ML Interest Tag: make-money

In Home Registered Nurse Visits Need to be a National Standard

By Denise Stern

My son was 17 months old when my twins were born. Like many moms of multiples, I had complications giving birth to the girls and was sent home on bedrest after a long stay in the hospital. My husband is self-employed which basically means if you don’t go, you don’t make money so paternity leave wasn’t on the table for us.  My mom was a great help, but caring for twins who eat every 2 hours (24 feeds in 24 hours!) and a young toddler was wearing on her to say the least.

Because of my long recovery time and basically feeling shit-scared most days, I sort of felt robbed of the joyful parts of bringing our babies home for the first time. I thought it was just my family that had this kind of experience.  I started Let Mommy Sleep to help new parents like us and since the first day we opened 7 years ago, our phones haven’t stopped ringing. Turns out it’s not just me. It’s a LOT of us, maybe even most of us.

For this reason, In Home Postpartum Visits by a Registered Nurse should be a national healthcare standard for US families. They’re a standard in many other countries and the benefits to families include better safety, lowered readmissions and evidence based education for new parents. Two Hour In Home Visits aren’t paid leave and they might not change things for some families. But for moms on the cusp of postpartum depression, parents who are drowning in the sea of misinformation and families who don’t have help of friends or family, the care of a nurse might be the difference between sickness and health.

Photo: Denise Stern, Let Mommy Sleep

With twin girls and a boy born 17 months apart, I'm the owner of the world's most ironically named business, Let Mommy Sleep. Let Mommy Sleep provides nurturing postpartum care to newborns and evidence based education to parents by Registered Nurses and Newborn Care Providers.  

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In-Home Postpartum Visits: A Lifeline for New Parents

By Denise Stern

My son was 17 months old when my twins were born. Like many moms of multiples, I had complications giving birth to the girls and was sent home on bedrest after a long stay in the hospital. My husband is self-employed which basically means if you don’t go, you don’t make money so paternity leave wasn’t on the table for us.  My mom was a great help, but caring for twins who eat every 2 hours (24 feeds in 24 hours!) and a young toddler was wearing on her to say the least.

Because of my long recovery time and basically feeling shit-scared most days, I sort of felt robbed of the joyful parts of bringing our babies home for the first time. I thought it was just my family that had this kind of experience.  I started Let Mommy Sleep to help new parents like us and since the first day we opened 7 years ago, our phones haven’t stopped ringing. Turns out it’s not just me. It’s a LOT of us, maybe even most of us.

For this reason, In Home Postpartum Visits by a Registered Nurse should be a national healthcare standard for US families. They’re a standard in many other countries and the benefits to families  include better safety, lowered readmissions and evidence based education for new parents.  Lactation Consultations are already covered by most plans so it makes sense that a less expensive, more comprehensive service can be available.

In Home Postpartum Visits might not be needed by everyone. But for moms on the cusp of postpartum depression, parents who are drowning in the sea of misinformation and families who don’t have help of friends or family, the care of a nurse might be the difference between sickness and health.

With twin girls and a boy born 17 months apart, I'm the owner of the world's most ironically named business, Let Mommy Sleep. Let Mommy Sleep provides nurturing postpartum care to newborns and evidence based education to parents by Registered Nurses and Newborn Care Providers.  

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Don’t Call Her “Bossy.” She’s a Leader—& She Might Be a Budding Entrepreneur

By Brian Weisfeld

Ask a little girl what they want to be when they grow up and you’ll get a variety of answers, many of them similar—fireman, dancer, doctor, singer, pilot, maybe a mommy or a police officer. You’d probably rarely hear the word entrepreneur. You might hear CEO.

Not every girl will want to grow up and start her own business. But the skills and concepts kids learn from entrepreneurship at a young age can help prepare them for whatever path they choose in the future.

If you have a young girl in your life—a daughter, niece, sibling or friend—you may see certain characteristics that may make you think, “This kid is going to be in charge someday—of something.” Entrepreneurs come in all shapes, sizes, temperaments and personalities, of course, but many have similar traits in common.

If you spot these in a young girl, they are good traits to encourage and develop.

She’s a natural leader.

Natural leaders aren’t always just telling other people what to do, and even kids who seem shy may have leadership tendencies. Leadership attributes can look different in each individual. Your daughter may have a knack at assembling a team of people and getting a group project done. She may be able to easily identify someone’s skills and match them up with the perfect task.

Maybe she’s someone who marches to the beat of her own drum or would rather blaze her own trail than follow the crowd. All of these things point to signs that she’s a natural leader.

She’s willing to take risks.

