Help Your Kids Get Organized - My CHEX Daily Segment

I love to organize, and I expect organization from my students as well as from my daughters (they're all getting there). Having a (flexible) routine and an assigned place for everything makes life run so much more smoothly, especially at home with kids.

That's why this topic seemed very fitting for my latest "Teacher, Teacher!" segment on CHEX Daily, where I discussed tips with hosts Teresa Kaszuba and Mike Judson for helping your child get organized.

I really found that using rewards with my girls helped to get them in routine initially. I know rewards can get a bad rap sometimes, and that in many situations you want kids' motivation to be intrinsic, but if they don't yet see the value of something (a perfect example is using the potty) then rewards can help get the right habits established, and can be weaned off when the child is ready. I have never seen a school-aged child ask for a Smartie after using the washroom, so clearly the intrinsic motivation takes over at some point. When my daughters had their charts (get dressed, eat breakfast, brush hair, brush teeth, etc.) they would checkmark every task that they completed without reminders, and if they got a set number of checkmarks (not all) they earned their bedtime show. (Screen time works at our house, and my kids are well-rounded so I won't apologize for it.) I also try to highlight for kids how being organized is beneficial ("Because your laundry is away and your rooms are tidy, we get to leave for Grandma's early!", or at school "Because your materials were ready, we got the assignment done so quickly that we have time to play a game now.")

I also firmly believe in having a place for everything, including toys and clothes, so kids are able to organize on their own (once it has been modeled for them, which is an important part of the process). I started my girls with hanging closet organizers, and I would put complete outfits (top, bottoms, underwear, socks) in each cubby, and they could pick their own outfits each day. Then I took away the underwear and socks, because they knew how to get those out of their dressers themselves. The final step was designating drawers for tops and bottoms, and the girls started matching their own outfits. (This was hard for me, I will admit!) Now when the laundry is folded, they take all of their own stuff and put it away exactly where it belongs. They haven't taken to laying out their outfits the night before like I do, but fortunately they don't agonize over style too much yet. (Nor do they really care about matching...)

Having everything packed up in the evenings (agendas, homework, lunches in fridge) can make mornings much smoother too. Our girls make their lunches right after school, and this has become so routine for them that it seems odd when we deviate from the schedule for some reason. (Usually at this time I'm sorting the mail over the recycling bin - only touch items once! - and then signing the planners.)

When it comes to school items, if your child has an agenda or planner, it can really help to put a binder clip in to hold the right page for the week. Often parents/kids will keep the planner open to the current week, but the exposed pages inevitably end up wet, ripped or stained, so it's much better to keep the book closed. Slipping it into a large ziploc bag can help as well. Make it your child's job to put the agenda back in their bag so they are always responsible for it.

We also do "weekly cleanouts" at our house, where the girls dump out all backpack contents and file/dispose as necessary, and do the same with their bedrooms. I've even been known to instruct the kids to "get ready for inspection!" At this time of year, they're motivated to clean out toys and books for donation, because they need to "make room" before they can write their Christmas lists.

Now before I wrap up, just to make sure we're clear: I'm not anywhere close to being "perfectly" organized (I choose to use the term "efficiently organized") and I have rough moments like all parents. My MO seems to be yelling idle morning-rush threats, like last week's "If you aren't in the car in one minute, you won't like the consequences!" Not sure what the consequences were going to be, but fortunately I didn't have to decide. When sharing tips like this I think it's important to keep it real, as I'm highlighting my best practices, but not for a moment claiming that this is how things work in our home 24/7!

Finally, please feel free to leave a comment and share any organizational tips that work in your home, as I'd love to hear them! Next time we'll be delving deeper into the homework routine!

"Yes Please" by Amy Poehler: My Mini-Review

I love Amy Poehler's comedy, and I couldn't wait for a library copy of her new book so I picked it up at Chapters (hey, it was 40% off!)

"Yes Please" kept me interested and turning the pages, and I read it over two days. I always love celeb memoirs, as I feel like I'm spending that time sitting in a room with someone I "know" (in this case from movies and TV).

The nosy part of me was disappointed that Amy didn't share more about her marriage to and divorce from actor Will Arnett, but I do have to admire her for only making positive references to the father of her sons.

