But, after traveling for work, it’s the food I cook for (and eat with) my family that brings me the most joy. As moms, we’re always busy, which is why I like to prepare simple and quick recipes for my family.  Try these 4 easy meals for families on the go and see if your family loves them as much as mine.

1. Spaghetti Squash Parmesan 

 

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I modified this recipe based on one I tried from Lidey Heuck, and it never disappoints. If the thought of cooking spaghetti squash sounds like too much to handle, take a look at why it really is one of those easy meals for families on the go. You’ll see Josh helps me a little by cutting the squash. So, invite your husband to cook with you.

Ingredients:

• 1 large spaghetti squash
• Olive oil
• Salt
• Pepper
• 1 package of ground beef (or chicken, turkey, or meatless alternative)
• ¼ tablespoon dried oregano
• 1 cup marinara sauce
• 1 cup grated parmesan
• Sliced mozzarella
• Fresh parsley or basil

What you do:

1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.
2. Cut spaghetti squash in half lengthwise.
3. Coat both halves in olive oil.
4. Add salt and pepper to taste.
5. Place squash halves face down on a baking sheet.
6. Bake for about 25 to 30 minutes.
7. Brown the ground beef and season with oregano.
8. After removing the baked spaghetti squash from the oven, lower the temperature to 350 degrees.
9. Shred the baked squash and drain off any excess water.
10. In a large bowl, mix together the squash, cooked ground beef, marinara sauce, and parmesan.
11. Add the mixture back into the spaghetti squash shells.
12. Top with sliced mozzarella and bake for 20 minutes at 350 degrees.
13. Before serving, add fresh parsley or basil.

2. Crockpot Salsa Chicken

With two small children, I’ve been known to cook with one hand while holding a baby on my hip. Moms develop this skill out of necessity. Maybe that’s why I love this recipe so much. It’s not only the easiest, most flavorful crockpot chicken dish ever, you can literally do it with one hand.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound of boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• 1 cup salsa (red or green)

What you do:

1. Turn your crockpot on low.
2. Put the chicken thighs in the crockpot.
3. Pour the salsa over the chicken.
4. Cover and cook for 5-6 hours.
5. Shred and use for tacos, nachos, or even over salad.

3. Keto “Lasagna” 

If given the choice, my husband, Josh, would eat this every week. It’s insanely good and healthier than regular lasagna. And while I didn’t include my preschooler, Reese, the first time I posted the video recipe, it’s a dish your young child can easily help you make.

Ingredients:

• Italian sausage
• 2-pound bag of uncooked broccoli florets
• 16 oz cream cheese, melted
• 24 oz marinara sauce
• 1 bag mozzarella cheese (2 cups)
• ½ cup shredded parmesan

What you do:

1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.
2. On medium-high heat, crumble and fully cook the sausage in a skillet.
3. Place the broccoli florets on a baking sheet and bake for about 20 minutes.
4. Remove cooked broccoli from the oven and lower the temperature to 350 degrees.
5. Place broccoli in a 9-by-13-inch rectangular casserole dish.
6. Add the cooked sausage on top of the broccoli.
7. Spread the melted cream cheese on top of the sausage.
8. Add the marinara sauce as the next layer.
9. Top with mozzarella cheese and shredded parmesan.
10. Bake in the oven at 350 degrees for 20 minutes.

4. Mac and Cheese Bites

These bites might not count as a full meal by themselves. But adding a side of fruit makes them a favorite for little kids, including mine, and is definitely one of those easy meals for families on the go.

Ingredients:

• Boxed macaroni and cheese (plus ingredients needed)
• ½ cup ham, chopped

What you do:

1. Prepare macaroni and cheese according to the instructions on the box.
2. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
3. Add chopped ham to the prepared macaroni and cheese.
4. Spoon the mixture into a greased muffin tin. Fill each space to the top.
5. Bake for 35 minutes or until the top is brown and crispy.
6. Serve after cooling.

What are some of your favorite easy meals for families on the go?

The post Laura Rutledge: 4 Quick and Easy Meals for an On-the-Go Family appeared first on iMOM.

For many moms, “it’s complicated” sums up how we feel about traveling for our jobs. It’s why in addition to packing our laptops and work clothes, we might also bring along the guilt of leaving our kids. I even stow away those anxious “what if” thoughts to chew on like Nerds Gummy Clusters (which I also throw in my travel bag). If you want to stop carrying all that extra baggage on business trips, follow these 5 tips for working moms to make your work trip easier.