We’re not talking about being risky for the sake of being a daredevil here—the kid who climbs the tallest tree at the park or wants to ski the black diamond runs before she’s ready is not going to necessarily start her own business by 17.

But a girl who’s not averse to starting conversations with adults, speaking her mind with confidence, talking in front of a group about her passions or spending money to make money (e.g. allowance money for lemonade stand supplies) may show signs she’s willing to step out of her comfort zone when there may be a payoff. In fact, taking a risk may be a lot more attractive to her than playing it safe.

She’s doesn’t label herself.

It’s natural for people to want to categorize themselves, kind of as a way to say, “Here’s where I fit in,” “I want to help people, so I want to be a nurse,” or “I want to work with kids, so I want to be a teacher”—these are normal things you might hear a kid say when asked what they want to be when they grow up.

Natural entrepreneurs may not think that way, however—they may not be looking for a place to fit in as much as a way to stand out. If your child hems and haws when she’s asked, “What do you want to be someday?” don’t take that as a negative sign. It could be that she wants to create her own place in the world.

She’s self-motivated and driven.

Maybe you rarely have to ask about homework because she often has it done before you even get the chance. Or maybe she took it upon herself to start learning a second language or some other skill simply because she’s interested, not because she has to.

Is her list of extracurricular activities longer than either you or she has time for? Natural-born entrepreneurs are often driven to go beyond the status quo and have ambition to accomplish and do more than what’s expected.

She problem-solves.

The Warren sisters—Lilly, Chloe and Sophie—started their company, Sweet Bee Sisters, when they realized that their parents’ beehives were not going to produce enough honey to sell, only enough for their family and maybe a few friends. Then they noticed the beeswax. Could that be worth something? They did some research, started producing lip balm, and have since expanded their product line to include lotions and sugar scrubs.

This is a perfect example of problem solving: Honey wasn’t going to make them much money, but another byproduct of the bees certainly could. If you know a young girl who thinks less in terms of “we have a problem” but more with the mindset, “let’s find a solution,” she may be born to be a business owner.

This isn’t an exhaustive list. And we’re not saying if your daughter doesn’t have these traits, she won’t be an entrepreneur. These are simply traits that might suggest you have a budding future business owner on your hands.

Nurture them. Encourage her. And let her know that, above all, she’s capable.

Sometimes that’s all a girl needs to hear to get the wheels in her head spinning with possibilities.

This post originally appeared on The Startup Squad.

I've always built businesses, from a childhood gummy bear business to adult gigs at IMAX and Coupons.com. I founded The Startup Squad to help girls reach their potential and my book series, The Startup Squad, is published by Macmillan. I live in Silicon Valley with my wife and two daughters.

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How to Teach Your Kids Valuable Financial Lessons at Every Age

By Allison Kade

Kids have lots of questions about the world around them—especially as they bear witness to a pandemic and a historical economic downturn. It’s hard enough to juggle working from home while managing snack time and overseeing Zoom classes, but this unexpected together time can be a good opportunity to teach kids important life lessons. Maybe even some lessons we wish we learned earlier in life, ourselves.

Here’s how to make sure you’re financially stable and teach your kids money lessons, from year one to 10.

The First Year: Think Long Term

When your child is born, your attention is probably absorbed by swaddles and sleep timers, and stroller attachments. But now’s actually a great time to apply for term life insurance, if you haven’t already, and to start thinking about a college savings plan. Taking care of these things now means you can feel more secure sooner—and get back to cuddling that little mushball.

1-Year-Olds: Look for Reward Points 

At one year, babies expand their nutritional requirements. If you’re looking to further optimize your grocery budget, consider looking into credit cards with reward points at the grocery store you shop at. Even small amounts can add up over time.

2-Year-Olds: Have the Money Talk & Have It Regularly

It’s important to stay on the same page with your partner when it comes to your family’s finances. And with the kids always around these days, it’s a good opportunity to explain that you and your spouse talk regularly about your finances, your values, and what’s most important for your family.

3-Year-Olds: Create (or Update) Your Will

The first few years of your child’s life have been busy. We get it. But a last will and testament gives you the chance to state who should look after your kids if something were to happen to you. With Fabric, you can create a will online or via the app in minutes, learn how to make it legally binding and share it with your partner.

4-Year-Olds: Start Thinking about Allowance

The right amount varies by family, but a ballpark might be $1 per age (meaning $4 for a 4-year-old) each week. The goal of allowance at this stage is just to get your child used to basic concepts around how money works, understanding the importance of saving—and delayed gratification.

