We knew we weren’t ready to hand over a fully connected smartphone yet, but simply saying “wait” without a plan was making us the villains in her story. I needed a way to show her that our rules weren’t about control, but about preparation. That’s when the idea of a device contract really clicked. We needed something tangible and fair. And something that provided a clear roadmap so she didn’t have to wonder when the “no” would finally turn into a “yes.”

Why a Phone Contract for Kids Works Better Than Rules

When we stopped viewing these expectations as a set of strict rules, we shifted to viewing them as a collaborative agreement. A phone contract for kids serves a much higher purpose than just keeping them off TikTok at 2:00 AM. It creates buy-in. When we sat down with our daughter, it wasn’t a lecture; it was a meeting where she was a stakeholder. We handed her the draft and let her read it, digest it, and even suggest her own revisions. We wanted her to see that this agreement was built on a foundation of trust, respect, and balance rather than just a list of things she couldn’t do.

By documenting our concerns—like the addictive nature of certain apps or the importance of sleep—she began to understand that our hesitation wasn’t about her character, but about the technology itself. The most powerful part of this process was including a path to a phone. We committed to a specific date for her first smartphone, which immediately took the daily pressure off all of us. She stopped asking when it would happen because she had it in writing. And we stopped feeling like we were constantly moving the goalposts.

What We Include in Our Family Device Contract

Our current contract is divided into sections that grow as she does. Starting with her current tech—which includes an Apple Watch and an iPad for school. One of the first things we did to show good faith was to remove the existing downtime and app restrictions we had previously set. We told her that this was a privilege reflecting our belief that she was ready for more responsibility. It felt like a bit of a leap for us, but it was essential to show her that we were serious about trusting her to manage her own time.

However, we remained very firm on screen time rules tweens often struggle with, specifically regarding short-form video content. Our agreement explicitly states that platforms like YouTube Shorts, TikTok, and Instagram Reels are not permitted on any device. We explained to her that research shows these formats are designed to be addictive and can negatively affect the focus and well-being of developing brains.

Another non-negotiable in our house is the kitchen charging rule. Every single night, all devices must be placed on the kitchen charging station by an agreed-upon bedtime. We are huge believers that sleep matters more than any screen. Along with this, we’ve established that devices aren’t welcome during family meals or conversations unless we specifically permit them. The goal is to ensure that screen time never takes priority over homework, chores, or family connection.

Perhaps the most unique part of our contract is the work requirement. To get a phone on her 14th birthday, she must hold a summer job. We want her to learn the value of earning, responsibility, and independence, which are all qualities that go hand-in-hand with owning a smartphone. If she can handle this responsibility, we feel much more confident that she can handle the responsibility of a data plan.

The agreement also outlines exactly what happens if trust is broken. We’ve agreed that the first step is always a family conversation, not an immediate punishment. And that repeated violations can lead to restrictions put in place or the temporary loss of the device.

Tips for the Conversation

If you’re ready to introduce a contract, my biggest piece of advice is to make it a collaboration, not a confrontation. Don’t spring it on them during a tense moment. Instead give them a heads up and schedule a “family meeting. Start by acknowledging the things they are doing well and explain your “why” behind the rules.

When kids understand that a rule exists to protect their sleep or their mental health—rather than just to “be mean”—they are much more likely to respect it. Most importantly, commit to reviewing the agreement regularly. We’ve set a date to revisit ours every year on our daughter’s birthday. As she grows and proves she can handle her current level of freedom, the trust and her independence will grow right along with her.

Building a Digital Future Together

I realized through all this, that you don’t have to be a perfect parent to navigate the digital world. But you do have to be a proactive one. Transitioning from a state of constant conflict to a state of clear expectations has changed the entire energy of our home.

Communication is the bridge that turns a screen from a source of stress into a tool for connection. If you’ve been feeling that strain in your relationship, I highly encourage you to sit down and put a plan on paper. It’s not about controlling their every move; it’s about giving them the guardrails they need to eventually drive on their own. Start the conversation today and watch how much more smoothly the phone journey becomes when everyone is reading from the same script.

The post How This Simple Phone Contract for Kids Saved Our Sanity as Parents appeared first on Jane Erica.

