The post BORN first appeared on A Family Inspired.

The post BORN appeared first on A Family Inspired.

The post A Poem On Having Daughters After Sons first appeared on A Family Inspired.

The post A Poem On Having Daughters After Sons appeared first on A Family Inspired.

First, I want to quickly acknowledge what a difficult time this is for so many. Physically, emotionally, and financially. If you are currently suffering in any of these ways, please know that none of us are alone in this difficult time, and we are keeping you in our hearts and praying for better days. If you are currently facing financial strain, the first and last items on my list are free and heartfelt gifts you can give this Mother’s Day.

On an average day, being a mother is one of the most exhausting jobs. Add in a working from home without childcare (or selflessly showing up as an essential worker), homeschooling, cooking every meal, etc. mothers have never been stretched more thin. Here are some ways to treat the mother in your life to a little dose of love on this unique Mother’s Day.

The Gift of Not Mothering

Look, no one loves those babies more than she does but what many mothers really want, especially after being quarantined for two months with their kids, is the gift of a little alone time.

I know you can’t take the kids to the playground or to your parents house right now but if you can carve out a bit of time for mom to lock herself away somewhere in the house while you play in the yard or in another room so she can read, bathe, exercise, watch, sleep, or have a single uninterrupted thought, etc. she will be truly grateful.

If you can’t take the children outside, you can hook her up with earplugs to help block out some of that mom guilt she’ll inevitably feel while she attempts to focus on herself (seriously).

Now, on to the goodies.

Start Her Day Right

Moms need all the coffee these days. Keep her caffeinated in style with a cute mug. If you want to save her from microwaving her coffee ten times, try an insulated option like this Yeti mug.

Consider pairing her mug with a coffee or tea subscription like Atlas Coffee Club that will let her enjoy coffee from around the world.

Loungewear

Chances are Mom has been donning more sweats than jeans these days. Just because she is keeping comfy doesn’t mean she can’t feel cute. Gift her with some new loungewear to keep her feeling her best while homebound.

On a Budget

Splurge-Worthy

Bring the Spa Home

With nail salons and spas closed, we don’t feel as primped as we used to. Here are some ideas to bring the spa or nail salon home.

Face

When you hear face mask these days, you’re more likely to think of your last grocery store run than a day at the spa. Help mom restore her glow and reminisce on the good ol’ days with the kind of face mask that makes her feel pampered (not cautious).

Include a silicone applicator to make the experience feel a little closer to the real thing.

Nails

One of my go-to Mother’s Day treats is a mani/pedi at a nail salon. With that option off the table, here are some goodies to help mom elevate her at-home manicure.

Body

An aromatic scrub followed by a rich body butter pairs a taste of the islands with a spa-like experience from the the comfort of her own bathroom (if the kids can be kept away for 20 minutes that is…)

Feet

Foot peels are all the rage these days. Let mom soak away all those dry patches. (Caution, the peeling process takes a few days and while the end goal is nice and soft, the path there is a bit unsightly.)

DIY

And finally, if you really want to bring the spa home, gift her an aromatherapy eye pillow and a massage (no strings attached…)

Take Care of Dinner

The quarantine has us cooking approximately 2.3 million meals per week. I would take a risk and guess that less cooking and fewer dirty dishes are something Mom won’t miss.

Little sounds better to me than having a fully prepared, nutritious meal delivered straight to my door. Unlike Blue Apron, Freshly meals are fully prepared. Don’t get me wrong, I love Blue Apron but I don’t always love the hour it takes me to cook it. We have our first Freshly delivery scheduled for none other than Mother’s Day and I am pretty excited not to cook.

I will exercise caution by saying this may best be presented as a gift for the family lest your special lady feel as though you have gifted her the equivalent of a vacuum cleaner. If Freshly sounds like a nice break from the endless quarantine dishes, use this code for $20 off your first two orders.

Schedule a Front Steps Photoshoot

Photographers are getting creative with their business models and many have started taking pictures of families on their doorsteps (where a safe social distance can be maintained) to professionally document this unique time in life.

If you have ever had family photos taken, reach out to your photographer to see if you can hire them for this project. If you don’t know where to start, Google photographers in your area and take a look at their social media accounts or website to see if you like their style, then go ahead and reach out!

*While scheduling the photoshoot can be a nice surprise, make sure mom knows about your special plans before the shoot date so that she can change out of her new loungewear (if she wants to).

If You’re Looking to Splurge

It might sound extreme to say that Apple’s AirPods have changed my life but it is no exaggeration. They allow me to take phone calls, listen to podcasts and stream television while leaving one ear free to hear what kind of trouble my kids are getting into while I make dinner.

I have the regular AirPods (seen above) but my mom has the Apple AirPods Pro with active noise cancellation and swears by them.

