Anyone can pull off these hairstyles for moms

Let’s be honest, when is the last time you gave your hair the attention it deserves? In honor of a well-deserved mom’s night out, we’ve got cute and easy hairstyles that put the mom bun to shame, and if you invest a few extra minutes in one of these hairstyles for moms you won’t be sorry. From pretty ponies to beautiful braids, these easy hair do’s will get you up and at ’em to take on the day. Looking for kid’s styles? Check this out.

Half-Up Braid Rosette

half up bun is an easy hairstyle
Lynzy & Co

Sure, you've mastered the half-up ponytails, but why not add a twist? This simple style from Lynzy & Co. takes a basic braid and twists it into a bun for a style that is equal parts casual and dressy.

Pineapple Updo

a pineapple updo is an easy hairstyle for curly hair
SimplyBiancaAlexa

A fun, but easy hairstyle to keep your curly or natural hair up and out of the way is a pineapple updo like the one shown in this easy-to-follow YouTube tutorial from Bianca Alexa. All you need is a little moisturizer and a scrunchie, and you’ll have a perfect updo in minutes.

Easy Boho Braid

side braid is an easy hairstyle for moms
Lauren McBride

Great for day two hair, this easy boho braid from Lauren McBride is great for keeping hair out of your face. Great for curly, straight, thick, or thin hair, this French braid style starts at the crown of your head and hangs down the style in a super chic style.

Side Swept Updo

a swept-up bun is an easy mom hairstyle
What's Up Moms

Bypass the mom bun entirely with this lookalike style that packs a bigger punch! This look is created by doing a half pony, then using the remaining hair to sweep around the back. Finish off this look from What's Up Moms by adding an adorable scarf! This look is an easy transition from summer to fall. 

Related: Mom Buns That Are Actually Stylish

Topsy Turvy Braid

Missy Sue via YouTube

We all love a good braid but not everyone has the skills or time to make one happy on a busy morning. We love this topsy-turvy braid from Missy Sue even more because it pairs perfectly with a hat! Whether you're prepping for a weekend getaway or rocking the school morning, this easy "braid" adds style in a cinch.

Simple Sleek Ponytail

a sleek ponytail is a great hairstyle for moms
Alex Gaboury

Ponytails are some of the easiest styles to pull off, but why not turn your everyday 'do into something more stylish? It's as simple as making a low pony, then using a section of your hair to wrap around your ponytail to create this sleek look that couldn't be simpler. Have curly hair? No problem! This style looks equally fab when it's a little messy, too. To see how it's done in person, check out the full tutorial from Alex Gaboury.

Two-Minute Rope Braid

rope braid hairstyle for moms
The Freckled Fox

This side rope braid is pulled together in two minutes and is great for thick, long hair. While the end result is simply stunning, the steps to achieving this look is really quite simple. Emily from The Freckled Fox shows us how it's done in her YouTube tutorial. 

Twisted Low Pony

a twisted low pony is an easy hairstyle
Bebexo

When you're tired of your regular ponytail, there's no shame in dressing it up. This one-minute version looks classy and put together, without taking up precious moments of your hectic morning. Sectioned hair is pulled into a ponytail, then the sides are twisted and wrapped around to give a twisted look that's more than fit for school drop-offs (or Zoom calls). See how easy it is by watching this tutorial by Bebexo.

A Headband with Style

A Beautiful Mess

Headbands are a go-to on those just-can’t-get-it-together mom mornings, but that doesn’t mean you can’t dress that look up a bit for a cute, compliment-worthy look. We love these easy headband hairstyle ideas from A Beautiful Mess that let you just get up and go without resorting to a baseball cap to hide your hair at school drop-off. All you need is a few bobby pins and a colorful wire headband or just a rolled-up scarf

 

Related: Bad Hair Days Be Gone! Hair Accessories We’ve Been Loving Lately

No Fuss Curls

SoCal Curls

Date nights and summer concerts are all about flowing tresses, but who has time for curlers or a curling iron to get those coveted beachy waves? Opt for a heatless curling rod headband, which gives you that look overnight. A total win for busy moms.