5-Year-Olds: Explain ‘Wants’ vs. ‘Needs’

While you’re online shopping, especially during the upcoming holiday season, pause to discuss whether purchases are wants or needs. Explain why you’ve decided to buy certain items. It’s also a good idea to make it clear that your child’s allowance should go toward purchasing “wants,” while you’ll still cover the family’s “needs.”

6-Year-Olds: Make Money More Visible

To help jumpstart your kids’ financial literacy, next time you take your credit card out or start to pay bills online, pause. Call your child over to explain what you’re doing and how it affects your family’s finances.

7-Year-Olds: Share Household Responsibilities

Your 7-year-old is capable of completing some household chores. Assigning little tasks will lighten your load, prepare them to be a responsible adult and teach them that life requires hard work.

8-Year-Olds: Talk about the Cost of Extracurriculars

At 8, children often begin to exhibit unique interests and talents. Start teaching your child to think critically about spending by explaining how you’ll be budgeting, comparison shopping and weighing cost-benefit trade-offs for those fun activities.

9-Year-Olds: Discuss Equality

By 9, kids are noticing the differences between how people live. Use your child’s observations as an opportunity to discuss money, especially given the uneven impact of this recession. Consider finding a charitable cause for your family to donate money and/or time to, demonstrating that while inequality is unfair, we can do our part to combat it.

10-Year-Olds: Check-in on Your Rainy Day Fund

As of late 2019, almost 40% of US adults would not be able to cover an unexpected expense of $400 without taking on debt. Take the opportunity to ensure you have enough liquid savings to cover at least three to six months of expenses; if you don’t, set a goal to get there. Without scaring your child, explain that even in the best of times it’s important to have a rainy day fund in case of a financial emergency like job loss or a health crisis like Coronavirus.

Allison Kade is Fabric’s Millennial Money Expert. She has written about parenting, money, travel, careers, and time management, for publications like Bloomberg, Forbes, The Today Show, Business Insider, The Huffington Post, and more. She is also a Pushcart Prize-nominated fiction writer. Follow her on Twitter @amkade.

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13 Creative Tooth Fairy Ideas for Parents

by Allison Sutcliffe

There are so many pressing questions for parents to answer when it comes to the tooth fairy and tradition. How much does she leave? What does the tooth fairy do with the teeth? Does she have a day job? We’ll leave the answers up to you, but if you’re looking for ways to add magic to this memorable moment in your kid’s life, we’ve got you covered. Keep reading to find your inspiration.

Shop in Fairyland

Hold the Magic

The Tooth Fairy is always looking for ways to make things more magical. Hold The Magic is all about inspiring magic and stories (no money required), with adorable tiny gifts that are Tooth Fairy approved. Each gift includes supplies for three Tooth Fairy visits and a gold bag that holds a miniature treasure, a tiny Tooth Fairy letter in a sparkly envelope and Fairy Dust.

Cost: $29.95 per kit

Online: holdthemagic.com

Leave a special token

StudioTwelve28Shop on Etsy

A keepsake leave behind makes your sidekick’s encounter with the tooth fairy even more magical. In addition to the traditional cash stash she leaves, drop the tooth fairy’s own pressed penny coin as a extra treat. Parents can choose from two different finishes, and a hole punch location if you want to turn this keepsake into a wearable memory. Cost: $4.00 Find it on Etsy

Open the door to imagination

HelloLittleCloud's Etsy shop

Fairy doors are all the rage, so why not install one for the Tooth Fairy to use? Hello Little Cloud’s fairy door has everything you need to create a magical experience for your sidekick. The included ladder, wand, fairy dust and key make it easy for your kiddo to prep for the tooth fairy’s arrival. And the poster strips that won’t damage your walls are just for you.

Cost: $30

Find it on Etsy

Leave behind cute clues

15Monkeys' Etsy shop

Your winter elf leaves messes. And your family’s leprechaun drops gold coins in the trap. So it only figures the tooth fairy would leave behind some trace too. We love these shimmery little footprints you can stick just about anywhere, if you’re looking to up your tooth fairy game. They come 10 to a pack.

Cost: $3.50

Find it on Etsy

Make money magic

tenkidsandadog blog

Peter Pan fans know it takes a pinch of fairy dust to fly. Leave some behind on a dollar bill to really make your kid’s eyes light up. Find out how to turn make believe into reality at tenkidsandadog. We guarantee your kiddo won’t easily part with this special keepsake.