While I think she may have been a little wild to be my friend earlier in life (she includes "Obligatory Drug Stories") I certainly got a lot of laughs from her memories, and appreciated the inside look into the world of comedy.

Some of my favourite lines:

"Decide what your currency is early. Let go of what you will never have. People who do this are happier and sexier."

"I think middle age begins once you start looking forward to eating dinner before six thirty..." (which for me means I went over the hill at 25).

"As the old saying goes, 'Don't ask for permission to sit on George Clooney's lap, beg for forgiveness once you do.'"

"I learned that how a person treats their waitress is a great indication of their character."

Pick up your copy today...or ask to borrow mine; I'm done with it!

I'm Finally On Instagram!

This post will be short and sweet, dear readers: I finally joined Instagram!

As a blogger who wants to continue to have a social media presence (as well as a teacher and parent who wants to keep up to date with what the kids are doing) I thought it was about time. I also can see a huge difference in the amount of interaction Instagram posts get, compared to when they're posted simultaneously on Twitter. It seems people are much more "like happy" on Instagram, and I will try to follow suit.

Speaking of following, you can find me here:

http://instagram.com/katethismomloves

And unless there's a compelling reason not to (e.g. porn, vegetables), I'll be happy to follow you back.

My very first post was this Throwback Thursday pic of my girls, one of my favourites:

Thanks, everyone!

Flashback: Mom's Christmas Décor Photo Tour, 2013

It was late in the season last year when I shared with you a post showing my Mom's Christmas decorations, so I thought I would repost it now to inspire those of you getting a start on your own decorating.

Lucky for me, my mom was willing to take a day to help me with my own seasonal styling this year, which I am thrilled to be sharing with you next week (once the finishing touches and photography are finished)!

For now, a December 2013 flashback.

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Christmas is my holiday because of my mom. For as long as I can remember, she has made it special with tunes playing (Kenny Rogers/Dolly Parton and Roger Whittaker), treats mixing (Sweet Marie bars and butterscotch marshmallow squares), fire burning (okay, Dad gets credit for that one) and fun wrapping (there were always codes on my brother's and my gifts under the tree, so we didn't know whose were whose until we cracked the code!)

One of the best parts of Christmas at my parents' house has always been the decorating. While her styles and budget have varied over the years, she manages to put a bit of Christmas in every room of the house without every going too far, and changes things up every year. (Whereas I could pretty much decorate my house in my sleep, since everything seems to go in the same place.) Plus, her arrangements are not pre-made and purchased; she just somehow has an eye for putting things together...way better than I do. (We teach the students about learning styles, and while I score pretty high for Verbal/Linguistic, my Visual/Spatial skills are...well...they aren't.)

We went to visit this past weekend, and as soon as I stepped inside, I was overwhelmed with a wonderful festive feeling, and grabbed my Dad's camera in order to give you a bit of a tour. The lighting helped set the mood, of course, which isn't visible in the photos, but hopefully you still get the idea.

(She paid $1 each for the urns, and filled them herself)

I guess this is where I get my love for a blue and silver tree from.

The well-loved nativity set. Every Christmas Eve, the youngest person present places Baby Jesus in the manger, a tradition I use in my classroom as well.

She won this tree in a draw, covered in blue and pink - perfect to display the yearly photo ornaments of her grandson and three granddaughters!

Thanks, Mom, for letting me share these photos...and for making Christmas so special for us every year. Now that I'm a mother too, you inspire me to do the same for my girls, so that they will grow up with the same feelings of warmth, joy, peace and love that you gave us.

Preventing the Spread of Germs: My Latest Parents Canada article

Here's a link to my latest article for Parents Canada, "Teaching Your Kids How Not To Spread Germs":

http://www.parentscanada.com/preschool/teaching-your-kids-how-not-to-spread-germs

I really enjoyed my interview with pediatric infectious disease specialist Dr. Ashley Roberts of BC Children’s Hospital, who shared her expertise regarding vaccinations, hand sanitizers, how clean to keep your house and when to keep your child at home (you'll have to read the article for the details!) 

Thanks also to the two daycare providers who spoke with me for this article as well, providing their own professional insights!