1. Let your child know you’ll be gone.

As a 2-year-old, my daughter started to get into watching NFL games and making her own weekly picks, just like we do on ESPN. So, from a young age, Reese knew that Mommy travels for work to talk about football. However, before leaving town, I still make sure she knows when I’m going, where I will be headed, and when I’m coming home. Right now, my son, Jack, is too young to understand, but I tell him, too. It helps make my leaving a little bit easier because it’s not a surprise for the kids.

Talking with your kids about your work trip gives them a heads-up about a change to the family routine. For example, on a typical day, I make Reese breakfast and take her to school. When I travel for work, that changes for her. Preparing kids ahead of time helps make the transition smoother for everyone. Try writing your trip down on a printable calendar to give your child a visual. (Try this Good Character Traits for Kids version.)

2. Leave a little note for each day you’re gone.

Each day I’m gone, I leave a little note (like these) or a small gift for my kids. It’s a small way to show them I’m thinking about them that day. And, since my daughter is a little older, she hypes up the notes to Jack. In the morning, she’ll say something like, “Baby, I wonder what Momma left for us today! Let’s go see!” It gives them something fun to look forward to and helps them pass the days quickly.

As a working mom, the demands of travel can be tough, but these small gestures create a heart connection across the miles. Whether it’s a simple “I love you” or a funny joke, each note serves as a daily reminder of your presence and love. These little surprises will bring a smile to your child’s face and offer a sense of consistency and comfort in your absence.

3. Stay connected while you’re away.

The best tips for working moms are the simplest ones, and this one is a no-brainer. Phone calls, video calls, or even swapping emojis or silly videos via text lets your child know you’re thinking about her. Consider setting a time each day for a call and making it special for each child. For example, you might read a bedtime story or sing a lullaby as part of the call, or maybe your child wants a virtual tour of your hotel room while telling you a joke he heard from Dad.

But sometimes, that call can end in unexpected tears because your child misses you. In those moments, instill confidence in your child. Remind her that she’s safe and loved and that you’ll be home soon.

4. Encourage your husband. 

I could not do what I do without my husband, Josh. His love for our family and support of my career keep me going. But I know traveling for work can be hard on all families, including my own. Routines get disrupted, responsibilities get shifted, and home life runs differently when Mom is on the road.

It’s why I think one of the best tips for working moms focuses on the dads. Let your husband know how much you appreciate the extra load he carries in your absence. Send him a quick text, leave him a voicemail, or even plan a special date for when you come back home. Parenting on your own takes a toll, and your intentional encouragement shows your husband that you value him.

5. Give yourself some grace. 

As moms, we hear a lot about what motherhood is supposed to look like and how we’re supposed to do it. Thankfully, one of the things I learned in my job is to block out the noise. Still, whether you travel all the time like me or just periodically, it’s hard not to get wrapped up in the fact that you feel like you’re not there enough or that you’re missing moments with your kids. But, Mom, the work you’re doing is important, too, so give yourself some grace and space to excel at work and as a mom.

When you find yourself having a tough day being away for work, remind yourself that the work you do matters. You’ve got talents, expertise, and experiences your colleagues depend on. Plus, you’re modeling for your child time management, purpose, and a healthy work ethic. And it’s cool to have your kids really proud of something that you’re doing, too.

What are some of your favorite tips for working moms you love to share with your friends?

The post Laura Rutledge: 5 of My Best Tips for Working Moms Who Travel appeared first on iMOM.

Moms are typically the ones who notice a messy house—toothpaste globs in the sink, socks on the floor—and get frustrated that they have to be the chore czar. But if you want your kids to notice what needs to be done and become adults who understand that maintaining a house is everyone’s responsibility (praise hands emoji!), there are 5 small things to try.

1. Talk about the big picture.

I love a clean house and the ahhh feeling I get when my kitchen counter is clear of clutter. But I understand that not everyone gets that same feeling (especially kids), and that’s OK. So when my kids do something without being told, I try to remember to tell them how much it helps me. “When you noticed your papers were spread over the counter and then put them in your backpack, it took a weight off of me.”

It’s worth the effort to teach your kids how to help keep a house clean or tidy because it’s a practical example of what it means to be part of a family. Family members serve and support one another. They see each other’s needs and step in to help. It also shows our sons that it’s not a mom’s job to do everything. That’s a message they’ll carry into future relationships—a win far greater than a clean house.

