Helpful Tips and Great Ideas for Moms
Independent Kids
Here's a helpful tip for toddlers......
As soon as your child is able to dress himself, but still needs help to correctly "match" his clothes, dedicate one drawer to "outfits". When putting the child's clothes away, match up the shirts and pants that you would like your child to wear together. Lay the shirt on top of the pants and tightly ROLL them up. The outfits stay together, and the child can dress all by himself.
As soon as your child is able to dress himself, but still needs help to correctly "match" his clothes, dedicate one drawer to "outfits". When putting the child's clothes away, match up the shirts and pants that you would like your child to wear together. Lay the shirt on top of the pants and tightly ROLL them up. The outfits stay together, and the child can dress all by himself.
Busy Day Meal....
We always keep the ingredients for "homemade" pizzas in the house. We keep pre-baked pizza crusts in the freezer, a jar of pizza sauce in the cabinet, and toppings in the refrigerator. Children can be taught at a very young age to make pizza for dinner.....just spread the sauce on the frozen crusts, add toppings and cheese, and all Mom has to do is throw it in the oven! (Bake at 400 degrees until cheese is golden). The kids are always SO proud to say, "I made it MYSELF!"
Kid Friendly Kitchen Cabinets...
Early on, I switched the "normal" placement of items in my kitchen. The pots and pans go high in the cabinets where the kids can't reach. The dishes (plastic cups and plates especially) go down in the lower cabinets under the counter. This way the kids have always been able to reach their dishes when they need them....whether it's setting the table, unloading the dishwasher, or getting a drink. The best part is....no more climbing on the counters!