The Nespresso DeLonghi Lattissima Plus is one of my most cherished possessions. We make 4+ drinks every day and this beauty is still brewing perfect cappuccinos seven years later. If the mom in your life is looking for an upgrade to her coffee routine, look no further.

My husband gifted me the Garmin Vívomove HR over a year ago. I love that it has the hands of a traditional watch but also monitors my steps and heart rate while alerting me to incoming calls and texts.

If Mom is into journaling, up her game with this Canon IVY Mobile Mini Photo Printer which uses bluetooth to print 2″x 3″ peel and stick photos directly from her phone.

The Most Important Gift for the Quarantined Mom: Acknowledgement

No matter your personal situation, each of us is facing our own unique circumstance and struggles during this unprecedented time.

If money is tight, one of the most important (and free) things you can give is your acknowledgment of her and everything she does not only during the heightened challenges of the pandemic but in every day life.

A great way to do this is to write your own heartfelt card, your own words of acknowledgement and love will be better than any Hallmark card.

Whether she is an essential worker, working from home, working to care for the family, etc., mothering is a huge undertaking.

Oh yeah, if she is an essential worker, please give her a shout out of gratitude from me. And if finances ever allow, buy her everything on her wishlist!

Truly, I want to thank every essential workers from the bottom of my heart for their courage and selflessness. Including my own sister, a mother and nurse, caring for COVID patients in NYC.

Finally, Happy Mother’s Day to every mother in the world! Biological, grand, step, adoptive, foster, surrogate, bereaved, hopeful, and all the shades between. I wish happiness and peace to you on this day.

And thank you to my two boys for bringing so much to my life, mothering isn’t always easy but it is always worth it.

The post Mother’s Day Gifts for the Quarantined Mom first appeared on A Family Inspired.

The post Mother’s Day Gifts for the Quarantined Mom appeared first on A Family Inspired.

I created this gift a few years ago when my best friend was expecting her first child. I knew she would receive everything that baby needed but I wanted to give her things that she would need.

Essentially, my New-Mama Care Kit is basket of things that new mothers really need but would never ask for.

If you are looking to give a unique and personal gift to a soon-to-be mama. Here is how you can make your own New-Mama Care Kit

1. Choose a Basket

First, I like to have a basket in which to put everything. The basket is great because it can double as a caddy for a new mother to store items once baby arrives (like feeding or diapering supplies)

2. Gather the Goods

• Reusable Nursing Pads – Whether or not a new mother is going to breastfeed, her breasts are likely going to produce at least a little milk at some point. Not only do reusable nursing pads absorb leaks, but they are made from bamboo fibers which are soft on tender breasts.
• Nipple Balm* – Attempting to get a newborn to latch can cause a lot of pain and nipple soreness. A balm can help lubricate and soothe sensitive skin. My favorite is the Earth Mama Nipple Butter which glides on smoothly and isn’t sticky like Lanolin.
• Nursing Tank* – Comfort and convenience are priorities in the early days. A soft nursing tank offers both to new mamas.
• Always Infinity Flex Foam Pads – The jumbo pads at the hospital are great immediately after giving birth but they are so bulky! Once I was home I switched from the hospital pads to Always Infinity Flex Foam pads. They are thin and comfortable yet super absorbent. They also wick everything to keep things feeling a bit more fresh and dry.
• Sleep Mask –  New moms need to squeeze in sleep whenever they can! A sleep mask shuts out the daylight to help new mama’s get the rest they need no matter the hour.
• Dry Shampoo – When a mama is deciding to spend her few precious minutes away from baby washing her hair or sleeping, the sleep often wins (as it should)! Dry shampoo will help her at least feel like she’s freshened up.
• Mama Mug – Let’s face it, there’s no amount of caffeine that can actually make up for the sleep deprivation inflicted by a newborn. But at least a cute mama mug will help a new mother feel special as she attempts to refuel.
• One-Handed, Leak-Proof Water Bottle – Postpartum life can be dehydrating. A leak-proof water bottle with a one-hand open, makes it easier to stay hydrated when a new mama finds herself trapped under an eating or sleeping newborn.
• Hand Lotion – Lotion helps comfort dry and itchy hands that result from all those diaper changes and hand washing.
• Lip Balm – In keeping with the hydrating-mama theme, lip balm will keep her chapped lips at bay (and is also helpful in the dry and chilly hospital).
• Snack Bars – Post-partum life, including producing milk, and can make you HUNGRY all the time! I always include some snack bars in the new-mama care kit.
• Baby Nail File – While a baby nail file may not be the first thing someone thinks a new mother needs, I was surprised how long and sharp a newborn’s nails are. They scratch their faces and a mommy’s tender chest!

