Sometimes I realize that I’ve done something remarkable. Even if it is on a small scale to make my life easier as a mother.
Here is a list of some of my recent “Things that Work”:
- Next to my front door is a wonderful dresser. It contains diapers, wipes, socks, shoes, hats and gloves, etc. When I want to get the boys out the door in a hurry- it’s all right there. Plus, Phin knows where to put things away. “Mama, I’m gonna put my shoes in the shoe drawer.”
- I serve the healthiest food when my boys are the hungriest. After naps and in the morning my boys will eat large quantities of practically anything. So that’s when I pack in my low glycemic index, high fiber, nutrient dense, etc. power food! This one took me a while to figure out.
- I bought a set of funnels, measuring cups, and a strainer at the dollar store for tub toys. The boys LOVE them. Every few weeks I throw them in the dishwasher to prevent mildew and bacteria. Much easier to clean than their pricey tug boat.
- Waking up at least an hour before my kids do. Because my boys aren’t in school yet, I was getting used to a really relaxed routine. I’d sleep in with them. I’d be in pajamas until after I got them dressed. Then I’d be cranky with them if they interfered with my hair dryer or make up. However, I began in January waking up at 6 every morning to have plenty of time to prepare for the day. It has made a HUGE difference in my attitude with the boys when they do wake up. I feel and look ready for the day and can genuinely focus on them. Phew. Wish I had learned this earlier, too.
- I use cheap white vinegar in my nasty towel loads. I began trying vinegar to help ‘wash’ out a mildewy scent coming from my washing machine. A few earth-friendly cleaning websites recommended it. Besides helping with nasty loads of puked-on kids clothes and smelly kitchen towels, my washing machine always smells fresh and clean. When the washer is filling, I just glug in about 1/2 cup.
I know that every women’s magazine and mama blog list millions of ‘tips.’ But the sheer number of amazing-things-to-improve-my-life is overwhelming. Please share some of your ‘Things that Work.” A shorter list from friends will be a nice change.
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