Hang it up

Pinsandseams Etsy shop

Help your Little know where the tooth fairy can find him with this hand-sewn door hanger designed by Pins and Seams. Each one has a little pouch, which means mom or dad doesn’t have to sneak in to find a pillow in the dark. And it doubles as an extra incentive for your kiddo to get up and at ‘em in the morning.

 Cost: $12.50

Find it on Etsy

 

Make a wish

Coastalloveuk's Etsy shop

If your kids are anything like ours, they’re firm believers in the give/get exchange rate. So if they leave a tooth, they’ll expect something in return. When they wake up to find this fairy wand bracelet with a simple poem composed by the tooth fairy, they’ll know they’ve gotten the big end of the stick. Parents can go with the gold wand pictured, or customize their kid’s card by adding a name and charm of their choice.

Cost: $2.86

Find it on Etsy

Fold in special touches

Bypass the long raging debate about just how much parents should leave under the pillow, and focus on the presentation instead. A carefully crafted origami design tucked under a pillow is always more magical than a dollar bill stuffed into a pillow, no matter what the occasion. Try your hand at folding a heart, butterfly or how about a crane to leave in exchange for one clean, pearly white tooth.

Make her mark

Talktothesun's Etsy shop

Imagine waking up after losing your first tooth to find your tooth gone, a little something special left under your pillow and—look!—a stamp that magically appeared on your hand. If she wasn’t convinced before, she will be when she wakes up to find the tooth fairy’s signature stamp that appeared magically overnight. Thanks goodness for sound sleepers!

Cost: $12

Find it on Etsy

Make it official

TheGlassLocket's Etsy shop

If proof is what your little skeptic is looking for, make like a cashier and leave a receipt for him to find. Parents fill in the important details on this official looking document that includes a sweet reminder to brush, before silently slipping one under the pillow. Our favorite part? They can help you fill in those blank baby book dates when you finally get around to it.

Cost: $2.99 for a set of 10

Find it on Etsy

A noteworthy option

FairyTwigs' Etsy shop

When your kid wakes up and finds a special pint sized note the tooth fairy left behind just for him, he’ll flip. And with this pack of 20 personalized letters it’s easy for you to make his day, even if you’re short on time. Need letters for more than one kiddo? No problem, there’s more than one series to choose from at this shop, which means they’ll be none the wiser.

Cost: $6

Find it on Etsy

Go big from the start

FromLucyGifts' Etsy shop

When that first tooth starts to wiggle, add this adorable kit to your Etsy cart. It includes tooth-themed trinkets and baubles for your kid to play with, as well as a jar of fairy dust, the tooth fairy rules and a simple note from the night visitor herself. It all comes in a drawstring bag so you can keep everything together. And parents can personalize the kit.

Cost: $10.78

Find it on Etsy

Give it glitz

Mooreminutes.com

Follow the lead of mom-blogger, Lisa Moore of Moore Minutes who suggests leaving gold coins, and some fairy dust to match, under your kiddo’s pillow. Call your bank ahead of time to find the golden Sacajawea or Presidential dollar coins and then stock up. Sure, they’re legal tender, but your gap-grinned kiddo may prefer to hold on to these special fairy coins.

 

—Allison Sutcliffe

 

RELATED STORIES

6 Things Every Parent Should Know About the Tooth Fairy

The Whole Tooth: An Interview with the Tooth Fairy

18 Reasons the Tooth Fairy Was a No-Show

 

 

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5 No-Fail Ideas to Help Create a Strong Relationship (Even during a Pandemic)

By Erin Wiley

As a couples’ therapist and practice owner, I’ve noticed a dramatic upswing in calls from couples requesting therapy. The stresses due to the pandemic and the economy are causing so much angst and uncertainty. Add in children and you compound the difficulties of social isolation and insecurity during COVID-19 and in 2020.

At my private practice in Toledo, Ohio the phone has been ringing off the hook from couples everywhere are on the edge and struggling due to the side effects of COVID-19. Couples are being weighed down by the amount of time they are now spending together with their significant other in close quarters, uncertainty about the future, parenting challenges, financial worries, and fear of getting sick.  

As a parent, being alone at home with, very likely, only the company of children and a significant other right now may feel overwhelming, exhausting, depressing, or lonely. Reaching out to our significant other for comfort and support is a logical choice, but with the emotional strain of the global pandemic, our partners are likely struggling too. This recent increase in stress can lead to more frequent disagreements, disappointments, conflict, and arguments. To assist partners to deepen their connection with their spouse or significant other, and even thrive, during this time, I am recommending five no-fail ideas to help create a strong relationship foundation.