*I know that not all new mothers will breastfeed but I included some of these items because her breasts and nipples may be sore from latching, milk production or even allowing her supply to dry up. I like my new-mama care kit to have items that will ease discomfort.

3. Give a Little Detail

While most women will already know how to use the items in the basket, I like to include a note to explain why I included each one.

If you want to do the same, you can use my letter template as a starting point. Just copy it into your word processor and make any personal adjustments you like!

4. Gift Receipts

As I mentioned, each mother’s journey is unique. That is why I include gift receipts for everything (right down to the lip balm). I put them in an envelope that I tuck in the back of the basket.

5. Wrapping & Card

Once everything is gathered, it’s time to wrap! Sometimes I use clear wrap (as pictured) but I have also used a cute gift bag. Another, more eco-friendly, idea is to “wrap” everything in a reusable tote like this or this.

Even though I already include the letter that explains the basket, I also send a new baby card to express my joy and love for the family.

New-Mama Care Kit – Cheat Sheet

1. Choose a Basket
2. Gather the Goods
   • Reusable Nursing Pads
   • Nipple Balm
   • Nursing Tank
   • Always Infinity Flex Foam Pads
   • Sleep Mask
   • Dry Shampoo
   • Mama Mug
   • One-Handed, Leak-Proof Water Bottle
   • Hand Lotion
   • Lip Balm
   • Snack Bars
   • Baby Nail File
3. Give detail
4. Include gift receipts
5. Wrap everything
6. Include a gard

There you have it! This is exactly how I pull together my New-Mama Care Kit which is my favorite gift for moms-to-be.

Gifting a New-Mama Care Kit is my way to show my friends through the midst of cute onesies and adorable baby toys that I see them. It’s my quiet way of letting other women know that when their breasts are raw and they have chosen sleep over a shower (for the third day), that they are not alone. And that someone else knows what they are going through.

Of course, every woman’s postpartum journey will be unique. The idea of this basket is to make postpartum life easier for the new-mama in your life. Feel free to add things that helped you in your postpartum journey.

What would you add to this kit? I have tweaked mine through the years and love hearing about new items I should consider including!

The post New-Mama Care Kit first appeared on A Family Inspired.

The post New-Mama Care Kit appeared first on A Family Inspired.

Basically, RSV is a virus that affects the respiratory tract. According to the CDC, RSV is the leading cause of pneumonia and bronchiolitis in children under one year old. My three year old developed pneumonia and his younger brother developed croup.

For some compromised groups, like those born prematurely or the immunocompromised, RSV can be life-threatening. After seeing the toll it took on our otherwise healthy children, I cannot imagine how scary it must be for individuals in those fragile populations.

One thing I know for sure is that RSV is nasty and landed my son in the emergency room three times in less than a week. The way they looked when struggling with RSV made me worried.

Both boys are now fever-free and I think we are over the hump. As I reflect on the blur that was the past couple weeks, my only takeaway is gratitude.

I am grateful for our access to medical care

I am grateful that we live in a country where I have faith in the standard of care my children receive. We are fortunate to live minutes from a children’s hospital and even more fortunate that within an hour of hearing crackling in my son’s lung, he was being wheeled in for a chest x-ray to check for pneumonia.

As I lay under my three-year old’s scalding, feverish body, filled with fear, I thought of other mother’s all over the world holding their babies that are suffering similar (or worse) ailments but do not have the access or means to health care. In these moments, I felt immense gratitude for our ability to seek care for our son.

Furthermore, regardless of the flaws with our country’s health insurance system, I am grateful for the coverage we do have.

I am grateful for the compassion of our medical professionals.

Speaking of medical care, I am grateful that there are doctors and nurses, like my sisters, who work through the days and nights, away from their own children, to care for mine with such kindness and compassion.

I am grateful to have family who go above and beyond for us

I have mentioned it in the past, but we are blessed with a generous and supportive family. As soon our families learned that our boys were so sick, we were flooded with help and love. From regular texts messages, to offering to deliver a Thanksgiving meal to our home, to coming to help at the drop of a hat, we are grateful for abundance of care and assistance our families shared with us.

I am grateful for my friends

Not only are we blessed with loving and caring family, but we are equally grateful for true friendships. As I mention on my About Me page, I value “quality over quantity” when it comes to relationships. And I am so grateful for the quality of mine.

All of the friends who were aware of the boys illnesses checked in on them regularly. Two of my best friends (each with their own small children and hectic lives) sent multiple daily texts of love and support. They were even so thoughtful as to send awesome dinosaur trucks to lift the boys’ spirits.

