parenthood

How to build consistency in your homeschool routine

March 14, 2021 by Rachel 12 Comments

One area that many homeschool families struggle is with consistency. Even from just doing this for a short period of time, I know it’s true. Being constant with our schooling is an important factor in keeping things going smoothly. And also for reaching their educational goals and milestones. Building consistency in your homeschooling routine can help build consistency in your everyday life, too! Here are a few ways you can help to build consistency in your homeschool routine.

Prioritize the must-dos

Choose a few subjects that absolutely must be done daily. For most families, this will include reading and math. If you do nothing else, do those two (or three) subjects. Build up the constant habit of daily reading and math time with your children as early as possible. These easy tasks will lay the foundation that will help keep your days running smoothly. Even if your homeschool day is a short one.

Healthy Habits build routines

Building consistency is all about building healthy habits. Create a new habit each month and add it to your family’s day. These tiny changes will turn into healthy habits that will stick around.

How to build consistency in your homeschool

Healthy habits, like incorporating walks, extra outdoor time, hikes, or art time, will help the kids and you. Knowing these things are built into your homeschool day will make everyone more willing to do the less-than-fun things.

Don’t overload your days

Something I learned early on is that it’s really easy to overload your homeschool day. You’ll think you’re not doing or teaching enough. So you’ll add more and more tasks on, but it doesn’t get done; nor does it make your day any easier. Overloading your day will only overwhelm you. And, honestly? You’re less likely to get anything done that day.

Instead, plan the minimum you need to get done and if everyone is up for more or wants to explore something new pull out the extra work and get ahead. If you do plan out a full schedule try not to look at it for the day until you and your children are ready to dive in to prevent that feeling of overload.

Set rewards for consistency

We decided, as a family, to set rewards for a straight week of consistency. We track our consistency on a chart, earn rewards individually, and as a group. It helps to keep us all accountable. These goals can be things like a family trip to Target on a Sunday morning (the kids personal favorite). But having bigger, monthly goals is helpful, too. Plus, it gives us something to look forward to. This will help fuel each days efforts — even on days where not everyone is feeling the lesson plans.

Track your progress

Truly seeing progress in your child’s learning can be a big encouragement to stick to consistency day after day in your homeschool. It’s true for both the teacher (mom or dad) and the kids. Personally, I wasn’t sure my Pre-K daughter was learning enough. Day after day of sight words seemed to just be hum drum. But that consistency? It paid off the moment she said the first word before I had a chance to say it!

It was a game-changer. Honestly. I felt like we had been in an endless loop of sight cards. And then one day it just clicked.

Plan intentional days off

When burn out starts to kick in it is easier to stick with it when you know you have a break coming up. Be sure to plan regular breaks at regular intervals with your family. These breaks can line up with your local schools so that your kids can spend time with friends; or you can do your own thing on your own schedule!

When all is said and done, just make homeschooling a priority and have semi-set hours. Flexible and consistent is key. Make priorities, stick to those priorities, and find consistency in the rest.

Tell me — what’s your key to staying consistent with homeschooling?

Maternal Mental Health Matters: Quit telling moms they’re overreacting

February 9, 2021 by Rachel 12 Comments

I first became a mom 8 years ago. Before I became a mom, I had the perfect vision of what type of mom I would be. You know, the kind of mom that doesn’t yell, only serves their kids organic foods, and has zero temper. Well we all have plans on the type of parent we are going to be before we have kids. But kids have a way of humbling us. And as a ‘seasoned’ mom of three kids, I have advice for all of the advice-givers: quit telling moms they’re overreacting.

Maternal Mental Health is fragile

Did you know that one in 8 women experience postpartum depression? I did. Because I became one of those statistics. And it hurt me to my core to come to grips with this fact. I knew I was supposed to feel a tremendous amount of joy after the birth of my first child; but, instead, I felt an unimaginable anxiety and disappointment. And, while this might not be the case for every mom, we are doing all moms a disservice by pretending that any one stage in a child’s life is “easy”. Every single stage in a child’s life comes with its own set of difficulties and setbacks.

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But, perhaps, a mom has a very bad infant stage or toddler stage. In those fragile moments, a mother may be at her breaking point. I myself have been there. She may be questioning if she can do this at all. Why perpetuate the myth that others are doing it (or handling it) better than us?

