While It’s a Pandemic, Stay Calm for the Kids

The world feels a little topsy-turvy right now, doesn’t it? The coronavirus news is overwhelming, and the American way of life (especially those close to NYC) seems to have changed overnight.

While there are countless blog articles about how to protect yourself and your family and what to buy, I think it is also important that parents remember to stay calm for the kids. Kids can sense things are different, and they can tell if mom or dad is feeling anxious.

Here are some reminders of ways to be an example for your kids, even when you are feeling worried.

Limit Media and News

Yes, you do need to stay informed. However, you don’t need to fall down the rabbit hole and spend hours watching the news or reading articles online about the pandemic. As far as the kids, you might want to avoid having the news on the radio or your tv at all (depending on their ages). If too much media exposure makes you feel panicky, imagine how it makes the kids feel.

Stay Connected to Others

We are being told to practice social distancing and to stay at home as much as possible. Some parents have to work from home at the same time their kids’ schools are closed. Even so, you don’t want your family to feel isolated. The best way to avoid feelings of isolation is to stay connected with others. Text, call, video message – do whatever you need to do to hear from someone outside of your home.

Practice Self-Care

The best thing you can do as a mom is to make sure you are taking care of yourself. You won’t be able to be a healthy role model for your kids if you allow the stress to get to you. Unlike other types of natural disasters, you will have power and water. You can take a long bath or do yoga in your own home.

Reassure Your Kids

If your kids are worried, don’t ignore or minimize their fears. Instead, listen to them and then reassure them. Explain what is happening in an age-appropriate way. Make sure they understand this is a precaution. Be sure to remind kids that while things may be different for some time, your love for them will never change.  

Stick to Your Routine

I know it sounds silly to say “stick to your routine” when everyone’s routines are being tossed out the door. But, what I mean is your at-home routines. A little bit of consistency, such as keeping your child’s bedtime routine, will go a long way in making them feel safe.

Break Some Rules

If you have family screen time rules, this may be the time to break them – especially if the kids are home from school while you are working from home. The kids will be alright if they spend a bit more time watching Disney+.

NOTE – If you don’t have Disney+, this is the time to get it.

Pause Before You React

If you have a moment where you start to feel panicked, pause before you react. Find a space away from your kids (such as your bathroom or your closet) to take some deep breaths, cry, or whatever it is you need to do to release some of that anxiety.

Why Your Family Needs a Staycation

My followers know how much I love to travel. I mean, I LOVE TO TRAVEL. Traveling is an essential part of who I am. But, what may surprise you is that I also a good staycation. Just in case you don’t know – a staycation is a vacation spent where you live. Since my family is lucky enough to call NYC home, a staycation is super easy to pull off.

We had our own little staycation this past weekend and got to stay at the fabulous WestHouse Hotel in NYC. It was just what we needed after the busyness of the new year and before the start of actual vacation traveling. We feel relaxed and refreshed and ready to take on the weeks until Spring Break.

Today I’m sharing just some of the reasons why your family also needs a staycation.

Less Money

Let’s be honest. Traveling is expensive. Many families have to budget all year to go on one family vacation in the summer. Plus, if you are traveling to a destination you can’t get to by car, you have to pay for your hotel and flight tickets. With a staycation, you have the option to stay in your own home or splurge and stay in a hotel in your own city. You will save tons of money simply by not having to fly.

Less Stress

Family vacations typically require a ton of planning. And, even with all the best planning, traveling with kids is still stressful. When you choose a staycation, you will be much less stressed. You don’t have to worry about getting everyone from here to there or what will happen if one of the kids gets sick.

Less Packing

Another bonus of a staycation is that it involves much less packing. If you choose to stay at your own home, it means no packing at all! Hooray! If you do opt to stay at a local hotel or resort, then you still don’t have to pack as much as usual because you don’t have to worry about “forgetting something.” Even if you do forget something, you can go home to get it.

Less Busy

Possibly the biggest perk of a staycation is that it is much less busy. When my family travels, we want to do it all, which means we stay busy from morning to night. Our schedule is jam-packed. With a staycation, you can set a totally different pace. You can pick and choose just the things you want to do because there is no pressure to do it all. As a result, you will have a much more relaxed vacation.

