The Organized Parent

Eco-Fun for Father's Day

Today's blog post comes to us from Lynn Colwell and Corey Colwell-Lipson, mother and daughter co-authors of Celebrate Green! Creating Eco-Savvy Holidays, Celebrations and Traditions for the Whole Family, available at www.CelebrateGreen.net:

Let's face it, as much as we love dad, he can be a tad difficult to shop for. It's not so much that he's picky. It's more that his needs and even wants, tend to be simple. He's happy with less which of course, makes him a perfect candidate for green giving.

So this year, why not come up with great gifts that honor dad and the Earth and that cost little in terms of money or the planet, And whether we're talking about your dad (if you're reading this), or your kids' father or grandad, be sure to look for ways to put more meaning in the greening.

Start by focusing on doing instead of buying. What if your dad were king for a day? What would would his perfect day look like? Would he sleep late? Enjoy breakfast in bed, or brunch served outside? Would he like to work in the garden kids by his side, fly a kite or go for a hike? Would he love to see his bike sparkling clean or that light that's been broken for years, fixed? Whatever his wishes might be, consider how you can make them come true by planning the perfect day. And before each activity, you can loudly proclaim, "By order of King ____, we, your loyal subjects are thrilled and delighted to accompany you as you ________." (And don't forget to make a crown and award it in a ceremony for which you--and/or your kids, write a heartfelt script.)

Make or embellish a gift. According to www.ShopLocal.com, more than 50% of those polled said they are never fond of their Father's Day gifts. So one more tie or pair of socks doesn't cut it. Again, look to your dad's likes for ideas. If he's into reading, make him a clock from a book on a subject to which he's addicted, or choose a favorite old CD and do the same. (You can purchase clock works for under $10 from a crafts store, or if you have an old clock and are handy enough to take it apart and recycle the works, all the better!)

Most dads can never have too many t-shirts. Purchase organic cotton ones, then have kids personalize them using fabric crayons. When a friend and and her brothers were small, her mom gathered all the children together for this project. Years later, when their dad had worn out the three tees, mom turned them into pillows.

Or why not repurpose a beloved, out-of-style shirt, into a pillow--no sewing required. If dad used to dig cowboy apparal and has a favorite fancy shirt stowed in the back of the closet, wrap it around a pillow and set on dad's favorite chair. Keep the memory, lose the embarrassment of him, heaven forbid, wearing the oldie out in public!

Think gifts from the heart. Whether you're six or sixty, you have personal gifs to offer dad. To make your offer even more meaningful, let him know you'll do something special for him once a month for a full year. You could make him a calendar with your monthly contribution written on each date or secretly add them to his PDA, phone or digital calendar.

Below are some ideas to use as a jumping off point. When you think about your relationship with your dad and your own talents, you'll come up with 12 perfectly tailored gifts.

• Send him notes in his lunch.
• Make him brownies or his favorite treat.
• Go for a walk together.
• Take a lesson from him in anything he likes to do (fishing? woodwork? cards?)
• Shine his shoes.
• Accompany him to an activity he enjoys.
• Teach him something you know how to do.
• Make a video about dad.
• Wash his car.
• Write poems or stories with dad as the hero.
• Go camping if he enjoys this, even if it's at home or in your yard
• Plant a tree, bush or flowers accompanied by a handmade wooden plaque with dad's name and date.  

Start Packing!

If you're traveling this summer with children, you know packing for your vacation becomes an exercise in forward thinking, anticipating every possible scenario and bringing the right supplies. Today's post comes to us from Jennifer Tankersley, creator ListPlanIt. Here are her tips on packing just what you need: 

Packing for Children

It doesn’t matter that for your entire life before children you never had to check a bag for a flight or that you moved from college to your first apartment filling only the backseat of your Honda Accord.  All packing practicality flies right out the window when you are faced with the possibility of being caught without your portable noisemaker that nightly puts baby to sleep or without your collection of favorite DVDs to keep kids busy and happy during long family reunions.  Traveling with a child will greatly increase the amount of luggage you bring on a trip.  Here are some of the categories of items to pack with your children in mind.

1.     Clothing - In order to properly show off your child to family, friends, and complete strangers alike, you will want to pack 3 of his or her best outfits for each day.  Resist that temptation, however, and try to only pack one outfit per day, including a spare or two for accidents or quick changes.  Laundry along the way is usually a possibility.   Find out what the weather will be like as much as possible.   Don’t forget the essentials such as underwear, socks, and shoes.  Leave the pajamas at home and bring a comfortable outfit that can be used as a spare.