The other day, I caught myself grumbling about another busy week—carpools, meetings, late dinners. At the end of the week, we were supposed to go out for a friend’s birthday, and I completely forgot to plan a sitter. When I called my mom last minute to see if she could watch the kids, she said yes right away. And it hit me how rare and lucky this is.

I have both of my parents nearby, healthy and able to be part of my kids’ everyday life—cheering at soccer games, attending birthday parties, watching football together on weekends. And yet, sometimes I forget to show how much it means to me. That moment reminded me: gratitude isn’t just about feeling thankful, it’s about showing it—making sure the people who matter most actually hear it from us.

The Power of Voiced Gratitude

Gratitude becomes most powerful when it’s voiced. A whispered thank-you, a hug, a quick text—it’s these gestures that transform fleeting feelings into deeper connections. And research backs this up. Expressing gratitude not only strengthens relationships but also boosts happiness and even physical health. 

But gratitude doesn’t have to start with grand gestures—it begins with noticing. Even simply writing down things you are grateful for each week can make you feel happier and more optimistic. Recognition is the first step and when we pause to name what’s good, we create space to then express it. And gratitude doesn’t have to be dramatic, it can live in the small stuff, too. Like gathering for a family meal, having a body strong enough to carry you through the day, or even laughing through the nightly debate over what’s for dinner. The more we practice seeing these everyday gifts, the more natural it becomes to voice our thanks.

And here’s where the real legacy lies: modeling it. When we voice our gratitude out loud, our kids notice. Psychologists say children who learn to express thanks build resilience, empathy, and stronger bonds. 

Little Lifts You Can Try This Week

1. Say It Out Loud
Don’t assume your gratitude is understood. Tell your parents, partner, or kids one specific thing you’re thankful for this week. Even a simple “Thanks for showing up” can go further than you think.

2. Gratitude Cue for Kids
At dinner or bedtime, ask your kids: “What’s one thing today that made you feel happy or one moment you’re glad happened?” Encourage them to name people as often as things to help anchor gratitude in relationships.

3. Write It Down
Keep a small notebook or phone note where you jot one moment of gratitude each day. Reading back through even a week’s worth is a powerful reminder of abundance.

4. Health Check of Thanks

Pause once this week to notice something your body can do—carry groceries, chase your kids, breathe deeply. Gratitude for your health, however ordinary it feels, creates resilience when life gets hectic.

5. Shift to “Get To”

When you feel weighed down by routines—say to yourself, I get to pick up my kids today. I get to watch this soccer game. I get to tuck them in tonight. This tiny reframe pulls you back to the gift hidden in the grind.

Gratitude in Action

Gratitude isn’t meant to stay silent. When we voice it, we remind others—and ourselves—just how much the little things matter.

Your Little Lift Challenge: This week, tell someone how much they mean to you. Then, model the practice for your kids—it may just become their favorite daily habit, too.

If journaling speaks to you, jot down one small moment of gratitude each day. Or keep it simple: ask yourself—“If tomorrow looked completely different, what ordinary moment from today would I miss most?” Hold onto that thought—and let it shape how you move through this week.

The post How Saying “Thank You” Changes Everything | A Little Lift appeared first on Jane Erica.

Portable Wi-Fi Projector | Beats Headphones | Philips Sonicare Toothbrush | Rechargeable Walkie Talkies | Keurig K-Mini Go Machine | Charging Station | Roborok Vacuum + Mop

Charging Station

For the Apple device user, this space-saving charging station is so convenient and sleep looking for the nightstand.

Roborok Vacuum + Mop

Every home needs a robot vacuum. We have this brand and love it. You can program scheduled cleanings in specified rooms.

Oura Ring

For the data enthusiast and health conscious, the technology in the Oura Ring is next level. Great alternative to a watch.

Portable Party Speaker

Bring the party with this speaker that not only brings the music but sets the vibe. This deal is incredible too!

More Gifts for The Techy to shop for:

I hope you are inspired to shop for the tech lover in your life! There are some more great ideas in the links below.