“You’ll miss this someday”

I cannot tell you how many times I was told this. By the grace of God I decided to have a second baby. Our first was so colicky and my postpartum anxiety was out of control; but we still decided on a second baby. My luck? Our second infant was worse than our first. Unbeknownst to us, she had been dealing with chronic UTIs from about 6 weeks to 9 months. She would scream (and, I kid you not) for 22-23 hours a day. That left approximately 1-2 hours of (broken) sleep in a 24-hour period. How does a newborn even survive on that? No idea.

But I will tell you what, I almost did not survive that.

In fact, I can vividly remember three times that I almost self-admitted to the hospital because of psychological issues. And, I don’t take that lightly. I was at least cognitive enough to realize, in that moment, that if I checked myself into the hospital, it would be a disservice to my child physically (she wouldn’t take a bottle).

But the suicidal ideation remained. Even through my existing anxiety and depression medication, motherhood had taken its toll. And I cannot tell you how many times I heard “someday you’ll miss this,” and thought about how I must be a failure — because I could not imagine missing this moment.

Whether its infancy or toddlerhood or adolescence, it’s all difficult

I recently engaged in a Facebook conversation on a mommy page (I know — that in itself is the problem). The original poster had created a poll — which is more difficult? The infant stage or the toddler stage. My initial gut-reaction was to answer the poll. Duh, infancy. And then I pulled back. I read the article in question. And, as I deemed this group an engaging and progressive group of moms, I decided to point out the obvious (to me) — this article is hella problematic.

First, it is entirely dismissive. I realize this was a tounge-and-cheek type of article. But, to quote the author , she slept — “Nevertheless, I felt clear-headed and was able to get good chunks of sleep both at night and during the day.” And a clear head is basically the key to keeping one’s sanity.

But one in 8 women don’t feel that way.

If you tell one of those women struggling to get up and take care of her baby that “she will miss this one day,” it may be the thing that pushes her to a breaking point. Suicide is one of the leading causes of death in new mothers.

And articles such as stated above — as well as the dismissiveness of others — can certainly compound on that feeling of hopelessness.

Please stop telling moms they’re overreacting

Here’s a thought — don’t tell anyone — not moms, not dads, not the lady at the grocery store — that they are overreacting. Let us all recognize that we are living a very narrow margin of the full spectrum of possibilities. If you wouldn’t tell someone with a physical ailment that they are overreacting, don’t say it to someone who is (potentially) suffering from a mental ailment. Period.

My Self-Care Routine with Riondo Prosecco and By Any Reads

December 3, 2020 by Rachel 11 Comments

This month I turned thirty-five. My 36th birthday came in with little fanfare, but I feel more present than ever. In fact, I rang in this year by focusing on a just a few things: myself and my family. And that’s why I am here to share my self-care routine with Riondo Prosecco and By Any Reads.

Why Self-Care Matters

Self-care is a term we throw around a lot these days. For me, self-care means unplugging and focusing on myself. But it’s something we all need. I know that I can easily get burned out if I don’t take a step back, take a breath, and focus on myself for point two seconds. In fact, just last week I was drowning with the need for a bit of time to focus on myself. Taking care of others, working from home, and homeschooling will (and can) do a number on anyone. Now, more than ever, it’s important to take care of ourselves.

My Self-Care Routine

I will admit it: I am addicted to social media. Sure, it can be fun. But in the past however many years, it’s also been a wonderful platform for me to use my voice and a wonderful way to stay connected. But there are major downfalls. Social media has made clear divides between people. Some of those divides just cannot be repaired. So self-care is exactly what I need in my life.

Riondo Prosecco and By Any Reads

Unplugging and unwinding with Riondo Prosecco and By Any Reads is my go-to for self-care. I mean, I need to be away from social media. And what better way than by joining a virtual book club like By Any Reads?! I get to connect with people across the country and do something I love — read!

This months book is Redefining Realness by Janet Mock. The book is both powerful and inspiring. As a cisgender white woman, I thought perhaps I would not be able to relate. But her book is about so much more than her experience as a transgender woman.

This book brought so many feelings to the surface. I’ve been struggling with my own sort of identity crisis. Turning 36 means that I’m nearing the dreaded ‘middle-age’. And I’ve talked quite a bit about my experience in becoming a mother and trying to ‘find myself,’ or rather, get to know myself again. It’s a journey I’m still on. And this book was a great example of how our lives are just one small transformation after another.

Are you interested in joining a virtual book club? Follow @RiondoProsecco on Instagram to learn more about December’s book selection!

My hopes for this year

My hope is that I can be an encouraging voice for my community. And that community includes YOU. I want you to #TakeASeccoTo yourself. Enjoy self-care in small ways. Even if that means sipping on Riondo Prosecco and reading a book. Get to know yourself through small acts of reflection.