Less New

And finally, there will be less “new” that you feel like you have to do. As I mentioned, when we travel, we want to make sure we try everything. But, there is something nice about taking time just to do the things you really love. For example, during a staycation, you can visit all your old favorites around town that you haven’t gotten to in a while.

When’s the last time you had a staycation? What did you do? Let me know in the comments!

Fun Ways for Families to Celebrate Leap Day

Did you know that tomorrow is Leap Day? February 29th is the one day we get once every four years or every Leap Year. The History Channel explains, “Put simply, these additional 24 hours are built into the calendar to ensure that it stays in line with the Earth’s movement around the Sun. While the modern calendar contains 365 days, the actual time it takes for Earth to orbit its star is slightly longer—roughly 365.2421 days.”

Since this day only occurs every four years, it is important to use your extra day wisely! Today, I’m listing a few ways your family can take a leap and make this Leap Day extra special.

Build a 4-Year Time Capsule

A quick, easy way to celebrate Leap Day is to build a 4-year time capsule. For example, I plan to have my daughters write a little note to their future selves (their 4-year future selves, that is). Then, we will put in a family picture of us and some other things that we think we will want to remember in four years. Just remember to make a note of wherever you hide your time capsule so you can find it on February 29, 2024!

Play Leapfrog

Do you remember playing leapfrog as a kid? Leap Day is the perfect time to play a few silly rounds of leapfrog with your family. Or, head to a park if it is warm enough and practicing leapfrogging over various park structures.

Read Leap Day Themed Books

Another easy way to simply acknowledge this extra day of the year is to read books about it. Check out all the book suggestions on Leap Year Day to help you find one to read with your family.

Watch a Leap Day Movie

Depending on your kids’ ages, choose a Leap Day-themed movie to watch as a family. For younger audiences, there is the movie Leap! For older audiences, you may enjoy the romantic comedy Leap Year (rated PG) starring Amy Adams.

Bake Leap Day Treats

Of course, whenever there is a holiday, it is always a great excuse to bake some treats. Get your kids to help you in the kitchen while you bake special Lead Day cookies or cupcakes.

Visit a Trampoline Park

Another fun way to celebrate this special day is to head to a place where you can literally leap! Since it falls on a Saturday, this is a wonderful time for your family to finally check out that local bounce house or trampoline park. See who can leap the farthest and the highest!

Take a Big Leap of Courage

Finally, consider making this Leap Day a day when you do something that takes a big leap of courage. Maybe this is something for work or your family. Or maybe it is just about conquering a specific fear. Go big! For example, go bungee jumping, take a ride in a hot air balloon, or visit an indoor skydiving venue.

What do you plan to do to celebrate Leap Day with your family?

Daylight Savings Time is Coming. Here’s How Parents Can Prepare.

I’m not a huge fan of the time changes. It throws everything off. Thankfully, we all own smartphones now that automatically change the times because I cannot imagine having to reset everything. It’s hard enough to change the time on the microwave and in my car!

Daylight Savings Time is coming up on March 8, 2020. Since it’s spring, we “spring forward,” which is a little easier than “falling backward.” We get that extra hour of sleep that first Sunday morning, but the struggle is real. I’m telling you how to deal with it now so you can have the best Daylight Savings Time transition yet.

Daylight Savings Time Can Be Difficult for Mom and Dad, Too

First, if you feel like the time change makes you feel and act sluggish, you are not alone. TC Palm reports, “And while daylight saving time brings an extra hour of sunlight later in the day during the warm, summer months, experts say it also brings about adverse health effects — throwing off sleep patterns and disrupting the body's internal clock […] Disturbing a sleep pattern can make it harder to fall asleep and wake up, causing you to feel tired all the time.”

How to Reset Your Biological Clock

Before we talk about how to handle our kids, let’s talk about how we can rest our biological clocks. We need just as much help coping with the time change as our little ones, but we often neglect taking care of our own biological clock. Here are some tips to help you:

• Set the alarm to wake up the same time each day.

• Open the curtains and let the light in first thing in the morning.

• Have a clear time each day when you stop drinking caffeinated beverages.

• Avoid blue light (smartphones, tv) before bed.

• Create and follow your own bedtime routine.

But It Is So Much Worse When You Have Kids! Here’s How to Deal.

