:

    A pen or pencil, paper or cardstock, scissors, glue or tape, photos, preferably in color, other small trinkets or mementos that represent your child’s life, and an envelope to place your letter in.

    Family Time Capsule. Instant Download Printable. Kids
    Family Time Capsule Printable


    Family Time Capsule  Kids Activities  Digital Download
    Family Time Capsule Printable


    Go ahead – put your feelings into words, and send your child off with a heartfelt message they can cherish forever.

    What should you include in your letter? Here are some suggestions!

    What to Write in a Time Capsule Letter to Your Child

    There are so many ideas that parents could write in a time capsule letter to their child – here are just a few ideas:

    • imparting life wisdom
    • giving encouragement for the future
    • sharing memories of the time spent with child (or any other time spent together)
    • including photos or other mementos that will be special to the child later in life
    • expressing hope that the child will forgive them for any mistakes they made as parents
    • including a list of things the child should do or experience in their life
    • sending blessings and well wishes for the child’s future

    You can choose to place your time capsule letter and mementos in a special box if you’d like. Here’s one that I found on Etsy that I love:

    Family Keepsake Box  1st Birthday Time Capsule  Baby's
    Time Capsule Keepsake Box


    What should you write in your time capsule letter to your child?

    Ultimately, the decision is up to you. But we hope that this article has given you some ideas about things to include – from hopes and dreams for your child’s future, to advice on how to live a good life.

    The most important thing is that you put your heart into it and express yourself honestly. Write now, while everything is fresh in your mind.

    And be sure to seal up your letter with love so that it can be opened by your child when they reach an important milestone in their own life journey.

  • How to Introduce Finger Foods

    It can be nerve-racking introducing finger foods for the first time. There are so many questions – when to start, how to know when the baby is ready, what foods to start with, and of course, how to know if it is safe. Learn how to introduce finger foods to your baby.

    How to Introduce Finger Foods to Baby

    *Always talk to a doctor before trying new methods and introducing finger foods.

    Finger foods can be a great way to introduce your baby to solid foods. They are small and easy to chew, which makes them a good option for babies who are just starting to eat solids.

    There are a variety of finger foods that you can give your baby, including fruits, vegetables, meats, and breads.

    The scare of choking can lead many parents to hold off on introducing finger foods to their baby. I was actually one of these moms.

    I was always terrified that I was feeding my baby certain foods too early and the thought made me anxious!

    With the help of my pediatrician, I learned how to ease my anxiety with learning what foods were appropriate to start with. Talk to your pediatrician to learn more and get tips when you’re ready to start introducing finger foods!

    Today I’m here to share tips for introducing finger foods to your baby that we tried when my babies were little!

    100 Baby First Food Baby Food Diarybaby Food Tracker
    100 Baby’s First Food Tracker


    Baby Food Diary Printable  Baby Food Tracker
    Baby Food Diary Printable


    How to Introduce Finger Foods

    When to Introduce Finger Foods

    There are a few indications to look for when trying to determine if the baby is ready for finger foods.

    It is often easy to tell that a baby is looking for something more when he starts showing interest in other people’s food.

    A baby sitting up on his own and developing a grip with his fingers are a few more signs to help determine if he is ready.

    A baby’s gums can be a very effective tool for mashing food. Just make sure the foods being introduced are soft and easily broken down.

    I’ll be sharing a list of finger foods that you may want to try below.

    List of Finger Foods for Babies

    Many fruits and vegetables make great finger foods to start off with. Produce that comes softly is ideal for on-the-go snacks and quick meals.

    Some of the more firm foods need to be cooked before serving to make the chewing process easier for babies just starting out on the finger foods.

    This is a list of some fruits and vegetables that are perfectly served fresh and sliced into smaller pieces.

    • Banana
    • Avocado
    • Soft pears
    • Melons
    • Peas

    Some fruits and vegetables served best cooked and diced are listed below.

    • Asparagus
    • Broccoli
    • Carrots
    • Green beans
    • Apples
    • Firmer pears

    There are also many other snacks that parents can introduce to liven up their baby’s diet and provide proper nutrition.

    • Dry toast cut into strips
    • Cooked pasta
    • Cereals such as Cheerios
    • Pieces of cheese
    • Scrambled egg yolks

    If these foods are new to the child, remember to allow a few days between each new item to watch for allergies and reactions.

    Advice for Introducing Finger Foods

    Introducing finger food will have its ups and downs. On the one hand, the baby can now feed himself (under close supervision).

