We would go all out. My cousin would come, we’d catch up with friends, and one year we even had a cornhole tournament, that got pretty competitive. The food was a big deal, but so was having everyone together.

When my parents moved up here, their house wasn’t big enough to host everyone, so Thanksgiving moved to our house. Brett took on a huge part of the cooking because he’s a master chef, and I am very happy to benefit from that talent! My brother and his wife come over, and last year we had extended family join us, too.

I love a full house. But feeding that full house can definitely be stressful, especially for the person doing most of the cooking. (Brett, not me.)

Over the past few years, we’ve learned a few hosting party tricks and how much a little planning can help. These are the shortcuts worth making room for so you can enjoy the people gathered around your table. Here are our 8 Thanksgiving tips for less stress so you can enjoy more connection this holiday season.

1. Make What You Can Ahead of Time

A Thanksgiving menu gets a lot more manageable when every dish doesn’t have to start and finish on Thursday. Look over your recipes ahead of time and figure out what you can prepare early. That might mean making a dish completely ready to bake, prepping ingredients, or simply measuring everything so it’s ready when you need it.

Write those steps into your plan, too. “Chop ingredients Wednesday” is much more helpful than a mental note to get ahead somehow. Some of our family favorites that we make ahead of time are the sweet potato casserole and cranberry sauce. Brett has even cooked the turkey ahead of time and reheated it the day of. Start with the family favorites you know you’re making, then look for ways to spread out the work.

2. Give Everyone Something to Graze On

Our Thanksgiving grazing board is a tradition I have no plans to give up.

We fill it with meats, specialty cheeses, olives, gherkins, fruit, nuts, seeds, and assorted crackers—the works! It’s fun to put together, looks beautiful, and gives everyone something to snack on while dinner is cooking.

We usually eat around 5 or 6, so having something available beforehand keeps everyone from becoming starving beasts while they wait. The idea is a little grazing to bridge the gap until dinner.

And if making a big board sounds like another job, a few cheeses, crackers, and fruit will still give guests something to enjoy when they arrive.

3. Use Nice Disposable Dishes

I am fully in favor of a pretty table that doesn’t leave you with a mountain of dishes. For larger gatherings, nice disposable plates and napkins can still feel festive, especially alongside a tablecloth or a simple centerpieces. Look for sturdy plates that can handle an actual Thanksgiving dinner.

You can also use this shortcut selectively. Keep the dishes you love for dinner and use disposable plates for appetizers or dessert. Every little bit of cleanup you save yourself counts when you’re hosting a crowd.

4. Give Guests Something Specific to Bring

When someone asks, “What can I bring?” have an answer ready. A specific request makes it easier for them and takes something definite off your list. Ask for an appetizer, a favorite side, dessert, or drinks—whatever would help most.

Our go to, is dessert. We’re not huge bakers so anything someone can add to the festivities is welcome. And you can end up with quite the assortment. It’s also a lovely way to make room for someone else’s family specialty.

5. Get the Table and Serving Dishes Ready Early

Pull out your platters, bowls, and serving utensils before the kitchen gets busy. Assign each dish a place and use a little sticky note if it helps: mashed potatoes here, vegetables there, rolls in this basket. You’ll spot anything you’re missing while there’s still time to find it. If you can set the table the day before, even better.

This also makes it easier for someone to help. They can see where things belong without asking the chef to stop and direct every move.

6. Let Guests Help Themselves to Drinks

Set up a drink area with cups, napkins, an opener, and the drinks you’re serving. Include water and something the kids can easily help themselves to.

If you have the space, put it outside the main cooking area. Guests can refill without gathering right in front of the oven. It’s a small setup task that saves you from answering “Where are the cups?” while trying to get dinner ready.

7. Make a Simple Cooking Timeline

Work backward from the time you want to eat and write down when each dish needs to go into the oven or onto the stove. Pay particular attention to anything competing for oven space. Include reheating, resting time where your recipe calls for it, and those final steps that are easy to forget.