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Rare Beauty Mini Blush Trio | Abercrombie Kids Sweatshirt | Abercrombie Kids Sweatpants | Harry Potter Backpack | Jewelry Box | Ordinary Moisturizer | Touchland Hand Sanitizer | Lululemon Everywhere Bag

Mini Blush Trio

Rare Beauty By Selena Gomez products are all the rage with the tween girls and her products are really high quality. They rate well on the EWG scale for safe products as well and are beautiful on the skin without being to heavy.

Abercrombie Kids Sweatsuit Set

Abercrombie Kids has such quality products, so when “sweatpants and sweatshirt” showed up on the list, I knew the place to check. Love the style and the neutral color of this green set, too.

Lululemon Everywhere Bag

Anything from Lululemon would be a hit with the tween girls. This everywhere bag has a pop of color and the two toned strap adds a nice detail to the piece. You might find yourself borrowing this one every now and then.

Jewelry Box

This jewelry box has it all. First, it’s beautiful for leaving atop of the dresser, and it has a place for every piece of jewelry, especially those Kendra Scott necklaces surely on the list as well.

More Gifts for Tween Girls to shop for:

I hope you are inspired to shop for the special girl in your life! There are some more great ideas for tween girls in the links below.

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And if you loved the movie The Greatest Showman or even just love the idea of the circus, it’s perfect!

What I love even more about this great couples Halloween costume, is that it’s perfect for those who love to dress up and those who like to keep it easy and simple.

What should a couple be for Halloween?

One idea is a ringmaster (or ring mistress) and a lion!

What I love about this costume

The ring mistress costume is so cute and such great quality. It’s so flattering and very fun to wear. It didn’t come with the tights, but I found them easily at Target.

And the lion costume, which was really just the mane, claws and tail, made it so easy for Brett to dress up. He’s pretty go with the flow, but I knew this would make it an easy win. He paired it with some beige clothes he had already in his closet.

Cute Couples Halloween Costume Idea

It’s definitely a win for a cute Halloween costume idea for a couple, or even friends.

The other acts of our show included a magical unicorn and a fighting Power Ranger.

This is The Greatest Show!

Come alive this year as the ring mistress and her greatest act, the ferocious lion!

Shop this Easy and Spectacular Couple’s Halloween Costume Here:

The post The Most Spectacular Halloween Costume Idea for Couples appeared first on Jane Erica.

Funny Inflatable Characters

Dinosaur | Unicorn ,Tutu, Crown | Alien | Flamingo, Flamingo Shirt

Last year, Reece wanted to be the alien kidnapping a boy costume and I thought it was so funny. We thought it would be even funnier if we all wore an inflatable costume, and man were we right. We had so much fun with this one!

An Evil Witch and her Black Cat

With Hat | Corset | Tights | Boots | Cat Costume

It’s always great to have a good witch costume on the ready for a last minute costume or Halloween party. I particularly love the hat and tights that really completed this costume. And the boots made it a really comfy option as well. Let’s not forget about the witch’s black cat. An easy onesie costume any husband would be willing to wear.

Game of thrones – Daenerys, Her Dragons and John Snow

Jon Snow Costume | Jon Snow Wig | Daenerys Costume | Daenerys Wig | Dragon Costume

When both of your kids want to dress up like dragons, there’s only one thing mom and dad can do. Dress like Daenerys and John Snow of course. This year’s costume was epic.

The Ringleader and Her Tamed Lion

Ring leader Costume | Tights | Lion Costume

As you can tell, I love to dress up and then find easy ways for Brett to play the part with me. I absolutely loved this ringleader costume, and need to wear it again. And you can’t beat this easy lion mane, claws and tail that Brett looks so cute in.

Superhero Kids

Captain America | Wonder Woman

The kids loved these costumes so much, they wore them for two years in a row. They would even run around with the neighborhood kids in their costumes throughout the year playing games. Great costume idea for any siblings, or the whole family! There is never any shortage of superheros to dress up as.

Elsa and Olaf from Frozen

Elsa | Olaf

One of my favorite costumes ever was Rylee as Elsa and Reece as Olaf when they were so little. This was Reece’s second Halloween ever! It was the cutest thing to see him walking down the street in this costume. Take me back, it’s too cute!