    But on the other hand, there will be a lot of mess, fussiness, and stress to accompany this new feeding endeavor.

    Try and keep calm about the mess; it is to be expected, and there is no getting past it. Allow baby to play and experiment with his food; he will be learning a lot about it right now.

    Only give a few pieces at a time to avoid the rest being thrown on the floor. If worried about a mess on the floor, lay out a blanket under the high chair to catch rogue finger food.

    Don’t worry too much if the baby doesn’t take to some food right away, just try again in a few days.

    I hope these tips help you if you are new to introducing finger foods to your baby!

    Baby Food Tracker Printable Baby's First Food Checklist
    Printable Baby’s First Food Checklist


  • Self Care Tips for Moms

    Self care is so important for moms, but it can be hard to find the time and energy to take care of yourself.

    This list of self care tips for moms will help you make time for yourself and feel better. Whether you need a break from your kids or just some time to relax, these tips will help you feel refreshed and rejuvenated.

    So don’t wait any longer, start taking care of yourself today! Keep reading for to learn more about self care for busy moms!

    Self Care Tips for Moms

    Photo by Logan Nolin on Unsplash

    Self Care Tips for Moms

    Why Self Care Matters & Super Simple Ways To Treat Yourself

    You’ve probably heard the term “self care” used a lot lately.

    If you’re a busy mom like me, it can be difficult finding time for self care. I can’t stress the importance of taking care of yourself though, it’s a must!

    Self Care Canva Template Bundle Self-care Templates Self
    Print Now: Self Care Bundle


    About Self Care

    Self care covers a lot of areas with regard to caring for yourself. It involves nurturing your body, mind and spirit.

    It focuses on building yourself up so that your internal resources don’t become depleted.

    It requires you to show yourself some compassion and encourages you to be vulnerable with others, asking for help you when you need it.

    The Benefits of Self Care

    There are lots of benefits to practicing self care.

    Giving all your energy to those around you without filling your own cup back up leaves you depleted and empty.

    Spending time and effort on yourself rejuvenates and energizes you. Taking time to indulge in your own interests demonstrates your worth, leading to improved self-esteem and a more positive outlook on the world.

    It teaches you a lot about yourself and provides you with insight into what you need to be the best version of yourself.

    Self-care helps you better cope with stress and to prioritize what’s important to you. You’ll be better able to take care of your family when you also take time to meet your own needs.

    Examples of Self Care

    There are countless ways to add self care into your routine.

    The key is to choose activities that are most enjoyable to you and provide you with the most benefits.

    Going for a walk in nature is great for those who enjoy the outdoors. If you have small children that are still in strollers, they can benefit from a walk as much as we can! Otherwise, see if your husband can watch the kids while you go out for a walk a few times per week, even if it means you are getting in your exercise earlier or later in the day. Try to fit it in when you can.

    Other forms of exercise like yoga, running or going to the gym work well, too. When my children were little, I looked for gyms that offered childcare while I worked out so that I could have some me time.

    Spending time with friends can be rejuvenating, but so can saying no. Allowing yourself to decline invitations or favors when you’re feeling run-down is a big part of caring for yourself. Learn to recognize when you are needing time to be alone to recharge or needing time to be around others.

    Treating yourself to a favorite, affordable indulgence like a movie, manicure or ice cream cone are all good examples. As is taking a bath or meditating. These are just a few of the ways you can easily incorporate self care into your life.

    Start and End Your Day With A Little Self Care

    Like any new habit, adding self care into your life can seem kind of tricky, especially if you aren’t used to this idea.

    You probably wonder how you’ll manage to find time to do anything extra for yourself when you aren’t taking care of the kids, let alone how you’ll actually remember o do these things.

    One of the best ways to get started is to build your activities into predictable parts of your day.

    In order to make something a habit, it has to happen regularly. Keep reading, and I’ll show you some tricks to making self care a routine part of your life.

    Make It Personal

    The first thing that will help you in creating your self care rituals is to choose activities that are meaningful to you and that you enjoy.

    You’ll want to be sure it’s customized in order to get the most out of it. Consider making a list of things that help you to feel relaxed, peaceful, excited or happy.

    These activities should be able to be done in a short amount of time and easily fit into your life without special equipment or tools.

    For example, I love to ride by stationary bike at the end of the day when the kids are in bed. I put on my headphones and listen to my favorite playlist while I work out. It’s not always a long bike ride, sometimes 15-30 minutes is all I need.