The Halo

Modeled by CurlGilrMomo, this easy hairstyle for natural hair looks like it takes serious effort, but it can, in fact, be done in just a few minutes. Besides giving your hair a beautiful updo, this look is a protective style, perfect for keeping your natural hair safe and healthy while it grows. Check out this fast and easy-to-follow video tutorial on YouTube to see how to get this effortless look.

Half Up

This tried-and-true style is probably one you’ve rocked before, but there are several easy ways you can jazz up the basic half-up hairdo, and make it a little more sophisticated. Something as simple as looping your hair a few times after pulling it back or using a unique clip to hold it in place can take this look to another level. For more half-up hairdos, check out our favorite easy looks here.

Twisted Ponytail

easy mom hairstyles
Shahrzad Warkentin

Ponytails are always an easy hair solution when you want to sweep your locks away from grabby baby hands. You can make this staple updo a lot more interesting by adding a twist. All you need are a few bobby pins. Simply pull your hair back into a high or low ponytail. Then separate a small section of your hair and wrap it around your hair tie. Secure the ends in place with a bobby pin or two.

Low Side Bun

This is an easy hairstyle that’s meant to look a little messy, so you don’t have to spend a lot of time perfecting those wayward strands if you have hair that’s hard to tame. Create a side part, and gather all your hair to the side in a low ponytail. Wrap your hair tie around and twist it while twisting your hair at the same time, and loop the band around one more time to create a loose messy bun. Use bobby pins to tuck in loose ends and give the bun more shape.

High Pony

a high ponytail is an easy hairstyle that isn't a mom bun
Erik Mclean via Unsplash

A high ponytail is an easy hairstyle that doesn't take much time at all and can be a lot of fun for moms. 

If you buy something from the links in this article, we may earn affiliate commission or compensation.


We’re hopping down the bunny trail and straight to boys Easter outfits

Easter dresses are undeniably darling, but for all the boy moms out there, truth be told, it can be easier to find the golden egg than to find appropriate duds for your dapper little dudes. Of course, we all know that there’s not really any such thing as boys clothes and girls clothes. But if your kiddo isn’t a dress-wearer, it really can be tricky to find Easter-ready looks. Dresses do take center stage this time of year, and while we absolutely love them, we want to make sure the No Dresses Crew gets to look and feel just as great. There’s really no shortage of boys Easter outfits if you know where to look. Lucky for you, you’re looking here, and we’ve got you covered!

Whether you and your family is dressing to the nines on Easter Sunday or keeping it casual for the egg hunt and brunch, there’s something for every kiddo in our list. Some of our favorite retailers are rocking this whole boys Easter outfit thing this year, so we put them all right here in one place for easy shopping! It’s never too early to get hoppin’ when it comes to holiday outfit hunting. So put down those jelly beans (just for a minute, we promise) and check out our (non-dress) Easter outfit picks!

Authentic Blazer

Boden

Even at this age, throwing a blazer on over a cute shorts outfit is the easiest way to amp up their look! This adorable one from Boden is machine-washable (we think that's icing on the cake).

Authentic Blazer ($79.00)—Buy Now!

Red Striped Seersucker Chino Shorts ($44.00)—Buy Now!

 

Colorblock Oxford Shirt

Rockets of Awesome

Pair this handsome shirt with white shorts, khaki chinos, or their fave jeans and you can't go wrong!

Colorblock Oxford Shirt ($35.00)—Buy Now!

Nautica 4-pc Oxford Floral Vest Set

Macy's/Nautica

A pastel floral-print shirt with a plaid bow tie and paired with a button vest and pull-on style pants!

Nautica 4-pc Oxford Floral Vest Set ($64.50)—Buy Now!

Easter Plaid Poplin Shirt

GAP

This one has all the colors of the season and would look great with the blazer from Boden!

Easter Plaid Poplin Shirt ($34.95)—Buy Now!

Rustic Stripe Shirt + Shorts

Rylee and Cru

Neutral and light is never a bad idea in the spring and summer! Plus, kids in linen is just adorable.

Rustic Stripe Shirt ($52.00)—Buy Now!

Rustic Stripe Bermuda Shorts ($52.00)—Buy Now!