When you have kids, not only are you trying to reset your own biological clock, but you are also trying to reset your kid’s biological clock. And it is not always an easy thing to do. Here are some tips to help your kids adjust to Daylight Savings Time:

• Push back bedtime ahead of time. Pushing your child’s bedtime back by about fifteen minutes starting a few days before is a great way to make it easier for them to go to bed when their body is telling them it isn’t bedtime yet.

• Invest in blackout curtains. With the springtime change, it means we get more sunlight. But this also means many parents are trying to put their kids to bed while the sun is still shining – especially before school is out for summer. This is where blackout curtains become so helpful!

• Use a kid-friendly alarm clock. They make kid-friendly alarm clocks that simply show a moon or sun (or certain colors) that help kids know when it is morning and evening. Depending on your kids’ ages, you may find this a useful tool.

• Stick to your routine. If your kid has a bedtime routine, then it is more important than ever before to stick to it! Even though their body will be telling them it is an hour earlier, by following the same evening routine (bath, pj’s, teeth brushing, storytime), it will help then adjust to their “new” bedtime.

• Practice Patience. When your kid acts ill or cranky in the days following March 8, 2020, just remember that the time change is no fun for anyone.

10 Ways to Make Your Kids Feel Loved This Valentine’s Day

Traditionally, Valentine’s Day is all about celebrating romantic love. I am a big fan of celebrating marriage, but I also think it is important to model healthy romantic love for my daughters. I want to raise my girls to be independent, strong women, but I also want them to grow up knowing they are worth being cared for and treated special. I think Valentine’s Day is a wonderful opportunity to shower them with love and remind them just how special they are to me.

Now I know all moms are already busy enough, so I have focused on ways you can make kids feel loved that don’t take a ton of time or cost an arm and a leg. Check them out!

Surprise Them with a Valentine’s Card

For kids, Valentine’s Day is all about the valentines they will pass back and forth with classmates. But it will make them feel loved if they find a surprise Valentine’s Day card or a love note from you in their lunchbox.

Make a Special Valentine’s Day Breakfast

Start the holiday off right with a special Valentine’s Day-themed breakfast. Add some food coloring and make pink milk. Cook heart-shaped pancakes and add red and pink sprinkles.

Blow Up Balloons

I don’t really understand, but for some reason, my girls think balloons are the greatest things ever! If you surprise them after school with a helium balloon for Valentine’s Day, you are sure to get a huge hug.

Bake Them a Heart Shaped Treat

Food is not just the way to a man’s heart – kids love special treats just as much! You can keep it simple and make some break and bake Valentine’s Day cookies or bake an extravagant heart-shaped cake.

Hang Up Some Decorations

An easy way to acknowledge the holiday is to hang up some decorations around your home. Head to the Dollar Spot at Target to stock up on cheap (but super cute) decorations or make your own homemade sweethearts to post on your child’s bedroom door.

Treat Them to an At-Home Spa Day

I’ve already taught my daughters the joy of a spa day – at home, that is. Valentine’s Day is the perfect day to treat your kids to some extra pampering. Give them a pedicure or manicure. Or, treat them to s special pink bath with a pink-colored bath bomb.

Share the Love with Others

Valentine’s Day is all about love, but what If you use it as an opportunity to teach your kids to share the love with others? Go shopping for canned goods or hygiene items and drop off donations at a nonprofit organization in your community.

Give Them Their Own Bouquet

I love having fresh flowers in my home. But, for many little girls, receiving a bouquet of fresh flowers is a very grown-up thing. So, this is a super easy and effective way to make your daughter feel loved and grown.

Read Books About Love

Before saying goodnight, pull out one of your old favorite children’s books and read it together. Even if they are “too old,” there is something special about reading “Guess How Much I Love You” or “I’ll Love You Forever” with your not-so-little kid.

Include Them in a Grown-Up Fancy Dinner

Finally, if your Valentine’s Day is more of an at-home affair, include the kids! Let them see what a fancy, at-home date night involves. Light the candles, use the fancy china and pour them a mocktail.

Ten Minutes to Feel Like a Better Mom

Sometimes I feel like I am alone in my feelings of mom guilt, but I know this is untrue. We ALL suffer from mom guilt. It feels like we never have enough to give our kids – I feel like I never have enough time or energy.  