    Ways to Pamper Yourself as a Busy Mom

    Fit It In

    As mentioned above, you should add your self care rituals to the most convenient parts of your day. Choose times that are already somewhat flexible so that incorporating something new into that space will be less stressful.

    Many people go with morning or evening routines, right when they wake up and before going to sleep each night.

    Getting up fifteen minutes earlier than usual and setting aside a window during the usual night time schedule are usually things most folks can do.

    However, maybe designating your daily lunch break as your self care time might work better for you.

    Consider activities like writing a gratitude journal entry before bed, listening to music while having your morning coffee or going for a short walk over your lunch hour.

    Be Flexible

    It’s best to come up with a routine that works for you and stick to it. Committing to a particular schedule will help you to create a habit and ensures that you get the self-care you need.

    However, try to cut yourself some slack. Some days are more hectic than others. You may not be able to fit in your anticipated self-care activity, and that’s okay. Tomorrow is a new day, and you can try again.

    Soon, you’ll find yourself wanting to take part in these rituals, and getting back on track will be easy.

    Getting into the practice of regular self care doesn’t have to be difficult. Making a few adjustments to your existing schedule can free up some space in your day.

    Choose things that will refresh you and that are simple in nature will make getting started a breeze.

    Self Care Planner Self Care Journal Self Care Checklist
    Self Care Checklist

    Try Something New Today To Care For Yourself

    Another way to keep things interesting is to treat yourself to things you’ve always wanted to do. Adding new and novel experiences to your self care routine is like giving yourself a little gift every day. It’s a great way to stay motivated to do things to care for yourself.

    Pamper Yourself

    Taking physical care of yourself in a pampering way makes us feel good. Pampering is a go-to for many people when it comes to their self care routine.

    Think of something you’ve never done before. It doesn’t have to be expensive. A small act of indulgence can have the same effect as an extravagant one.

    Consider scheduling a manicure if you’ve never had one. A bubble bath with candles can be soothing if this is something you don’t do very often.

    If your budget will allow, a spa day with a friend could rejuvenate your body and spirit.

    Spa Day At Home for Busy Moms

    Celebrate Today

    Most of us don’t buy ourselves presents very often or even give ourselves little treats. You can change that starting now.

    Think of something within your budget you’ve been wanting for a while now. Then give yourself permission to buy it. Maybe it’s that snazzy pair of shoes you’ve had your eye on or the cell phone upgrade that would make your life easier.

    Giving yourself one gift, no matter how small, can be a boost to your self-worth.

    Enjoy the Little Things

    Self care really doesn’t have to be on a grand scale. The tiniest gestures can be the most meaningful. Indulging in small free or low-cost treats allows you to spoil yourself more often.

    What are some little things you’ve never done for yourself that you can start adding to your life today?

    Have you ever bought yourself flowers? Give it a try. You’ll get a boost every time you see that beautiful bouquet on your table or desk. I LOVE to keep a fresh bouquet of flowers in my kitchen at all times.

    Think of your favorite food item, the one you have on special occasions. Why not make one day a week a little more special by trying a new version of it? For example, commit yourself to tasting a new truffle each week at your favorite cholate shop. Get creative with it.

    Adding new experiences to your self care routine keeps things interesting and can also help make them more meaningful. Novelty will also expand your world and enrich your life. Plus, it’s just fun!

    Make A List Of 5 Simple Self-Care Routines You Can Fall Back On When Needed

    Having a list of self care routines can make it easier for you to implement them when needed.

    Make a List

    Let’s start with your self care backup plan. Make a list of at least five activities you can easily fit in your life during the most stressful periods.

    Having such a reminder on hand will let you gain the benefits of caring for yourself without having to think about it too much.

    This list can include simple reminders like go to bed early so you get enough sleep, eat nourishing food to keep your energy up or ask for help you need it because these are all things you might forget when you’ve got a ton on your plate.

    Why Sleep is Important As a Mom

    During times of trouble, the very basic foundations of self care can be the most important.

    Make a Care Package

    Another way to boost your chances of keeping self care at the focus during hard times is to prepare a care package ahead of time.

    This can include some of your favorite little indulgences like a good book, herbal teas, facial mask, fuzzy slippers and classical CD. Include anything that brings you joy.

    Being able to reach for this package when you’re stressed can mean the world and make a huge difference to your outlook.

    Involve Your Crew

    When things look bleak, you may require a bit of help to get back on track. That’s why it’s a good idea to reach out to trusted friends and family now to enlist their help for the future.

