https://boards.hellobee.com/ Pregnancy, Baby and Parenting blog, by Hellobee en Tue, 19 May 2026 08:15:59 +0000 https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/parenting-routine-tweaks-that-have-helped#post-2856541 Wed, 14 Nov 2018 09:30:50 +0000 snowjewelz 2856541@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Hypatia: Haha first attempt resulted in her telling me that her sister was the one that made the mess, which was true, lol. They danced more than they helped to clean up, and then was fighting over which song to play, but I guess a start is a start :silly: </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/parenting-routine-tweaks-that-have-helped#post-2856522 Tue, 13 Nov 2018 23:15:10 +0000 ALV91711 2856522@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@mrs.kiwi: since having DS2 I have been getting DS1, 5.5, ready for bed shortly after dinner. Now he thinks he is getting to stay up late all the time since he gets a bit of play time before bed! Definitely makes bedtime less rushed. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/parenting-routine-tweaks-that-have-helped#post-2856485 Tue, 13 Nov 2018 18:01:41 +0000 Hypatia 2856485@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@snowjewelz: When I first started, I did a lot of direction (pick up the doll, yes the doll—it’s by the couch...) and picked up with her at a slow pace to give her encouragement. I think that helped. I also talked about how her cleaning up was blessing our home and helping us all, and praised her a lot afterward (including telling her father in front of her what a good job she did). After a while, I stopped cleaning up with her because I was “busy” cleaning something else within eyesight of her. </p> <p>She hasn’t outright refused to clean up yet, so we’ll see how that goes. There have been times when I announced it was time to clean up that she said, “Well, I don’t really feel like it right now.” But after the song starts, she gets into it after a bit of dancing around. She’s still young enough that with encouragement and the upbeat song I can motivate her, which is one reason we are working on establishing habits now, since I think I’ll have less influence over her the older she gets. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/parenting-routine-tweaks-that-have-helped#post-2856377 Tue, 13 Nov 2018 12:22:27 +0000 snowjewelz 2856377@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Hypatia: Is there a consequence if she doesn't want to clean up? My almost 4 year old is very spotty with cleaning up and playing a fun song and doing a dance party/clean up sounds fun! </p> <p>@mrs.kiwi: I love this! Maybe not RIGHT after dinner but maybe just move up that time earlier to create an illusion that they get extra time to play lol!</p> <p>I do basically all the prep stuff the night before... And I also pack my "weekend mom bag" depending on what's already planned so I can just grab and go without thinking too much. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/parenting-routine-tweaks-that-have-helped#post-2856266 Mon, 12 Nov 2018 15:14:40 +0000 Becky 2856266@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Letting the kids (2.5 and 5) wear whatever they want and get dressed on their own has made a huge difference. They either sleep in them, lay them out and change first thing in the morning (5 y/o), or put them on at some random point in the morning: I just don’t get involved. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/parenting-routine-tweaks-that-have-helped#post-2856265 Mon, 12 Nov 2018 15:07:41 +0000 Hypatia 2856265@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We’ve been using the song idea for clean up time. Half an hour before bed, I announce it and my four year old excitedly tells Alexa to play A Spoonful of Sugar (it takes her four times to say it clearly enough for Alexa to recognize it, but I figure it will help her speech!). Then we play the song through twice while she picks up all the toys and books. I try not to help, aside from pointing out something she missed at the end. </p> <p>I recently began time blocking our daily routine, and it has helped tremendously. I’m a SAHM, so sometimes the day seems to fly by and we haven’t done hardly anything. I divided our day into five columns, and under each I have a list of what I would ideally like to get done in that time. Kind of like this:</p> <p>Morning<br /> 8:00 - 10:00<br /> Wake Up<br /> Gratitude<br /> Make Bed<br /> Breakfast<br /> Dishes<br /> Read Aloud<br /> Outside Time</p> <p>I may not get to everything listed in each column, but it gives me more structure and makes things seem more doable because it’s broken down into segments. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/parenting-routine-tweaks-that-have-helped#post-2856193 Mon, 12 Nov 2018 07:47:10 +0000 HappyBaker 2856193@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Love all of these ideas, thanks so much for sharing! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/parenting-routine-tweaks-that-have-helped#post-2856116 Sun, 11 Nov 2018 09:19:38 +0000 looch 2856116@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We use Sunday as a time to get a jump on home learning activities for the week. My son knows that he has to do his German activities and 30 minutes of math activities. I made it super easy for him, all he has to do is go to his math binder and there are activities in there, or he can choose a game from a box that I set aside. This way, we aren't scrambling during the week to get the full hour done. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/parenting-routine-tweaks-that-have-helped#post-2856114 Sun, 11 Nov 2018 09:05:31 +0000 snarkybiochemist 2856114@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We started using peapod and it's been such a time and sanity saver for me. My husband and I both have the app, so we can add to the order whenever we think of or notice something we need. Then the groceries get delivered and I don't have to spend an hour shopping, plus it cuts down on impulse buys. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/parenting-routine-tweaks-that-have-helped#post-2856084 Sat, 10 Nov 2018 16:13:27 +0000 mrs.kiwi 2856084@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We get the 2.5yo and 4.5yo ready for bed right after dinner (brush teeth, wash up, pjs) and let them play a little longer until bedtime. I usually try to do calm activities like puzzles or reading books and give them my full attention. Then when bedtime hits daddy reads the baby bible to them, they drink water, go potty, and lights out.</p> <p>Before we would try to get them ready right before bedtime when they’re already wiped out. We were rushing the bedtime routine we bc we wanted them down by a certain time, they would resist... it was often a rushed, stressful, and unhappy time.</p> <p>This new way we are leisurely getting them ready and they feel like they get “extra time” playing. So they go to bed happier. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/parenting-routine-tweaks-that-have-helped#post-2856057 Sat, 10 Nov 2018 10:17:48 +0000 pachamama 2856057@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I let my kid (almost 3) sleep in his clothes often. He almost always weard sweats and comfy t-shirts so really who cares😅<br /> I also pre-plan 5 outfits on Sunday for the week and put them in order on his dresser.<br /> I get ready to leave the house 30 minutes earlier than necessary bc no matter what my son dilly dallies.<br /> We started ordering food from a local farm company that delivers about 4 meals on Tuesday nights. I hardly ever cook anymore! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/parenting-routine-tweaks-that-have-helped#post-2856029 Fri, 09 Nov 2018 21:02:02 +0000 Foodnerd81 2856029@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Along the same lines as the toothbrush- I keep a hair brush, spray bottle, and spray in conditioner (curly haired girl!) in their bathroom upstairs and in the downstairs bathroom. I often forget hair elastics though. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/parenting-routine-tweaks-that-have-helped#post-2855978 Fri, 09 Nov 2018 15:42:46 +0000 JennyPenny 2855978@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@gestalt: @catgirl: We also keep toothbrush/paste downstairs. We started having them do that right after dinner time too. They have to get washed up, brush teeth and get PJs on before they can play. If they take too long, then no playtime before bed. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/parenting-routine-tweaks-that-have-helped#post-2855971 Fri, 09 Nov 2018 15:19:35 +0000 gestalt 2855971@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@catgirl: DD will be upstairs for a really long time and i'm wondering wtf is taking her so long. I go upstairs to find her reading her book in the hallway. :meh: </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/parenting-routine-tweaks-that-have-helped#post-2855970 Fri, 09 Nov 2018 15:19:14 +0000 muffinsmuffins 2855970@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Setting out 5 complete outfit ‘packets’ with pants, shirt, undies, socks, etc. for both my son and I on Sunday so I just grab the packet in the morning and don’t have to search for clothes in the morning or decide what I’m going to wear. Also pre chopping fruits and veg for school lunch on Sunday so I just have to throw some in the yumbox the night before, add the main and snacks without chopping every night. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/parenting-routine-tweaks-that-have-helped#post-2855962 Fri, 09 Nov 2018 14:41:26 +0000 catgirl 2855962@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@gestalt: Oh yes, brushing teeth! We keep a toothbrush and toothpaste for her in each bathroom - one on first floor and one on second. Right after breakfast she goes straight into the bathroom to brush teeth. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/parenting-routine-tweaks-that-have-helped#post-2855961 Fri, 09 Nov 2018 14:35:34 +0000 gestalt 2855961@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>In the morning I bring their toothbrushes/toothpaste to the downstairs powder room so they can quickly brush their teeth after breakfast. It cuts out on the dilly dallying on the way up!</p> <p>Weekly schedule wipe board right in our kitchen/back entrance that i update each week. Who is doing lunch/dinner? What events are happening? There have been no "who is doing what" questions from DH, which usually drive me nuts. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/parenting-routine-tweaks-that-have-helped#post-2855944 Fri, 09 Nov 2018 14:09:26 +0000 hitchhiker 2855944@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@catgirl: I love the idea of keeping socks near the door. I hate when I have to send them back up for socks! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/parenting-routine-tweaks-that-have-helped#post-2855942 Fri, 09 Nov 2018 14:07:08 +0000 Foodnerd81 2855942@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I started cutting up a bunch of veggies and putting them in a divided Tupperware container before dinner time. A lot of the time the kids see me cutting them up and come over and start asking for things, but since it’s carrots and peppers and cucumbers, I am happy to let them have some before dinner. I put a lid on it and can just pull out the container every night and don’t worry so much when a meal is very carb/ cheese heavy. I also buy the rainbow carrots when I can- I have only seen them organic and they cost an extra dollar, but my kids eat so many more because they like the colors. </p> <p>I need to start keeping socks by the door with the shoes. We go out through the basement to the garage so it’s two flights up to their bedrooms and for some reason neither of my kids can keep socks on for a few hours. It’s so annoying! </p> <p>I already pack lunch the night before, all of it in the lunch box, water bottle in the side, in the fridge. In the morning all I have to do is take out of the fridge and put it in the backpack. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/parenting-routine-tweaks-that-have-helped#post-2855927 Fri, 09 Nov 2018 13:10:25 +0000 lioneyes 2855927@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>-all clothes out, backpack packed, lunch and snacks ready to go the night before<br /> -shoes (and a few pairs of socks) live downstairs so we can grab before we go out<br /> -DS goes to 2 different schools (M/W/F and T/TH) so we have a visual calendar with velcro backed pictures. I set it up the night before and we walk through it while he eats breakfast so he knows what to expect from the day. It was more important last year but now it's part of the routine<br /> -Still haven't done this yet but LOVED the suggestion of a spotify "morning playlist" where each song corresponds to a task like getting dressed/cleaning up. Plan to set this up this weekend. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/parenting-routine-tweaks-that-have-helped#post-2855921 Fri, 09 Nov 2018 12:46:21 +0000 wrkbrk 2855921@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@catgirl: We do this too! A handful of socks and shoes, rain boots, etc go on a low shelf by the back door! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/parenting-routine-tweaks-that-have-helped#post-2855918 Fri, 09 Nov 2018 12:37:34 +0000 catgirl 2855918@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We started having DD, almost 4, pick out her outfit the night before. It still takes 10+ minutes some nights but it makes out the mornings so much less stressful. </p> <p>We started keeping some of her socks in our mudroom. She is always taking off socks randomly and I was tired of having to send her upstairs when trying to get out the door. Now they are right next to the door. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/parenting-routine-tweaks-that-have-helped#post-2855908 Fri, 09 Nov 2018 11:49:08 +0000 KT326 2855908@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@HappyBaker: I just started doing family style dinner with my kids, it has made such a huge difference with my 6 year old! He eats way more veggies now then when I used to prepare his plate. Granted, I still serve the almost 2 year old but he sees big brother getting food and wants whatever he has.</p> <p>The biggest thing I have changed lately is the time I get up. I try to get up an hour before the kids (around 5am) so that I can shower, get myself ready and get all the lunches packed (they are prepped the night before, just need to go in lunch boxes). It has made a huge difference with my stress level in the mornings. </p> <p>I've also been having the kids eat hot lunch more often. It's not always the best food, but on days when I have to work late it is so nice not having to worry about making lunches when I am already tired. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/parenting-routine-tweaks-that-have-helped#post-2855901 Fri, 09 Nov 2018 11:16:57 +0000 HappyBaker 2855901@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Lately I've been really into making small changes to help our family function better and with less yelling / stress / chaos. I'm really interested to hear if anyone else has small tweaks they've made that have helped their family in some way! </p> <p>Examples of what we've tried the past couple of weeks that are helping SO ridiculously much -<br /> 1 - Creating a "Getting Ready" chart/checklist for each kid (3.5 and 6) - I feel like I reached the maximum amount of lifetime sayings "put on your socks. put on your shoes. did you put on your socks yet?" as we are getting ready, so I made each kid a picture chart with checklist of what they need to do to get us out the door in the morning, and now I leave it up to THEM to manage their time and complete the tasks. This has been a total game changer for my 3.5 year old, he is SO ridiculously proud of himself when he finishes all his tasks and is getting ready super fast now! </p> <p>2 - Serving our dinners family style, so they serve themselves --- and implementing a new rule that they have to put some of everything on their plate, but they don't have to eat it. My kids are kind of picky and we have fallen into the bad habit of making them their kid food dinner while my husband and I eat something else. Now I am trying to serve things they MIGHT like with a few options they DO like and making them put some of it all on their plate. They are willingly trying so many new things!</p> <p>3 - Having them clear their plates and help put things away after dinner. I struggle with having my kids help with messy chores because they usually end up making MORE of a mess, but I'm really trying to embrace teaching them to clean up after themselves. We are starting super small - so right now we are just expecting them to bring their plate to the trash, scrape it, and put it in the sink, and then help put things away on the table. Again they are both really proud of themselves for helping, and it makes my life easier because I don't have to deal with a messy table after bedtime! </p>