2.     Toiletries/Medication - No family should ever leave home without a travel-size package of baby wipes.  Kids are dirt magnets and a nice wipe down while you are waiting for your luggage might be just the thing.  Travel-size shampoo and toothpaste will preserve your child’s good hygiene while away from home.  

3.     Gear – Here is where it gets dangerous.  Baby gear, in particular, tends to not be nearly as compact as those soft, sweet little onesies.  On the contrary, it is often large and clunky.  In the interest of traveling comfortably, you may have to decide whether you would prefer to have the stroller or the infant carrier, the Pack and Play or bouncy seat. 

4.     Amusements – It would be wonderful if you could count on your child to simply engage in conversation with the adults or pass time in the car by admiring the scenery.  Unfortunately, the one thing you can count on during a trip is your nonverbal child crying for lack of a toy or attention and your verbal child telling you he is bored within 5 minutes of the start of the trip.  I’m convinced that a child could survive on a trip with only 1 change of clothing as long as you were prepared with plenty to occupy short attention spans. 

5.     Snacks – A new pencil box makes a terrific place to store and protect a stash of snacks for the road or flight.  Nothing calms down a child or holds a child’s attention quite like the promise of another fruit snack or cracker on the condition that he behaves politely and quietly. 

Traveling with children becomes easier with practice.  At first, it may seem so overwhelming that you vow never to leave home again.  Once you establish a routine, adjust your expectations, and conquer your anxiety, traveling with children can be a great pleasure.  How else will you get to see the wonder in their eyes that appears the first time they view the stateliness of the Statue of Liberty or the vastness of the Grand Canyon or the energy of Walt Disney World?  Always remember to pack thoughtfully and lightly, but you can buy it if you forget it!

Jennifer Tankersley is the creator ListPlanIt where you can find over 400 lists and planning pages including many travel planning pages such as budgets, itineraries, packing lists, and more, to put your world in order.  Download Packing for Children Checklist

Traveling with Kids

Here’s a dare for all of the parents planning on traveling with kids this summer: Leave the DVD player at home!

The success of in-vehicle DVD players can be chalked up to four little words: Are we there yet?

What mother doesn’t cringe at the thought of a long road trip with young children? While popping in a movie may be an easy solution to travel-time boredom, it doesn’t have to be the sole entertainment for the trip.

My friends still think I’m crazy, but one of our best family vacations was the one we took when our DVD player broke – 20 minutes into the trip. We learned a lot about each other in the eight-hour car ride.

In today’s fast-paced world, car or plane rides are one of the rare opportunities families have to spend time together without outside distractions. Take advantage of this time by talking, playing games and reconnecting. Here’s what we did:

1.     We talked. If you need a conversation starter, check out a book like “KidChat” by Paul Lowrie and Brett Nicholas offer fun and imaginative questions. For example: If you could ride on the back of any animal, which would you choose and why? Or, What is something most adults do that seems silly to you? (My son thinks my before coffee/after coffee transformation is hilarious!) Your child’s answers might surprise you, and sometimes the questions serve as a catalyst for more meaningful discussions.

2. We listened to a book on CD. Visit your library and choose a title the whole family can enjoy. I checked out “Encyclopedia Brown,” which is a series of short whodunit mysteries. Listening to an audio book uses more imagination than watching a DVD and can also be enjoyed by the driver. On another vacation, I chose a book that was one of my childhood favorites, “Ramona the Pest” by Beverly Clearly. It was fun listening to it again and fun to watch my boys experience it.

3. We made a scrapbook. Pack art supplies, a lap desk and a disposable camera for each of your children. My boys assembled their scrapbooks on the way home and created a great show-and-tell for school. 

4. We were silly. We created a funny story by letting each family member take turns adding a few words or a sentence. Start with “Elsie was the talk of the barnyard because she was a cow who could … ” and see where your family takes it from there.

As parents, we spend weeks – even months – planning family vacations, booking hotel, researching attractions and charting routes. It’s easy to overlook the fact that filling up your travel time takes planning, too. Sure, DVD players are great travel tools, especially if your journey is long. But with a little planning, families will find that getting there can be half the fun.