I am grateful for an abundance of snuggles

Obviously, parents hate to see their children feeling unwell. But there is no denying that unwell children often seek comfort in the arms of those who love them. I was the beneficiary of a snuggle buddy day and night. I won’t deny that I loved being deposited back into day-long snuggle sessions reminiscent of the newborn days.

I am grateful for my children’s health and recovery

Most importantly, my gratitude is deepest for the returned health of my children. Before RSV, I had never seen a thermometer hit 105.9, I had never seen those purple, gray circles under my son’s eyes. I had never had a pediatrician send us directly to the emergency room from his office while handing us his cell number to let him know what happened.

So when their fevers finally broke and their little personalities started to return, I felt a wave of relief. I know there is a tragically long spectrum of childhood illnesses. Whether it be the common cold, the evils that are childhood cancer, CHD or the like, the universal desire of parents is for the health and wellbeing of their child. Some families’ health battles are long-term and treacherous so I am grateful for brevity of ours.

That is why even though RSV was the hardest-hitting illness my children have ever contracted, I feel nothing but gratitude. Gratitude for an abundance of love and support. Gratitude for access to health care. And, most importantly, gratitude for the returned health of my children (a fortunate denied to too many).

For more information on RSV visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

The post After RSV: All I Feel is Gratitude first appeared on A Family Inspired.

The post After RSV: All I Feel is Gratitude appeared first on A Family Inspired.

After being awoken several times last fall to my son screaming about the “scary eyes” he was seeing. I shelved a few of our books (that I hadn’t considered scary until his reaction). In light of those events, I have scoured the bookstore and vetted several toddler-friendly Halloween books that aren’t scary.

Good for Babies

Baby Touch and Feel – Halloween

This lighthearted book is perfect for ages 0-24 months. It has simple Halloween-themed images. Baby will love feeling all the pages like the sticky cauldron and furry cat.

My First Halloween (Touch-and-Feel)

Filled with sweet, Disney-inspired Halloween Illustrations, this book is a perfect and bright way to get your baby in the Halloween spirit.

Where Is Baby’s Pumpkin?

Help baby find her pumpkin as you lift the flaps to discover the Halloween surprise hiding underneath!

I Love You, Little Pumpkin

I Love You, Little Pumpkin is a brightly colored lift-the-flap book where each page features a baby in a cute costume. Your little one will also love the squishy pumpkin on cover. This book is 0% scary!

Peek-a-Boooo!

Peek-a-Boooo is a sweet book that features a mirror adorned in costume on each page so baby can play “dress-up” as you read together.

Spot’s Halloween

Spot’s friends are choosing their costumes but what will spot be? This is a great book to get kids in the Halloween spirit without any of the spooky stuff.

Fun for Toddlers

Halloween Flip-a-Flap

Halloween Flip-a-Flap is my favorite on this list of Halloween books that aren’t scary. Its pages are colorfully-filled with detailed Halloween scenes. And even better, under each flap are prompts for your little one to search for specific shapes, count characters, or compare pumpkins by size. If I could only choose one Halloween book, it would be this one.

Eek! Halloween!

Eek! Halloween! has been a favorite in our house for a few years. It’s a cute story about some chickens who are confused by the interesting characters they keep encountering.

Happy Halloween, Daniel Tiger!

Happy Halloween, Daniel Tiger! is another family favorite. Follow along as Daniel and his neighborhood friends choose their costumes for the big day.

Boo: Peek-a-Flap Board Book

If you are looking for a book loaded with Halloween illustrations and fun facts, this book is for you! What I like the best is that it discusses traditions like pumpkin carving, costumes and trick-or-treating with flaps and peek-a-boo surprises. This book stands out as the most informative on my list of Halloween books that aren’t scary.

Spooky Pookie

What will Pookie be for Halloween? Follow along as Pookie chooses a Halloween costume with mama.

Pop-Up Peekaboo! Pumpkin

This playful pop-up book is sure to delight your toddler as they flip the pages to uncover the Halloween surprises hiding just behind the flaps.

And that wraps up my twelve baby and toddler-friendly Halloween Books!

Best of all, if you’re in a pinch or can’t find these at your local library, everything on my list of Halloween books that aren’t scary, ships free with Amazon Prime!

Have I missed any of your favorites? Let me know!

The post 12 Not-So-Scary Halloween Books for Babies and Toddlers first appeared on A Family Inspired.

The post 12 Not-So-Scary Halloween Books for Babies and Toddlers appeared first on A Family Inspired.

If I learned one thing about sending my son to his first full-day of school it is that the words that came out of my mouth did not match the way I was feeling.

I put on an enthusiastic face for my little guy but found myself letting tears fall privately throughout the day.

It is my role as his mother to prepare him for new experiences. This can be easier said than done, especially when I relate to his fear and anxiety. But as his parent, it is my responsibility to instill him with self-confidence and bravery.