2. Teach your kids to “notice and do.”

Instagram influencer Sam Kelly coined this phrase and uses the concept to help her kids learn how to participate in carrying the load of family life. That sounds like a tall order, and it doesn’t happen overnight, but it’s possible.

She teaches “notice and do” by first talking about what their family’s standard is. Then she breaks it down into smaller steps by pointing out how to notice a messy house. For example, you could explain, “Our standard is that shoes go in the bin in the laundry room. When you walk by a room, look to see if there are any shoes on the floor. If there are, pick them up and take them to the bin.” This takes reiteration and patience!

3. Use the two-minutes-just-do-it rule

My husband has a personal rule that I’m trying to extend to the rest of the family. He says if he sees a task that can be done in two minutes or less, he’ll do it right then instead of waiting. He does tiny things like putting a few dishes in the dishwasher or throwing away the empty toilet paper roll sitting on the tank.

Teach your kids to combine this two-minute rule with “notice and do.” This requires a lot of coaching at first and cheering when the task is done. “Way to grab those books that’ve been in the car and put them back on your shelf. That was easy wasn’t it?”

4. Put tools within reach and teach them how to do the chore.

“I taught you how to clean the toilet! Why does it look like it hasn’t been cleaned in a month?” I shouted to my sons. My older son/spokesperson replied, “We don’t know where the brush is.” It was an excuse, but I understood. I invested $7 to buy a second brush and stored it behind the toilet in their bathroom. Having the brush in view created a handy reminder that they need to chip in.

The teaching part is important, too. Don’t assume they know how to do a chore. You might be surprised by the initiative your kids take when you teach them a new skill. Kids who feel empowered often like to show off what they can do.

5. Let them practice thinking for themselves.

If you want your kids to see the messy house and chip in, they need to learn to observe and analyze instead of just ask Mom for an answer. Again, this takes time and persistence.

When you say, “The garbage man comes tomorrow” and your son replies, “Does that mean I have to take the can to the curb?” try replying, “Good question. If you don’t take it, will it be overfull by next week?” Sam Kelly explains that instead of immediately answering your child’s question about household tasks, use their questions as a teaching moment and show them how to answer these questions for themselves.

What chore do your kids enjoy doing? Why do you think they like it?

The post 5 Eye-Openers When No One Else in Your House Sees the Mess appeared first on iMOM.

Most of the best family memories revolve around something that was really funny. To possess a sense of humor is not only a happier way to exist, but it’s good for you. Laughing reduces stress and builds our connections and relationships. If you want more smiles, here are 10 ways for your family to laugh more.

1. Old Stories

Your kids absolutely love to hear funny stories from your childhood. Self-deprecating humor is always a winner. Just don’t go too far with it and ruin their opinion of you. Sharing your past helps them bond with and feel closer to you.

2. Creative Bedtime Stories

We all read bedtime stories to our kids. But do you make it funny? The laughter of your daughter or son is the most beautiful sound in the world. Add funny voices to the characters. Make hand motions. If you are the creative type, make up your own stories. Kids love to be included in the storyline.

3. Observing Life

People-watching and making up funny stories as you go is great fun. Same thing applies to animals. You would be amazed how many silly conversations you can pretend they are having. Keep it light though. Humor shouldn’t be mean.

4. Slapstick Movies

Before you roll your eyes at the idea of watching a movie that has slapstick humor, remember that physical comedy almost always hits with kids (pun intended). A mindless film is a good way to get a belly laugh with little kids.

5. Your Own Lyrics

Chances are you are listening to your kids’ favorite music anyway. By the 500th time around, you probably need to switch things up to keep your sanity. Make it fun for yourself and funny for them by changing the words more to your liking. Sing it loud and proud.

6. Impersonations

It could be of anybody or anything—one of their favorite television characters, a famous singer, or your kids’ grandpa. Even if you stink at your impression, it will probably still be funny. The laughter might come from how bad you are at it, but it’s still humor.

7. Silly Pranks

A timeless classic: the whoopee cushion. It’s funny 99% of the time. The whole joke depends on the timing. There’s quiet hush in the room. One of your sons is in serious mode, ready to sit down and study. Boom. Now that’s funny. Pranks require catching the victim off guard. It also requires good enough sense not to be mean or destructive.