Euphoria Wellness Spa: The Ultimate Spa Experience

My afternoon at Euphoria Wellness Spa in Peterborough was pure luxury.

(All photos courtesy Euphoria Wellness Spa)

Upon arrival in the reception area, I was checked in and whisked off to the change room where I was provided with a cozy spa robe and sandals and invited to use the sauna and steam room before my first service. I had thirty minutes to spare...and had trouble wrapping my mind around the idea of letting myself sit for that long! I am good at taking time for myself, but usually there's a book or smartphone in my hand...and neither are really appropriate for the sauna or steam room! I spent a few minutes in both, and they were lovely, especially for someone like me who really appreciates heat.

Someone came to get me when it was time for my Supreme Facial:

• "One of our most popular treatments. Includes a deep cleansing, detailed skin analysis, exfoliation, steam and extractions, and a relaxing mini massage while under our perfecting mask. This facial is customized to suit your skin condition."

When they say "supreme", they mean it. No time is wasted, either: during the steam, I received an arm and hand massage, during the mask there was a scalp massage, and at another point (I couldn't keep all of the steps straight) there was a neck and face massage. I felt incredibly spoiled before my first treatment was even over, though the best part of a facial for me is the extractions (which are actually slightly uncomfortable) because it's something I know I can't do myself, and I really see the difference afterwards. Note that after a facial, you might not want to go out in public right away (or at least bring some makeup), as the treatments can cause some redness. Of course I went straight to a restaurant after the spa, because my vanity lost out to my desire not to have to cook.

The esthetician used Vivier products, and I find it so interesting how this company has grown. One of my best friends in university was Vivier's first employee, and worked for the owner when the business was being run out of his house!

After my facial, I was escorted downstairs, where the same esthetician (the lovely Jessica, who always knew when to chat and when to let me zone out) did my manicure. I requested the Artistic Gel application (because I love how the polish lasts three weeks, unlike regular manis that usually chip by the second day) in addition to the Organic Manicure:

• "Includes all cuticle work, trimming, filing, buffing and shaping of the nails.  Also comes with exfoliation and massage of the hands and arms."

I chose the neutral colour "Metro" (shown below). I love pink and red nails, but when the polish lasts so long, it's hard to ensure that it matches everything I'm going to wear!

I was even surprised by a bonus parrafin wax treatment, which is very indulgent, as your hands are coated with warm wax inside plastic bags, and then tucked into mitts to keep the heat in. (Though again, I had trouble sitting and allowing the product to work, without being able to do anything with my hands!)

Once my manicure officially ended, I was invited to relax in the cozy lounge until a pedicure chair was ready for me - a great time to finally check my phone! (I'm sorry but it had been a couple of hours! It's hard for me!)

I ended my afternoon of bliss at Euphoria with the Organic Pedicure:

• "Includes all cuticle work, trimming, filing, buffing and shaping of the nails. Also comes with an exfoliation and massage of the feet and legs. Choice of polish."

I love the pedicure chairs with massage, as well as the leg and foot massage that comes with the pedicure. Ahhhh....

In the past, I've also enjoyed regular massages at Euphoria, as well as having my hair washed, dried and styled as part of a package last Christmas, and those experiences were lovely as well. Other services offered include:

• couples, wedding and maternity packages
• medical esthetics (I'm considering a medical peel in the future)
• discounts for services outside peak times
• wine lounge and lunch menu (additional cost)

And much more!

The only glitch of the day happened when I was being provided with a locker for my belongings - and because it was such a busy day, they were all in use! My items were stored in a men's locker and moved over for me as soon as a women's locker became available. Not a big deal.

While I don't have a single negative thing to share about the spa, I do want to provide some reminders to readers about the spa experience: one being that relaxation is key, so if you're pressed for time and just want to get in and out, spa services might not be what you're looking for. The time it takes for each service is provided on the website, which is helpful. As well, you're paying for the atmospshere of the spa, and therefore services may cost more than you pay elsewhere (e.g. if you run into the mall for your manicure, though at $35 the Organic Manicure is quite reasonably priced. I was surprised however that it's a $20 upgrade for the gel polish).

I would highly recommend Euphoria Wellness Spa for anyone in the Peterborough area and beyond - it's well worth the drive!

