5 Random Habits Every Mom Should Heed

Many parents struggle with routine in general. Adding something like clipping "box tops" for education, for some can seem over the top. But it is such an easy habit to get into. Create a bin or baggie. (There is no crime in a non-zip lock baggie! Skip them. 9 out of 10 items can be housed just fine in a cheaper sandwich bag - years and yens of saving) Anyway, the collection for the box tops needs to be by the trash can, especially for the easily overlooked and pitched "box top." The visual reminder of this placement will get you into the habit of scanning the box before you toss it.

Every box top earns the school 10 cents. This may not seem like much, but if very parent at the school was conscientious enough to scan the trash, think of how much that yields the school over a year. If you start this habit before your kids are in school, think of what you will have saved up for the Kindergarten teacher! You will enter the school with a bang and the habit will be in the bag through the years. Trash can be cash and every little bit does help - especially in education.

Brownies and Rice Crispy Treats

If you are operating on a budget, there is no cheaper snack than a brownie. A close second, is the cost of marshmallows and generic Rice Crispy's. First, they don't fly out of the pantry quite as fast as a store bought snack. Kids grab what they see when it comes time for a snack and these snacks made in a dish, are usually in the dish until gone. Thus, they are not in the pantry for easy access. Every mom can appreciate a snack that doesn't disappear. In addition, if you don't make them, they don't get eaten which maintains shelf life after the "big grocery shop." So, when everything else is gone, everyone can still enjoy a sugary snack, hot out of the oven.

Second, if you buy a store bought snack for kids' lunches, you cannot control the portion. A tray of brownies can be cut to accommodate multiple kids lunches and last all week. They end the lunch on a happy note without going overboard. So, in your Sunday routine, prepare these two things in advance - your pocketbook will thank you years later, one dime at a time.

Eating and Brushing

Brushing teeth is a habit that needs to start as young as possible. It is so easy to put off oral hygiene, especially in light of the fact that those baby teeth fall right out. But habits and expectations can be totally built in by the time permanent teeth come in. Brushing teeth is easily forgotten as life busies beyond toddler years. If the habit is already formed, that is one less thing to remind kids to do that will make a lifetime difference for them.

With small children, when you get them out of the high-chair or booster seat, take them straight to the bathroom to wash hands and brush teeth. As kids age, when you hear the phrase, "May I be excused?" Let that serve as a trigger for you to say, "Yes, now go wash your hands and brush your teeth." It is as easy as that.

Bedtime and Books

There is no question reading is great for kids. Even very small children can institute this habit by looking at a picture book. If your established bedtime in 8:30, insist that children lay down at 8:00 with a book and no other form of stimulation. Leave the light on for 30 minutes. (For children younger than 6, lessen the time.) There are 3 reasons this is an awesome habit. One, it encourages reading as a priority. Two, it allows the child down-time, before the bedtime, which relaxes them and makes falling asleep easier. Lastly, it is more free time for the parent.

If you are instituting this habit early or for the first time, try cleaning up their room, dusting, or organizing drawers in their room while they read quietly. When your child tries to talk to you, simply say to them, "Time to read, not talk." This ultimately ensures your child is settled and the bedtime drama can be lessened as a result.

Off Limits and Your Purse

As little as 2, a child can understand what is off-limits. Touching a mother's purse should be as hot as the stove. By revering your purse as a reverent item, you are setting yourself up for years of relief. As a toddler, keys often used to entertain, are lost less. With elementary age kids, your gum and only pen never go missing. And most important, as teenagers, your money is out of the question for free taking. Your purse is your property and some things kids need to learn are not to be touched. Resist the urge to say, "It's in my purse." Instead say, "Go grab me my purse and I will get it for you."

Care enough today to heed the habits of tomorrow.