8. Crazy Props

Funny coats. Wild hats. Fake teeth. Props rule when it’s unexpected. Maybe you are shopping with your daughters. Grab one of those big sun hats that always seem to be around women’s clothing stores, put it on, and sneak up behind your kids. It will be funny. If you keep a straight face like it’s normal, that’s even better. The key to humor is always timing.

9. The Repeated Joke

Some of the funnies moments in my family of four happen when we repeat a line we heard from a movie or show or in conversation. It can make absolutely zero sense in the context of the current conversation, but little inside jokes and one-liners create a sense of unity and bring big smiles.

10. Real Life Situations

Everybody has bad moments. Maybe you just tapped into the back of the car in front of you. Maybe your bag of groceries—the one with the carton of eggs—just broke open two feet from your front door. Generally, you might be inclined to shed a tear. (Eggs are expensive!) Instead, make it funny. Lighten the tension. Making fun of yourself at these moments can turn a possible bad memory into a lifelong great one.

What do you do to make your family laugh?

The post 10 Ways to Make Your Family Laugh More appeared first on iMOM.

By developing strong relationships with grandparents, children profit well into adulthood, especially in their mental well-being, according to Boston College research. However, moms benefit as well. Additional research shows that having healthy grandparents around supports a mother’s mental health. To lean into the importance of grandparents in children’s lives, here are 10 ideas to actively involve them in your kids’ upbringing.

Ideas if Grandparents Live Close

1. Schedule regular visits. – This may seem obvious, but sometimes highlighting the importance of grandparents in children’s lives means texting (or calling) and inviting them over. Some moms find this especially true for their in-laws or step-parents.

2. Host family movie night with family movies. – Ask grandparents to come over and bring old videos to watch. Hearing and seeing stories about her family history gives your child a deeper understanding of her roots and cultural identity. This fosters a sense of belonging, which can be incredibly important during adolescence.

3. Encourage “Well, when I was a kid…” stories. – Remember when concert tickets cost $30 and you stood in line at a record store to buy them? Remember record stores? Eventually, these will be stories grandparents tell instead of Beatlemania, the Vietnam War, and walking uphill in the snow both ways to get to and home from school. Get the yarns spinning with the When I Was a Kid Conversation Starters.

4. Pass on the skills. – My oldest daughter learned how to sew using my machine. I didn’t teach her, though. This mom can’t even thread the needle properly, but my mother-in-law can! So, Gargar taught Emerson all of the basics. And, in turn, Emerson showed her how Skype–and, later, FaceTime–works. Your child’s grandparents know a thing or two, too. Maybe it’s how to change out the oil in a car, bake a red velvet cake, or how to speak Spanish.

5. Promote one-on-one time. – You already know the importance of spending one-on-one time with your child. The same ideas for parent-child date nights (or days) work for grandparents, too. Start low-key and adjust based on your child and family situation. For example, if your toddler experiences separation anxiety, meet up with a grandparent at the donut shop and sit at a nearby table.

Ideas if Grandparents Live Farther Away

6. Have family dinner night via Zoom. – We started this tradition during the COVID years when my husband’s 84-year-old mother couldn’t come visit. Now, she always attends birthdays, Easter brunch, and pre-scheduled dinners with us. We even give her a seat at the table where we place the screen. The same idea can work if your family dinner night looks more like grabbing a bite in the car before practice. Just make good use of the phone holder!

7. Host a good old-fashioned family reunion. – Reunions aren’t just for high schools. Bring the whole family together by planning a yearly or biannual multigeneration gathering. Your child will get grandparent time and time with uncles, aunts, and cousins, too!

8. Increase the screen time. – Yep. You read that correctly. Not all screen time is created equal. In addition to the family dinner night above, use technology to bridge the distance in other ways. Set up a family group chat. Do a Friday Family Check-In each week. Tweens and teens especially use their phones to stay connected with their friends, so why not extend the conversation to include grandparents?

9. Become classic pen pals. – Go old school with cards, hand-drawn pictures, or little notes scribbled on an index card. Several times a year, our daughters’ great-grandmother would send a $2 bill as a special treat. It’s still a cherished memory.

10. Share the livestream for your kid’s events. – Many schools, venues, and events offer livestream options. For example, our oldest daughter is a competitive dancer. All of her competitions offer livestreams. We share the link with her grandparents so they can tune in. However, if your kids’ events don’t, FaceTime during key moments, like when your son gets up to bat or your daughter’s robotics team goes to battle!

Can you share a specific memory or experience in your life that highlights the importance of grandparents in children’s lives?

