DIY: Project organize kids room

Hi everybody,

Okay, this is still a bit of an ongoing project for me. As I still try to figure out what works best for my son’s room. Often ideas that found on the internet might not always work for your child.

Below is some clever tips and ideas on how to organize your child’s room. I must admit, some are still ongoing projects, but most of them have been happily accomplished. As I have a boy, most are examples for a boy’s room. But I’ll do my best to include some ideas for the girls.

    1. Box it and label it

Who ever invented these awesome clear storage boxes was a genius. It is one of the best things to invest in when organizing any area in the house. If you feel overwhelmed as to what size, type etc. box to buy, don’t stress here’s few pointers. First sort out all the toys. Be sure to sort it into categories that your child will understand the best. For my son I put all the action figures together and all the legos together. Next, measure the shelves or space you have allocated for the boxes. Write the sizes and off you go to the shop. Now that toys are sorted, box is purchased, it’s time to make some cool labels to make it easier for your child to put the toys back in their correct boxes.

     2. Make use of wall space

Create space by hanging shelves or little cubicles for books Just remember to hang them within reach of the kiddies. Below are some ideas for wall storage. Make the shelves narrow so that they won’t become cluttered.

    3. Keep floors as clear as possible

By keeping floors as clear as possible, it gives you kids more space to play and it makes it easier to keep it clean. If you have baskets for toys try to hang them on the wall.

     4. Create storage

One of the nicest ways to create storage in kids room without taking up too much space is under the bed. I was lucky enough to have a hands on hubby and he created this awesome baby cot  that we converted into a ¾ bed with storage underneath. For now I use those baskets as storage for small baby clothes that I want to keep, extra teddies etc. Later on my son can use it for more of his toys sport stuff etc.

    5. Create a command centre

This is such a great way to hang up all those beautiful artwork. I also use it to put up Aidens routine schedule and reward chart. At the bottom of the board I added a strip of chalkboard. It’s a fun way to encourage kids to be creative. Also what is really nice about the board is that it will grow with my son. As he goes into primary school and high school, he will be able to put up reminders for homework, his achievements etc. Solution to all those loose papers.

    6. Sort regularly

It is amazing how many broken toys gets stored away, taking up un-necessary space. Same goes for toys your child simply doesn’t  play with anymore. So instead of increasing the storage space, be sure to firstly sort and go through all their toys.

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Thank you for stopping by and reading my post. I hope it gave you an inspiration to organize your kids room.

Cheers

Overcome evil with good.

Hi all,

Before I even fell pregnant I always thought the tough mom/teacher duty only kicks in when kids go to primary school. I was pretty wrong on that one. Aiden has turned 4 at the end of January 2015, and trust me he's quite a clever little boy. His brain is absorbing everything around him, and I mean everything. Unfortunately the bad stuff as well. So that made me realize how important it is to teach your child from as early as possible. And the only way is by repetition.

I have been so inspired by MOB (Moms of Boys) blog. Their focus on raising Godly boys and their application of the Word is just amazing. Throughout my life I have learnt about the Bible, but never really how to apply it properly in my own life and also in my sons life. One post that has so far really stuck out in my mind is “When evil is repaid by evil” by Wenely Speake from MOB. When I read: “Mom, don’t join the fight. Let’s teach our sons how to overcome evil with our good.” Immediately I thought of all the times that I have reacted with frustration to something that my son has done. My first thought was...what does that teach him? That it is okay to react with anger.

Another thing I have learnt through motherhood is that God really does have a set out plan for me. Being a mom isn't just about the responsibilities. But it is a journey where I become closer to God simply by teaching my son to do so.

Going back to the title of this post, there is no better verse to back it up. That is: 

 “Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.”Romans 12:21 

This does not only apply to our kids and the way they react to the other kids but us reacting to our kids. Below are just a few ways I aim to apply this verse into mine and my sons life. This journey is not just mine, but also my sons and my husbands. How awesome is that.

    1. Be patient

We all know this scenario when our child decides not to listen and challenges us head on. What is the first thing we tend to do? We face back like a bull. (Well at least I tend to do it) If you think you are winning a fight, you are actually loosing it. Because your child is learning to react to any bad circumstance with anger and frustration. Where it could have been something small. Step down to their level, look them in the eyes and clearly explain everything. And do not give in, be consistent. In the beginning it will be challenging but after some time they will realize that there is no other way.

    2. Oh the tantrums

I don’t think there is a parent that has never went through a tantrum episode. They may vary in degree, but it was definitely there. What I do, and seems to be working (at least most of the time), is I go to my sons level. Look him in the eyes and I ask him: “What is that going to help you?” It is not easy to have a straight face when those big blue eyes are staring at you. But you have to, they need to learn obedience. I can see how he pauses, and than thinks of throwing another tantrum. It will eventually fade as they learn they are not getting anything out of it.