However, I recently stumbled upon an idea that is already making a huge difference in my home. Even when my days are incredibly busy, if I can just give each of my girls ten minutes of my attention, they are happier and less needy. And, I let go of some of my mom guilt. It sounds crazy, but it really works. In just twenty minutes (10 per kid), I have bonded more with daughters, heard more about their daily lives and dislikes and interests, and relaxed more.

Give Them Your Undivided Attention

The key to the whole ten minutes with your child is to give them ten minutes of undivided attention. This means your phone has to be down, the tv has to be off, and you have to stop doing whatever mom multi-tasking you are doing for those ten minutes. Kids know when we are paying attention and when we are not. During these ten minutes, look your child in the eye. Show them how much you love them with just your presence and undivided attention.

Tune in to Their Wants and Needs

Sometimes in this helicopter parenting generation, we lose sight of what our kids actually want and need. Instead, we are so focused on what we want for them and keeping them safe. However, the latest advice is to tune in to your kids' needs. Rather than hovering and directing, sit back and enjoy them for the little people they are. This means that during those ten minutes you should be focused on tuning in to your child’s wants and needs – and not trying to do or talk about what you want. That’ll be hard, but it will be worth it!

A Safe Time to Talk

If you have already taken the first two tips to heart, then this one will be easy. By giving your kids your undivided attention and tuning in to them, they will recognize that these ten minutes are a safe time to talk. They will feel comfortable coming to you about something they may have been fearful of before. They will be more willing to talk about the stuff happening at school or sharing their hopes and dreams.

Some Ideas for Ways You Can Connect in Just Ten Minutes

Now, I know for some of you that this sounds difficult. Some moms aren’t “play on the floor” kind of moms – and that is 100% okay! Again, the point is to tune into your kid, so if it does involve playing on the floor, you can probably handle it for ten minutes. But ten minutes ONLY! 😉

You can also use the time to talk about their day or cuddle. Watch silly YouTube videos together or read a book aloud. My girls love doing little hallway fashion shows – it’s quick and easy, but it makes them feel extra special.

What will you do with your ten minutes? Let me know in the comments!

I’m a Working Mom, and I Love It – No Apologies

Let’s just get this out of the way – ALL moms are working moms. Whether you go to work, work at home, or are a stay-at-home mom, you are a WORKING MOM. Being a mom is a hard job. If we were paid just for our motherhood duties, we would earn a six-figure salary!

Salary.com “estimated the value of a mother's work by tracking real-time market prices of all the jobs that moms perform. The result? The median annual salary for stay-at-home moms in 2019 is $178,201!”

Now that we’ve acknowledged that being a mom is a job that deserves a lot of money, I’m going to let you in on a little secret. As much as I love my girls, I’m so glad I have a 9-5 job to go to on Mondays. Here are a few reasons why.

I’m Good at My Job

In addition to being a lifestyle blogger, I have a 9-5 job as a personal shopper for Neiman Marcus. Not only do I love my job, but I am good at it! As you all know, I am a fashionista, and it brings me great joy to spend my days sharing my love of fashion with others.

Having a Double Income Household Means We Get to Do More

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, in families with children, “63.0 percent had both parents employed.” That means the majority of American families have dual incomes. For some families, this is necessary to make ends meet. Fortunately, in our family, this gives us the ability to have more fun and go on more adventures.

It Reminds Me Who I Am Other Than Mommy

Going to work every day reminds me of the woman I was before having children. While I am no longer than woman, there is still a part of me that comes alive in a way that doesn’t when I am just mom. I like having the chance to embrace those parts of myself.

I Like Having Adult Conversations

My girls are precious, and I love hearing about their days. But I also like to have some adult conversations. And I especially like having adult conversations that go beyond discussing potty training or PTA issues. At my job, I get to have grown-up conversations with interesting people every day.

Sometimes It Feels Like a Break

This one is hard to admit, but sometimes work feels like a break. While it is wonderful, being a mom is exhausting. Kids seem to have endless energy, and it takes a lot to keep up with them all day long. They are also noisy and messy. It’s nice to head into work where it is clean and quiet and where I don’t have to run around like a madwoman all day.