    Talk to your closest confidantes and let them know you would like them to always encourage your self care routine. Share with them the benefits it’s provided you and tell them you’d appreciate their assistance if they see you aren’t caring for yourself as well as you should be.

    Sometimes those who know us best can see things we don’t. When your crew knows to look out for you in this regard, they can reinforce your self-care needs during times of stress.

    Taking steps to plan now can make maintaining your self-care routine easier in the future. Always remember it’s during the hardest times that you need to nurturing yourself the most.

    Self-care Planner Printable  Self-love Journal  Mental
    Self-Care Planner Printable


    Self Care Doesn’t Have To Cost Anything

    Lots of people get the wrong idea about self-care. They think they have to be deserving of it. They feel like it’s splurging to do something good for yourself. It can seem extravagant.

    I’d like to change that mindset today. Self-care is something you deserve. Everyone does. It benefits us all, along with those around us, when we put our own well-being at the forefront.

    You can’t take care of others when your own well being is suffering. Let’s take a look at some free and low-cost ways you can care for yourself.

    Take a Time Out

    Sometimes just a little bit of alone time is all you need to feel rejuvenated. So why not give yourself a time out?

    Lock yourself in your room with a nice cup of tea. Listen to some quiet music. Just sit still and think for a bit. It’s a luxury we all can afford.

    This is one of my favorite ways to de-stress and unwind when I need alone time. I usually give my husband or kids a heads up to give mom some time in her room.

    I need a few moments of calm, peace, and no distractions!

    Waste Some Time

    We often feel pressured to be productive all the time. Being busy these days is a “sign of worth and accomplishment.” However, it really doesn’t have to be that way.

    Just kicking back and doing nothing is important to recharging our batteries. Let yourself have some down time to do something frivolous like binge on your favorite Netflix show, take a nap or just sit and pet your cat.

    You deserve it.

    Do Some Writing

    Even if you don’t consider yourself a writer, journaling can be a very therapeutic activity. Jotting down what you’re grateful for has been proven to be beneficial to well-being.

    It can also be energizing to simply do a brain dump in which you write down all the things that are floating around in your head. Jotting down dreams for the future might inspire and motivate you to take action.

    I recently started keeping a small notebook next to me to jot down all of the ideas that pop in my mind throughout the day. Things like: things to get done, top priorities, things the kids need, menu planning ideas, etc. It has helped me to collect my thoughts easier and I’m less likely to forget them when they are written down.

    Give it a try.

    Reach Out to Someone

    Socializing is a crucial part of self care. Even introverts benefit from interpersonal connection. Humans aren’t meant to be isolated.

    Pick up the phone and call a friend you haven’t talked to in a while. Sit down and Skype with your favorite internet pal. Meeting up in person for a walk together or a cup of coffee is even better.

    Connecting to others might just provide the spark you’ve been missing.

    Change Your Perspective

    A change of scenery can be a wonderful source of renewal, and it doesn’t have to cost a lot. Just heading out to walk in your neighborhood might help when you’re feeling stir crazy in your home.

    If you’re able to afford it, a low-cost staycation to a nearby location for a day or two is a fun way to switch things up. You’ll be surprised what this change of perspective can do for you.

    While these are just a few of the countless ways you can indulge in self care without spending much money, perhaps they’re just the jumpstart you need to begin exploring this concept.

    You truly do deserve to spend time, energy and effort on your own well-being.

    Don’t Feel Guilty For Practicing Self Care

    I’d like to take this opportunity to emphasize why you shouldn’t feel guilty for practicing self-care and encourage you to do so in every area of your life.

    It’s Not Selfish

    Taking time to care for yourself is not selfish in any way. It may be hard to get past the mindset that the needs of others are more important than your own, but overcoming this mindset is essential to allowing yourself to adequately meet your own needs. When you care for yourself, it doesn’t have to mean you don’t care about others.

    It’s Necessary

    Self care isn’t a luxury; it’s a necessity. It really is like the airplane air mask comparison. You have to ensure you can breathe before you can help those around you.

    If you’re tired, rundown and overwhelmed all the time, you absolutely cannot give your best self to others. You also can’t offer yourself the very best. Remember that self-care isn’t selfish.

    It Sets a Good Example

    If you’re a parent, investing in self care is not only good for you, it sets a good example for your kids. Taking the time to care for yourself might be inspiring or motivational for those around you.

    It Demands Respect

    When you demonstrate that you value yourself and that you find worth investing time in yourself, they will respond in kind.