Fun and Silly Family Halloween Costume Ideas Over the Years

I hope you enjoyed these fun and silly family halloween costume ideas over the years. Got any ideas for this year? Let me know in the comments below!

The post Fun and Silly Family Halloween Costume Ideas Over the Years appeared first on Jane Erica.

First Thing’s First: Decide Together

Now, before you get all GI Mommy on the kids and start demanding routines, have a conversation with them to let them know the school year is coming, and with that comes new expectations for their routine and responsibilities. Make sure you and your spouse or partner are also in agreement of where the boundaries are so you can stay consistent.

So, are you ready to dive in and master your kids’ bedtime and morning routines this school year?

Bedtime Routines: Respectful Wind-Down

Let’s face it, a consistent bedtime routine is still the secret sauce to a smooth school year. The trick is finding a balance between their growing independence and the need for some structure and responsibility. Here are some tips to get you started:

Chill Out Time

Whether your kids are outside riding their bikes with friends, or playing intense video games, set a time that you expect them home and/or off devices and encourage them to try something calmer. For example, dinner time, getting ready for the next day, reading a book or listening to music.

Set the Evening Tone

Start setting the mood in the house to show it’s time to wind down. Gradually dim the lights in your home to signal to those brains that it’s time for sleep. Consider replacing harsh overhead lights with cozy table lamps in their bedrooms. We love our Amazon Echo Glow. You can set it to a variety of different colors. A red or orange glow would be perfect for setting a cozy, ready for bed atmosphere.

One-on-One Time

Even big kids benefit from some goodnight snuggles or a quick chat about their day. Make this quality time count and leave room in the routine to make it happen. These days fly by quick and it’s a great opportunity to get them to talk about their days without distractions.

Consistency is Queen

Stick to the bedtime schedule that you set, even on the weekends. Yes, it’s so hard, but it will pay off come Monday morning. For older kids, consider gradually adjusting bedtimes later in small increments as they get older.

Morning Routines: Streamline and Slay

Mornings with bigger kids can be, well… a lot. But with a little prep, some trust in their abilities, and the right mindset, you can turn that chaos into a (somewhat) peaceful routine and foster their growing independence in the process. Here’s how:

Set an Alarm

Wouldn’t it be nice to not have to run around the house in the morning screaming, “Wake up time! Time to wake up!” over and over? Set alarms for the kids so they know when it’s time to wake up, especially when their schools have different hours. We love our Amazon Echo Dot for setting alarms for the kids. They can wake up to music, which is so much better than that jarring beeping, and when paired with the Echo Glow, you can add the wakeup light, which gradually increases brightness every couple of minutes, to help them wake up.

Prep is Your BFF

Encourage the kids to lay out their outfits, prep those lunches, and have backpacks ready to roll the night before. Making this part of the routine not only makes morning smoother, but teaches them to think through their next day and teaches them responsibility.

Breakfast On-The-Go

Let’s save those special pancakes, shaped like Mickey Mouse and topped with whipped cream, for the weekend. There’s no need to create more mess and work for everyone on these hectic school mornings. Try cereal (which the kids can make themselves) overnight oats, smoothies, or even a good ol’ granola bar for quick on the go breakfast options. That can be your best friend on those crazy mornings. No judgments here!

Leave Early (Seriously)

You can never leave early enough when it comes to school drop offs. Pad that commute time with a little extra buffer. Less rush equals less stress for everyone involved. Plus, some extra time to deal with those inevitable lost shoes or homework meltdowns.

Additional Bedtime and Morning Routine Tips For Hectic Schedules

For those of you with active kids and lots of extra curricular, here are some additional tips to introduce into your home to keep everyone on track, responsible and respectful:

• Family Calendar: Create a central place in the house, or in the kids’ bedrooms, that informs them of the days in which they have activities or extracurriculars. Hold them responsible for getting ready in time. Having a visual checklist, even for bigger kids, can help them to remember what events and/or responsibilities they have.
• Chore Chart: Setting routines also lets you establish (or re-establish) the children’s chores and parent’s expectations of get them done, especially if you’ve slipped over the summer. Use the Family Calendar space as a way to identify them, and hold them responsible for getting them done.
• Homework: Make sure homework is penciled into your routine, and keep it consistent if possible. Giving kids some time to relax after school is important, but make sure that homework is a part of the routine in between the after school activities, so it doesn’t become a stressful rush in the late evenings or early mornings.