Most Important, I am a Role Model for My Girls

I am a role model for my girls. By going to work each day and taking care of them, I am showing them that it is possible to do both and do both well. By working at a job I love, I am encouraging my daughters to dream big and find careers they truly love.

Are you a working mom? Why do you love it or hate it?

Teaching Kids How to Graciously Accept Gifts of All Kinds

We’ve all been there. Our child has been given a gift and had a super embarrassing response, such as “I don’t want this,” “I already have this one,” or they toss it aside like it is nothing. And, as their mom, you want to crawl under a rock. First, please know that this is a rite of passage for all parents during the holiday season. It does not mean you are a bad mom, or you are raising naughty children. The truth is kids have to be taught how to graciously accept gifts – even gifts they may not want.

Talk to Kids Beforehand

The first thing you need to do is talk to your kids beforehand about your expectations. Don’t expect kids to know they shouldn’t tell grandma they don’t like something if you have been raising them to be truthful. That is hard for little ones to understand. Instead, explain that they may receive gifts they don’t like or that they already have. In these cases, they should say “thank you” rather than something that may hurt the gift giver’s feelings. Depending on your situation, you may also want to explain what they should expect, such as “Uncle Joe is giving you one small thing, so don’t look for more gifts.”

Gifts are Not Owed

An important thing to teach kids is that they are not owed gifts. This is difficult for them to grasp, so just stick to explaining the word gift means “something given” instead of something expected or demanded. You may want to explain that the gift-giver spent their time and money finding their gift, so it is rude to act ungrateful – no matter what the gift is.

Set Gift Receiving Rules

As a family, define your gift receiving rules. For example, your family may decide that you will open one present at a time instead of everyone opening everything at once. Another rule is to a say kind “thank you” after opening each gift.

Describe Unacceptable Responses

Along these same lines, you should also explain what responses to gifts are unacceptable. Some examples include:

• A sarcastic or rude “thank you”

• I don’t want this

• I don’t like this

• What else did you get me?

• Is this all?

• I already have this

A good way to make this stick is to have your kids consider how they would feel if someone responded in these ways to their gifts.

You’re Welcome

Along with teaching your kids to say “thank you,” you should also teach them how to handle being the gift giver. The holiday season is the perfect time to teach kids how to say, “You’re welcome” when they are thanked.

Model It for Your Kids

Finally, and most importantly, model how to graciously accept gifts to your children. They are watching you. If you say “thank you” and show genuine enthusiasm for the gifts you receive, they will be more likely to follow your example.

What tips do you have to help other parents handle holiday gift receiving?

Is Your Kid Frozen 2 Obsessed? Here are Some Unique Gift Ideas.

If your kids are anything like my girls, then they are Frozen 2 obsessed! I thought my years of hearing my girls sing “Let It Go” were long over, but with “Into the Unknown” my house is just as loud. From seeing the movie to acting it out at home, my daughters are living in Arendelle in their minds. And, honestly, there are A LOT worse things they could be into. Some kid’s television, movies, and music are rough on my ears, but I can handle the Frozen 2 soundtrack, and I appreciate the message of the story.

So, it did not surprise me at all when they visited Santa and requested tons of Frozen 2 merchandise. If you have been to ANY store in the past week, you know that Santa and his elves will not have any difficulty fulfilling this wish. Even so, you may be looking for something more unique for your Frozen princesses or prince this Christmas, and I have come up with some fantastic ideas.

A Karaoke Machine

Your kids are already singing the songs from the movie at full blast, so why not encourage this love of music by investing in a karaoke machine for the whole family. There is currently a Frozen 2 karaoke machine, but I say off for a regular machine, so you get use out of it even after the Frozen 2 fad ends.

A Frozen 2 Themed Lesson

How about getting your kids a Frozen 2-themed lesson? For example, sign your kids up for ice skating lessons or horseback riding lessons near New York City. These are gifts that will keep on giving and help them find themselves.

Tickets to the Broadway Show

Splurge on tickets to see Frozen on Broadway. This will be a magical experience for anyone who is a fan of the movie – but especially for kids who are fans of musicals. There is nothing that can compare to a live Broadway show.