1. Move Your Bodies Together: Time spent together working in the yard, or simply taking a walk together will help you connect. Not only are you carving out intentional time for each other, but you are also raising endorphins together while building emotional intimacy through conversation. It doesn’t have to be intense discussion—simply exchanging thoughts and stories is enough. So, get those sneakers on and get moving, and holding hands never hurt anyone either.

2. Step Away from the Remote and Shut off the Electronics: The glowing screens of televisions, phones, tablets, and video games can be real relationship killers. The number of couples I see in therapy who mention their partner’s obsession with social media, online gambling, adult videos, or gaming apps is higher than ever. Take responsibility if you are one of the guilty ones. These activities are fun and highly addictive. They are created that way so advertisers can make money from the people who are addicted. Try being counter-cultural and carve out screen-free time in your home. Pick times of the day, or days of the week where you commit to being electronics-free. Make plans to go to a farmer’s market, cook dinner from a new recipe, visit a local park, work together on a home improvement project: anything but stare mindlessly at a screen while ignoring each other.

3) Spend Time Talking and Learn More about Each Other:As a couples’ counselor who, myself, has been with the same man for 27 years, I am continually amazed that I learn new things about his life before me. There are so many stories to share: from our childhoods, our years in high school, our families of origin, our hometowns, and more. Ask questions beyond “What should we have for dinner tonight?” to try and draw more from your conversation time together. “What’s your happiest holiday story?” , “What’s your most vivid memory from third grade?” , “Which was your favorite grandparent?”, “What got you in the most trouble as a kid?” Continuing to get to know your partner, even after decades together, will continue to strengthen the bond you share. 

4. Allow Space for Emotions and Process Feelings Together: Whether you or your partner is the one feeling frustrated, sad, hopeless, angry, or irritated with all the changes thrown our way because of the pandemic, go with it. It’s important to feel and process our emotions, otherwise, we get caught in an unhealthy pattern of stuffing our feelings down and numbing them with food, alcohol, shopping, and other maladaptive coping skills. There is great significance in discussing with your partner how you feel, and what you think is at the root of those emotions. Allow space for your partner to do the same with you. Take an attitude of curiosity: don’t seek to fix the problem or rescue your partner from their emotion. Simply ask questions and give them space to share their thoughts. This builds trust, connection, and ultimately greater closeness. 

5. Be There for Each Other by Offering Practical Support: So many people in therapy report feeling lonely right now. Even in a partnership, while quarantined in the same house, we can feel isolated and alone. Take the time to check in with your spouse or significant other by specifically asking “How can I support you today? How can I be a good friend for you right now? Is there something you could use my help with?” Showing you care by offering yourself as a helper to your partner can create greater trust and commitment for couples. Letting your person know that you have their best interest at heart is a sure-fire way to increase positive, loving feelings between the two of you. A great friendship is at the core of every epic love story. Strengthening the friendship we have with our partner by helping them with a chore, holding them when they are sad, listening when they want to talk, or watching a funny movie when they need to laugh are small ways we can deepen our friendship with the people we love.

A romance that survives the stress brought on by a global pandemic is good, but a romance that thrives despite the stressors of this time is even better. Choosing to make time to connect with our partner is an intentional decision. With the stressors of modern life, putting time and effort into our most important relationship is something that we need to constantly prioritize. Make a commitment to follow these simple tips so that you can not only make this time of social isolation bearable but maybe even a time that the two of you look back on warmly as you remember the ways in which you intentionally grew closer together.

Erin Wiley, MA, LPC, LPCC, is a clinical psychotherapist and the Executive Director of The Willow Center, a counseling practice in Toledo, Ohio. The clinical focus of her therapy work is marriage, family, parenting, and relationships. She has extensive training in marriage counseling from the Gottman Institute. 

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I’d Rather Work than Stay at Home with My Kids

By Jamie Johnson

Disclaimer: I really don’t like to start my posts with a disclaimer but I want to get this one out of the way. I love my children so much. They are the loves of my life, along with my husband and Netflix. But they do have the innate ability to annoy me at times. Yes, I am lucky and blessed to be a mom. But that doesn’t mean I’m not allowed to want to do something for me. In this case, that is working outside of the home.

Now that we have that out of the way, I will say it loud and proud. I would rather work full time than stay at home with my children.

Sometimes, when Sunday afternoon rolls around, I wonder how much longer I can take the incessant screaming of my one and four-year-old before they head back to school and the babysitter’s house.

I just heard gasps from all across America. But I promise I am not a monster. This makes me no less of a Mama to my two sweet boys. I just enjoy working—and I don’t enjoy hearing them scream.

