Day 21...A few little tips for the home

1) Every chore with a toddler is made easier when singing along to a spontaneous tune to go with it (e.i. Sung to the tune of Hi Ho the Dairy-O..."We're putting on our socks, We're putting on our socks, Oh what fun to get it done, We're putting on our socks") …The fun distracts them from thinking so much about the task at hand and it goes much quicker and easier.

2) Do not rush getting out the door with kids….always plan for plenty of time, because things ALWAYS take longer than you think.  For my two kids, I plan about an hour longer than it'd take me alone.  

3) When you come home from an outing, empty the bag(s) as soon as possible and sort the things back into their places (or else you’ll never get to it and you’ll be needing those things to be readily available)

4) Dishes pile up faster than you realize, so make an effort to get everyone involved in keeping those babies going through the cycle.  It’s a chore, but you’ll be glad to have those dishes when the next mealtime rolls around.  A clean and empty sink sets the tone for the rest of the house.

5) Keep a box by your garage door, or wherever you go in and out to the car, that collects “return items” (things to go to parents, friends, stores, etc.) so you can grab them on your way out and have them to give back to the owner.  Also, keep a laundry basket in the trunk with return items so they’re always with you and in one place.

6) Speaking of laundry baskets, keep a basket of shoes in a specific place out of the way (we keep ours in the pantry because it’s roomy)—or two: one for adults, one for kids...and train kids (and hubby) to put shoes in them immediately upon entering the house.  Then assign a “Shoe Keeper” to always be on the lookout for stray shoes to be put in their home (aka the basket).

7) Keep the kids’ jackets and sweaters near the door, on hangers or hooks, so you don’t have to go hunting for them at the last minute.  Ours we keep on hangers hanging on the upper shelf above the washer and dryer because it’s conveniently located by the garage door.