    3. No arguments.

I think especially as mom’s we often get into lengthy arguments with our kids to avoid a hiding. But than all we do is we allow for that little spark to grow into a fire.  We give them that gap to throw a tantrum etc. What I do is I give at least 3 warnings. Than I send him to his room and explain to him what he did was wrong. And he can only come out when he decided to listen and to apologise. When he comes out I ask him again why did he had to go to his room. Disciplining your child is one thing, but making them understand what they did was wrong is just as important.

     4. But he did it first.

As I see my son grow up so is his interaction with friends. As young as he is, it is already so important to teach them not to react to anger with anger. Every time Aiden tells his friend hit him first. I make a point of explaining to him he must not react to it and a better person. Of course it is easier said than done, as the other day the teacher told me Aiden hit another boy. This is where repetition comes in, and explain to him once again. Tell your child that if they hit back the other person will hit harder, and you will want to do it even harder. Where will it stop?

    5. Make it visual

We all know concentration span of toddlers ain't that great. So another way to teach them is to make it visual. Draw a small mole hill and explain to them that when they react with evil the hill gets bigger and bigger.

As I end this post I would like to remind you that nothing will work immediately. It is a journey where both you and your child will learn a lot from. All those tips are just ways that I use that seem to be working. Each child is different, therefore you need to find ways that suits your child’s personality. And always keeping the verse in the center of it all. Teach the verse to your child so when he/she is in a conflict, they will know what to do.

Thank you for reading this post.

Being a mom

Hi All,

So I’m reading this newsletter from a great blog The Better Mom title: “The mother that keeps giving.” And it is mails like these that makes me feel a little better. Why? Cause it shows me that it is okay to have mommy blues or that being a mom is journey. There are so many other emails that I receive that are inspiring and comforting at the same time.

Devoting your heart

Something I have learnt is that being a good mom is not just about prepping a meal, cleaning, buying gifts etc. But it is about devoting your heart to your child. I feel if you do that, your child in return will let you into their hearts. So what does devoting your heart means? For me, it is sacrifice, listening with your hart and being there for your child not only as a mom but a friend. Sometimes listen without lecturing.

Although the sleepless nights and tantrums I would never trade being a mom for anything else. I feel like God gave us kids because he wants us to see life through their eyes. Enjoy and cherish the simple things in life. Although we are here to teach our kids everything, sometimes there is a lot we can learn from them.

Turn to God’s word.

There are days when I feel like I’m a bad mom, but than I remind myself that like everything in life. Motherhood is a journey, and every journey has its ups and downs. If you feel lost and overwhelmed with motherhood, simply turn to Gods word. It’s all there, written in black and white. Like Angus Buchan once said: “Bible is God manual for life.” Fill your heart and life with Gods love and than in return it will overflow to your child. We all make mistakes, but were humans, it’s okay.  Ask God to forgive you and help you which way to go.

They want so little.

I never knew what motherhood means until I became a mom. It is the most amazing feeling in the world. To love someone so much, that you would do anything for them. You will protect them with your life. So often my day gets busy, I rush all over like a headless chicken. 

Than I pause…think to myself…wait a minute.

All this little person in front of me wants, is my time and devotion. We need to make it a habit to spend more quality time with our kids. We will never get today back again and tomorrow is never promised to anyone. Don’t wait till tomorrow to spend some time with your child. What if tomorrow never comes. The best gift you can give your child is your time.

Thank you so much for reading my post. I really hope this will inspire you to be a mom God wants you to be. I also make mistakes and I often cry because it feels like I’m failing as a mom. But than I stand up, shake off and ask God to give me the strength to be a better mom. Remember,  it is a journey and you are never alone. 

Once again thanks for reading. 

Be sure to leave a comment about your journey as mom.

Cheers.

Daily habits to teach our kids.

Hi All,

Most of you by now know I have a cute and busy 4 year old boy. In the last year I have learnt that it is hard work being a parent. Not just physically but mentally as well. There are days when I constantly wonder if I’m doing a good job as a mom. And then God jumps to the rescue, telling me to let go of the worries and leave that to him, to simply be a mom that follows her heart (with a bit of guidance from the brain). That made me so much more relaxed, and at the same time I saw a change in my son. He too, became relaxed.

Another thing I learnt is that my son is a mirror image of me and my husband. What we do, he does exactly the same. So the moral of the story: Be the person you want your child to be. I have complied some daily habits that I believe every child should learn and habits you as a parent should reflect onto your child.

      

     1. Wake up call with a smile.

When waking up your children, do it with a smile and joy. That will teach your children to start a day with a happy and positive mind. Ask them how they have slept and tell them how much you missed them. It gives children the assurance that you are always there in the mornings. Tell your kids that God’s angels kept them safe and that a beautiful day awaits.

      2. Greet everyone.

Let your child give big hugs to everyone living in the house. This will teach them respect and politeness.

      3.  Allow to help.

Yes, mornings can be crazy, but let your kids help with whatever they can. For example, Aiden loves serving cereal to everyone and yes, he will mess, but it’s a special moment and a memory that will last a lifetime. It will teach them to be helpful and to be responsible.