Pink Lightning Bolt Chino Shorts

Target

A little bit of spring + a little bit of electricity = one cool pair of Easter shorts!

Pink Lightning Bolt Chino Shorts ($15.00)—Buy Now!

Chambray Blazer

Target

You already know how we feel about blazers, and this lightweight one goes with everything!

Chambray Blazer ($35.00)—Buy Now!

Polo + Shorts Set

Carter's

Dress this set up or down (or both, depending on your plans!).

Polo + Shorts Set ($22.00)—Buy Now!

Easter Bunny Graphic Tee

The Children's Place

For your relaxed Easter, this tee is definitely the way to go!

Easter Bunny Graphic Tee ($4.99)—Buy Now!

Spring Celebrations 2-Pc Set

Gymboree

Cotton poplin. Bright colors. Embroidered bunny. This set has it all.

Spring Celebrations 2-Pc Set ($50.93)—Buy Now!

Embroidered Bunny 2-Piece Set

Gymboree

A hip hoppity hipster bun is just what we need for Easter brunch!

Embroidered Bunny 2-Piece Set ($46.28)—Buy Now!

Oxford Shirt + Shorts Set

Macy's/Nautica

Preppy vibes? We've got 'em right here with this sweet little set!

Oxford Shirt + Shorts Set ($75.00)—Buy Now!

Mr. Steal Your Eggs Set

Amazon/MA&BABY

Well, this could not get cuter (or more comfortable!).

Mr. Steal Your Eggs Set ($23.99)—Buy Now!

Multi-Color 3pc Set

Gymboree

If 2 pieces aren't enough for your little bunny, this 3-piece set includes an embroidered carrot button down!

Multi-Color 3pc Set ($86.91)—Buy Now!

Orange Bunny Bowtie Set

Amazon

Keep them festive and cool in case your Easter Sunday looks like a warm one.

Orange Bunny Bowtie Set ($8.98)—Buy Now!

CK Tan 3-Pc Set

Amazon

We love the color combination of this set. It's so dapper!

CK Tan 3-Pc Set ($42.50)—Buy Now!

3-pc Jeans Set

Amazon

Talk about sharp! This is such a cool set that doesn't require a full suit to have a big impact!

3-pc Jeans Set ($33.99)—Buy Now!

Bold Blue Stripe Button-Down

Hanna Andersson

The muslin fabrication is easy on their skin and lightweight for them to wear over and over again through the summer!

Bold Blue Stripe Button-Down ($38.40)—Buy Now!

Floral Button-Down

J.Crew Factory

Spring flowers on a dark background make this great alone or as a layer and a way to add a pattern to their whole look!

Floral Button-Down ($34.50)—Buy Now!

Classic Linen Suit Jacket & Shorts Separates Collection

Macy's

This collection features spring colors that you can mix and match! Coral, pink, tan, sage, and more.

Classic Linen Suit Jacket & Shorts Separates Collection ($40.00-$110.00)—Buy Now!

Bunny Sweater, Madras Shirt, & Seersucker Shorts

Janie and Jack

Maybe we wish this came in adult sizes. But since it doesn't, we'll have to settle for this Easter Bunny pic-ready outfit!

Bunny Sweater ($41.99)—Buy Now!

Madras Plaid Shirt ($34.99)—Buy Now!

Striped Seersucker Shorts ($32.99)—Buy Now!

Suede Penny Loafer Sneakers ($47.99)—Buy Now!

If you buy something from the links in this article, we may earn affiliate commission or compensation. Prices and availability reflect the time of publication.

All images courtesy of retailers.

From Santa Monica to downtown, here are all the seasonal pop-up ice skating rinks where you can channel your inner Gretzky or Dorothy Hamill

The Yuletide season is here with all of its wintery goodness, regardless of how comfortable the temperature might be in Southern California. It’s possible to go play in the snow near Los Angeles, but if you want to do something really cool, this is a great time to take to the ice. While there are plenty of holiday experiences for the whole family in town, there’s something special about bundling up and going ice skating in LA.