The post 10 Sweet Ways Your Child Can Connect With Grandparents appeared first on iMOM.

I’m not the only mom who flexes a little creativity around snack time. According to a OnePole survey, more than half of us moms use snack time to wave our “cool mom” flag. If you’re looking for your own cool snacks to make, whip up some of these 15 treasures. (And, hey, the ideas marked by an asterisk take less than 5 minutes to put together!)

Imposter Snacks

1. Banana Sushi Rolls* – Peel a banana and gently roll it in granola or a favorite cereal. Slice it into bite-sized pieces like a California roll. If you’re feeling a little extra, slice up a few blackberries to add on top as a stand-in for roe. Or for an extra sticky banana, spread on peanut butter before rolling it in granola.

2. Edible Play Dough Snacks, AKA the Food You Play With Before Eating – Edible play dough uses safe-to-eat ingredients, such as flour, honey, and food coloring. Follow the recipe, and then let your child create shapes and figures before eating. For younger kids, you might need to make the distinction between this version and store-bought Play-DOH. Older kids will appreciate this snack even more when they need a homework brain break.

3. Rootie-Tootie Fruity-Veggie Smoothie – A smoothie just might be the OG of imposter snacks. It feels like a special treat and offers servings of fruit and vegetables! In a blender, add about three cups of frozen fruit (berries, bananas, mango, pineapple, etc), one cup of liquid (juice, milk, or milk substitute), ½ cup of yogurt, a teaspoon of honey, and about a cup of spinach or kale. Blend it and serve it up.

DIY Snack Bar Ideas

4. Happy Trails Mix – Let your child create her own trail mix by providing options like nuts, seeds, dried fruits, and whole-grain cereal. You can even add in a few options for her sweet tooth. If you’re concerned about sugar intake, limit her mix to one spoon of sweets for every three scoops of other options. (It’s a practical way to work in some math practice!)

5. Popcorn Party – Offer your family’s favorite style of popcorn and then include various topping options. For example, set out nuts, chopped dried fruit, and shredded cheese. Or chocolate chips and mini marshmallows. The options can be endless, so don’t be afraid to try an unusual flavor profile! Consider watching a classic family movie during snack time, too!

6. A Quesadilla Fit for a Snack – When our kids hit a growth spurt, we often need to expand our definition of cool snacks to make. During those seasons, our kids just need more food! While it might be a staple for dinner, let your child build his own snack-size quesadillas using taco soft shells with filling options, such as cheese, beans, and veggies.

Snacks for a Hot Day  

7. Frozen Watermelon Popsicles – Puree seedless watermelon and pour into popsicle molds for a classic summer treat. Or pour them into an ice-cube tray and add popsicle sticks.

8. That Time Princess Peach Visited Anna and Elsa* – Sometimes cool snacks to make get that way because of their name, like this one for all the Frozen and Mario Brothers’ fans in the house. Simply, slice peaches and pop them in the freezer. Then enjoy them for a healthy, sweet treat. (No princesses or plumbers were harmed in the making of these snacks.)

9. Cool as a Cucumber (but with a Ninjago Kick)* – Slice cucumbers into rounds. Sprinkle with a touch of chili powder and a squeeze of lime juice for a refreshing and slightly spicy snack.

Yogurt Three Ways

10. Double-Dippin’ Yogurt Fondue* – Finally, give your child permission to double dip with his own bowl of yogurt! Give him pretzel sticks to use for spearing and dunking sliced fruit, such as strawberries, blueberries, mango, pineapple, and cantaloupe. You can also include dried cereal loops, angel food cake cubes, or even dried cranberries or cherries.

11. The Perfect Parfait – Layer yogurt, granola, and your child’s favorite chopped fruits for a colorful and nutritious parfait.

12. Frozen Yogurt Bites* – Make yogurt pops by pouring yogurt into ice-cube trays and freezing them. Add fruit chunks or granola for extra flavor and texture.

Snacks for Your Little Sweetie Who Loves a Little Salt

13. Round ‘Em Up Rice Cakes* – Grab your favorite rice cake, spread on smashed avocado, and add sliced tomato.

14. Row, Row, Row Your Pepper – Using small bell peppers, slice in half like a little canoe. Fill the peppers with smashed avocado or hummus and let your little sea captain avoid the hangry storm brewing.

15. Pita Pizza Pizzazz – Spread tomato or pesto sauce on a whole-wheat pita bread. Sprinkle with cheese and your child’s favorite pizza toppings like chopped veggies or pepperoni. Bake at low heat until the cheese melts.