So, on his first day of preschool I made sure that the words I spoke were full of excitement and joy even though my heart was not.

Here is a snap shot of what I said versus what I thought that day.

“Look at that great dinosaur backpack, you are such a BIG boy!”

Weren’t you just a newborn waking me in the middle of the night? Didn’t you just get your first tooth? Where is time going? I am not ready for you to go to high school, to college!  Please stop the clock for a minute. Let me catch my breath.  Let me soak you up. It is going by too fast.

“I am so excited for you to start school tomorrow!”

I am so nervous for you to start school tomorrow.  I have been waking up in the middle of the night all summer with anxiety about this moment.  Will the day be too long? Will a five-day week be too much? Am I making the right decision?

“You are going to have so much fun with your new teacher!”

I hope she cares for you. I hope she is happy and energized today and that she makes you feel safe and comforted. I pray that she has an abundance of patience to deal with your little heart.

“I’ll be back to pick you up when school is over!”

Do you know how long five hours is?  You have only ever been left with family for that long. I hope you don’t break down half way through. I hope I don’t break down right now!

Although, if I can get your brother down for a nap, I may have two hours alone to actually get stuff done. 

Now I feel guilty for even thinking that!

“Goodbye!” 

I hope you don’t cry when you turn around and remember that I am gone. I pray the day goes quickly (for both of us).

“I love you so much!”

You have no idea how much I love you.  I don’t like leaving you in the care of new people. You are my world and I cannot imagine if anything were to ever happen to you while I wasn’t there.

“How was school today? Did you have fun?”

Please tell me you liked it and had fun. I am not sure I have the resolve to send you back if you say you didn’t.

I was feeling down on myself for having a hard time with this transition. But later that night, I came across countless parents on Facebook discussing the tears they had also shed.

Suddenly I stopped judging myself for struggling. It was only after seeing that so many other people were having the same emotions that I realized I wasn’t alone.

I thought of all the parents who fought internal battles on the first day of preschool. All those, who swallowed their own pain to comfort their children.

In order to instill confidence and bravery in our children,the words of the lips cannot always echo those of the heart.

Even though I was aching inside, I reminded myself that it is not my child’s job to protect my heart, it is my job to protect his. 

And so, I breathed in a smile each time I spoke to him and saved my tears for when his back was turned. Just as I will strive to do for each new chapter of his life.

The post The First Day of Preschool: What I Said vs. What I Thought first appeared on A Family Inspired.

The post The First Day of Preschool: What I Said vs. What I Thought appeared first on A Family Inspired.

Colton will be starting full-day preschool next week. Last year he did a two-hour program twice a week. This year, he will be attending Monday through Friday.

To put it lightly, I am overwhelmed. It’s a longer schedule than I would like but he was approved for a program through the state, for which we are very grateful, however the program is five days a week.

So in light of this, here are five simple steps to help prepare your toddler for preschool.

Introduce Them to the School

Colton’s previous nursery school has a distinct church steeple and he always exclaims “my school!” when he sees it. I have started to excitedly reply, “Yes! That is your old school. You will be going to a new school this year!”

When we drive by his new school, I mention excitedly, “Look, that is your new school!”

We have taken Colton to play at his new school’s playground. I wanted him to have fun, run around and explore the playground on his own terms so that when school starts, he’ll already have some familiarity.

If your preschool will allow you to take a peek inside, even better! We got to do this in the spring when we were choosing a program.

Books

I love to use our story time as a opportunity to convey new and important things to Colton. From holidays, to becoming a big brother, books serve as a fun and organic way to educate and expose your child to new ideas, concepts and events.

Books about going to school can be a great way to introduce your child to the specific kinds of things they will be doing (or feeling) when they are there.

Here are some suggestions to help prepare your child for preschool.

If you’re looking for more suggestions, you local library (and librarian) are a great resource whenever you are in search books on a specific topic.

Practice Lunchtime

At home, I prepare Colton’s lunch and sit with him while he eats. As such, Colton has never had to serve himself lunch.

After realizing this, I did not want his first day at school to also be the first time he has ever used his lunch box or containers.

This week, I have prepared his lunch in the bento box and lunch box that I will be sending with him. I also let him know that we are practicing how he will eat lunch at school.

As hard as it is, I am refraining from helping him unzip or open the containers unless he asks me.

Here are some bits of information I have mentioned to him about eating lunch at school:

• If he needs help with anything he should ask his teachers and make sure that they hear him.
• He and his friends will have different things in their lunch boxes depending on what their parents packed for them.
• He can choose the order in which he eats his food but I would like him to try a little bit of everything.
• He does not have to finish everything in his lunch box.