This is not selfish, it is something that makes me a better person. And if I want to raise kind, caring, loving, wonderful humans, I need to be the best human I can be. And working makes me a better human.

Work is something I have always enjoyed and taken a lot of pride in. And if I didn’t work, I think I would feel there was something missing in my life.

Stay-at-home moms do not get enough credit. The fact that they don’t lose it is a miracle to me. I can get the kids ready for school and the sitter, drop them off, and go sit in my office with a cup of coffee and enjoy some time away from those grubby little fingers.

Stay-at-home moms are left with the tiny little minions, the housekeeping, cooking, and laundry.

I. WOULD. LOSE. MY. MIND.

I have written so many posts about mom guilt. And I used to feel guilty about working as a mom. I knew that I was missing out on some of my children’s lives, but let’s be honest, I still spend a very large amount of time with them.

We see each other every single morning and every night. We spend our weekends and vacations together.

Yes, I might have missed out on Henry crawling the first time, but I got to see him crawl the second time and the 3,764 times after that.

You know what else I missed out on? About 4,000 poopy diapers, 945 tantrums and that one time he had a blowout that dripped onto the carpet at the babysitter’s house. Thanks Ms. Becky. You’re the real MVP here.

So here is the deal. I LIKE to work. I LIKE my job. I LIKE to work on projects and accomplish tasks I thought I couldn’t do.

And here’s the kicker…

I LOVE TO HAVE A JOB SO I CAN MAKE MONEY!

WHAT?? Did she really just say she likes to work to make money??

I said it! I like having more money so that our family can live a better life. And that is nothing to be ashamed of or feel guilty about.

I like knowing that we are financially secure.

I like to know that if my car gets a flat tire, I can go get a new one because I work my butt off.

I like knowing that if I want to buy a new pair of shoes, I can because I work my butt off.

I like knowing that if my kid really wants a new toy and he deserves it, I can get it for him because I work my butt off.

I like knowing that we can afford to do fun things as a family because both my husband and I work our butts off.

Why, as women, do we feel so guilty talking about money? If you work your butt off, you deserve to be compensated for it!

Disclaimer: Stay at home moms should be paid because you couldn’t pay me enough to do their job.

So if you love working outside the home and don’t feel guilty sending your kids to the babysitter, join the club! I might be the only other person in the world that will admit it, but at least you have me!

So reach out, and let me know if you feel the same way because I am done feeling guilty for working outside the home and admitting that I like to make money. DONE!

And that, my friends, is my honest truth.

Until next time,

Jamie

This post originally appeared on Hashtag MomFail.

I am a full time working mom with two little boys, Henry and Simon. I write about real life and real life gets messy. Contributor for Motherly, HuffPost Parents, Scary Mommy, Today Parents, Love What Matters and Her View From Home. 

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8 Unconventional Ways to Thank Teachers

By Jennifer Landis

One of the most important things a parent can do is make sure that their child is taken care of by the best people whenever they’re away from home. Of course, that means you’ve done your research to find which school in your area was the best for your kid and if they had great teachers.

Teachers have a huge impact on the kids they see every day and they deserve to be thanked for all the hard work they do. Here are some easy and unconventional ways you can give back to teachers this school year.

1. Make a Classroom Kit: Teachers face many roadblocks on their journey to educate children, and one of the biggest ones is a lack of school funding. This means they end up buying their own classroom supplies most of the time because the school itself doesn’t have the money for it. You may have already donated supplies like tissue boxes and hand sanitizer, but you can put together a classroom kit with other things that no one ever thinks to give. Printer paper, pens, lots of tape, glue, and big erasers are always good for teachers to have on hand. The printer paper is especially thoughtful since printing is so limited due to budget cuts.

2. Sweeten Their Mornings: Is your child’s teacher known for always having a hot drink in their hand in the morning? You can sweeten the deal by putting their favorite coffee or tea blends in a gift bag, along with a little something extra. No teacher should lose out on a good cup of coffee because they’re so busy teaching that their drink cools. Give them a mug heater that will keep their drink at the perfect temperature. They can plug it in and get right back to hot coffee in between lessons. Want to be even more unconventional? Get one for every teacher on your child’s hallway, so they can all enjoy their morning drinks when they get the chance.

3. Volunteer for Field Trips: Teachers do so much for their students, but they can’t do everything on their own. Giving back to your teacher may come in the form of volunteering for field trips. Many parents often can’t volunteer because they’re working full-time jobs. If you’re a stay at home parent or have PTO to use, consider helping out on a field trip to make the experience easier on your kid’s teacher.

