Hi! I'm Sadie, the founder of Slap Dash Mom – a blog about parenting and living life outside-the-box – and the winner of the Macy’s and CafeMom blogger contest. The word "excited" doesn't even begin to describe how I feel about this opportunity. Thanks so much to everyone who voted for me!
As the new “Mommy Blogger”, I’ll be sharing my tips with you right here every Sunday. To kick things off, I’ve rounded up my top 5 parenting tips. Check ‘em out! If there’s a specific topic you’d like me to cover in future blogs, let me know in the comments...
Tip 1: Put the “fun” in functional
The key to making everyday household chores more fun? The right equipment. Even the littlest helpers will be thrilled to get their hands dirty with this cleaning combo from Kidz Delight – the broom, dustpan and vacuum actually talk!
Tip 2: Fight clutter
No matter how well behaved they may be, if you have more than one child, arguments will arise! I’ve learned that keeping each of my kids’ toys separate from one another can really help cut back on the bickering. Since my girls share a room, we use this Neatfreak organizer to keep what’s “theirs” where it belongs. This also helps to keep things tidy!
Tip 3: Stop morning madness
To save time (and sanity), try packing lunches for the entire week on Sunday evenings. I promise you it is way easier than it sounds and you will be SO thankful you did it. Sometimes it's tempting for the kids to want to eat lunch at school instead, but when you pack their lunch yourself you can be sure that they are getting the fresh fruits & veggies they need. To make healthy choices more appealing, let them pick out their own fun lunchboxes like this adorable Hello Kitty one. If they select one that’s “cool for school”, they’ll want to show it off!
Tip 4: Take time to unplug
Sometimes, you just need to put everything on your “to-do” list aside. Why not get the kids together and bake something, go on a nature walk to take pictures or just enjoy the weekend. It’s a great and necessary way to recharge and prepare for the week ahead.
Tip 5: Reward good behavior
On slapdashmom.com, I talk a lot about using positive reinforcement instead of negative discipline techniques. Try giving your kids a small reward – even if it’s just a sticker! – for being a good helper, getting a good grade or doing pretty much anything that you consider “good behavior”. It’s a great way to keep kids on track and to let them know that they are appreciated!
See you next week!
Sadie