Our practice was just as helpful for me as it was for him. This is because it gave me a sense of how much food I should pack and also tipped me off that I should pack the stuff I want him to eat in the top of the lunchbox.

Calendar Countdown

Now that we are at the one-week mark before school, I have printed out a calendar to cover our last week of summer. I understand that time can be a confusing concept at this age and I want him to have a visual of the days leading up to school.

We are checking off the days and treating it as though we are leading up to an exciting event.

Give Them (Just Enough of) A Say

If you are trying to prepare your toddler for preschool, getting them excited about it is helpful. One way this can be done is letting them choose their school gear, clothing or supplies.

This is the first year that Colton will need a backpack and lunch box so of course, I headed to Target! I did a quick scan of the options while Colton was distracted with a box of crackers. I pulled two options off the shelf and presented them.

The contenders were sharks versus dinosaurs. It was a quick knockout, “dinosaurs!”

If I had just set him loose in the aisle to decide, the task could have gotten out of hand, quickly.

By giving him two options, he was able to feel like it was his choice and I was able to avoid the meltdown that would have occurred if he had chosen something that wasn’t the appropriate size, style, etc.

I have done the same thing with his lunch box, thermos, water bottle, and bento box.

The Roundup

To recap, my five simple steps to prepare your toddler for preschool are:

1. Introduce the school
2. Read books
3. Practice eating lunch
4. Keep a calendar
5. Give them a say

While I am anxious about this transition, I keep my tone lighthearted and excited when we talk about school. I try to make quick mentions and not harp on any of these concepts for too long as that tends to create anxiety in Colton.

I’m sure there are countless other creative ways to prepare kids for preschool. Do you have other ways or ideas? Please share them with me!

For now, I am savoring our last few full days home together. And of course, we are squeezing in one last trip to the beach.

If you are also headed to the beach before the new school year, check out my earlier posts for helpful Tips for Taking Toddlers to the Beach and Seven Items for a Better Beach Day with Kids.

The post 5 Simple Ways to Prepare Your Toddler for Preschool first appeared on A Family Inspired.

The post 5 Simple Ways to Prepare Your Toddler for Preschool appeared first on A Family Inspired.

Three years later, finances are tight but I still love being home with my boys and am trying to make it work for as long as possible. 

That being said, I have found that you can work toward something your whole life, truly enjoy it when you achieve it, and still have moments of struggle.

That is where I found myself earlier this year.

Around 4 o’clock in the afternoon, a haze would settle into my body. I sat and watched my boys play on the floor in front of me and felt paralyzed – like someone had just pushed my pause button. The world was still spinning but I was frozen.

Whether I was grappling with anxiety, depression, or the general stress of motherhood, here are the things I have been doing to get out of the mom funk and feel like myself again.

Talking About It

I talked to my husband about how I was feeling. He was very supportive and also suggested I look for a professional to talk to as well.

I have been to therapy in the past. Sometimes it helped, sometimes it did not. The truth is, a good mental health professional makes a difference.  

If you are struggling with a general funk, or something bigger, like anxiety and/or depression, I recommend doing research to find a professional who is experienced with your specific issues.

For instance, I found a Licensed Clinical Social Worker through my mommy-and-me yoga group. She specializes in working with mothers and is well versed in the feelings I was dealing with.

Commitment To Myself

As I recently shared in my post, The Power of Keeping a Promise to Yourself, I was inspired by author and business woman, Rachel Hollis, to make a promise to myself for 30 days and not break it, no matter what.

After completing the first month’s challenge, I felt empowered to make another commitment to myself the following month. I am now in my fourth month and my goal is to make, and keep, a monthly commitment for the rest of the year.

If you are in a rut or want to get out of the mom funk, I think learning to keep a promise to yourself is a great way to kickstart your self-confidence and motivation.

Daily Movement

Because my monthly promise has been fitness related, I am getting exercise every day. Even though I have been a runner this is the longest number of consecutive days I have ever exercised.

The consistency derived from my monthly promise is turning exercise into a habit. In addition to that, the endorphin rush from working out is probably the greatest benefit of all.

I am finding myself looking forward to my workout and the clear head that follows.

Fruits and Veggies

I have major sweet tooth so instead of completely nixing sweets from my diet, I have been incorporating healthy smoothies and green juices. These healthy additions give me a boost of energy and can reduce my cravings for snacks and sweets.

Quick note, smoothies and juice can be a nutritional boost but can easily become high in calories and sugar.  I actually gained weight the first month we started drinking them. Since then, I try to do about 50% vegetables in my smoothies, and limit my juices to green juices with small amounts of fruit.

Intentional Consumption

It is said that you become like the five people you spend the most amount of time with.  I believe that applies not only to relationships but to the information one consumes. In an effort to foster my inspiration and confidence, I have been listening to books and podcasts with that focus.

