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Free Fall Date Ideas

I’ve written again and again about how important it is to keep dating your spouse after you’re married. This is even more important when you have kids! Yes, it can be expensive to pay a babysitter over and over, and it can even seem impossible to find the time to take off, but consider this: half of marriages today end in divorce. Is it because couples don’t take time for one another? Well, it’s probably not the only reason, but it’s definitely one of them. Spending time alone together is absolutely essential to maintaining and modeling healthy relationships- it shouldn’t have to be a chore. And your dates don’t have to break the bank! It can be as simple as watching a movie on Netflix together after the kids are in bed, or going for a walk around the neighborhood while holding hands. And Fall is the perfect season for frugal date nights. For some ideas on cheap or free Fall date ideas, check out this post by Katie Hale at A Mitten Full of Savings:

-Take a nature hike

-Give each other massages

-Download a free constellation app, see what stars you can find in the sky

-Take a drive through the country side and look at the leaves

-Go to a pumpkin patch

-Carve pumpkins and decorate your home for Fall/Halloween (kids can help with this!)

-Build a bonfire and roast marshmallows

Photo Credit: A Davey

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Random Acts Of Kindness To Do With Your Kids

by Kathy T.

When I was in high school, one of my assignments for a class was to do a random act of kindness, then write a page about it. We drew an “act of kindness” out of a hat, then did what was written on it. Mine was to hand write a letter to three different people, and explain why I was thankful for them. I wrote one to my mom, one to my best friend, and one to my English teacher from the year before. It felt great letting them know how I felt about them, especially since I had never thanked my teacher (I think she improved my essay writing skills more than any teacher I’d ever had, and showed me how to think critically about anything I read). It was one of the best assignments I had ever gotten in school, and it taught me a lot. The point is, acts of kindness not only benefit the receiver, but also the giver. I think it’s a great thing to do with your kids; it teaches them to be kind to others, and helps them stay humble and grateful. Check out this list by Erica Layne at Kids Stuff World for ideas of acts you can do today:

-Pay for the drive-thru order for the car behind you

-Help someone load groceries into their car

-Write a note of thanks for someone who serves you- a mail carrier, cashier, janitor, server, police officer, fire fighter, bus driver, etc. Go out and wave to garbagemen!

-Write a note to a friend, family member, neighbor, or teacher.

-Pick up trash in your neighborhood, at a park, or at a graveyard.

-Tape change to parking meters or vending machines

Photo Credit: strecosa

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When Is The Best Time To Have Another Child?

by Kathy T.

My sister and I are five years apart. So, besides elementary school, we were never at the same school together. I resented this when I was younger, because I had to experience everything first and had no idea what to expect. Now, though, I’m glad I was so much older. I feel like it has made me more responsible, and able to adapt to new situations better. Plus, I feel like my sister and I are very different and individual people, yet we are still best friends. My boyfriend and his brother are only 2 years apart, and their relationship is a little different. They experienced things at almost the same time, so they’re more similar in personality. I have another friend who is almost 20 years younger than his sister- and they aren’t very close. So, does that mean that having kids closer together in age is better? Well, not necessarily. Read this post by Hilary at Pulling Curls:

Far spaced children:

-more individual time for each child.

-older kids can help with younger ones

-less comparison between siblings

Close spaced children:

-easier to room together (my sister and I shared a room together…once. It did not go well).

-get it “done”- if your kids are close together, you won’t be in the PTA for 12 years.

-easier to do activities, similar interests. They will be friends when they are younger.

-you have more energy when you are younger.

Photo Credit: Mood Board

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How Siblings Can Help With A Newborn

by Kathy T.

Going from “only child” to “oldest sibling” can be something of a difficult transition for kids. They’ve been the center of the universe for so long, and suddenly they have to share the spotlight with a new baby. It’s going to be scary and exciting for them at the same time, and all kids take it differently. One way to help ease the transition is by having the older siblings help with the new baby. It’s a great way to build bonds between siblings, even if one of them is a newborn. Check out these tips by Devany Ledrew at Still Playing School:

-Comb baby’s hair

-Fold laundry

-Prepare snacks

-Put on the baby’s bib, socks, and shoes

-Spoon feed them

-Blow bubbles, read books, play with baby

Photo Credit: Ronnie Meijer

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How To Throw An Awesome Birthday Party…

by Kathy T.

…Without going into debt. All over Pinterest, I’m constantly seeing photos of children’s birthday parties that must have set Mom and Dad back at least $1,000. What the heck? I understand that you love your kid and want to make their day extra special, but let’s get real. Your kid will not care that you hired a party planner and professional decorator for their 6^th birthday (plus, this kind of exorbitant spending turns kids into brats. It’s a proven scientific fact). They just want to eat cake and maybe roll around in some dirt. If you want to throw your kid an awesome party that they’ll actually enjoy (without spending a small fortune), check out this post by Clair at Mummy Deals:

-Have them pick what they want: a big gift, or a big party. It helps them feel involved!

-Make the cake yourself- there are plenty of tutorials online on how to make an awesome Elmo cake!

-Limit the number of guests they can invite

-Home parties are usually cheaper, rather than going out.