Which cool snacks to make for kids do your little munchkins gobble up?

The post 15 Snack Ideas to Earn Cool Points With Your Kid appeared first on iMOM.

Well, guess what—it’s not! Even though mommy brain might leave us feeling out of sorts at times, research continues to pile up about the positive ways women’s brains adapt to pregnancy and post-pregnancy. And, Mom, you’ll be reassured to learn these changes serve a powerful purpose in your parenting. Forget what you think you know about your mommy brain, and embrace these 3 ways to love it instead.

1. Admit it’s all in your head (and it’s amazing!).

The plasticity of women’s brains during pregnancy is similar to during adolescence. Mommy brain, pregnancy brain, baby brain, momnesia are non-medical terms used to describe the cognitive changes a woman goes through during and after pregnancy. Your brain is literally reorganizing its structure, functions, and neural connections to accommodate for your new role!  

“It’s time to reduce focus on what is lost with motherhood and start paying attention to what is gained and how it is gained,” neuroscientist Dr. Clare McCormack explained on The Current radio program. “So changing that perspective is a really powerful thing, when you shift that focus and your thinking of pregnancy and adapting to parenthood as something that involves a lot of skill, something to wonder at.”

2. Lean into your upgraded abilities. 

Between 50 and 80% of pregnant and postpartum women report experiencing cognitive changes. We often focus on the forgetfulness, memory loss, and brain fog side of things. But we overlook the powerful ways our brains have adjusted to maximize our caregiving abilities. For example, research published in Brain Sci shows that changes in the gray matter of a mother’s brain are linked to increased feelings of attachment toward her baby. (But, Mom, this doesn’t mean you’ll automatically feel attached to your baby. Sometimes it does take time.)

And, you’ve probably been too busy with motherhood to read the recent research from Purdue University showing that moms have more heightened attention than non-moms. Lead researcher Dr. Valerie Tucker Miller wasn’t surprised by the results. “It makes perfect sense that moms who have brought children into this world have more stimuli that needs to be processed to keep themselves and other humans alive, and then to continue with all the other tasks that were required before the children,” she explains.

So, now the next time you wake up because of the tiniest of sounds from your toddler (and your husband doesn’t), know it’s just your new brain powers. And, Mom, give yourself a high five for distinguishing your child’s cry from every other kid’s. That’s just another one of your mommy brain upgrades.

3. Laugh about it. 

We just can’t help it. Mommy brain causes us to do all sorts of funny things. Toothpaste on your hairbrush? Been there. Put on two different shoes and wear them most of the morning before noticing? Done that. Mixing up all the names of your family? Happened today. 

Mom, we can’t take ourselves too seriously. Being a parent is hard enough. We can ease our mom stress by finding the humor in our unintentional antics. It is funny. And you really will laugh about it one day, so why not make that day today? The next time you find yourself trying to open the car door with the toy keys, give yourself permission to laugh it off (and then try and remember where you put the real keys). 

What is the funniest thing you found yourself doing or saying because of mommy brain?

The post 3 Ways to Embrace Mommy Brain and Love It Instead! appeared first on iMOM.

Back-to-school shopping is a necessity, but it can be a real budget-buster. Last year, the National Retail Federation estimated families with children in elementary through high school would spend, on average, $890 per household. Oof. Want your total to come in waaaay lower than that? Here’s how to save on back-to-school shopping with 10 of my favorite ideas.

1. Shop at home first.

Check junk drawers and random boxes in your home office space. Chances are you have leftover supplies from last year or a used folder or notebook that has another year left in it.

2. Reuse last year’s backpack or lunchbox.

This might not be an opinion if your child’s backpack is threadbare and his lunchbox has a tinge of “What’s that smell?” But a washing machine cycle might bring new life into these pricey line items. Try stretching last year’s bags to January to lessen the blow of back-to-school spending. I mean, what kid doesn’t want to get a new backpack for Christmas?

3. Use DIY locker decorations.

If your child has locker privileges, don’t buy a pre-made locker kit. Hit the dollar store for colorful paper, magnets, and stickers. Let your child unleash her creativity and personalize her locker space for a fraction of the cost.

4. Shop secondhand for electronics.

If your child needs a calculator or other electronic device, consider buying a gently used one from online marketplaces. You can find solid deals on perfectly functional electronics. Just be sure to check the condition carefully before buying.