    Learning to say no and set boundaries is good for your relationships. It teaches others how you expect to be treated and makes it clear that you see yourself as a priority. There’s no reason to feel guilty for that.

    With practice, you can come to see the benefits of self-care and that it doesn’t have to be something that causes guilt.

    Tips To Continue To Take Care Of Yourself Going Forward

    Self care is a process. It requires practice and dedication if you want to make it stick.

    Don’t get discouraged if it takes time to make this new concept a part of your life. It’ll get easier, and you’ll probably find yourself craving your self care activities so much you’ll wonder how you ever lived without them.

    However, there will inevitably be times that are busier or more stressful when self-care may go by the wayside. If you find that happening, be sure to follow these tips to continue to take care of yourself going forward.

    Follow Your Gut

    Sometimes we get so busy that we find ourselves living on auto-pilot. That’s only natural during hectic times, but it’s critical that you make an attempt to listen to your instincts during these times to know whether you’re in need of a boost.

    When you start to feel especially frazzled or fatigued, that’s not a cue to double down and work harder. It’s your body and mind telling you that you need a break. Listen to them.

    Along these lines, look for other unusual signs that things are off balance with you such as irritability, eating poorly, losing sleep or indulging in bad habits. These things are telling you to take care of yourself.

    Schedule It In

    A trick that helps some people to fit self care into their schedules when life gets busy is to actually write it in their date book or calendar.

    Treat your self care commitments like any other appointment or event. Write down the time you’ll start and finish. Try to be specific about the activity you’ll engage in.

    Doing these things will increase the odds that you’ll actually follow through. It’s easy to put yourself on the backburner when life gets crazy, but don’t forget that these are the times you need self-care the most.

    Create a Plan

    Developing a self care plan is crucial to maintaining your well-being.

    Keep your emergency self-care list and your care package together so they’re easily accessed when you need them.

    Make sure there’s a list of trusted contacts to call when you might need some self-care encouragement and accountability. Your tribe can provide the motivation and support you need to take care of yourself.

    Last thought: Take time to assess your self care needs regularly.

    This will also help to keep you on track. Ask yourself once a week or so if you’re giving yourself enough time and attention. Listen to your instincts. Make adjustments as necessary.

    Self care is an ongoing and evolving process. It requires your constant attention.

    Self Care Canva Template Bundle Self-care Templates Self
    Self Care Checklist: Print now!


  • Tips for the Multitasking Mom

    Are you trying to “do it all” as a busy mom? Are you overwhelmed? Here are a few tips for the multitasking mom that can help.

    Tips for the Multitasking Mom

    If you sat down and listed out all of your responsibilities, how long with the list be?

    You’re a wife, a mother, a homemaker… You might have a job, volunteer responsibilities and responsibilities to your aging parents, grandparents or neighbors.

    Perhaps you’re dealing with a child that is struggling in school or a friend who is going through a rough time right now. It can be a lot to handle.

    Mom Duties List (printables that can help!)

    Ways to Make Money As A Stay At Home Mom

    How do you manage to juggle everything without dropping anything? I’ll let you in on a few of my secrets.

    Daily Schedule Template Editable PDF
    Daily Schedule Printable


    Tips for the Multitasking Mom

    Prioritize

    The first thing you need to do when life’s demands start to become overwhelming is to prioritize your commitments.

    Which people or responsibilities are the most important to you? Which responsibilities can you let slide?

    Don’t get so caught up in the responsibilities that don’t matter that you neglect the ones that do.

    Simplify

    Next, simplify as much as possible.

    What responsibilities can you get rid of or at least step back from for now? Which daily tasks can you lighten?

    Which areas of your life are you making things too hard on yourself?

    Every dinner doesn’t have to be Pinterest perfect and you don’t have to be the head of every committee.

    It’s okay to step back where you can.

    5 Signs Your Schedule is Too Full

    Delegate

    If you are trying to do too much at once, try delegating some of your tasks to others.

    For example, have your husband help put the kids to bed or have your kids make their own lunches and clean their own rooms.

    Give your assistant at work more responsibility, and find additional volunteers for any committees you are on.

    Use To Do Lists

    For the important tasks that you cannot delegate or get rid of, to-do lists are key. I seriously don’t know what I would do without them.

    Each night, list out all of the tasks you NEED to get done the next day. (You can add in the tasks you want to get done as well, but then be sure to indicate on your list which items are the most urgent.)

    Then, the next day you aren’t wasting time in between tasks trying to figure out what to do next, and you aren’t forgetting everything either.