-Kids are generally simple. They love games and food and with a bit of creativity you can create a frugal party.

Photo Credit: ND Strupler

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Things You Don’t Actually Need To Have A Baby

by Kathy T.

As a teenager, all you hear is how expensive it is to have a baby. Over the course of a child’s life, til he’s 18years old, it costs about a million bucks to keep him happy and alive. Of course, that’s what people say. And it makes sense- kids are expensive, not to mention time-consuming. The cost alone is enough to deter teens and young adults from having unplanned pregnancies, especially since most of us had our teen/college years right in the middle of the recession. Many millenials are now scared of having kids, since we can barely afford to take care of ourselves. But, if it has always been your dream to start a family, I’m here to let you know it isn’t impossible to have kids on a budget. If you make your kids your priority, you can have them! And with some careful budgeting and logic, you won’t drive yourself to the poor house. Check out this post by Kristina at Cents and Order for things you DON’T need to have a baby:

-Bassinet- Most babies grow out of them within a few months. Save your $100.

-Crib bedding- all you need is a fitted sheet.

-Fancy clothes- babies grow SUPER fast, and will only be able to wear that cute dress for a few weeks. Save your money and buy practical onesies and sleepers.

-Shoes- you don’t need these at all until your baby walks. If it’s cold out, put on some booties.

-Tons of toys- chances are, your baby won’t have interest in these til he’s about 1.

Photo Credit: Tiare Scott

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Helping Your Kids Get Along

by Kathy T.

All siblings fight. It’s just a fact of nature. They’re just not always going to get along, and there will be occasional squabbles. And that’s fine- even healthy. Fighting and arguing at home helps your kids realize that that sort of behavior is unacceptable- it lets you teach them how to better handle their anger. But, if your kids are constantly screaming, yelling, punching, and kicking each other- at least once a day- then you have a problem. Check out this post by Autumn at It’s Always Autumn for tips on stopping the fights:

-Don’t yell at your kids or your spouse- kids model behavior that they see.

-Have a no tolerance policy for yelling, hitting, punching, saying mean things, etc. Have a consequence and enforce it every single time.

-Help kids work out arguments on their own- be physically present and mediate.

-Praise kids when they are getting along.

Photo Credit: Sharon Mollerus

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The Positive Side Of Tantrums

by Kathy T.

When your kid throws a screaming fit in the middle of the grocery store, or in the car, or in a crowded restaurant, there is no way that you could ever think that a tantrum could be a good thing. Kiddie meltdowns are one of the most challenging parts of being a parent, and it can be difficult knowing how to handle them. The important thing is to remain calm, don’t yell, and stick to your guns. The point is, tantrums are harrowing for all involved- you, your kid, and innocent bystanders. But, they are a normal part of childhood and growing up. It doesn’t mean you have a bad kid, or that you are a bad parent- they are just learning how to experience rage, disappointment, and other negative emotions. For more reasons why tantrums are actually a good thing, read this post by Rachel at A Mother Far From Home:

-It means you’ve set a boundary- You need to risk making your child angry because you know what is best for them. Three brownies before bed is not a good idea!

-It may mean that they’re testing you- They want to know if you mean what you say.

-It gives opportunity to train your kids how to handle their emotions

-It gives opportunity to show love after conflict.

Photo Credit: Joel Kramer

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Refuse To Have A Short Fuse: Being A Patient Parent

by Kathy T.

Let’s face it- kids are the most frustrating creatures on the face of the planet. When they are screeching, getting into things they shouldn’t be into, throwing food, and throwing fits, it can be extremely easy to just blow up at them- especially if you are trying to get stuff done. Being a parent is very demanding, and will always test the limits of your patience, unless you are some kind of yogi pacifist supermom, in which case, this article isn’t for you. For tips on keeping your cool and becoming a more patient parent (and person in general), read this post by Alison at Pint Sized Treasures. She has six kids and is somehow still sane, so take stock in her advice 🙂

–Don’t sweat the small stuff.- Though we may feel frustration and even anger, we need to ask ourselves this question, “Is this REALLY going to impact the rest of my life?” No. No it isn’t.

-Take a breather- Take five or ten minutes to regroup, and don’t act out of knee-jerk anger.

-Play with your kids! If your little ones tend to make mess, draw on walls or just create havoc, why not make some havoc of your own together?

Photo Credit: Take Back Your Health Conference

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What To Do Now To Make Potty Training Easier Later

by Kathy T.

Some kids potty train very easily. Others…not so much. But a few weeks of mess and toddler angst is usually preferable to changing diapers until the kid is in kindergarten. My nephew is about 15 months old. He’s still a little young for potty training, but we have started thinking about it. That’s why I;m really excited that I stumbled across this article by Doman Mom for things that you can do with your baby that will make potty training easier in the future! Check out some of her tips here:

-When you notice your baby “going,” acknowledge it with a word or phrase. Your baby will learn to associate the word (“poo poo”) with the action / sensation.

-Let your mobile baby watch you go to the bathroom, so they can model their behavior later.

-Buy a small potty and keep it around long, long before you plan to use it. Some kids do not do well with new things! Have your baby sit on the potty when he goes, even with his diaper on.

Photo Credit: Michael Bentley

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