The Bottom Line for Bedtime and Morning Routines

Remember, the goal here isn’t perfection – it’s progress. Experiment, adjust, and find what works best for YOUR unique crew. And hey, when all else fails, there’s always coffee, right?

Happy back-to-school season, mamas! Let me know in the comments below what bedtime and morning routines have been a game-changer for your bigger kids.

The post Back to School: How to Master Bedtime and Morning Routines appeared first on Jane Erica.

Summer is here, and I couldn’t be more excited to share a list of my top 8 summer essentials. I love the change of pace summer brings, the hot days just begging to be spent poolside and the long lists of books to read on the beach. But let’s be real, the heat can be a real pain sometimes. That’s why I’m obsessed with my top 8 summer essentials – the must-have items that make the season easy breezy. From my secret weapon for lunches on the beach to my go-to gadget for ice cold beverages, these faves are my summer ride or dies. So grab a frosty drink, pull up a lounge chair, and get ready for my top 8 summer essentials list full of must-haves that’ll make your season sizzle. Shop all these items in the widget at the end of this post!

Summer Essential #1: Divider Tray for Bogg Bag

Ok, so for anyone with a Bogg Bag, you know that it can get extremely hard to find things in this giant thing. Especially when you are on the go and at the beach with the kiddos, everything needs to be in its place, easy to find and quick. This divider is a must have. It easily separates my towels from all my necessities and makes it really easy to find what I need.

Summer Essential #2: Solar Buddies Sunscreen Applicator

The next summer must-have, is this Solar Buddies sunscreen applicator. One of the most tedious, but necessary, tasks in the summer is putting sunscreen on the kids. It’s hot, and it gets all over your hands and the kids hate it. This applicator makes it so easy they can do it themselves. It’s mess free and rolls on really smooth. It’s definitely worth checking out, especially if you have kids.

Summer Essential #3: JBL Clip Speaker

A day outside at the pool or beach is not complete without that summer hits playlist. JBL speakers have always been a go to for me. The sound is great, their water resistant, and this one clips anywhere for easy access and to keep away from the waves.

Summer Essential #4. Waterproof Mesh Bags

Talk about obsessed, because I am with these. They have so many uses and are waterproof to keep your things safe, especially when your wet kiddos come scrummaging through your things. I usually have one of these bags filled with snacks, and another with our dry clothes. Once we change into our dry clothes, I use the same bag to hold our wet bathing suits. This pack comes in a few differents sizes. I love the large bags, but the smaller ones can be used for personal items, like your phone, wallet and keys to keep them dry.

Summer Essential #5: Frost Buddy Universal Coozy

The Frost Buddy is the ultimate must have. Whether you like slim cans, regular cans, or even bottles, this universal coozy can hold them all. It can even hold a 16oz can if that’s your style! So you can switch up for beverage for the day and keep them icy cold in the summer heat. They come in so many fun colors, too.

Summer Essential #6: Silicone Phone Holder for Bogg Bag

Another accessory for the Bogg Bag that I find ultimately necessary. This silicon phone holder straps right to the Bogg Bag and is really light so it doesn’t add any extra weight. With your cell phone easily accessible, especially while walking down to the beach, or finding chairs by the pool, you’ll be so thankful your able to grab it quick. Whether to call your hubby that you found the perfect chairs or quickly snap a picture of the kids doing something adorable, you’ll be able to grab it in a flash.

Summer Essential #7: Folding Picnic Table

This is my secret weapon for lunch on the beach! Or anywhere outside. It folds up so compactly and is really light. You can also put an umbrella right in the middle for an ultra comfortable, shaded lunch wherever you go. We took this to the beach recently ’cause we packed lunches for all of us and it was a game changer to be able to sit at a table and eat while enjoying the beach. No sand in my sandwich please!

