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Ok, with kids in the house, there are a million ways to get in a whirlwind of chaos, whining, stress and aggrevation. Many times stress comes when plans change or things are misplaced. Also, we get annoyed at our kids for whining and ask them to wait when really, they can do it themselves!
So, with that, I have some ideas to cut annoying time-suckers. Please leave your ideas as well!
1. Prepare snacks ahead of time. Prep baggies, containers and cut fruit so when the snack urge hits, the kids, if old enough, can grab what they want without stressing you or making a mess!
2. Set out a small pitcher of water and cups. Leave this out all the time. If they are "SO THIRSTY MOM! I NEED A DRINK" they can get it themselves.
3. Store extra ziploc baggies of underwear, t-shirts, pants and socks (like you have to have @ preschool) and keep them stashed in the cabinet for when you're on the go or a mishap happens.
4. Prep kitchen foods at once and store in containers. This means all washing, cutting and cleaning of veggies etc. can happen at once, instead of making a mess 5x a day.
5. Make a homework station. You can tack manilla folders to a wall or buy fancy boxes with name labels. It doesn't matter. Just make sure your kiddo knows where his sh!t is everyday when he comes home from school. I can't tell you how many times we've misplaced a spelling test or the piano book. It's time for a workstation overhaul! check: seejanework.com for ideas.
6. Use Cues. Think preschool here people. When it's time to clean up, play music. When it's time to unwind or come to dinner, ring a bell and have the children change gears. Don't overuse cues but try to invite other ways to get the family on task (other than me yelling....get in here!).
7. Brown and THEN freeze beef. I used to buy it and separate it and then freeze it. Well, it's easier to buy in in bulk, cook it all at once and then divide it. Then, we have much faster meals down the line!
8. Freeze the Cheeze. Same thing- shred large amounts, then freeze. It's cheaper than buying baggies preshredded. This lets you buy local, too.
9. Shower, prep clothing, find shoes and make lunches the night before. I 'd even suggest letting your kid sleep in his clothes for the next day but I have a feeling that might not go over well. It works around here though for my 9yo. He's all about shortcuts!
10. Precook large amounts of rice and potatoes. Then divide, freeze and serve at will! Olive oil helps with stickiness...
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