17 mom tips to help you everyday

1. I pick out my child's clothes in a weekly organizer or by the night before school. This makes getting ready so much easier.

2. Keeping leftover egg cartons can help in multiple ways.  Use in a variety of art projects, hold paint for when your child paints, holds jewelry, change and little things needed.

3. Buy two lunch bags and always keep a lunch ready and waiting for as needed.

4. Do any school paperwork as soon as possible. Don't let it pile up. As soon as you get it, fill it out and send it back.

5. Help your child clean their room every night or every other for 15m. You'll spend quality time with your child and have a clean room.

6. Sit at the dining room table with your child as they do homework. It keeps them company and you know what they are up to.

7. Buy the snack cups with lids from munchkins. They are great for going places or just around the house. No mess.

8. Use bendable straws to help little ones drink.  Store them in a toothbrush holder in your purse.

9. After Halloween, visit Target or Walmart for costumes cheaper for dress up fun.

10. Make homework fun by acting it out.

11. Use caught being good at home and have a treasure box.

12. Dunking fruit in chocolate is a fun way to encourage kids to cook.

13. Vaseline is a great thing to use on chap lips, chins and minor scrapes.

14. Use used baby food jars for paper clips, pins, safety pins etc.

15. Clorox anywhere is a great product to use for cleaning.

16. Be a good example by turning off technology and just be with each other.

17. Only keep a certain number of toys out. It makes it easier to clean up.

Snow boots

Winter is coming up. Make sure you have boots for your kids for the winter slush. Only $17! http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00KG8I1M0?tag=dealnewscom&psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=ox_sc_act_title_1&smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER

School bus safety week

National school bus safety week is from October 20-24.  School bus safety is very important for students and drivers. It is sad to hear of many tragic or even any accident at all involving a school bus. Remembering a few safely tips can help ensure safe arrivals for all.

Please stop when a bus is at a bus stop.  Too often cars keep going pass or in front of a school bus loading or unloading children. Drivers do not realize that kids are running across streets either to make it to the bus on time or run home. Drivers should not rely on a child to be looking both ways or judge correctly how fast a car is moving.

When students are walking to and from a bus stop, drivers need to be aware. Let them cross the street when they need to. If you are late to work or an appointment, driving safely still applies especially around children.

Students need to walk to the bus stop and not run.  They need to look both ways before crossing the street and be aware of the traffic patterns around them. At the bus stop, they shouldn't rough house or play around near the road.  They should not talk to strangers or get into a car of a stranger.  Only board the bus when they come to a complete stop.  Dress appropriately for the weather while waiting for the bus or coming home.

Teaching children how to behave on a school bus is just as important. They need to understand to not being distracting to the school bus driver unless help is needed. No yelling, swearing, standing, jumping or running around the bus.  Be respectful to the bus driver as you would a teacher.

Bullying needs to be something of the past. Bullying,violence, any kind of assault or being mean should not be tolerated.  If a student notices any of these activities taking place, they need to report the problem to a responsible adult.

Review Laugh and Learn Monkey

My son is 19 months old and enjoys this monkey. It's just the right size and sings songs.  He can hold it perfectly and carries it around. He also likes to push it around in his wagon or dump truck,  I recommend it very much. The monkey teaches opposites and words. It is soft and fun to play with. 

Laugh and Learn Monkey

Jumperoo

My son has been using the Jumperoo since he's been 7 months old.  He loves it and it's great exercise. He loves holding objects and jumping while holding them.  The toy that makes the most noise wins!!!

Turkey crafts

Just about everyday in November,  I will feature a Thanksgiving or Christmas craft,  recipe or activity.  Please join the newsletter so you will always stay informed.  It is simple to join and you will be notified of new articles. 

Thanksgiving craft - Get an orange piece of construction paper and some brown paint.  Paint the palm of your child's hand.  Have them place it on the paper.  You have the body of the turkey and its feathers. Feel free to paint around it and decorate an entire scene.  Be as creative as possible. 

Turkey hand - Outline the child's hand on brown construction paper.  Use different color construction paper for each finger and have them write what they are thankful for on each feather. 

Pine cones turkey - Use a pine cone and put an outline of their hand in the pine cone. The pine cone is the body of the turkey and the hand are its feathers. Glue googly eyes on the turkey. 

Universal children's week

Children are remarkable human beings. They are completely innocent and are just trying to learn. October 1-7 is the universal children's week. 

How many times have you cringed hearing a parent yelling or even cursing at a little child? It's so hard to see people not realize what they have.  Children should be respected as human beings. Some treat their co workers better than their own children. 

During Universal Children's Week,  enjoy your children, respect them and most of all love them. Do something unexpected. If they are being bad, don't accept it but don't be as harsh as you might normally would. Ask them if they want to do a do over. Give them a chance to redeem themselves. 

Plan a surprise activity for or with your child. Praise your child for their strengths and kindness. Give them your undivided time and attention. Often that is all a child needs and craves.  

Whatever you do, keep it special and remember children are the best people ever! 

Domestic violence

October is National Domestic Violence Awareness month. It's a very essential topic because domestic violence happens all of the time but kept secret. As a society, we need to give people tools to handle the situation instead of being in silence. 

The first sign of domestic violence, the victim rarely leaves even though they should. They accept the apologies and believe it won't happen again. But, unfortunately, it usually always does and will continue happening. 