 

https://www.instagram.com/p/CX_7kX7sqOK/?hidecaption=true

L.A. Kings Holiday Ice At LA Live

Grab your little hockey fans and head to this ice skating rink nestled outside the home of the L.A. Kings. Your skating tykes can imagine they're scoring one for the home team at the arena while you whirl around the rink and admire the twinkling lights of the 66-foot Christmas tree towering in the center of the ice.

Insider Tip: Buy a fast pass for $45 and go straight to the front of the line, which can get long at this popular spot.

Dates: Nov. 26-Jan. 8
Cost: $25/person, $20/children ages 6 and younger

800 W. Olympic Blvd.
DTLA
Online: lalive.com/la-kings-holiday-ice-la-live

https://www.instagram.com/p/Ck9eNVWr--v/?hidecaption=true

ICE at Santa Monica

This ocean-side rink is the only place in town where your mini ice dancers can celebrate the holidays just blocks from the beach. If you plan it right, you could splash in the Pacific and go ice skating all on the same day—a true only-in-LA adventure. If you'd rather just stick with skating, then enjoy a few loops around the rink and cozy up with some hot chocolate from the snack bar or walk around the corner to the 3rd Street Promenade for a bite.

Insider Tip: If your pint-sized skaters are looking to get more serious about their ice skills, sign them up for weekly lessons at the rink through the Randy Gardner School of Skating. Beginner and advanced group classes are available on Sunday mornings.

Dates: Now-Jan. 16
Cost: $20/person (includes skate rental)

1324 5th St.
Santa Monica
Online: downtownsm.com/ice-at-santa-monica

Holiday Ice Rink in Pershing Square

The Holiday Ice Rink in historic Pershing Square is surrounded by the glittering lights of downtown's skyscrapers, making it a scenic location for ice skating in LA. On Wednesday evenings from 7 p.m. to closing, keep the fun spinning with DJ HowLy, an old-school turntablist with a cutting-edge, new-school vibe. Each night has a theme such as Holiday Hits Night, Ugly Sweater Night, Disco Night, and more.

Dates: Nov. 23 -Jan. 1
Cost: $20/person (includes skate rental)

532 S. Olive St.
Los Angeles
Online: holidayicerinkdowntownla.com

These funny first-day-of-school pictures will have you laughing into your (cold) coffee

 

Forget about the letterboard back-to-school school pictures, one mama has a genius first-day photo tradition of her own and her idea will make you laugh.

Leslie Brooks started her fabulously funny first-day of school photo shoots back in 2013 when her daughters were elementary school-aged. Now that her kiddos are teens and tweens, she’s made the pics into an annual event.

Brooks’ photos celebrate the freedom that back to school-time brings to parents, with scenes we all kind of dream about. From a relaxing doorstep massage to floating in the pool (on a unicorn while drinking a Starbucks Frap), Brooks’ pics totally nail the first-day vibe—from the mom’s perspective of course.

She’s not the only one who looks forward to the annual event. Her IG followers and friends wait anxiously to see what kind of picture Leslie and her crew will display each year. One commenter said “The most anticipated Instagram post of the year. We all look forward to the “First day of school” pic. You never let us down. 😂😂😂😂. Those faces. 😂😂😂😂😂”

Related: This Mom’s Back-to-School Shirt Idea Is Pure Genius

 

So what do Brooks’ kiddos think of her annual photo shoots? The mom told Good Morning America, “The kids say to me all the time, ‘this is our awesome tradition.'” Brooks went on to add, “We have so much fun with it, they really have come to look forward to the pictures every year. They even started coming up with costume and prop ideas.” But is she really THAT excited to see them go? Not really. “I adore my children,” Brooks said. “Summers are awesome and I really don’t look forward to them going back to school. I miss them incredibly.”

Related: 16 First Day of School Picture Ideas to Start the Year Off Right

The weekday morning struggle is real—getting everyone out the door, fully dressed, with everything they need on time is a miracle in itself. Turn the chaos into calm with these make-ahead breakfasts for kids. We’ve found putting in extra time the night before or on the weekend will make your mornings run smoother. Scroll down for breakfast inspo that’ll make your mornings easier. 

Creamsicle Chia Pudding

Creamsicle Chia Pudding
A Taste of Madness

This Creamsicle Chia Pudding from A Taste of Madness is one of the most delicious make-ahead breakfast recipes for kids. Your family will be wanting seconds of this one. 