Disclosure: While the services above were provided free of charge for review purposes, I have visited Euphoria several times as a paying customer (and with generous gift certificates from my husband and students). My experiences have always been similarly luxurious and positive. 

Getting the Most Out of Your Parent/Teacher Interview

Today I'm sharing the video for my latest CHEX Daily TV segment, where I chatted with hosts Mike Judson and Aileen Doyle about how to make the most of your parent/teacher interview!



One additional note: if you can't make the designated interview date, don't hesitate to ask the teacher for an alternate time. Quite honestly, by the fourth hour of interview night, they all start blending together for me, and I appreciate the chance to spread them out a bit - perhaps before or after school another day that week, or a lunch hour phone interview.

As always, please let me know if you have any questions or additional tips!

At Home With Madame Chic

In "At Home with Madame Chic", Jennifer Scott continues to share the wisdom she gleaned as a foreign exchange student from her Parisian hostess. Though I haven't yet read her first book,  "Lessons From Madame Chic: 20 Stylish Secrets I Learned While Living in Paris", it was a huge success, and my own mother got on board with the 10-item wardrobe that Scott recommends.

The sequel (already a New York Times Bestseller) focuses on how we can live like Madame Chic in our own homes, and I found it a fun and refreshing read - keeping in mind that some of the tips were far too idealistic for my own life!

Chic ideas which I embrace:

• "The French value an orderly home life, even in times of upheaval" - organization, efficiency and lack of clutter are essential ("Play music while you clean and organize" is also a good one - though I do love to watch/listen to talk shows while I work)

• Appreciate what you have/where you live. Fix the problems you can, and try to let go of the rest.

• Give yourself positive affirmations.Some examples Scott offers:

"I am a calm and patient parent." (I'm going to try this one)

"I choose to eat healthful foods today."

"My home is a sanctuary."

"I can change the world."

"All is well."

• Wake up early enough to make sure things run smoothly (and lay out your clothes the night before). Most of our morning stress occurs when we don't have enough time, so make time. This might mean going to bed early, and I know most of you laugh at my early-to-bed schedule, but our mornings are fairly smooth. Until the last five minutes, when somehow the volume of my voice always rises.

• Don't obsess and internalize world news. From the Ottawa shootings to the Jian Ghomeshi scandal (sorry American readers if you have no idea what I'm talking about) I definitely keep up-to-date on what's happening (especially on Twitter) but try to let it go when I need to.

• Put things away after you use them. People ask me for my organizational secrets, but this one isn't a secret. People just don't tend to want to do it.

• Give your kids downtime and don't overschedule.

 

Author Jennifer L. Scott

Photo: Kevin McIntyre

Ways I will never be chic:

• Dress nicely at home. I totally see how this could have psychological benefits, but my home uniform includes sweatpants and a ponytail. I will only change if someone is coming over. Sometimes not even then.

• Sit down to eat breakfast. I LOVE restaurant breakfasts, but at home it's usually a Quaker Oatmeal-To-Go bar (Cinnamon Roll flavour) alternating each bite with a task (check phone, put lunch by door, etc.) I realize this is not the best way to do things.

• "One of the pleasures of the afternoon is thinking about dinner." Eating it, maybe. Preparing it, never.

• Don't use TV for background noise. I LOVE TV background noise. I don't let my kids do it, however, and I make sure whatever they hear in the background when I'm watching is appropriate. Ish. (They're a bit too familiar with the names of all Canadian talk show hosts, and Maggie is prone to ask questions like "Where's Lainey today?")

The book is also full of helpful little checklists, hair and makeup tips, sample cleaning schedules and recipes for everything from drinks to meals to cleaning sprays, plus playlists and candle scent suggestions for different tasks and times of day.

"At Home With Madame Chic" is a fun read, whether you're a busy mom looking to make life smoother or a hostess-with-the-mostess on the hunt for new ideas. As I mentioned earlier, the book is at points a tad idealistic, but Scott writes with a self-deprecating and honest tone: we're not supposed to strive to be her, she's striving along with the rest of us to live a more chic life. Even when she comes across Pollyanna-ish, that's not a bad thing, especially when the other books in my nightstand involve murders, divorce, accidents and mistaken identities (pas chic).

For more information, visit www.jenniferlscott.com