Summer Essential #8: Aegend Swim Goggles, 2 Pack

The last item on my top 8 summer essentials list is this two pack of goggles by Aegend. It’s the new style of strap without them dangling in front of the kids faces that is really unique. They are really comfortable on the kids’ faces and they swim for hours with them. It’s also really nice that they come in a two pack, so there’s no fighting over who got the “cooler” goggles, they are the exact same. That rationale works with kids right?

My Top 8 Summer Essentials

That’s a wrap on my top 8 summer essentials must-have list. I hope you found some things that can make your summer days a breeze. Shop all these items and more below. And let me know in the comments section anything on your must-have this summer. Would love to hear from you!

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Check out some other summer inspired posts on the blog like our Family Summer Vacation on Lake Sinclair or this inspirational post about how fun ways to keep your kids learning this summer.

The post My Top 8 Summer Essentials: Easy Breezy Must Haves appeared first on Jane Erica.

How To Be Patient With Your Kids

It’s not hard to lose patience with small, demanding children needing you so much throughout the day. Especially in the grind of work, dealing with stressful deadlines, running errands, managing finances and keeping the house clean.

Any one of these things going wrong can set you off. And when it’s taken out on your children, it can not only have a negative impact on them but it can cause some major guilt for you when you’ve overreacted.

It’s a daily practice to make sure you are a patient parent. And trust me mamas, it’s hard. But if you’ve ever been through it, you’ll know it’s so important for your child’s self-esteem. As a parent, your child models your behavior and learns from your reactions. But as much as you try, situations in which you lose your patience are bound to happen. Use these tips to help you stay patient with your kids.

Tip #1: Put down devices and listen

One of my biggest sources of impatience is when I am in the middle of something, like reading something or writing a blog post, and my children are constantly interrupting me or needing something. When it comes down to it, they are what’s important. So instead of getting frustrated, put down the device and listen. Take five minutes to teach them how they can help themselves next time. The hardest thing to do is connect with your child while you are on your computer or cell phone.

Tip #2: Make time for yourself

Because you know your kids certainly won’t. They will take every ounce of time you have if you don’t schedule time for yourself. Which can be a patience drainer! Whether it’s getting a pedicure, making it to the gym or planning a vacation. You need this time off so you don’t take it out on your kids when you ask them once again to clean their room. Don’t feel guilty about taking time for yourself—there is nothing better to reset your patience meter than coming home from doing something you love.

Tip #3: Identify your anger triggers

Everyone has them. If you are able to identify yours, you’ll be more likely to avoid those situations or stop the impatient reaction from coming out when you can’t. Pint-sized Treasures blog has an amazing post about types of anger triggers that may help you find which ones set you off. Plus isn’t “anger triggers” a fun saying?

Tip #4: Remember your child is watching

When the feeling of frustration and impatience starts to bubble up, remember, your child is right there, watching what you do next, and learning how to behave. Act the way you would want your child to in a similar situation. Everything is a learning opportunity with small children and this should always be in the back of your mind.

How To Be Patient With Your Kids Tip

As your little one continues to learn and grow through the stages of life, remember that with the power of patience, and a positive attitude, you can accomplish any challenges that are thrown your way. Practicing patience will allow you to stay level-headed and calm, finding solutions to problems instead of feeling stressed. And it will foster a bright and loving relationship with your children.

The post How To Be Patient With Your Kids appeared first on Jane Erica.

Burt’s Bees Overnight Lip Treatment | LMNT Electrolyte Packets | Guru Natural Essential Oils | Tile | Teleties Hair Ties | Olive & June Nail Polish | Portable Apple Watch Charger | Dipping Sauce Car Holder

Olive & June Nail Polish Kit

From tween girl, to mom, to grandma, Olive & June polish is a great gift. And this kit comes with the top coat too!

Saucemoto Dip Clip

Seriously genius idea for those who love their sauce, and can never figure out how to safely dunk in the car.

Portable Apple Watch Charger

A great idea for those with Apple watches. You know it’s such a pain when they die while you are out and about.

More Stocking Stuffers for Everyone to shop for:

Have fun shopping for small gifts that everyone will love, and will fit in a stocking. Some more great ideas are in the links below.

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