Teaching Kids About Coupons

Taking children to the grocery store and sticking to your budget can feel like an impossible combination ... especially when grocery stores keep all of the colorful (and high-priced) kid foods right at their eye level.

So what’s a smart mom to do? I’ve found one of the best ways to keep kids busy and keep your grocery bill low is to teach kids about coupons.

My 13-year-old son recently came with me to the grocery store and I showed him how I had matched coupons to store sales. We purchased $125 worth of groceries for $42 and as he was helping me load the food into our car he said, "Mom that was fun! Can I help you again?" I felt glad I had taken the time to tell him about coupons, and I've noticed he is paying more attention to our grocery store circulars.

While a teenager might grasp the money-saving benefit, coupons can be a good tool for any age child.

Make it fun: When kids are young, turn coupons into a virtual scavenger hunt where the child matches each coupon to the product on the shelf. The game will keep them occupied (so they aren’t thinking about what they can buy!)

Make it a math lesson: Older children can subtract the value of the coupon from the price of the product for a quick and easy subtraction drill. Then teach comparison shopping by asking if the product with a coupon is a better deal than another brand. Older children can calculate savings in percentages and figure price per unit.

Make it real: When the shopping trip is over, talk to children about the total savings on the receipt. Then compare the savings to something that has value in their life. For example, if you saved $17 using coupons, you can show the child that $17 is what it costs to have pizza on Friday nights.

Make a goal: Talk to children about what those savings mean to the family. Some families use the savings to create a vacation fund. Other families use the savings to afford little luxuries, such as a nice dinner out. For most of us, though, it just helps make ends meet.

Create a Kid-Friendly Zone in Your Kitchen

Is your kitchen a recipe for stress? Our guest blogger today is Jamie Goldberg, AKBD, CAPS, a NKBA-certified kitchen and bath designer in Tampa, Fl. She has some ideas on how to create a kid-friendly zone just in time for summer vacation:

You walk into your kitchen, one hand covering your eyes. Remove it, and the chaos still reigns. Your counter tops are piled high with homework to be checked, bills to be paid, last night’s recipes and Sunday’s coupons. Your refrigerator doors are a maze of junior art and unfinished assignments. You had an island once – you’re sure of it! – but darned if you can find it beneath the clutter. It’s time to take back your kitchen! Let me help…

The good news is, you don’t have to exile your children from the kitchen. You just need to create a kid-friendly zone of their own. Here’s how to do it.

• Create “landing” zones away from your stove, fridge and sink.  This is the area that is traditionally called the work triangle, and it should only house the items used in daily meal preparation and clean-up.  Chances are, you have some space nearby that is convenient to – but not within – this crucial kitchen work zone.  This is your zone.  The adjacencies can be theirs. 
• Every one gets his or her own space.  Each will probably need a cubby for a knapsack, a drawer to keep supplies handy for quick departures and kitchen table homework, a basket to corral immediate-need papers, (like homework you need to review or permission slips you need to sign) and a surface area on which to keep the basket.
• Create rules for the space.  Each child’s space should be his or hers alone, to enjoy and maintain.  You might set a Friday after-school clearing time, or a Sunday night get ready for the school week session, when the basket gets emptied, the drawer gets checked for ‘foreign objects’ and the cubby gets cleaned out.  During the week, you will also move any items left elsewhere in the kitchen, family room, breakfast nook and other nearby spots into the child’s zone, as a reminder that this is where they keep their gear.
• If you’re remodeling…  Consider equipping your kid zone with a drawer microwave that older children can use to heat their own snacks, a below-counter fridge where drinks and after-school treats can be accessed without crossing into your work zone,  (or letting all the cold area out of your family fridge) and a storage cabinet for kid-specific food and service items.   Yes, sippy cups will now be in reach of young hands and counter tops will be spared sneaker prints! 
• Locate remodeled kid zone strategically.   I recommend that clients place their kid zones in an area between the kitchen and family room or breakfast area.  This way, their microwave and fridge will be close to the table, and they can grab drinks and snacks without getting near a hot stove or sharp knives.

