This recipe is super easy to make and tastes so good! Continue reading “Broiled Parmesan Tilapia”
Category: Parenting
Kids’ Morning Routine
I have posted several ideas about routines that help keep our home running smoothly. Most of those ideas were meant for me to follow but there are a few for the kids.
Below is a picture of the morning routines that are posted in each of the kids’ bedrooms. We really struggled with mornings for a while. I would have several half dressed kids stumbling to the kitchen to eat. Their hair would be a mess and so would their attitudes!
They were in public school at the time too. Every morning was a hectic rush to make sure that they had gotten dressed and fixed their hair. It also never failed that someone would need to pee when we got to the bus stop which was right out our gate. Not too mention that their rooms would be a mess when I went through to do my normal checks in the morning. Something had to change!
I had come across a post, I tried to find the original post but haven’t yet, and there was a ‘Morning 5′ routine. It was so simple and easy. I decided to give it a quick try and it worked! My first list was just hand written. I then printed out some clip art and added to it for the little boys and for my special needs son. This picture is from one that is still posted in the little boys’ closet. This was in our ‘pre-laminator ‘ days and it really needs to be redone to look a little neater.
Just a very simple checklist of things for them to do before coming to the kitchen for breakfast:
- Go potty. When you have kids who are potty training this is such an important reminder for them. My special needs son also needs reminding of this as well as food is usually his top priority in the morning!
- Make your bed. Yes, this is a must in our house. I also make sure that my bed is made in the mornings as well.
- Get dressed. I usually lay out the little boys clothes the night before so they just have to go to the closet and grab an outfit. They can also pick something out of the dresser if Momma forgot or if they don’t like the outfit I set out. DD8 & DD9 can pick out their own outfits and DS14 will pick out his outfit and show to me before getting dressed. His wardrobe has pretty much been set up so that almost everything will coordinate but sometimes he will bring out a pair of shorts when it is really cold or a long sleeve shirt when it is really hot.
- Brush your hair. For the boys this is not really a big deal as they usually have short hair cuts. For the girls though this is a must as they have long hair and it is usually a mess when they get up.
- Hug Mommy! This one is more for fun and it kinda helps set the mood for a good day. (Watch for a post about the Attitude of Gratitude.) Plus DS14 really likes hugs!
This has made the world of difference in our house. It has also helped to promote independence and responsibility in my kids. These are all simple tasks that can be done without much supervision and my kids know that they are expected to complete them each and every morning. It has also helped them to develop a sense of accountability as well.
Not too mention that it gives Momma a chance to get breakfast fixed and on the table while they are busy getting ready for the day. It takes a lot of stress out of the mornings as Momma doesn’t have to constantly remind them to do these things. I really enjoy getting those hugs first thing in the morning too!
Daily School Routine
Below is a copy of the checklist I made for the kids. This is just a simple checklist for their independent work. The pictures help the younger ones who can not yet read. DS14 also works best if he has a visual guide to follow.We have a few things that we do as a group, like our Bible studies, which are not included on the list.
I have found that this helps to keep them motivated as they can visually see what needs to be completed before they get to play. This also helps keep me organized as I can check their lists too.
I printed them out in color and laminated a copy for each child so they can check them off with a dry erase marker. I will also be posting a copy on our bulletin board in the kitchen as that is where we do the majority of our school work.
If your kiddos seem to have trouble remembering what needs finished or if they are constantly asking you what they need to do next maybe you should try making them a checklist as well. It will not only keep you from being so frazzled but will also help to make them more independent and responsible.
Happy Schooling!
Cheddar Muffins
In case you haven’t noticed we eat a lot of cheese. This is a quick and easy muffin that goes with just about any meal and we make them quite often. Continue reading “Cheddar Muffins”
When life happens
If we’re on social media we always see pictures of everybody else’s lives. Many times the pictures look so perfect and pretty but in reality they’re not.
For instance, at Thanksgiving, I took some pictures of some beautiful pies but to start with these pies were anything but beautiful.
Then we have kids. We always see pictures of all fun crafts that we make. Rarely do we see when crafting goes wrong.
I had read somewhere that it was important to keep art supplies out to inspire children. I had also seen research about how important it was to allow them freedom of creativity.
After reading several post and researching ideas on Pinterest I had set up my own art center. Our school scissors were quickly locked back up after my one daughter was ‘inspired’ to give herself a haircut.
Many times we see pictures of the beautifully organized playroom and school rooms. All the toys neatly organized in little cubbies. Activity tables sitting out for the kids to work on. But this is the reality of having all of those wonderful things when you find a snake in the house.
Just remember that each of us must do what works for our family. Have fun with whatever it is that you’re doing. Don’t compare yourself to everyone else. And remember that life happens and that’s OK. We live and we learn that’s why it’s all about.
So just keep on making memories and enjoy your family. One day you’ll look back on these not so perfect moments and be able to laugh at them I promise.
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