A Frozen 2 Craft Box

If your kids are little artists and craft-makers, then put together a Frozen 2 craft box. You can purchase pre-made Frozen 2 craft kits at stores like Michael’s or use this list from Cool Mom Picks of DIY ideas.

A Bag of Insta-Snow

New York families get to experience snow each year, but it never seems to be at the right time. If this sounds relatable (or you live in a warmer climate), then purchase a bag of instant snow. Just add water to Insta-Snow and watch the magic happen.

Frozen Colour Pop Makeup

Instead of wasting money on the cheap Frozen makeup kits you will find everywhere, purchase one of the high-quality Frozen 2 ColourPop kits, which come in either the Elsa or Anna palette.

A Frozen 2 Weighted Blanket

Weighted blankets are all the rage right now – and for a good reason. Weighted blankets help little ones feel more secure and relaxed. So, the combination of the weight and their favorite characters is a solid win. They are selling different types of Frozen 2 weighted blankets at most department stores and online.

Frozen 2 Build a Bear

Why not purchase a gift certificate so your child can build their own Frozen 2 Character Plush at Build-A-Bear? This gift works as both a gift (the stuffed toy) and an experience (building the character plush). Your child can add tons of unique pieces to their stuffed toy, such as Frozen costumes and songs.

Don’t worry – if you have to wait until Christmas Eve, there are still bound to be tons of options on the toy aisles at your local Walmart or Target.

A Lazy Mom’s Holiday Bucket List

The holiday season seems to make moms lose their minds. We feel so much pressure to do all the things. It makes the holiday season extremely stressful, and ultimately, not very fun. And, it is so easy to get caught up in it all and feel like your kids have to do what Little Sally next door did or else they won’t have wonderful holiday memories, and you have failed as a mother.

I’m here to release you from the burden of having to do it all. No more intense Christmas crafting or cooking! Let’s embrace doing the bare minimum. Plus, I’m betting our kids will be even happier when mom is more relaxed. Toss out the giant holiday list of things to do you’ve made in your mind and embrace the lazy mom’s holiday bucket list.

Decorate the Tree

Yes, you should decorate the tree. But let’s make it a little easier. Let the KIDS decorate the tree while you sit back and drink some wine or eggnog and try not to rearrange all the ornaments. Speaking of ornaments, go to the store and let the kids pick out a special ornament instead of trying to make salt dough ornaments.

Bake the Treats

Sure, you want to have some Christmas goodies in your house. If baking is relaxing for you, then go crazy. If not, don’t stress! Buy some pre-made goodies or buy some of the pre-made Christmas cookie dough. Your kids will not care. Cookies are cookies.

Hunt for the Best Lights

Do you know which holiday tradition requires very minimal effort from parents? Going to look at Christmas lights! All you have to do is pile the kids in the car after dark and drive to a lit-up neighborhood. Super easy and very enjoyable for everyone.

Watch the Holiday Movies

Nothing says Lazy Mom’s Holiday Bucket List like going all in for a PJ & movie day. Tell the family you are going to stay in your PJ’s all day and watch your favorite holiday movies. Pop some popcorn, order pizza, and you will have a new favorite holiday tradition.

Drink All the Hot Chocolate

If you want your kids to feel special, let them get a hot drink when you visit your local coffee shop. They will be thrilled drinking hot chocolate while you get all the caffeine you need to survive school break.

Go Caroling

While caroling is fun, you know what is also fun? Singing carols at home with your family. Play the piano or bust out the karaoke machine and enjoy the loud show your kids will put on. Tell them if they sing loud enough that the neighbors can hear just like caroling.

Hit the Ice

If you need to kill some time, take the kids to a nearby ice skating rink. You will all get some much-needed exercise after all the eating and movie watching you’ve been doing, and you’ll have fun doing it.

Wrap the Presents

Unless you love wrapping presents, find someone else to do it for you. Pay your teenage babysitter to wrap your gifts or visit a local gift wrap pop-up that benefits a local charity. This is especially helpful for those moms who just don’t have enough time.

Embrace Free Shipping

And by golly, if you want this holiday season to be jolly, then you must embrace free shipping! Turn on your favorite tv show and do all your Christmas shopping online. A few days later, all of those presents you ordered will magically appear on your doorstep without you having to leave the house. That’s a mom win.