Here are some additional guidelines for your Kid Zone:

• Size it up. You’ll need about 18” to 24” width for each child.  Measure their backpack to be sure, as you’ll want it to fit in the cubby space.  You’ll also need about 36” of clear floor space in front of the zone for standing and passing by.
• Make it appealing.  A nice addition is a separate framed cork, magnetic or padded fabric board on the wall above each space with that child’s name and relocated fridge fare.  Another feature to consider is an electrical outlet per child for charging cel phones, Ipods and the like. 
• Plan it into your remodel.  If you’re considering a kitchen remodel, this is the ideal time to add a Kid Zone.  That way, you can factor it into the space plan, appliance selection process and budget.  I strongly recommend working with a professional kitchen designer to achieve the best result.
• Not remodeling?  If you want to create a kid zone, but don’t plan to remodel, look for a console-type furniture piece that will give you the storage and surface space you need.  Set it against a wall in front of an electrical outlet and create a free-standing zone you can take with you if you ever move.
• Factor in the “big kid,” too.  Yes, I’m talking about your husband!  He can have his own briefcase cubby, drawer and basket, too, right next to the kids’.   That way, he’ll never misplace his car keys or put his spreadsheets on the counter where you’re spreading out your dinner ingredients.

A kid-friendly kitchen zone means fewer accidents, tamed clutter, more work space for you and even quicker exits on school days. 

Jamie Goldberg, AKBD, CAPS is an NKBA-certified kitchen and bath designer in Tampa, Fl.  You can find more organizing and design tips on her Gold Notes blog.  In addition to designing and speaking to local groups about design and remodeling, Jamie writes on these subjects for the Tampa Tribune, BobVila.com, Signature Kitchens & Baths and numerous other publications.

Celebrate Earth Day

Here are some great ways to celebrate Earth Day from Lynn Colwell and Corey Colwell-Lipson, mother and daughter co-authors of Celebrate Green! Creating Eco-Savvy Holidays, Celebrations and Traditions for the Whole Family:

1. Turn your thermostat down two degrees and keep it there. And turn it off altogether tonight, heaping on the blankets if necessary. 
2. Send Happy Earth Day e-cards to a half dozen friends.
3. E-mail your state or national representatives about a green initiative.
4. If you're in the supermarket, track down the manager and encourage him or her to source local products.
5. Make signs to put on the mirror over faucets to remind family members to turn off water when they are brushing their teeth. (You can save an average of nine gallons every time you do this.)
6. Cancel subscriptions to newspapers or magazines you don't really want.
7. Go online to CatalogChoice.org to free your mailbox from junk mail.
8. Call several people and arrange to carpool for an upcoming event such as a child's sporting activity or a club meeting.
9. Go online and join a group like Sierra Club, World Wildlife Fund, Kids for Saving the Earth, the Wilderness Society or Co-op America.
10. Make a family pledge to walk everywhere today.
11. Talk to the principal at your children's school about instituting environmental education in the curriculum.
12. Check to see that your tires are correctly inflated.
13. Sign the " Healthy Yard Pledge" at Audubon.org. 

For more information, visit www.CelebrateGreen.net.

Spring Cleaning: April's Project of the Month

Spring is time to sweep away winter and welcome in warm breezes. While many parents find it easier to tackle jobs alone, spring cleaning is a ritual in which children – even the youngest ones – should be included.

Children who are age two to five can help by picking up their toys and putting them away. Spring is a great time to sort through toys and books and decide which ones can be donated. If your child has separation anxiety about their belongings you may save this job for nap time or reward their generosity by giving them "big boy" or "big girl" replacements. They can also help by trying on summer clothes and donating items that are too small.

Children this age are also great dusters. Remember, you're not looking for perfection, just participation! Show them how to sort items for recycling, such as newspapers, cardboard, plastic and aluminum, and create a designated recycling center in your home to make this job easy. They can also clear their own plates from the table and put them by the sink.

Children age six to 10 can help by wiping cabinet fronts, emptying trash cans, sorting laundry or cleaning sinks. These children can feed the pet, help prepare meals, set or clear the table and empty the dishwasher.

Older children can also help younger siblings with their jobs. This will allow them to be a leader as well as establish a feeling of teamwork in your home.

When children reach age 11 to 16, they're ready to vacuum, mop or even scrub the toilets (sometimes the “nastier” the job, the more appealing it can be!) This age can also walk pets, prepare meals, load the dishwasher, wash clothes and even do some ironing. Remember don’t assume that because they’ve seen you do these jobs, they know what to do – and what not to do. Be sure to give them a lesson in how to work the dishwasher – and which detergent to use. You may have to show children more than once and it wouldn’t hurt to post a quick reference guide where they can get answers quickly.