Keep the timeline somewhere visible so anyone helping can follow along. You don’t need an elaborate spreadsheet. A piece of paper that keeps everything out of your head is enough.

8. Have Take-Home Containers Ready

Put take-home containers and something to label them with in one place before guests arrive. When it’s time to share leftovers, you won’t be hunting through a cabinet for a lid that almost fits. Guests can take home a little of their favorite dishes, and you can get the kitchen settled sooner.

After all that cooking, those family specialties deserve an encore.

8 Thanksgiving Tips for Less Stress and More Connection

Thanksgiving means a lot to me because of the memories we’ve made around it. I want to enjoy the full house, hear the conversations, and have Brett get a chance to enjoy the day, too.

A few things done early, some help from family, and fewer dishes waiting afterward can make that easier. I hope these 8 Thanksgiving tips help you enjoy more connection and less stress this coming holiday.

What’s one Thanksgiving tradition—or hosting shortcut—you would never give up?

The post 8 Thanksgiving Tips for Less Stress and More Connection appeared first on Jane Erica.

The back-to-school season always seems to sneak up on us. One minute, you’re soaking up summer pool days, and the next—you’re staring down supply lists, sports sign-ups, and color-coded school calendars.

If you’re a mom with kids in different schools (hello, staggered start times and multiple drop-offs), the chaos can feel next-level. But with a little planning and a few mom-tested organization hacks, you can turn the madness into manageable routines.

Let’s dive in into this back to school organization made easy post featuring hacks for busy moms.

Why Getting Organized Matters

A little prep now saves a whole lot of stress later. Having an organized home gives you smoother mornings, calmer kids and more time for you. Planning ahead ensures your routine stays on track and gives you a roadmap for keeping up with your goals (and keeping your cool!) throughout the week.

Getting your system in place this summer before the craziness of school and activity schedules reduces anxiety and chaos so you don’t have to worry about the last minute scrambling for lost shoes or forgotten homework on those early mornings.

Back-to-School Organization Hacks Every Mom Can Use

Here are ten actionable hacks you can incorporate into your household or schedule to ease into this busy season, reduce chaos, and make a little more room for yourself.

1. Create a Central Command Center

Set up a space near your front door or garage entryway that can serve as a central command center. Not only can this help with keeping your kids backpacks, lunch boxes and jackets organized, but it can serve as a home base for schedules and reminders that the entire family can follow.

A big wall calendar can be beautiful and also help manage schedules. There are some really cool digital wall calenders as well, making this super techy and fun. Add hooks for backpacks and jackets, and bins or cubbies for shoes and sports gear.

Shop items:

2. Streamline the Paper Trail

Create a simple, dedicated spot within your command center for school paperwork. Use a wall mounted file organizer, labeled bins, or color-coded folders to immediately sort incoming papers. Ideas include: Action Needed, To Sign, and Keep/Reference. This prevents the dreaded “countertop pile” and ensures permission slips don’t vanish.

Label folders per child to reference classroom information easily, or organize mail, like bills that need to be addressed, coupons and city newsletters. A bulletin board also offers a space to hang your child’s artwork, honor roll certificates and reminders like birthday invitations.

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3. Keep Extra Supplies at Home

Skip the late-night Target run. Stock a rolling caddy or a clear storage bin with basic school essentials: pencils, markers, glue sticks, and scissors. Your future self will thank you when that inevitable “surprise” science fair project pops up on a Tuesday night.

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4. Master Meal Prep

First, a pro-tip: if your school offers a lunch program and your kids like it, make your life easier and utilize it!

If you are making lunches every day, meal prepping is your best friend. While it may sound daunting, prepping components ahead of time is a guaranteed game-changer for smoother mornings. If dedicated “Sunday Prep” feels like a chore, make lunches the night before while you are already cleaning up dinner, so you aren’t scrambling in the morning. Here are some mom-approved tips for making meal prep easier:

Easy Healthy Snacks: Keep pre-portioned, healthy snack options ready in the fridge: chopped strawberries, peeled ‘Cuties’, or apple slices (with a spritz of lemon to prevent browning). These Packit ice pack snack bags keep them fresh in the kids’ backpacks for school. Try Chomps grass-fed beef sticks for a non-perishable protein packed snack. Pre-packaged pretzels and veggie sticks are great options as well.

