-As much as I look up to your sister, Jane, for getting up early in the morning to exercise--I just prefer my sleep! I'm a much better mama after getting a good night's sleep--and I'm not the type to go to bed early either! So tip #1--get a restful night of sleep! Your kiddos will thank you! Confession: My boys are often up before I finally drag myself outta bed--we've taught them to read quietly or watch a show until mama is ready to get up!
-Speaking of exercise, I need it. Bad! Not only does it release those fantastic endorphins that can salvage a terrible, horrible, no good, very bad day--it offers me a few hours of precious "me" time without feeling guilty because I know the boys are having a swell time in the child care center. If you don't have a gym membership or a place that offers child care, I highly recommend it! It has saved my sanity! Plus the "You have two children?!" comments, that totally boost my self-confidence, are an added bonus!
-Secret stash. Something for you and something for the kids. "Boys it's nap/quiet time" is code for "mama needs to eat some cookies that you boys will never know existed." (See my reason for needing exercise?!) A fun little stash for the boys is always a huge hit. It's not necessarily something sweet all the time, but something that they think is just for them.
-One of my biggest secrets I can't claim, because it was my awesome husb who started it. Anyway, from the time they were old enough to sass me, instead of him saying, "Don't talk to your mother like that" he says, "don't talk to my wife like that." Not too long ago, Ethan talked back to me and I overheard Teigan say, "Ethan, that is daddy's wife! He will be upset if mom tells him!" Haha! I especially think this is important to teach your sons, but obviously daughters need to hear this, too!
-M&M's. I don't discriminate which kind. Any and all. They make me nice.
- Because my boys are older, I keep cut up fruit, yogurt, cheese sticks and nuts in the fridge conveniently located at their height. They love the indepence of being able to grab themselves a quick snack, and it saves me the time of having to do it "right this minute."
-Speaking of exercise, I need it. Bad! Not only does it release those fantastic endorphins that can salvage a terrible, horrible, no good, very bad day--it offers me a few hours of precious "me" time without feeling guilty because I know the boys are having a swell time in the child care center. If you don't have a gym membership or a place that offers child care, I highly recommend it! It has saved my sanity! Plus the "You have two children?!" comments, that totally boost my self-confidence, are an added bonus!
-Secret stash. Something for you and something for the kids. "Boys it's nap/quiet time" is code for "mama needs to eat some cookies that you boys will never know existed." (See my reason for needing exercise?!) A fun little stash for the boys is always a huge hit. It's not necessarily something sweet all the time, but something that they think is just for them.
-One of my biggest secrets I can't claim, because it was my awesome husb who started it. Anyway, from the time they were old enough to sass me, instead of him saying, "Don't talk to your mother like that" he says, "don't talk to my wife like that." Not too long ago, Ethan talked back to me and I overheard Teigan say, "Ethan, that is daddy's wife! He will be upset if mom tells him!" Haha! I especially think this is important to teach your sons, but obviously daughters need to hear this, too!
-M&M's. I don't discriminate which kind. Any and all. They make me nice.
- Because my boys are older, I keep cut up fruit, yogurt, cheese sticks and nuts in the fridge conveniently located at their height. They love the indepence of being able to grab themselves a quick snack, and it saves me the time of having to do it "right this minute."
-Never underestimate the power of movie time and popcorn with your littles! When I can tell it's just gonna be one of those days, I pop up some popcorn, lay out a blanket in the living room, let the boys pick a movie and life is suddenly back on track :)
-Like other moms have said, WEAR YOUR CHILDREN OUT during the day! Makes bedtime a breeze!
-Let your kids DO things! There have been so many times it would be easier/faster to do myself--but seeing the look on E's face after cracking an egg (even if I have to pick out eggshells from the batter!) is priceless. And hey, they have to learn those things at some point anyway. Plus, then they learn how to work. My boys have been cleaning toilets and dust busting since they were 2 and they love to help me "clean." This is one of my FAVORITE tips!
-For a cute look in ZERO time, french braid your hair while wet the night before. Take it out in the morning for fabulous waves! (make sure hair is mostly dry before undoing).
-One more awesome tip: my boys take turns each night cleaning their bathroom. It just so happens one was born on an odd day and the other an even day so if it's an even day it's Teig's turn and Ethan gets odd days (bummer for Ethan on those 31st to 1st months :)) anyway, I keep Clorox wipes and mr clean mirror wipes under their sink and every night before bed they have to clean their own bathroom. I can't even remember the last time I cleaned their bathroom and it always looks spotless! And one less bathroom to clean is sure a time saver!
-One more awesome tip: my boys take turns each night cleaning their bathroom. It just so happens one was born on an odd day and the other an even day so if it's an even day it's Teig's turn and Ethan gets odd days (bummer for Ethan on those 31st to 1st months :)) anyway, I keep Clorox wipes and mr clean mirror wipes under their sink and every night before bed they have to clean their own bathroom. I can't even remember the last time I cleaned their bathroom and it always looks spotless! And one less bathroom to clean is sure a time saver!
Wow I LOVE that bathroom idea!
ReplyDeleteI love these tips! especially the naptime is "cookies for mom time" hehe.. That is SO me. and it really does help me relax. I also love the wearing your kids out tip and helping them learn to be independent. I will have to remember some of these for the future.
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