When I say I am a stay-at-home mom, I get the feeling that people assume I have no skills. I remember sitting with some fellow military spouses before any of us had children. We were talking about our "work" experiences. Even though I and two other spouses had teaching experience, whenever I tried to add to the conversation the talking halted. I felt like I was being ushered … [Read more...]
7 Ways for Moms to Fit in Me Time
Me time does not always look like I picture it in my head. Quiet hours with a book and a warm cup of coffee just do not happen in my season of life with young children. Many moms tell me it’s hard to find time alone to get some 'me time'. It is hard to plan when we will get time kid-free. I had to utilize creative ways to fit in my 'me time' when I was learning how to find … [Read more...]
Christmas Kids Activities & Homemade Gift Ideas
There are many Christmas Kids Activities that can be turned into Homemade Gift Ideas. I enjoy watching the kids complete art and craft projects that allow their creativity to show. I put together a list of favorite Christmas kids activities and homemade gift ideas. These winter activities for kids are great learning activities and many can be turned into homemade gifts. … [Read more...]
Crash Course in Child Development: Infants
If you ask most Stay-at-Home Parents of infants, they search for activities to keep their infant entertained and learning. This crash course in child development: infants will help identify what your baby can do with you to keep growing and learning. In reality, A LOT of repetition is FANTASTIC for the brain development of your baby from birth to 18 months. Don't … [Read more...]
Personalized Songs that Teach
Try these two little songs to increase learning in those moments where you need a fill-in activity, are traveling in the car, or need to get your infant to lie still while you change her diaper. I started singing the first personalized song with my children when they were infants, and they have been able to spell their own names since before turning 3 years old. It can be … [Read more...]
First Aid and CPR for Babies and Children
Teachers and child care personnel must be certified in infant and child CPR. We as parents do not, but I like to have this posted as a reference. Just a simple, quick tip that could come in handy, and hopefully will never have to be used: Post the steps for CPR and Rescue Breathing in a couple of spots in your home. Included are basic first aid resources when you … [Read more...]
Exposure to Print: Make a Word Wall
This post contains affiliate links. Please view my disclosure. A word wall is an activity that I start when my children are toddlers. It is part of our homeschool preschool activities, and I know that it helps my children learn to read with confidence. Play does matter in the lives of young children, but we can also teach them along the way. A word wall is a great way to use … [Read more...]
1 Simple Tip to Reduce the Chaotic Clutter
If someone walked into my home today they would question whether I accomplished anything. When my house gets chaotic with clutter, I do not want to spend time in it. I judge my home by its cover-what I see makes me feel like it was a successful day or not. Often my "done list" is not long enough for my liking! There is a quick way to de-clutter, and get to feeling more … [Read more...]
Responsibility of Teachers Versus Parents
The lines between what is the responsibility of teachers and parents are blurred today. Children are being essentially raised by teachers. In child care the caregivers are called "teachers" and these are the adults a child in daycare full-time sees most of their days. Beyond that, teachers are receiving students who are not ready to learn. Teachers are limited in ways … [Read more...]
Instilling the Love of Learning by Reading
Starting in infancy, when your child is home with you, you are able to devote so much one-on-one time to them and with them. They learn that they are important; they learn that they have something to contribute to you. I feel important when another adult takes the time to talk with me and focus on what I have to say; it is not different with children. They relish the focus … [Read more...]
Setting Up Your Home Budget {Free Download}
Setting up your home budget is as easy as filling in the blanks with this free budget template you can download. Moms are often the accountant, financial adviser, and Chief Financial Officer (CFO). What my husband makes (and how well I invest and manage what we already have) has to cover what we need, and then, we worry about what we want. (Or, at least, that is the goal!) I … [Read more...]
Easy Organization for Moms
There are easy, and extremely inexpensive ways to organize your life as a homemaker and stay-at-home mom so you can live more and clean less. I am all for that! This list of five easy ways to add more organization to your life will free up more time for you when there is any down time in your day. This post contains affiliate links. Please view my … [Read more...]
DIY Puzzles
Need to add something new into today's activities? Make a puzzle. It will take you 10 minutes, I promise! Puzzles are wonderful tools for enhancing spatial reasoning skills and memory. It is very easy to make a puzzle and you have everything you need at home. … [Read more...]
What’s for Dinner? (Quick Tips to Get Dinner on the Table)
Do you hate being asked "What's for dinner?" It can cause stress some days, but let's plan ahead and use simple tips so we can answer that question Every Monday, as part of my easing back into the week, I scan my fridge, freezer and pantry for an ingredient list of what I have on-hand that could be put together to make meals. I definitely use some simple, basic recipes to help … [Read more...]
Play and Learning at the Playground
You do not have to be bored sitting and watching your children play at the playground. There are simple ways to connect the outdoor playtime with simple, fun activities and learning at home too. I tend to look at a visit to the playground as my chance to sit and watch-finally! I am up and down on my feet all day: up the stairs, down the stairs, criss-crossing the house. I … [Read more...]