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easy tips for a self care routine to unwind even in chaos

Making the most of Quarantine Halloween

September 28, 2020 by Rachel 21 Comments

Twenty-twenty will forever go down as the worst phrase of our generation. As a mom of young kids, one of the worst things ever is knowing that my kids know that something is going on. I mean, my 7 year old and my 4 year old both keep saying “…when COVID-19 is over, can we….?” And it absolutely breaks my heart. But we’re all doing the absolute best that we can given the circumstances. So I have made it my personal mission to let my kids know that Covid doesn’t have to stop the fun. And that’s why I’m making the most of quarantine Halloween!

Trick-or-no-treat?

Our city is still very much on the fence regarding trick-or-treating. But I am not. Our neighborhood gets really busy — which we have always welcomed. But this year I am less than thrilled about the potential for kids coming and going and pushing around. With a heavy heart we decided against traditional trick-or-treating this year. And, honestly, I think that’s what’s best. My kids will have another Halloween and trick-or-treat. But, Covid is a wildcard. And I couldn’t live with myself if something happened.

So what should we do?!

There are so many ways to make the most of Halloween. Kids don’t really care about trick-or-treating. Heck! My kids usually only last 15 minutes! But they do love celebrations — and candy! So that’s what we will do.

How we’re celebrating

We will still dress up. I will admit — I don’t like how much adults ‘love’ Halloween. I’ve always hated the idea of adult Halloween parties. But I will dress up this year for my kids. We will have a big at-home party! My kids and I will be setting up the most perfect candy charcuterie board for Halloween.

What you need for a candy charcuterie board

Assorted candies
Small containers
Large cutting board or platter

Candies may include:

Twizzlers
M&Ms
Candy Corn
Candy Pumpkins
Jelly Slugs
Halloween Pez
Bloody Bites
Spooky Lips Lollipops
Assorted snack size candies, wrapped or unwrapped

Choose a board or serving dishes for the charcuterie board.
Place loose ingredients (small candies, loose candies, etc.) into bowls or individual dishes. Place those bowls on the board or buffet first.
Arrange other candies around the bowls.
Add assorted tongs or Halloween decorations.

Tell me this…

How are you planning on making this the BEST Halloween ever for your kids?!

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9 Fun Things To Do With Your Kids at Home

August 30, 2020 by Rachel 12 Comments

Whether by choice or by circumstance, staying at home with our kids is something that we’ve all been tasked with lately! At the beginning of this pandemic, I felt excited to finally get a chance to slow down and just ‘be’ with my kids. But two weeks turned into 6 months and we’re all getting a little tired of the humdrum of staying at home. If you’re out of ideas and need a refresh, I’ve got the perfect list for you! Here are 9 fun things to do with your kids at home!

Take a Virtual Museum Tour

Just because you’re stuck at home doesn’t mean you can’t experience art and culture! Services like Google Arts and Culture offer virtual museum tours! Your kids can enjoy artwork from all over the world in the comfort of your home. How cool is that?!

Try a card game!

A simple deck of cards can offer so much of happy hour spending with time is remarkable. There are nearly 40 different card games that can be played at home. A light and casual game of UNO or go-fish is a great way to keep busy, learn, and have fun!

Read a new book.

If your family is anything like mine, then you might find yourself with several bookshelves full of kids books. Sitting down to actually read eacho f them? That’s another story. Each day ask each of your kids to pick out a short story to read. Then pile up and got through each book in a cozy corner or on the couch. Their imaginations will lead them to incredible places! If you prefer, there options for digital downloads from your library or on the Kindle store!

Have a Lego building contest

LEGO is, by far, one of the top building games for kids. We have thousands of LEGOs on hand from our seven-year-old. But the great thing about LEGOs is that kids (and grownups!) of all ages can enjoy them.

For this, pick a theme — like, “house,” “car,” or “airplane.” And set a timer. Everyone builds their own version of the theme and at the end you vote on who’s is the best!

Do a puzzle

Puzzles are extremely useful for growing your kid’s mental health. This indoor fun activity offers a great way of learning and engaging. Plus, doing puzzles together will undoubtedly build problem solving and logic skills!

If you’re looking for a fun puzzle, I recommend heading to Puzzle Huddle. This business is minority owned and focused on including diversity in their puzzles. My son is obsessed with their “future engineer” puzzle.

Put together a dessert board

When we’re all stuck at home 24/7, meals can get boring. Whether you still have Summer weather or dipping into cooler temperatures, a s’mores board is always a good option. We put together a s’mores board with traditional offerings like graham crackers and marshmallows. But it also includes rolos, peanut butter cups, oreos, ritz crackers, and even strawberries! Everyone gets an option with indoor s’mores!

