Tuesday, August 24, 2010

Back to School Tips

Back to school is the time to put some structure in place. Take a look at these three simple ways to get back to the grind and be more organized.

1. Have kids lay out clothes each night.

2. Create an AM and PM checklist for the kids. Hey, while you are at it, make one for yourself.

Ideas for AM/ PM checklist:

Straighten room
Put away dirty laundry
Check backpack
Lay out clothes
Make bed


Make lunches at night, not in the morning! But here is the news. Do NOT put the lunches inside an insulated lunch box in the fridge. The insulated bag will keep the cold of the fridge OUT. Those lunch boxes are fine if you use them for the 2-3 hours before lunch but will prevent the fridge from doing its job overnight.


Put a few systems in place. Your kids might moan and groan at first, but guaranteed, they will feel more in control and happy once they adjust!

Maria

Monday, August 2, 2010

Parents Can Have Summer Fun, Too!

Summer is coming to a close already. Have you been able to stop and do some special things with the kids? Here is a list of things to get your creative juices flowing. Summer is a great opportunity not just to be with our kids, but to be one, too.

Get to a pool. And why not do cannon balls with your kids?

Go out for ice cream and wander through your downtown or one of a neighboring town. And make sure you get a cone for yourself!

Go to the local pet store and play with the puppies. You can even talk about the breeds with the kids if you want to make it educational.

Find a water park and make sure you go down some of those slides, too.

Spend an afternoon at the library with the kids. Come back to the house, bake some cookies and everyone can read their new stuff and nibble. No TV!

What can you come up with in the dog-days of summer to do with your kids?

Maria