After the first occurrence ,violence gets worse and easier for the person to do. Excuses come, apologies are rationalized, and hearts break. It's just a whirlwind cycle.  The abuser won't stop unless they stop blaming others and only blame themselves. 

Domestic violence can be stopped. If you are the victim, decide you are better than the abuse. If you are the abuser, just stop. Leave and stop abusing. 

Living alone is far better than living in pain and sadness. You have the power within to say no to the violence. 

Morning routine

Remember the following as you send your child to school:

- organization at night makes smoother mornings

- love is so important before a long day away - remember to praise your child

- leave ten minutes of spare time in case of emergencies

- breakfast is essential to great days

- remember sweaters because even warm fall days have chilly mornings

- tell your child you love them and have a terrific day

Goodnight Moon for free - Iphone, Ipad

A child loves Goodnight Moon! Quickly go to the app store and download it for free for your iphone and ipad.

Time is a friend and enemy

Motherhood is a lifetime job. It has some of the best things in life and some of the worst. As my kids grow, I realize time is your friend and enemy. 

Bed time can be a glorious event. It gives you freedom and hopefully rest. The time between tantrums or boo boos are great. Also, the times when all is in harmony as it should. 

However, time doesn't stop. Our children keep growing and one day be independent. Please use your time wisely and know it is way too fast and not coming back.

Around the house toys

Toys aren't just the ones people buy at stores. Although great other objects around the house can be used as well. Babies like pulling tissues out of a tissue box. They like peek a boo or hearing different sounds. Put on the faucet and let them hear plus feel the water. 

My son loves ceiling fans. He stares up at it. Some people put pictures on their fans.

Older kids like boxes to use in imagination play. They can use pots, pans and other cooking things to play with.

Bedroom organization

A child's bedroom is their domain. They can't just clean it on their own without proper supervision. They need support and guidance. First purge out old toys and trash.  Then go get storage that will work in their room and they can handle. 

Have fun and do it together. Try to keep the atmosphere light and happy. Help them be proud of the job and encourage them to keep it clean. Shelves are great for valuable items. Donate old toys and explain why donations are good. When they realize they are helping others, they might be more encouraged to donate.

Make the most of space but leave free space to play. They will need room to enjoy and have fun to play. Give them an area to do that

Mystery bag

My husband gave me this idea. I buy little toys, stickers and trinkets for the children and put in a special bag. When I catch them being good, I'll say you earned a trip to the mystery bag. Laura loved looking through everything and picking out a special treat or toy. She cherished it and was proud of herself.

Heat and children

Most of the country is in excessive heat right now. Please keep your children and pets safe. Children, especially babies, cannot express or regulate their heat. Keep them in air conditioning, give water (unless they are under one,) offer formula, play board/card games inside, walk around the mall, go swimming but stay hydrated, and eat light summer foods.

With pets, only let them out for 15min at a time.  Put water outside and inside. Hose them down. Keep them in a cool place. 

Dr. Brown bottles

When my son was born, we tried many bottles. He always sounded like he was drowning, had a lot of gas issues and cried often. Granted he was a newborn, however, I knew something wasn't right.

So one afternoon, my husband ran out and got Dr. Brown bottles. Right from the start, Jason sounded better and less gas. We also use Gentle Soothe formula. Between both, his feedings have been so much easier. 

Soon we will be introducing baby food and the six month nipples for the bottles. My how time flies!

Check for the Mom checklist

All moms need checklists and here is a great one for your iPad and iPhone. Use Check app. You can make multiple to do lists. It is very easy to use and can be used on all your Apple products. Great way to stay organized!

Free slurpees

What do you do when it's super hot outside? Do you think about drinking a nice cold slurpee from 7 Eleven? July 11 is actually slurpee day. It is very fitting because July is the seventh month and on the eleventh day.

7 Eleven is offering free small slurpees to everyone on slurpee day. Just go in between the hours of 11am to 7pm and ask for your free slurpee. They are gluten free. Remember one per customer. Don't forget to stop in and pick one up.

In 1967, 7 Eleven licensed the slurpee from Icee. Slushed drinks came from when Omar Knedilk had a broken soda machine in the 1950s. He put his soda in the freezer and out came a slushed soda. Customers loved the taste and wanted more. It was then that the slurpee was born!

 Rumor has it that the free slurpee is going to be bigger this year. Here is an interesting but random fact: in Australia 6.6 million slurpees are sold each year! Hard to even imagine., Slurpees are delicious ice drinks. One can choose from a multitude of flavors. It makes a wonderful treat for a really hot day. Have fun and take the family!

Camp reminders

Talk to your kids about inappropriate touching of private areas. We hope camp counselors would never touch our children, but you can never be too safe! Talk to them now even if it is uncomfortable. It can save a lifetime of pain.

I started talking about this with Laura as young as 1-2 years old. I bring it up at least three times a year to keep communication open. One thing I always tell her is no matter what anyone does or tells her, to always tell me and I'll take care of it. 

At the beach

Don't forget the buckets, shovels, and all the fun plastic sand gear. Beach play is fun, learning experience and wonderful memories. I can still remember playing in the sand as a child. I would "feed the ocean" sand.

Before our summer trip, I bought Laura a complete sand toy set. I didn't tell her until we unpacked in the hotel. She was thrilled and gave me a big kiss!