Audio books and podcasts are an incredible resource because you can educate, entertain, and inspire yourself while you do something as mundane as cleaning the bathroom. 

Books that have recently inspired me:

• Girl, Wash Your Face by Rachel Hollis
• Un-F*ck Yourself by Gary John Bishop
• Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert
• The Gifts of Imperfection by Brene Brown
• The 15 Invaluable Laws of Growth by James Maxwell

My favorite recent podcasts:

• Ed Mylett Show
  • Ed Mylett shares sit-down interviews with hugely successful individuals that have “Maxed Out” in their chosen field. From great Olympians like Shaun White to American heroes like Isreal Del Toro, I finish every podcast feeling magnificently inspired.
• Rise Podcast with Rachel Hollis
  • I love that Rachel Hollis pairs motivation, inspiration and confidence with a unique focus on woman and motherhood.
• Oprah’s Master Class: The Podcast
  • This podcast shares in-depth reflections from noteworthy and fascinating people like Dr. Maya Angelou, Condoleezza Rice, Dwayne Johnson (The Rock), Kevin Hart, and Justin Timberlake.

Making time to listen to audiobooks and podcasts was difficult for me until I received a pair of wireless ear buds as a gift. It may seem silly, but they genuinely are helping me get out of the mom funk.

This is because going wireless allows me to leave my phone in one spot while I walk around the house and tend to kids or housework. I am also able to listen with only one ear while leaving the other free to hear my boys. 

Finding Time For Other Roles

Part of feeling happier again is getting to experience all versions of yourself. Whether that is as a woman, wife, sister, daughter, friend, etc. Making time for each of the roles you play outside of motherhood can help reestablish your identity.

Reconnecting with Joel on date night is one of the ways I get to do this. We are beyond grateful to have family that generously offers to watch the boys. We rarely turn down a babysitting offer.

We are extremely fortunate for our family so I know this is easier said than done. Not everyone has family close (or willing) to help, nor the funds for childcare. If you are in this position, consider swapping babysitting with a trusted mom friend.

Nightly Routine

All of the things I have shared are helping me find more daily happiness. And to cap them off, I have created a nightly routine to close out each day.

I start by writing a highlight of my day in my one-sentence journal. I’m reaching my third year, and I love looking back at the little snippets of each day over the years.

After my journal, I roll a coconut fragrance oil on my wrists and take a few deep breaths. Following that, I choose a meditation/hypnosis podcast from Amazon Music to guide me to sleep. I set a sleep timer on my iPhone so music wont continue to play all night.

Following My Inspiration

As I wrote in my About Me and Welcome Post, I started this blog as a place to share what inspires me.  I hope that others gain something from what I post but I made a decision before launching the blog that I will focus on creating content from my heart.  This blog is an effort to push beyond my comfort zone in order to live a more inspired life. 

Having this blog to work on has given me a sense of drive and motivation outside of being a mother. It has given me a goal to work toward each week. Instead of sitting and feeling frozen, I focus on building this space.

The Roundup

I didn’t get out of the mom funk overnight. I have been incorporating each of these things into my life over the past few months. Over time, I started to notice those afternoon blues part and am feeling a personal sense of joy and motivation that stems from inside myself.

As my children grow and change, I think my own search for internal joy will be an evolving life-long journey.

But for now, these are the steps that are helping me get out of the mom funk and reclaim a sense of self while being home with my boys.

Do you have ways to get out of you own funk? Please share them with me. I am always looking for new inspiration!

The post How I Am Shaking The “Mom Funk” To Feel Happier Each Day first appeared on A Family Inspired.

The post How I Am Shaking The “Mom Funk” To Feel Happier Each Day appeared first on A Family Inspired.

If you’re looking to maximize fun and minimize meltdowns, here are our tips for taking toddlers to the beach.

1. Consider your family’s schedule

Arriving at the beach just as your child is ready for his nap won’t be fun for anyone.

If your children are finicky nappers, it may be best to time your drive to or from the beach around their typical nap.

If your kids aren’t picky about where they sleep, go ahead and try for a beach nap.

2. Pack your lunch

From picky toddlers to overpriced snack stands, it is much easier to have your food with you.

Pack a variety of snacks in zip bags as well as sandwiches, diced fruit or salad in plastic containers.

Freeze water bottles to serve as ice packs at the beginning of the day. They will turn into extra drinking water later on.

3. Apply sunscreen before leaving the house (or car)

We have done it both ways, and it is 100% easier to lather children up before the sand can stick to everything. For reapplying at the beach, we have found it’s easier to use a spray sunscreen for their bodies.

4. Put swim diapers on at the last minute

Disposable Swim diapers only hold poop. They let pee pass through.