Children in middle school and early high school should be encouraged to do jobs around the neighborhood, as well. These kids make great babysitters, lawn mowers or dog walkers.

The teenage years are often when kids take their first job in the "real world." But that shouldn't mean they stop participating in the family chores. Older children can help with big jobs such as rolling up rugs to bring outside, filing away papers that have accumulated on kitchen counters, taking clothing to the dry cleaners or bringing donated items to Goodwill or the Salvation Army. If they are good drivers, they should also be called upon to bring younger siblings to sports practices or home from school.

Remember the satisfaction you get when you check an item off of your To Do list. Give kids that same feeling by creating a To Do list of their own. Whether you get a sturdy chore chart or use a chore pad, your children will feel a sense of accomplishment as they complete their tasks.

Children should participate in routine cleaning because they are part of the family. But other jobs are best rewarded with an allowance. Only you can decide an appropriate amount. You can also reward jobs well done with a special treat, such as later bedtime, favorite dessert or an outing. Chuck E. Cheese offers a printable clean room chart at their web site and give 10 free tokens for kids who bring in signed sheets.

Set a routine and stick to it. And make it fun. If you bark orders, you teach children that housekeeping is a punishment. If you talk about how much you hate cleaning, your children will hate cleaning, too. Instead, use chores as a team-building tool and remind your family members that they’re all part of the clean team. Set a timer and challenge your family to beat the clock. Create a light atmosphere by making chores into a game with a book like Spintastik.

It’s important to teach children that every member of the family must help. While it’s sometimes easier to just do it yourself, remember that you are teaching your children skills they’ll need when they’re adults.

Mom Advice Simplified

Today at 2 p.m. EST, I'm honored to be the featured guest on MomAdvice Simplified, a weekly podcast for moms hosted by Amy Clark, featuring creative parenting advice to help moms save money and time. I'll be sharing simple and affordable techniques and tools that moms can use to stay organized in your home.

Most mothers have been in the workplace (or still are) before their “mom lives” began. In corporate and home offices, there are tools and standard practices to structure a workday, but when it comes to organizing family life, it’s every mom for herself! I hope to guide you in the journey towards getting our mom lives as organized as our corporate lives were.

Busy Mom Guru ... that's me!

I'm proud (and extremely excited) to announce that, beginning later this month, I will be blogging on FranklinCovey's Get Organized Community Page, sharing tips and advice on how moms can organize themselves and their busy families. 

As the owner of The Organized Parent, I’ve spent the past five years researching tools and techniques that can help make a mom’s life easier. I will share what I’ve learned, offering organizing ideas that take just five minutes and others that might take a weekend.

Each month, the GO Community will address a different topic. During March the topic is Preparing for Life's Events. In April the topic is Spring Cleaning and I will be sharing some tips and advice on getting kids involved in cleaning.

If you haven't visited the GO Community yet, I promise that you will find useful and insightful information. FranklinCovey GO Community Gurus include Dr. Stephen Covey, Julie Morgenstern and (one of my favorite organization product companies) Buttoned Up's Alicia Rockmore and Sarah Welch.

If you have any questions or subjects you would like addressed, please let me know! I look forward to connecting with you at FranklinCovey!

Going to the Housewares Show

One of the categories I hope to expand in 2009 is our Storage Solutions category. To do this, I'm headed to the International Housewares Show in Chicago this week. It's my first trip to the Housewares Show, and I'm excited at the opportunity to find the latest and greatest new things.

We already carry some great items for the closet, but I hope to find storage solutions for every room of the house. I love to talk to the manufacturers because they always share unique ways to use their products as well as the stories behind their companies. 

One of the new companies that will be at the Housewares Show (and a recent addition to The Organized Parent's Eco-Friendly Mom category) is Blue Avocado. This company was founded in Austin, Texas, by a couple of mompreneurs and a "hip little green maven" who got tired of having to choose between what was convenient (and cute) — and what was right. A lifestyle products company, Blue Avocado was created to help people take their first step on the "green" journey. Their mission is to make it easy to do good and get it done. All bags are responsibly manufactured with recycled material and a carbon footprint label. Carrying their system, an average shopper can replace up to 1,000 plastic bags every year! I can't wait to meet the women behind this great company.

Stay tuned for the great new items I find. And if you have any products you would like for your home, please contact me and I will keep my eyes open for those things that make a mom's life easier.