5. Agree with your child on one splurge item.

My son and I both held pencil cases in our hands. Mine was solid green canvas. His was covered in Pop-Its. I said, “That one is four dollars more. Do you really want it?” Surprise! He really wanted it. Shopping with kids who love school supplies can be a lot of fun, but agree before you go that they get one and only one “splurge” item. This can help teach a valuable lesson in self-control and prioritizing.

6. Team up to buy in bulk.

My mom texted from Costco, “Great price on a 150 pack of pencils!” While my kids do lose pencils as if there are holes in their backpacks, I don’t need quite that many. But you can reap the cost benefits of buying in bulk by shopping with other families. Ask the moms of your child’s classmates if anyone wants to go in on supplies. You can research price breaks through online retailers, purchase for the group, and divvy up the cost.

7. Take advantage of discounts through digital resources.

Follow your favorite brands and retailers on Facebook and Instagram, and subscribe to their email and text alerts. You’ll get word of flash sales, and most retailers offer a discount for joining their loyalty program.

And practice patience. Sign in when you add stuff to your shopping cart, then wait a couple of days before purchasing. Many retailers will automatically send you an extra discount to get you to purchase!

How to Save on Back-to-School Shopping for the Closet

8. Host a hand-me-down party.

Say your daughter’s unicorn backpack is in mint condition, but her love of unicorns has tarnished. You could donate it, or you could bring it and a stack of outgrown clothes to a hand-me-down party. Gather friends, neighbors, and school families with kids of a variety of ages. Everyone brings gently used clothes (or backpacks) and swaps for treasures. It’s recycling, reusing, and saving money, all wrapped up in a fun afternoon.

9. Try consignment before shopping for new clothes.

Consignment should be your next stop if you come up short at the hand-me-down party. Thanks to cost and sustainability concerns, the resale industry is growing, so your town probably has a store or two, or you can shop at an online resale store like thredUP.

10. Make a deal with your kids.

“Mom, what was the Stanley of your day?” my son asked. I responded bluntly, “There were cool shoes or scrunchies we all wanted, but we didn’t consume as much as everyone does now.” It’s true. Kids are always asking for the latest water bottle, jeans, or moisturizer. So, make a deal with them. Agree on the dollar amount you’ll put toward an item. Anything over that, they cover.

What’s your favorite school supply from when you were a kid?

The post Back to School on a Budget: 10 Ideas for Smart Shopping appeared first on iMOM.

The good ol’ piggy bank often marks the beginning of a child’s relationship with money. However, as our kids grow, their understanding of money matters needs to grow, too. Teach your child financial literacy for teens by covering these 4 money maneuvers.

1. Track your spending.

We get it. For many adults, talking about budgeting can stir up stress and anxiety. However, teaching kids about money can positively change how they view finances and empower them to make wise choices. Your teen probably has no idea how much food, car insurance, or even that school yearbook costs. And he also might not recognize how combo #1, a movie ticket, a tank of gas, and two grande drinks add up to quite a chunk of change in any given week. Teaching your teen to track his spending helps him grasp costs, know where his money is going, and identify areas where he can cut back. Financial literacy for teens starts with budgeting.

Speak your teen’s language by using budgeting apps with him, such as:

GoodBudget: This simple budgeting app relies on the traditional envelope system to help people budget their monthly expenses. 

FamZoo: This family finance app is designed to help parents teach their kids to earn, save, spend, and give money wisely.

Or, start with our simple “Share Save Spend” printable to lay out the basics.

2. Comparison shop before spending money.

“Do you think they price match?” my 14-year-old texted me from the LEGO aisle at Target. I had no idea, but I encouraged her to ask. She’d been saving for a particular set for a while and saw it listed for 30 percent less online. Many popular brick-and-mortar stores offer price matching. However, they don’t post signs about it in the stores.

Comparison shopping extends beyond pricing, too. Lead your teen to strengthen real-world critical thinking skills by asking questions to evaluate product features, customer reviews, and other relevant information. For example, ask: What do the reviews say about that product? Will that dress last through more than one washing, or is it better to spend a little more for better quality? Is the brand worth it to you to pay 50 percent more for the same product?

3. Keep an eye out for financial scams.

When financial scams are mentioned, the image of an older adult unknowingly sending money to a con artist comes to mind. But it’s not just the older generation falling for financial scams. According to the FTC, teens and young adults are falling for them, too, and cases are on the rise. 