Apple Pie Oatmeal Smoothie

Apple Pie Oatmeal Smoothie
The Stay at Home Chef

The kids will love this apple pie oatmeal smoothie from The Stay at Home Chef—it tastes like apple pie in a glass! The recipe keeps the sugar to a minimum, making it a healthy way to start the day. 

Taco Muffin Tin Eggs

Taco Muffin Tin Eggs
The Cheerful Kitchen

We’ve seen a million twists on muffin tin eggs, but you’ll definitely want to try this one from The Cheerful Kitchen. With veggies, cheese and ground beef, it’s filling enough to keep little bellies satisfied until lunchtime. 

Peanut Butter Granola

Peanut Butter Granola
Joy Food Sunshine

This granola from Joy Food Sunshine is super easy to make and will make your mornings a breeze. You can serve it up as cereal, sprinkle it over yogurt with some berries or just gobble it up by the handful. 

Breakfast Burritos with Chorizo

freezer breakfast burritos
The Suburban Soapbox

These breakfast burritos from The Suburban Soapbox can be prepared on the weekend and stashed in the freezer for up to a month. Just pop them in the microwave and they’ll be your savior on stressful mornings.

Oatmeal Banana Chocolate Chip Muffins

healthy oatmeal banana chocolate chip muffins
My Food Story

Make a batch of these muffins from My Food Story on the weekend, and you’ll be set for the whole week. The chocolate chips make them an instant hit with the kids, and the wholesome ingredients make them a win for parents too. 

Berry Chia Overnight Oats

berry chia overnight oats
Sue Bee Homemaker

If your little ones like oatmeal, then you’ll want to give overnight oats a try. This version from Sue Bee Homemaker is bursting with berries and adding a sprinkling of chia seeds ups the nutritional benefits even more. 

Breakfast Sandwiches

make-ahead breakfast sandwiches
The Charming Detroiter

Skip the Egg McMuffins and try out The Charming Detroiter’s genius make-ahead breakfast sandwiches instead. Your little foodies will have a new favorite breakfast. 

Kiwi and Raspberry Chia Pudding

kiwi and raspberry chia pudding
Seasonal Cravings

For an impressive breakfast totally worth the (night before) effort, you’ve got to try this recipe from Seasonal Cravings. With layers of fruit and chia pudding, it’s as healthy as it is eye-catching. 

Ham and Cheese Breakfast Casserole

ham and cheese breakfast casserole
The Cookie Rookie

You can make this breakfast casserole from The Cookie Rookie on the weekend, and the leftovers will be just as tasty heated up throughout the week. The dish is stuffed with kid-fave ingredients like ham, cheese and crusty bread to start your day off on a delicious note. 

 

—Taylor Clifton & Susie Foresman

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Good things come in small packages, and they’re even better when you find them in one of these Christmas stockings. From personalized Christmas stockings to ones you can find on Etsy, we’ve found a style for every elf on your shelf. Keep reading for our favorite Christmas stockings for kids and families.

If you buy something from the links in this article, we may earn affiliate commission or compensation.


Glitter Swirl Name Stocking

With your name scrolled so prettily across the front of this stocking—chosen from a dazzling array of glittery colors—even Santa will think you're on the nice list. Pick a color for each family member, and you've got yourself one magnificent mantel.

Available from Personal Creations, $36.

Knitted Christmas Stocking

These hand-knit stockings are as classic as they are sizable. With tree, snowflake and reindeer motifs—plus options for your pup or kitty—they coordinate without being overly matchy. Plus, did we mention the pom-poms? Perfection. 

Available on Etsy, $27

Wayfair White Sweater Christmas Stocking

This elegant sweater stocking will bring a pop of white into all the red and green decor on your mantle this holiday season. 

Available at Wayfair, $47.

Whimsical Knit Stocking

Add a touch of whimsy to your mantel with these brightly patterned knit stockings. Available in reindeer, pine tree and chevron prints, you can create the holiday cheer-scape of your choosing. 

Available from Walmart, $13.