4. Play the Lottery: You may have never thought about this before, but playing the lottery actually gives back to all teachers in your state. Just be careful that you buy from an educational lottery and not a regular one. Educational lotteries were created to help fund grade schools in each state, so you can trust that the money you put towards a lottery ticket will go back into funding your child’s school. You can find out more by reading about how they give back, which every educational lottery should post online. See how much they’ve donated and what that money has been used for in the school system. Then you can have fun purchasing a lottery ticket for yourself or even to hand out to friends as gifts. Even if you don’t win anything, your money still goes towards a good cause.

5. Send Thank You Notes: Most of the sacrifices teachers make are never seen. They might stay up late making lesson plans or go for years without a pay raise, all because they love what they do. You can make their day all year long by sending a thank you note whenever you see them go the extra mile. Send one after a parent teacher conference or an event they put together for the kids. Even if there isn’t a big event that happens, send them a thank you note anyway. It’ll make their day to know that their hard work is recognized and valued.

6. Start a Fundraiser: You may not have much money to give to the school on your own, but a group of parents can make a big difference. Partner with a big brand to start a fundraiser for your child’s school. That helps all the teachers out and makes the entire school a better place for kids to learn. Brands will often partner with fundraisers because they get a small profit off of it. As you sell their products, they make money and then donate a portion of that money to the school assigned to benefit from the fundraiser. Make a phone call or send an email to find out how you can make this happen to give back to every teacher who makes your child’s school such a great learning environment.

7. Advocate For Them: Maybe the best way you could give back to teachers is by getting involved in the politics that keep them from earning what they deserve. Advocate for them since they’re working overtime and often can’t do it for themselves. Contact your local legislature and talk with representatives about what’s being done for teachers in upcoming potential bills. Connect with people online who are part of groups that fight for teachers’ rights and attend their rallies. When enough people raise their voices, change happens. Traditional gifts are nice at the moment, but lasting change is the real thank you that teachers deserve.

8. Throw a Surprise Party: Teachers sometimes host birthday parties for the kids in their classroom if the parents want to have one at school, so why not have one for your child’s teacher instead? Get the parents of your child’s class together and have everyone pitch in. Ask the school’s principal if it’s okay to have a party on school grounds and then get creative. Bring food, drinks, and gifts and have them set up outside the school or in the cafeteria. Your child’s teacher will be shocked to see everyone celebrating them, and the kids will love an excuse to eat pizza and other fun food.

Put Yourself in the Teacher’s Shoes: If you can’t think of a way to give back to the teacher in your child’s life, put yourself in their shoes. What would you want most? More classroom supplies, extra help from parents or the knowledge that parents support you outside the classroom?

Whatever you decide to do will be thoughtful, so make the effort to put something and thank your child’s teacher this school year.

Jennifer Landis is a mom, wife, freelance writer, and blogger. She enjoys long naps on the couch, sneaking spoonfuls of peanut butter when her kid's not looking, and binge watching Doctor Who while her kid's asleep.  She really does like her kid, though, she promises. Find her on Twitter @JenniferELandis.

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Want to Be More Organized? Follow These 7 Rules

By Nessa Kirkland

Being a parent is hard. Working a full-time job is hard. Starting an online business….also hard. Now add all three together……majorly hard!

But…..you can do it!

I want to share my story. A little bit about me: I’m a young momma to three teenagers. I was pregnant with my first son at 17 years old and managed to do what it took to graduate from high school. Life has never been easy. There is always an obstacle to overcome. I’m sure you know what I mean. This is what makes us tough and defines who we are as people. This is how we can juggle everyday stress and still manage to wake up the next day and do it all over again.

If you are anything like me, you want the best for your kids. You want your children to have more than you ever had in your childhood. This is one HUGE reason I decided to start my online business. I am now a blogger and freelance writer. I’m working my butt off so I can quit my full-time job and work tart-time online. I’m going to share with you, how to FIND TIME to start up an online business so that you can QUIT your full-time job (or bring in extra income as a stay-at-home parent)

FIND YOUR REASON

You may be thinking, “why is that important?” Well, you see, finding your reason “why” keeps your focus, motivated, and has a purpose.

These things are so important because when you are missing your “reason why” you are doing all this, outside factors and hard times will come, without a reason the chances of you giving up are very high.

For me, my top reason why is to quit my full-time job and be home when my kids get home from school. It’s also to show my own kids what is possible and that there are other choices besides going to college and working a corporate job if they choose so.

  • Freedom
  • Make the world a better place
  • To travel full-time
  • To educate others
  • Tell your story
  • Be home with your family
  • Quit your job
  • Make money
  • Help others

The list goes on! Everyone is different and your reason why may not even fall under any on these, but you get the point.

