Parenting is hard. The learning curve of new parenting skills is always moving forward. There is an exhaustion that sets in from constantly thinking about small things, worrying about big things, and making decisions about what your children need. Each phase is radically different than before. Every few months there is a new skill to…
I love plans, routines, schedules, charts, lists… all of it! But I also understand that I am not the all-powerful Oz who knows everything that will happen or take place. This means that while I can attempt to plan for all contingencies and events, it is impossible to do so. Kids get worn out, it starts raining, things fall apart,…
Travel with kids is hard. Doing anything is difficult when you add in an extra personality, unique needs, and a break in normal routine. Disruptions and roadblocks happen all the time but especially on a trip. Knowing yourself, how to prepare well, and what is needed for this trip will make travel easier. It can…
I have found freedom in list-making. I know those two are contradictory statements but stick with me for a minute. When I know what I need to get done, what is expected of me, what I want to see accomplished, then I can choose what to do. I can make a conscious decision to spend my…
Let’s talk about Household Chores and Cleaning! My Story Why We Clean Kid Responsibilities/ Chores Questions for You My Favorite Resources My Story: Yes, I am actually excited about this topic. I really love a clean house. Open spaces with clean horizontal surfaces and clean floors… yes!! I like things to be clean so that…
Let’s set up the day for success! Whatever your day holds, let’s reclaim the mornings. We can start the day with time to ourselves, a house that is reset for the day, and with a peaceful atmosphere. I am not a morning person. But it is particularly important to me that we begin each day…
In 2016, I was spending my time in a reactive state. Constantly overwhelmed by everything that needed to be done. I felt like I never actually made progress on the things that mattered to me. I was wondering if this was really what my life was supposed to look like. I lived in an exhausted…
Spring and early Summer is a time that I focus on having a consistent morning routine. I have found much value in starting the day on my terms. I need some time to be alone, shower, get fully dressed, have some coffee in a dark kitchen and read. It does not go well if my…
How I Plan For Our Summer Break As a kid, summer vacation was full of so much freedom. No school! Backyard slip ‘n slides and popsicles that stained my t-shirt. Reading all my favorite books from the library. Playing Mario Brothers on the Nintendo. It was effortless and free. But now I am a mom,…
How I do spring cleaning with my planning. It is spring. The Palo Verde trees are blooming and it is heating up during the day. As I rummage for my flip-flops in my closet, I begin to think about our summer plans. What will this summer look like? What adventures will we have? What kind…