      4. Say a proper goodbye.

It hurts sometimes to watch as parents just drop their kids off at school and go. No affection and no affirmation that the parent will be back. For a parent it might be a small thing, but for kids it is a big thing. By doing a proper goodbye you teach your children affection and give them the security that they are loved.. Show them the love they deserve.

       5. Back from school

This is something I am still mastering with Aiden. I feel it’s important for kids to learn to be tidy and organized. Teach them that as soon as they come home to unpack their bag and put dirty clothes in the laundry.

      6. Say please and thank you.

Manners are just so important, so while the kids are in their moldable stage, teach them all the important stuff. And repetition is the key, there is so much going on in their lives it’s difficult for them to remember everything at once. It’s so sad to see so many kids not being taught the basic manners. Be sure to say please and thank you for every small thing your kid does for you, that way they will learn from you.

      7. Be thankful

Teaching kids to be thankful seems like it is diminishing more and more. Ungrateful children are all over and our own little sponges absorb everything. Therefore it is so important that every day we need to show them how to be thankful and for what. One of the ways I teach Aiden to be thankful is when we are in the shop. I’ll make a point that he is allowed to only pick one item, whether it’s a sweetie or cold drink. Another way is to talk to them in the car and point out all the things you see and tell your child to be thankful for all the wonderful things that God created for us to enjoy.

  

      8. Grace

This one could be part of being thankful but I feel it needs to stand on its own. Teach your kids to say grace from an early age. Don’t feel frustrated if he doesn’t say it perfectly, just close your eyes and listen with your heart to what your child is grateful for. For me it is the best part of the meal, listening to his pure heart speaking out. Cherish these special moments.

     9. Have your supper by the table.

If you don’t have one, do it by a coffee table. Make a point of switching off all the distractions like TV, cell phones etc. Allow your child to be part of meal prep or even  to prep the table. It’s a tradition he or she will carry over to their kids. Talk about your day, the ups and even the downs. Let it be quality family time.

     10. It’s tidy time

I’m sure we can all remember how frustrating it was when, after all the fun with the toys time comes to clean up. Teach your kids to take responsibility for what they do and that everyone has a role in the family.

     11. Respect

This is a big thing I was taught when I was small, and my goal is to pass this onto my son. Show respect to your kids and they will quickly learn to return it.

This is just a few things that I feel are important. But if I have missed something be sure to email me or comment below. Never forget that kids are our mirror image, We need to be what we want our kids to be.

Thank you for taking the time to read my post

Pray hardest when it is hardest to pray

Hi All,

Well, this is my first post for this year. My apologies for not writing for so long. The holidays has surely kept me busy. Plus it was awesome to spend so much time with my two men at the beach. Okay enough of the holiday talk.

I have decided to start my first post for the year with this topic so that we can prepare ourselves for whatever lies ahead in this year.

Life is never a smooth ride, whether you are rich or poor. It will always have its bumps and curves. God has never promised a smooth ride, just that it will be worth it.

The past two years have been a real roller coaster for me and my family. This post would be way to long if I had to mention everything. But all I can say is that I would not have been able to make it through all these tough times if it wasn't for praying and faith in God. He hasn't provided me with a pot of gold, but he has given me peace at heart. Every time I felt overwhelmed or helpless, I prayed to God for peace and to give me strength to get through everything. 

“Don’t worry about anything, instead pray about everything” Phillipians 4:6

Here are few Bible verses for when you feel down or feel like there is no hope.

    1.       “ He had made everything beautiful in its time”  Ecclesiastes 3:11

This is a beautiful promise from God. Have faith in Him and his promise and good things will come in due time.

    2.       “ Be strong and courageous, do not be afraid. Do not be discouraged for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go” Joshua 1:9

Whenever you feel lonely or scared. STOP. And remember that you are NEVER alone. God is always by your side guiding you.

    3.       “Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you” Psalm 55:22A

God is telling us to give him our cares and worries. That doesn’t mean to lift up your hands and hope for the best. It means to free yourself from worrying over the things you don’t have control of. By handing your worries over to God you allow your heart to be free and then you can follow the path he has set out for you.

     4.       “ With God all things are possible” Matthew 19:26

This is one of my favorite verses. If you keep God by your side, anything is possible. Let him into your life and watch how he will strengthen you each day.

I truly hope this has inspired you and your family to pray more. Through prayer you will let God into your life and your home. Never cease to pray, in good or bad times. Don’t feel bound to only pray in your bedroom, pray whenever you feel the need to.  Pray anywhere and anytime, God listens 24/7. Treat it as a conversation with God.

I would like to end of this post with a prayer:

“Lord,

                Thank you for giving me the opportunity to spread your Word to others.  Please give strength and guidance to those who are lost and helpless. May they find peace through You. I pray that more and more people will pray and that they will cast their worries in your hands. Thank you Lord, for your abundant blessings.

                                                                              Amen”

Thank you for reading my post, keep on having faith in the Lord.