We were fortunate to be staying only two blocks from the beach so we put them on right before we walked out the door. Otherwise, I recommend waiting until you have arrived at the beach.

5. Make a plan for shade

Whether you use a beach umbrella, canopy, or tent Be prepared to provide shade for your little ones. It will help protect them from overheating and sun exposure.

We found the pop-up tents didn’t allow enough air flow so we prefer to use two beach umbrellas. One for our chairs and one for the blow up pool.

It also helps if everyone in the family has a beach hat to shade their faces.

6. Have alternative ways to cool down besides the ocean

Not all kids like to splash in the waves so it’s good to have different options to help cool them down.

In addition to providing shade, consider any of the following:

1. A small spray bottle filled with water
2. A handheld fan
3. A small inflatable pool (major hit in our family)
4. A wash cloth you can dampen and rest on their necks
5. Insulated water bottles to keep their drinks cold

7. Pack an extra set of clothes

I like to have an extra set of clothes for the boys. Sometimes they don’t want to be wet anymore and it is nice to be able to get them dry and cozy.

You will also want these if you are driving home from the beach.

8. Bring baby powder

I wrote about this baby powder trick last week in my post about Seven Items For A Better Beach Day With Kids. This is one of my favorite tips for taking toddlers to the beach.

Just sprinkle baby powder on sandy hands and feet and rub well with a towel. The baby powder absorbs the moisture which allows the sand to fall off easily.

9. Limit the number of toys

Between the three families we went to the beach with last week, we had a ton of beach toys. Only about 10% of them were played with.

If you don’t mind lugging a lot of toys, go ahead and bring them all! But if you’re looking to cut weight, here were the favorites throughout the week with six toddlers:

• Bucket
• Shovel
• Sifter
• Plastic boat

10. Get rolling with a beach cart or wagon

They say the greatest invention was the wheel and they are right. This is our third year with a beach cart and it has been a life saver. It holds ALL of our gear (chairs, beach bags, cooler, two umbrellas, and sand toys).

Whether you prefer a cart or wagon, I encourage you to invest in something with wheels to get your gear to and from the beach.

11. Wear one of your children in a carrier

It is not easy to lug everything across the sand. As I just mentioned, we use a beach cart (not a wagon) so our kids either have to walk or be carried.

I always wear one of our kids in a carrier for the walk to the beach. It keeps both hands free to hold something (or someone) else.

12. Have cash and small bills

Even if you have packed your lunch, it is helpful to have some small bills on hand for the ice cream truck or a snack stand.

13. Limit your valuables

There is no need to risk the loss (or theft) of your valuables. I have a slim wallet that I use to only bring my license, a debit/credit card, and some cash. I often leave my wedding rings at home as well.

14. Keep organized

We try to keep our chaos under control as much as possible by organizing our beach essentials into a few different bags.

• Main beach bag
  • Towels, bathing suits, sun hats, swim diapers
  • Ziploc bag filled with sunscreen and baby powder
• Sand-free bag
  • Diapers, wipes, extra pacifier
  • Small personal pouch
    • lip balm, sunglasses, phone, keys, slim wallet
• Mesh toy bag

15. BEACH SAFETY

While this is not fun to think about, beach safety it is the most important thing on this list.

Note: this is not a comprehensive, all-inclusive list of beach safety. These are simply a few things to keep in mind.

• Keep an eagle eye on your children at all times
• Never leave your child unattended (especially near the water)
• Remember that drowning doesn’t look like drowning. Familiarize yourself with what drowning really looks like (note: it is not like the flailing arms and screaming you see on T.V.). I read this article every year to remind myself to be vigilant.
• Try to keep your cell phone down unless you have confirmed that someone else is watching your child.
• Remember what your child is wearing so you can describe it if they get lost. It’s even better if you take a picture of them that day to show someone if necessary.
• Never assume that because you are in a large group that someone has an eye on the children. Maintain responsibility for your own child at ALL times. 
• If you decide to go in the water or step away, make sure your partner, or someone in the group, has “tagged-in” to be responsible while you are gone.
• While it’s imperative that you always keep an eye on your children, if you can be a back-up set of eyes for the other children in your group, that’s wonderful, too.

And Finally,

Now that we got the scary stuff out of the way, the last of my tips for taking toddlers to the beach is to let go of expectations. A beach day with toddlers will never be as relaxing as your child-free days but once you accept that, you can embrace the day for what it is.

Wonky nap schedules, excessive heat, sticky bodies, can make everyone a little cranky. It’s not always easy, but I try to let go and just enjoy the fact that I am able to make these memories with my family.

The post Tips For Taking Toddlers To The Beach first appeared on A Family Inspired.

The post Tips For Taking Toddlers To The Beach appeared first on A Family Inspired.