    A good to-do list will help you be much more efficient.

    Minimal to Do List Printable Simple Tasks List Template
    Minimal to Do List Printable


    Printable to Do List  Instant Download Print at Home Planner
    Printable to Do List


    Make a Schedule

    Lastly, for items that you do on a routine basis, create a schedule for them. You could create a daily, weekly or monthly schedule–or all three!

    Mark important dates that you won’t want to forget, such as school activities, work meetings and the days that your bills are due. You can even add in little things like the day the library books are due if it will help you remember.

    Keep your schedule in your phone or in a planner you carry with you everywhere and refer to it often. When you write everything down, you are much less likely to forget it.

    Plus, you can set reminders if you use your phone.

    How to Make a Daily Schedule for Yourself

    Weekly Planner Weekly Schedule Printable Planner Weekly
    Weekly Planner Printable


    Read more scheduling tips here.

    Juggling multiple responsibilities is a ton of work, but it can be done

    . The next time you feel like you are barely keeping your head above water or that you are forgetting things left and right, use these tips to help you juggle everything.

  • How to Organize Kids Toys

    Toy organization can be a daunting task, but with a little bit of planning and some creative storage solutions, it can be easy to keep your kids’ toys organized and clutter-free. Here are tips for how to organize kids toys.

    How to Organize Kids Toys

    Since becoming a mom, I have learned that toy organization is key.

    If toys are properly organized, it makes life so much easier for both you and your kids. Not only is it more fun for them to play with toys when they can easily find what they’re looking for, but it’s also easier to clean up when everything has its own place.

    Simple Cleaning Schedule  Cleaning Checklist
    Printable Simple Cleaning Schedule Checklist


    When the kids are home, it can be a challenge to keep our home tidy. The kids toys are everywhere!

    I try not to worry about it too much, but eventually, there comes a point when a mom can only take so much. Some serious organization is in order.

    How to Organize Books for Kids

    With spring approaching, it’s a good time to start spring cleaning and getting the toy clutter under control and organized.

    Whether your house is particularly messy in the summer or you’re just ready for a fresh start when the back to school season approaches, here are tips for how to organize kids toys!

    How to Organize Kids Toys

    Use Plastic Shoe Boxes for Toys with Lots of Pieces

    If you have toys that come with lots of pieces, keep all of the pieces contained in one place with plastic shoe boxes that have a lid.

    Not only does this help prevent pieces from getting lost, but it makes clean-up a breeze! Insist that your children choose one box to play with at a time, and all of the pieces for all of the different games won’t get mixed together.

    Then, when it’s time to clean up, your children only need to scoop everything back into the box it came in.

    This strategy works fantastic with toys such as: LegosBarbie accessories, Play Doh, Hot Wheels, puzzles, games etc.

    Use Large Bins for Bigger Toys

    For bigger toys that don’t fit into shoe boxes, use large storage bins or even plastic hampers. This way, your children can carry one bin from room to room and get out as many toys as they want.

    When it’s time to clean up, they simply scoop everything back in the bin and return it to its place. Even one-year-olds can clean up after themselves with this easy toy organization method!

    Give Everything a Home and a Label

    For nicer toys that shouldn’t be chucked into a hamper, designate a specific spot on the shelf for them and give their spot a label.

    While labels may seem like organizational overkill for adults, they are really helpful for teaching small children to pick up after themselves.

    Instead of throwing everything into a bin or onto a shelf, children as young as two or three can find a picture label and put their toys back where they belong.

    Rotate Toys Seasonally

    When it comes to toy organization, the biggest obstacle for many families is simply the sheer number of toys their children own.

    Between birthdays, holidays, special occasions, fun freebies and generous relatives, it isn’t hard for any child to quickly amass quite a few toys.

    Cut down on some of the excess and help your children enjoy their toys longer by rotating out their toys seasonally.

    By always keeping one half to one quarter of their toys in storage and switching them out every few months, you ensure that your children’s toys are always new, fun and exciting–never overwhelming.

    Check out this amazing variety of toy storage organizers!

    If you’re ready to finally get your kids’ toy clutter under control, let me tell you, these tips work for me!

    Not only do they make getting organized easier for you, but they make the process so easy that your kids can do it themselves. And that’s toy organization at its finest!

    Cleaning Schedule Cleaning Planner Cleaning Chart Home
    Printable Cleaning Schedule


    30 Day Declutter Challengedeclutter Challenge
    30 Day Declutter Challenge