Mermaid Tail Flip Sequin Stockings

Want to make a splash on Christmas morning? These stockings are a safe bet for getting exactly what you want. With flip sequins and a rainbow of color options, these stockings are anything but fishy.

Available on Amazon, $30.

Yeti Fuzzy Stocking

Send your Christmas morning cuteness factor straight through the roof with these fuzzy Yeti. This guy's furry face and whimsical scarf will ensure that the fireplace mantel isn't just fun on Christmas morning.

Available from Target, $15.

Needlepoint Personalized Christmas Stocking

These classic needlepoint stockings offer a catalog of themes—from trains to woodland critters and everything in between—and the coolest thing about them is that they're hand-stitched in 100% wool. Can someone say "heirloom?" 

Available at Land's End, $28.

Personalized Classic Velvet Stockings - Red with Ivory Cuff

Clean, classic and cheerful, we love these red velvet stockings with a personalized white cuff—especially since they come in multiple sizes. Choose the right size for your family's typical stocking haul, or mix it up for some mantel mischief. 

Available at Pottery Barn, $14.50-$39.50. 

Disney-Inspired Stockings

Your family will be doing the hot dog dance all season long with these cute Disney stockings dangling from your mantel. The font is classic Walt, and you can choose between Mickey, Minnie and Pluto! 

Available on Etsy, $16

Velvet Stockings

These velvet and cotton stockings come in muted colors like pink, gray and white if you don't want to go the traditional Christmas colors route. 

Available on Etsy, $19

Peek-a-Boo Light Up Stockings

Just in case you're worried that Santa might overlook your stockings, these adorable blinking light stockings will help you sleep a little more soundly on Christmas Eve. With battery packs that can be turned off when you're not around, they will raise the excitement level of any child by about 1000% leading up to the main event. 

Available from Personal Creations, $46.

Elf Stockings

Caught 'Ya Lookin

This elfin-style stocking is just what a family with mischievous little elves needs this holiday season. Full of whimsy, these will pull their weight in holding plenty of magic for your merrymakers on Christmas morning. 
 
Available on Caught 'Ya Lookin, $36. 

Reindeer Face Classic Fair Isle Stocking

When you have a herd of kiddos, what's better than assigning them each a Reindeer-is-my-animal-spirit stocking in the softest sherpa materials? The personalization ensures that everyone will have their own stocking on Christmas morning, and paired with the Santa-themed stocking in the same line by Pottery Barn Kids, you could create an entire vignette on your mantel. Because you have loads of spare time, right? It's only the holidays. 

Available at Pottery Barn Kids, $27. 

Sports Stockings

Amazon

Parents of sporty sprouts, stand up and cheer! These sports-themed stockings don't need personalization when you have kids who play on different fields. At such a reasonable price, you can buy them for the entire team. 

Available on Amazon, $10.

—Shelley Massey

Featured image: Donna Spearman via Unsplash

 

Whether you’re a busy parent with lots of activities on your plate or a teen with your own school schedule to think about, back-to-school season has definitely kicked everyone’s organizational skills into high gear once more. School nights may begin to feel hectic again—between the homework, planning for the next day, and trying to fit some rest in there somewhere.

However, you can form a regimen that gets these priorities down pat. Here are a few tips you can use to simplify your school nights so they run as smoothly as possible.

1. Establish Your Own Bedtime Routine
Having a bedtime routine can be more helpful than you think—especially when that routine includes an actual bedtime. Having a bedtime, no matter how old you are, can help you fall asleep faster and easier so you can get enough sleep each night. That means even after you tuck the kiddos in for the night, you might need your own bedtime and wind-down routine.

2. No Caffeine After School
This one might be a little tough to get used to at first, but it goes hand in hand with getting a good night’s rest. Although caffeine can be a great study aid and pick-me-up, having caffeine after 2:00 p.m. can make it more difficult to get to sleep come nightfall. It’s best to leave the coffee for the morning and stick to non-caffeinated beverages after school.

3. Make Lunches Ahead of Time
Part of simplifying your school nights is prepping for the morning so you don’t need to wake up at a ridiculous hour to be ready for the day ahead. One of the best ways to do this is to pack a lunch ahead of time so you can refrigerate it and grab it to go when the morning comes. This can also make it much easier to create nutritious, balanced dishes with protein, fruits, and vegetables.