First, find your reason so when times get tough, you know why you are doing this and why you must continue and NEVER GIVE UP!

Time Management

Mamma and dadda, this is huge for us!

When the heck do you find time to sit down, write, research and all that other business stuff when you are either stuck at your job, running the kids to football practice and then you have the house to clean, cook dinner then by that time your exhausted and It’s about bedtime.

Yeah, I know how that is. This is where Time Management will need to come into play. The good news is, you can still work a full-time job, juggle a few kiddos, workout, walk the dog, clean your house, cook dinner and still have time for your home business!

I know this because I’m doing it myself!

The key is to manage the time you do have very efficient and prioritize your day’s event. There will be some give and loss so it’s important to remember the reason you are doing this.

Take-a-look at these strategies for managing your time:

#1 Write out your day

Make a list and jot down everything you want to get done. After you have made your list, go through it and organize your list from highest priority to lowest.

Check out these 9 Tips For The Busy Entrepreneur 

#2 Set specific goals

Use the SMART goal strategy.

#3 Set time blocks

This is where you will turn off all distractions and work the whole entire time block!

In my blog post, I talk about using CRUSH HOUR. This is where you work for a solid hour without any distractions and utilizing your best time of day to do it. It’s amazing how much work you get done this way!

#4 Use a work-flow calendar

My favorite is Trello! A free workflow calendar where you add drag and drop cards to add lists and categories.

#5 Stop wasting time

Do you find yourself streaming through Facebook, Youtube, etc. Or watching a few too many Netflix shows? Be sure to use your time wisely and not let these things take over.

#6 Learn to say No

You can’t please everyone all the time.

#7 Stop multitasking

Whatever you are doing, pour yourself into it.

I found it very helpful to stick to one main goal at a time.

I was never really big on watching TV or movies, but if I’m just sitting on the couch drinking coffee or just relaxing then I make sure I have my laptop right there.

Blogging is also something I absolutely love doing! So, even tho there is a loss in other things, there’s also a huge gain and I feel so accomplished the way my time is spent.

If I had to choose one thing from the list above, I would defiantly choose to Write Out Your Day, this is basically most of the list combined into one!

By writing out your day, you are eliminating distractions, not multi-tasking, deciding when you will be on social media, watching movies etc…

It’s important to make quality time with your kids and family. With my kids, if the weather is ok’ish, we will go for a hike or even just a walk. I like to schedule a time for us to do board games, my favorite!

I also know when the best time is to stay focused and use the most of it! For me, it’s waking up at 6:30 am starting the coffee and taking the dogs out, then I work on my blog stuff for about an hour before I go to work.

Find what works best for you. Comment on this post what you can do to manage your time wisely.

Getting Organized

One thing you will learn quickly when you have your own business is, you must get organized, and the earlier the better!

It’s amazing how much being organized saves you time.

I started organizing everything in my business early on, and I’m thankful I did because, without organization in your business, you are essentially just wasting time trying to figure out where stuff is located (both on your laptop and papers!)

When you are a mamma and working full-time like myself, you need everything to be as simple and stress-free as possible.

Here are some of my super doper helpful organizing tips!

Straighten up your home office

Do this with files, folders, and labeling everything. I have two big binders that I keep for my small business.

One is for all the notes I take and the other one is personal to my business. I keep all my password hints, emails, affiliates, accounts info all in there. You could also do this in an excel file too.

SELF-DISCIPLINE

Let’s just save the best for last! Self-discipline is a valuable skill we need to practice in order to become consistent and successful.

The secret to self-discipline is mastering your mind.  Okay, when you think of self-discipline, professional athletes may come to mind.

Why is self-discipline so important?

  • Keeps us motivated
  • Clear-headed
  • Focused on our objective

Self-discipline is about changing our old habits and creating new habits that will benefit us.

Start with these 6 strategies to help yourself become more self-disciplined.

  1. List your weaknesses
  2. Start slow and work up
  3. Create healthy habits
  4. Use rewards for small goals
  5. Check your standards
  6. Avoid your weaknesses by eliminating the temptation
  7. Use moderation

Conclusion

I hope this post helped you realize that if you want to change your situation and work from home, you can do it!

Consider applying some of these tips and share with us some tips you find helpful!

 

Hi, I'm Nessa, mom to three teens, wifey, and dog mom! My passion is helping others start an online business with a blog. When I'm not working my ft job,  playing games with my kids or hiking with the fam, you will find me indulging in my freelance writing and blogging!

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