“Younger adults reported losses to online shopping fraud—which often started with an ad on social media—far more often than any other fraud type, and most said they simply did not get the items they ordered,” reports the FTC. “Many college students reported that they were scammed after getting a message at their student email address about a so-called job opportunity.”

Financial literacy for teens can include walking them through vetting sellers they find on Google searches, TikTok, or Instagram, or on Amazon or other online shopping sites. Teach your teen to read the reviews and check out websites. If the customer feedback sounds sketchy or you see only a few posted, pass on the offer. And don’t order a product if the company website contains misspelled words or incorrect grammar.  

4. Use credit cards responsibly.

We aren’t advocating for kids to sign up for a credit card. However, when your child turns 18, she’ll start receiving credit card offers. Our oldest daughter received six different offers the week after her 18th birthday. Your child probably will, too, regardless of whether she holds a job or is still in high school. 

Before your child’s first credit card offer arrives, discuss the basics of credit and debit cards. Since they look the same, make sure she understands the difference. Walk your teen through a sample statement and explain due dates and minimum payments. Encourage open communication about the potential risks and rewards associated with credit cards. Talk about your hard-learned lessons about credit card use. Used wisely when she is older, a credit card can build her credit score, which can affect everything from car loans to apartment rentals in the future.

How do you feel when you have enough money to buy something you really want? How about when you don’t have enough?

The post 4 Essential Money Lessons to Teach Your Teen appeared first on iMOM.

I’m grateful for my job and love what I do, but being a working mom over the summer is physically and emotionally tough. I want the lazy mornings, endless snacking, and pruney fingers from the pool. Instead, I juggle schedules and attempt to squeeze in a summer bucket list activity on a day off. Do you feel stress that doesn’t jibe with the sunshine and lemonade mood, too? If so, I see you, and I’m with you. Here’s why summer is tough for working moms and what we can do to enjoy it a little more.

A working mom has to be in two places at once mentally.

You’re at the office, and you feel a buzz buzz from your phone. There’s a photo of your kiddo petting a koala at the zoo’s day camp. Or you work from home, and your kids are in the back yard running through the sprinkler while you chat with a colleague on a Zoom call. Your mind is in two places, and it’s hard not to feel like you’re shorting everyone—work isn’t getting your best, and your kids aren’t either.

And we get jealous of stay-at-home moms, even though we know we shouldn’t.

I wish I could be the mom who says, “I’m ready for summer to be over. These kids are getting on my nerves!” Now, trust me. I get it, and I don’t blame stay-at-home moms, but I’m still envious. You get to jump into summer with both feet. I’m over here putting a toe in while my hands are still on my laptop.

I want to be the activities director for a change instead of signing them up for camps. I don’t want to have to jam activities into the weekends. Stay-at-home moms, I know it takes sacrifices to do what you do, but over the summer, we working moms wish we could trade places with you.

Then we think about our kids and worry.

When you pictured being a mom and what the seasons would bring, you probably didn’t imagine summer being a whirlwind of camps, lunch packing, and checking in to ensure your older kids made it into the house safely after being dropped off by the carpool.

As a working mom, I always wonder if my kids are having the summer experience that every kid deserves. Have they been cheated out of their childhoods? Am I prioritizing the wrong things? I’m not saying the thoughts are rational, but they’re there.

And there’s not a clear solution.

I love that our articles on iMOM always give some encouragement and practical ways to work through whatever parenting problem you’re dealing with today. But I don’t know if there’s a tip or trick this time. We could say, “Working moms, summer is what you make it,” or “Do what you can and trust that the great memories will be created.” Both of those are true, but they’re not quite enough. Speaking for myself, my heart is still heavy.

But there is a bright side.

While you’re working, your kids are learning really important character traits like independence, resilience, and social skills. Sure, you want to be there having fun, but the trade-off is a win for them. And I promise there’s another mom (or 50) just like you in your neighborhood and at your kids’ school who feels all the things you feel—the two places at once, the jealousy, the worry, the stress. She’s taking a random day off in June and a few in July, trying to make the most of every minute.

Your kids and her kids are making great summer memories. They’re getting sweaty, snacking all day, playing in the grass, and staying up late. And while they do all those special summery things, they see you working. But not just at your paying job. They see you putting in the work day in and day out to give them a great childhood. And we see it, too.

What do you do as a working mom to enjoy summer with your kids?

The post Working Moms—We See You This Summer appeared first on iMOM.