kids klutter

Happy Spring from kids klutter!

For most of us, winter usually gives us
a feeling of hibernating and trying to stay
warm. Many places in the United States
experienced horrible snow and ice storms
that left those somewhat isolated and trapped
indoors. Perhaps this was a blessing in
families having more time to be together and
play games or get some of those indoor
projects done. However, typically those
cleaning and organizing projects always seem
to wait until Spring. And, the kids klutter
becomes one of those major projects.

I always love the Springtime. This is a time
when there is renewed energy, brighter days,
fresh ideas and wonderful sounds and smells in
the air. The kids should go outside as much as
possible, so that they can get this feeling of
a new spirit.

So, now comes the reality inside. The kids
"klutter" has grown over the winter. Not to
mention your kids have probably all grown as
well! It is time to go through those closets,
drawers and reorganize. There is always a sense
of accomplishment when doing this in our houses.
Cleaning klutter gives us a new uplifted spirit
as well.

How do we get our children on board for this
cleansing? Depending on the age, you can always
find jobs in your child's room that empower
them. Kids usually enjoy new things, so if you
have them go through their things and make piles
of those clothes that fit or not fit, toys they
have outgrown, etc. you can empower them in
talking about "giving". This is a perfect time
to discuss that they can give to others by
donating clothes they have outgrown or toys they
can share with someone who would treasure them.
Teachable moments are all around us and if the
entire family is getting the klutter cleaned up
and contributing then we, as parents are modeling
positive life skills as well. And, then there is
a shopping trip of some kind when all this is done
for new clothes or other needed items.

Spring is also a time for the home run stretch at
school. Making sure school supplies are in order
and the kids are prepared for the final months is
invaluable to be successful. Go through backpacks
and make sure everything is in order for your child
and their classroom.

kids klutter is here to help you get organized for
next year as well. Visit us at www.kidsklutter.com
to see how you can empower your school to use our
service as a fundraiser and let all of the parents
know how to start their children off successfully
in the fall!

We wish you a warm and healthy season.
The kids klutter team.

What to do on a snow day?

Happy New Year from kids klutter! Welcome back to school.

It seems like the few weeks off from school was enough to put
us all out of our daily routine and longing for some normality.
Getting back into the swing of school after a shorter break is
sometimes more difficult than having the summer off. We tend
to be more lenient on the short breaks with later bedtimes and
activities. Try to get back into your routine quickly so that
January does not fly by and leave you wondering why your
holiday decorations still up...

We were surprised this morning, after only returning to school
a week ago, with a snow day! What do you do with a snow day?
Snow days are fabulous ways to bond with your children on
other levels. Of course, the obvious is to bundle up and go outside
to sled, build a snow fort or have a snowball fight. These are
great things to do together and wonderful for your heart! However,
what can you do inside that creates a different environment?

Here is a list of some fun things to do when stuck inside. And
some of them are good for all ages.

- build a fort, play games and share a meal inside
- make pancakes or waffles together
- bake cookies or make a snow cake with white frosting
- if like today, in January, write those holiday thank you cards
- read together and then re-enact the adventure in the story
- play dress up
- make crafts out of household things - cups, plates, napkins
- get the picture albums out when the kids were younger - tell
stories of past memories
- find old pictures or print some off of the computer of one another
and make a collage. Let each person tell a family story when done
- paint together with fruit and vegetables
- cut snowflakes for the windows
- play hide and seek

There are endless ways to have fun when stuck inside, but
the most important thing to remember is to find the fun in the
activity and include everyone at home. I know several older
kids who would love to play hide and seek with younger siblings.
And going down memory lane is bound to bring up happy times
and many smiles throughout the day!

Enjoy this winter whatever it may bring you and your family.
Avoid the possibility of getting down because sunshine is
limited by creating other sunshine activities. The gift of
laughter goes a long way.

Happy Winter!



-

Let the chaos begin!

We enter into this holiday season always
running at full speed ahead! We begin to
write our lists which become lists upon sub-
lists. Our game plan is to collect the ads
from the paper and map out our days to
get to the best sale and buy that special
item. We drive ourselves crazy running
from place to place trying to get everything
done in time. Along with that we have places
to be, people to visit, holiday parties and
plenty of pictures to be taken! It seems like
it will never be done.

What happens to our families in all of this
holiday chaos? As a school teacher, I always
see the children from a different perspective
at holiday time. I see it in my own children
as well. December is a time of excitement, but
also a time of stress all around. And, our
children feed right from us adults. The less
stressed our holiday time is expressed, the better
our children seem to do all around. But in all
actuality, let's face it, this season is stressful.
Part of it is because we may be able to keep it
all organized within our own families, however,
we also have to function right along with the
chaos outside our front door! Everyone else's
stress seems to trickle over.

Keeping your children organized and at peace
during this season begins with us. Do we tend to be
so busy getting things ready that we overlook
how important it is to keep the routine going for
our families? It begins at Thanksgiving time when
they have those first few days off from school and it
seems to run right through the New Year holiday!
What happens in those 6 weeks is sometimes pure chaos.
How everything gets done and falls into place is
a miracle some years. But does it have to be this
crazy?

The holiday season is a time for traditions to be made.
That trip to the zoo to see the lights at night, a seat on
Santa's lap, a roadtrip to grandma's and grandpa's,
a neighborhood or office party, tree decorating and so
many more fun things to do together as a family.

So, in the hustle and bustle of making and filling the
lists and activities, remember to begin some new
traditions and don't forget to keep the old ones going
strong. Relax, enjoy that moment of hot cocoa and
conversation with your children, listen to those stories
of Santa and relatives memories. Keep your children
to their usual routine as much as possible for your
own sanity and enjoy every moment of the holiday
season.

Happy holidays from kidsklutter! To find out how
you can bring a wonderful and organized idea to your
school visit us at www.kidsklutter.com. Your school
can make more money and you can have peace of mind.