If you can’t make it outdoors for your s’mores, try wrapping them in foil and sticking them in the oven! The kids will still have a blast and will remember these moments forever.

Paint with your kids

Painting is so fun for everyone! Creating amazing art using vibrant colors is an awesome way to spend time with your kids. You can even try out some marshmallows, popcorns or slices of bread to try out food painting activities at home. Check out these edible food paints for more ideas!

Make some homemade Play Dough

I used to be the kind of mom that was anti-play dough. It just seemed messy. And my naivete as a new mom meant that I hated the colors mixing. But I learned, fast, that you should throw your cares out the window! And always buy Play Dough when it’s on sale.

So if you already have some, great! Everyone play together. But if you don’t, this is the perfect time to try making it yourself. Make bright colors, add in some sensory items, and play the day away. If you need a good homemade Play Dough recipe, head here.

Try a science experiment

Home-based science experiments like glitter slime and exploding volcanoes are so fun. But there are also loads of other experiments where you can try out of homemade supplies. Just hop on YouTube for hundreds of videos to try out kid-friendly science projects. What a great way to have fun with your kids while getting some STEM learning in, right?!

Tell me — what’s your favorite thing to do with your kids at home?!

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9 Fun Things To Do With Your Kids at Home

Self-Care Routine with Post Dunkin’ Cereals

August 23, 2020 by Rachel 17 Comments

Thank you Post for sponsoring this post. Post Dunkin’ cereals are rolling out nationwide now. To find a retailer carrying the cereal, check the store locator at dunkincereal.com

Fewer things are more precious to a mom than coffee. Kids are obviously more precious, but they are also the reason we need so much coffee. Am I right? I would love to say that I getting enough sleep at night. But I’m not. As a mom of three, there just isn’t enough time in the day for adequate sleep. But there is enough time in the mornings for me to squeeze in a little self-care routine with Post Dunkin’ Caramel Macchiato cereals — which pairs perfectly with my Dunkin’ Coffee.

Need some tips for a successful morning routine? Well look no further! Here are my tried and true tips for getting a little morning boost to get you through another busy day!

But first, Post Dunkin’ Cereal … and coffee

In a perfect world, I would be waking up at dawn — before the kids groggily arise from their slumbers. But? This isn’t a perfect world. In reality, the kids are the first awake and I am the last. I try and stay in bed for those precious extra few minutes of almost sleep, but it’s never long enough. Instead, I roll out of bed and get the kids some breakfast. Once they are settled, I pour a giant mug of Dunkin’ coffee — and then a giant bowl of Post Dunkin’ Caramel Macchiato or Post Dunkin’ Mocha Latte cereal.

My kids know not to ask too many questions before I have my morning coffee. But now I have to remind them that I need to eat my coffee, too! The new Post Dunkin’ cereals are TO DIE FOR — especially if you are coffee-obsessed like me! Savoring those few moments where the kids are quiet and I’m enjoying my coffee and Post Dunkin’ Cereal is sacred for me. Because after the coffee comes the chaos!

Self-Care = Home-Care

My main job as a mom is to keep my kids alive. And I consider the day a success if I’ve done so. But I also have to clean this house, because children are tiny little tornadoes of destruction. So most of my post-coffee morning routine consists of picking up toys, gathering up laundry, and doing an endless amount of dishes. Can that be considered self-care? I sure hope so. I mean, sometimes I’ll throw on some NPR or Kidz Bop while I’m cleaning. So it totally counts.

If I’m being honest, I really do try and get in a few moments to myself. Usually it’s by reading a chapter in my Book of the Month book or catching up on some social media scrolling. But, of course, it’s between still doing all of those other mom things.

More (cold) coffee

After the self-care portion of your morning is complete, sit back down for a second cup of coffee. By this point, it’s likely cold. And, heck, why not a second bowl of Post Dunkin’ Caramel Macchiato Cereal. A second bowl is the perfect way to round out the morning.

Do all of the things

The rest of our mornings are a blur of coloring, PlayDoh, screentime, and Disney Princess movies. The days as a mom are super long. And, oftentimes, I find myself at the end of a long day thinking “What the heck happened today?!” But we have survived 100% of these days. My kids know how much I love them. And, even if I don’t sleep for the next 18 years, at least I’ll always have coffee — and Post Dunkin’ Cereal.

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Learn more about how you can incorporate Post Dunkin’ Cereals into your morning routine.