Breakfast Meal Prep Made Easy: Breakfast sandwiches can also be prepped ahead of time and heated up super quick in the microwave in the mornings.

Homemade Lunchables: One of my favorite lunches to prep for the kids are homemade lunchables. Using these storage containers and a small cookie cutter, you can cut your own cold cuts and cheese and easily prep 4-5 lunches at one time.

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5. Sync Schedules Strategically

When you are managing multiple schools, build your daily plan around the earliest pickup time. Then, maximize that “waiting time” between different dismissals. Instead of stressing in the car line, use that 20 minutes for audiobooks, podcasts, or even a mini moment of self-care.

6. Communicate, Communicate, Communicate

Between multiple teachers, front offices, and coaches, the communication tools can get overwhelming. If you’re wondering if your missing something, don’t be afraid to ask. Utilize technology to save your sanity: set up group texts with parents from the same school, stay active on classroom apps and organize them in your phone for easy access. And, most importantly, maintain a shared family Google Calendar. Because if it’s not on the shared calendar, it doesn’t exist!

7. Stick to Routines

Morning and evening routines provide predictability (and fewer meltdowns). Establish clear, consistent blocks of time for homework, reading, chores, and downtime. Use your central command center to list these routines visually so everyone can reference them and be accountable.

8. Don’t Forget Yourself

Including your own routine. Don’t forget to schedule in the things that you need to be a happy, healthy parent! You’re the glue holding it all together. Schedule that workout, coffee with a friend, or quiet solo Target run.

9. Write It All Down

Trying to run mental checklists all day is a guaranteed source of stress. Externalize your brain however is best for you. Whether you use a paper planner, a digital app, or a wall of sticky notes, getting tasks out of your head is key.

10. Stay Flexible

Because let’s be real—things won’t always go as planned. Systems can, and will, evolve with your family’s needs. A child will get sick, a practice will be rained out, or you’ll forget a theme day. Give yourself grace. The system is there to serve you, not the other way around.

Back to School Organization Made Easy: Hacks for Busy Moms

The secret to surviving (and even thriving) during back-to-school season isn’t perfection—it’s preparation and perspective.

Experiment with these organization hacks, keep what works, and toss what doesn’t. Remember: calm isn’t about having a picture-perfect system—it’s about creating routines that serve your family.

Here’s to fewer frantic mornings, more peaceful afternoons, and a school year that feels (mostly) under control.

Pin this graphic and reference it later!

The post Back to School Organization Made Easy: Hacks for Busy Moms appeared first on Jane Erica.

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.

Shop Now!

Scroll below to shop everything from this post and more.

Other Gift Guides:

The post The Tech-Lovers Gift Guide appeared first on Jane Erica.

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.

Shop Now!

Scroll below to shop everything from this post and more.

Other Gift Guides:

The post Tween Girls Ultimate Dream List Gift Guide appeared first on Jane Erica.

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

Shop similar costumes and accessories:
Dinosaur | Unicorn, Tutu, Crown | Alien | Flamingo, “Just a girl who loves Flamingos” Shirt

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!

Jack Sparrow and his Pirate Wench

Pirate Costume | Jewelry | Corset | Jack Sparrow Costume | Jack Sparrow Wig

Always a fun way to celebrate Halloween, and what guys doesn’t want to be Jack Sparrow! This one was super confortable and reusable for sure.

An Evil Witch and her Black Cat

Witch 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 partner would be willing to wear.

Game of thrones – Daenerys, Her Dragons and Jon 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 Jon 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!

Family Halloween Costume Ideas We’ve Actually Worn

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 Family Halloween Costume Ideas We’ve Actually Worn 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.

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