It is amazing how differently days can begin and how the tone of the morning circus of getting out the door can impact your day.  I am sure that all parents can relate.  Some days: rested happy children, clothes clean and ready, shoes where they are supposed to be, clock seems to be moving at a nice pace.  Other days: irritable children, can’t find an outfit to wear, missing shoes, lost homework, time speeding faster than normal.  I have found sometimes that the biggest danger is having an extra 10 minutes.  This sets the routine off the tracks, kids engage in activities and get distracted and then it is almost impossible to get back on track and out the door.

We all want to start our days strong and ready for a new day, children and parents alike.  How best to do this?   Would love to hear your tricks to a smooth start to your day.  Clothes out the night before, homework in the backback, shoes by the door.  What else helps your transition from house to school?

One of my kids had a birthday yesterday, and I was struck by what makes birthdays special.  At night before bed, she gave me a huge hug and said “this was such a great birthday”!  As I walked out of her room, I reflected on her day.  It consisted of opening a few small gifts, getting phone calls from friends and family, and singing over a home-made(and slightly dry cake).  Aside from that she had her normal day of school, shuttling her brother to basketball practice/spending an hour driving in the car, and going to her own basketball practice.  Actually the day had an extremely hectic pace and the family didn’t eat until 7:45.  At bedtime, however, she wasn’t thinking about the chaos.  She felt the specialness of her day.  Her class singing to her. Getting her much prized new inexpensive watch- she finally doesn’t have to look up to see the time.  Her family having dinner together, despite the late hour.  The phone ringing just for her.  It was her special day no matter what she did, and she loved every minute.

So, I must share my kids new favorite thing- the Melissa and Doug License Plate Game.  Who knew that this game could bring months of happiness?  I bought it for a Thanksgiving Car trip and here we are in May, and it is still the talk of our car everyday on the way to school.  We are playing for the 2nd time but again are searching for the holdouts of Montana, Wyoming, Alaska, and Idaho.  Any child who is in my car, immediately is looking out the window searching for those missing plates.  I highly recommend it for a trip- tons of family fun and learning about the country at the same time!  Wish us luck in finding the final 4!

We are excited about our new Mom Merchant program and love hearing from enthusiastic customers who want to spread the word about Myself Belts!  The program is simple and easy.  It is just about telling friends, schools, stores, and neighbors about the benefits of Myself Belts.  People can buy belts directly from the Mom Merchant and the Mom Merchant gets commission on sales.  Easy!  There is also a fundraising component- Mom Merchants can do fundraisers for their school and Myself Belts donates 20% to the cause.  Please call us or email mommerchant@myselfbelts.com with questions or suggestions for this new and exciting program!!

Do what you do already and make $$ in the process.  Thanks for all of your enthusiasm and support!

Talia and Danielle

So, tomorrow is the last day of spring break and the family has survived a 2 week hiatus from normal life.  Some days away, some days at home.  We have all enjoyed the togetherness and organized chaos, but I think all are also looking forward to the structure that school provides.  Our spring break came to an end this weekend with a crazy spring snow storm in St. Louis.  Check out this snowman wearing his Myself Belt!!

We are excited about a new relationship that has started between Myself Belts and Kandoo.  We were thrilled to be featured in their recent newsletter!  Empowering children and helping with potty training are common goals that our companies share.  Kandoo’s flushable wipes were a staple in my house when my kids when they were little.  Myself Belts and Kandoo both help kids have an “I did it myself” moment!

Do you have an idea, tradition, or tip that has helped your child to be more independent?  If so, we would love to learn about it by video or email.  We will choose one submission at random to receive a Myself Belt/book gift pack!   Please email all submissions to customerservice@myselfbelts.com.

 And…an early Happy Mother’s Day!  Enjoy 10% savings on all products at www.myselfbelts.com using the code MOTHER.  This code is valid through 5/16/10.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D_vIulPL8BE

 

For daily “practical and inspired tips” be sure to check out www.mymommymanual.com!

Hi Everyone,

We had the best time with our January photo contest!  Customers sent incredible pictures of their kids in their Myself Belts.  Some serious, some funny, some clever, and some just downright adorable, we loved them all.  Our winner was selected at random, and won a Myself Belt of their choice.  For now, you can see many of the entries on the Myself Belts facebook page Look soon for our redesigned website with a page devoted to kids wearing their Myself Belts!  We had such a great time seeing Myself Belts in action, that there will definitely be more contests in the future.  Thank you for participating!

Happy February!

Talia and Danielle

Hi Everyone,

Happy New Year!  We are excited that 2010 has arrived and feel energized for what the new year will bring.  Vacation and holidays gave us the rest and change of pace that we needed after a hectic fall.   We all need downtime, sleep, and a change of pace to remind us of our goals and where we want to focus our energies.  This holiday season really did that for us and we are ready and eager for what is to come in this New Year.  It was fun to see that our kids had the same looks on their faces as they headed to school on this blustery morning- excited for what was to come.  We wish you all a fulfilling 2010!

All the best,

Talia and Danielle

Hi Everyone,

I just got back from our first holiday road trip and it was a success!  8 hours each way in the car and we arrived home with smiles.  I never would have imagined that it would have gone by so quickly and that we would be eagerly awaiting the next time.

I had talked about a game plan with lots of experienced friends and stocked up on the essentials.. lots of food(fruit, goldfish, chocolate, chips), new activity books, magnet books, movies, music but still worried if I had enough to entertain my 3 kids.  Shockingly, the DVD player was barely used as the kids preferred singing, playing the license plate game, and just looking out the window.  My 4 yr old fell asleep for a couple of hours so that was a treat for us all.  No one fought or argued, and somehow we all were happy in our space in the car.  The most requested song was “I gotta feeling” by the Black Eyed Peas.

I hadn’t thought about how nice it would be to have some time with my hubby where we could just be and talk about whatever popped into our heads without the usual interruptions of life outside of the car.  Quality family time can take place anywhere, and doesn’t always have to be at a dinner table looking each other in the eye.  Driving on an endless highway can also provide meaningful memories and a chance to just “be” together.

Maybe there is a road trip in your future this holiday season.  If so, make sure to pack lots of food and some good tunes!

Talia