4. Tackle Homework First Thing
Doing homework after a long day of school can sometimes feel like the biggest task in the world, but the task can feel even more looming when you leave it for the end of the night. If possible, it can be a great idea to use the momentum from the school day to tackle homework first thing so you have the rest of the night to enjoy family time. If your kiddos are still at the age where you need to help them with homework, you can encourage this even more as a habit they can take with them as they grow.

5. Pick Out the Next Day’s Clothes
Much like packing lunch the night before, picking your outfits and the kids’ outfits before bed can simplify the morning. In fact, it’s actually said to help you make more informed decisions when you choose your clothing at this time of day. This removes a step from your morning routine and helps the a.m. go more smoothly.

6. Leave the Shower for the Morning
You might be asking yourself, what can you leave out from your nighttime routine and actually let go for the morning? Well, your daily shower is definitely one of those things! Plenty of people shower in the morning, and it can even help you feel a bit more refreshed and awake. Even if you leave showering or bathtime for the kiddos at night, you can leave your showers for the morning to cut down on tasks for school nights.

7. Mimic Your Schedule on Weekends If Possible
Although the weekends are for fun and relaxation, it can never hurt to stick to a routine that works for you. Especially when it comes to things like bedtimes and evening routines, letting your kids go wild on the weekends can lead to difficult adjustments back on Monday. Try going with a relaxed but still reasonable schedule for weekends so your kids don’t get too thrown off their sleeping routines.

8. Give Yourself Some Downtime
No matter how many activities you can manage to pack into your evening routine, one of the most important things to give yourself, your kiddos, and your family is some downtime. Everyone needs rest, and if you’re looking to bring simplicity to your school nights, look no further than giving yourself a bit of downtime you all could enjoy. Bonus points if you can put the screens away and relax tech-free!

School nights don’t have to be stressful. In fact, when you get into a routine that you like and take the time to relax that you and your family deserve, you can create a great experience that lasts the whole school year and beyond. 

Kara Reynolds is the Editor-in-Chief and founder of Momish Magazine.  A mom of four and matriarch to her big blended family, Kara wants nothing more than to normalize differences in family structures.  She enjoys peeing alone, pancakes, and pinot noir - but not at the same time. 

Adulting isn’t easy, especially the school morning grind. Between packing lunches, hunting down homework and making sure shoes match every single day, it’s no wonder we’re barely keeping it together. When it’s time for a breather, Stonyfield has launched the Breakbox Collection, lunchboxes for parents that encourage a little self-care!

Three themed lunchboxes are available to buy online now, with some hilarious goodies:

  • Adult Time Out: Even adults need a time out once-in-a-while, but they’re more fun as an adult… Includes everything parents need to take a load off after (another) long day: an organic mixer, Unreal Candy, Simple Mills and Forager Chips
  • You Got This: Meant to reassure parents that they’re doing an amazing job and give permission to pat themselves on the back; includes a trophy, gold star stickers, a magnet family organizer for the fridge, a “You Got This” mug – and coffee + a hydration bottle to keep them going along the way
  • Hide in My Closet: For those days when you just want to hide out from everyone in your house and squeeze in some much-needed self-care; includes a candle, Bliss Bright Idea under-eye patches, a jade roller, an eye mask and a Swear notebook to let out all your frustrations

They’re cute, but also charitable! Stonyfield is donating 100% of the purchase price ($50 each) to No Kid Hungry. And inside each Breakbox, you’ll find a packed note with a note of wisdom from parents across the country.

If you need a little extra help to make it to school day downtime, we’ve got you. Whether it’s breakfast inspo or delegating some of the morning tasks, cutting down the craziness is totally doable!

—Sarah Shebek

Featured image courtesy of Stonyfield Organic

 

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As the new school year approaches, parents often make their own resolutions to get and keep their home organized—with a tornado of backpacks, lunchboxes, shoes and the like, a well-thought out plan can quickly turn your home into a disaster zone. We reached out to a couple of professional organizers to see how they recommend to not only keep the clutter at bay but how they personally hack their way to a clean and organized house, once and for all. 

Do: Resist Spontaneous Purchases

Vivian Johnson Photography for Shira Gill Home

Don't: Bring new items in without dealing with your clutter first. 

Tidy people don’t constantly bring new things into the home, they exert control over their existing clutter first. To channel a new, organized and tidy person, “Limit volume to begin with, “ says, Shira Gill of Shira Gill Home, noting this is her number one rule. “And this one doesn't cost you a dime. Just press pause on purchases.” Sticking with this crucial rule will not only help with subsequent steps to keeping a tidy home but this tip also ensure your home remains clutter-free.

When it does come to purchases, use the "One item in, one item out" rule. Before anyone in the family is allowed to bring in a new toy, new book or the like into the house, they need to add something that is no longer played with or read, to the donation pile. This will help keep tidying up to a minimum and keep clutter at bay. 

Do: Designate a Place for Everything

Don't: Just put things down in a catch-all spot to deal with it later.

Tidy people tidy up by put their things away, says Gill. This is another crucial “do” in her book, and it begins with having a designated spot for everything. This simple system starts with creating a go-to hook, nook or closet for everything from shoes to backpacks, keys, the dog leash, jackets and mail. Gill says once everyone in the family knows where their belongings are supposed to go, it takes nearly the same amount of time to put the stuff away than it does to toss them mindlessly. 

Tracy Spitzer, owner and professional organizer of NYC-based UNSTUFF NYC goes one step further to guaranteeing a tidy home by labeling everything—but to think beyond the label maker. "Have kids write their own labels. For example, they can write their names on stickers above their backpack hooks. For younger kids, use clip art or print logos—you'd be surprised how early kids can recognize brand names like LEGOS—and tape them to the containers. Or if you use a picture of a pencil on a bin or a photo of Barbie, everyone can easily put their things away. No excuses!"

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Do: Clean in Just Five Minutes

Vivian Johnson Photography for Shira Gill Home

Don't: Spend hours putting things away.

Tidy people keep a clean and organized house with this in-the-know organization hack—by attacking messes in five to 15-minute bursts. Rather than declare Saturday morning as a clean-up session, consider introducing smaller, manageable tidy sessions throughout other key transitional periods of the day, such as before and after dinner and before bedtime. 

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Do: Come Home to a Clean House

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Don't: Leave the house in disarray.

How does one professional organizer manage to keep a house clean? About five minutes before it’s time for her kids to leave for school each morning, Gill asks everyone to put their dishes, LEGO or art supplies away. This little time investment has a huge overall impact on clutter she says, and this way they never come home to a messy house. 

Do: End with a Treat

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Don’t: Threaten reluctant organizers.

The old saying, "You catch more bees with honey" applies to kids when you need them to tackle some not-so-fun chores. So why not entice those little busy bodies with ice cream? Gill suggests the cheerful tone of a preschool teacher to present the news that it’s time to clean up. Try it like this: “Let’s hurry up and get this done so we can go have ice cream.” Kids love ice cream, but the cherry on top for parents is a clean, clutter-free and organized home. 

—Chantal Lamers

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Alarm clocks are back in style, but getting back to school isn’t always easy. A survey of 2,000 American parents of school-aged kids revealed some common pressure points around new routines. The most stressful part of the day? School day mornings!

More than half of parents (58%) said the morning was the most challenging time and 59% said they struggle to wake up their kids in time for school. A whopping 87% have two or more alarms set to make sure the entire household is up and ready to roll.

 

Another substantial chunk of respondents (57%) said they’ve been late to work while trying to get their kids out the door. Parents reported that kids frequently forget to brush their teeth (39%), comb their hair (39%) or remember their homework (31%). And 60% of parents said they struggle to balance their kids’ morning routines with their own.

Despite these struggles, 81% of parents surveyed said they’re ready to have kids go back to the classroom. The survey was commissioned by Amazon Devices and conducted by OnePoll. Fortunately if you have an Amazon device with Alexa, you can assign reminders to your family to make getting out the door (slightly) easier!

––Sarah Shebek

Featured image courtesy of Karolina Grabowska, Pexels

 

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