The past couple of weeks have been busy for our family as we prepare to move to another city. My husband started his new job last month so I have been holding down the fort with little man while he travels back and forth on weekends. Being solo with a toddler has given me so much empathy and respect for any parent raising children alone either permanently or for an extended period of time.

As we were going about our day, I started thinking about how grateful I was to have routines in place for our family and how important they are to my husband and I as parents. I wanted to share my perspective on why I value routines as a mom and former classroom teacher. I have experienced first hand how they positively impact children and have recognized the value for a long time. Here are my top three reasons why I love routines!

1.Creates Stability 

I think it is so important for a child to know what to expect. It eliminates anxiety about when things will happen and creates some type of order/structure throughout the day. It also helps with travel keeping specific routines in place (to the best of your ability). Children are familiar with them in the midst of many unknowns which can be comforting. We like to keep morning, nap, bedtime, and meals structured!

2.Encourages Independence/Responsibility

Having routines in place help children learn what is expected of them. It helps eliminate “power struggles” or arguments about doing certain things. Children are able to practice follow through with expectations and establish independence and responsibility for certain tasks. For example, our son knows it is his job to clean up his toys before we start our bed time routine and is responsible to do so. Other expectations or “jobs” include putting clothes in the hamper, throwing trash away, choosing books, filling up water cup, brushing teeth, etc. Routines and expectations can be built by modeling…

I do: You show your child how to complete tasks and what that looks like

We do: You encourage your child to help you complete the task together

You do: You give control to your child and allow them to practice independently

3.Provides Special “Rituals”

When you create routines you are creating things that are specific to you and your family and children (or classroom). This can help foster relationships by allowing those special moments to take place on a daily basis. It can be as simple as a good morning song, night time prayer, dedicated family time, etc. It also encourages children to look forward to certain things!

I would love to know any routines your family has!

Blessings,

Jac

 

With the new year upon us, I know many of us are starting health and wellness resolutions or goals. I have been passionate about health/fitness since I was a sophomore in college. You can read more of my story/background here: About. I thought it would be fun to create a series where I review different programs or fitness trends and give my overall thoughts and considerations. I would love to know what you are currently interested in within fitness so I can add it to my list!

I wanted to start with giving my thoughts on beachbody since I am extremely familiar with it. I will break down each trend with a general overview, pros, cons, and cost.

Overview

Beachbody offers at home workout programs that you can purchase individually or through on demand (access to all programs through site or app). Programs are very diverse in style and length. Some require equipment such as dumbbells, resistance bands, sliders, while others are primarily body weight. An overview and description is given for each program along with a calendar to follow. All beachbody customers create an account to purchase products or programs. Your account will be directly linked to a coach (given specific link by someone or automatically assigned).

Pros

• Convenient
• Diversity and options
• Easy access
• New programs continuously being released
• Can download workouts for travel (no WiFi needed)

Cons

• Purchasing any equipment needed or wanted
• Lack of group/gym setting
• Limited with any loved “gym items”
• Technology can be unreliable at times (streaming)
• Purchase each new release if you want early access

Cost

Individual programs differ in cost (can bundle additional items). Beachbody on demand (streaming) is $99 annually.

 

I have loved having on demand throughout my pregnancy and becoming a mom. It has been the most convenient way for my to continue an exercise routine and helps me personally eliminate excuses. Although I do enjoy the programs and ease of access, I do miss going to a gym or experiencing a group atmosphere. I am excited to try new things this year and challenge myself in different ways!

 

Blessings,

Jac

My son and I recently joined my husband for work for a few days. I shared how I stay on track with my health here: Traveling & Staying On Track. As we were driving home I was thinking of things I do to make our trip as smooth as possible, especially when traveling solo for an extended time. He just turned two, so these are things that are working for us at this stage. I would love to know what works with your children when traveling by car, or any top tips!

1. Chunk Up Time 

I like to chunk up car time to give our son things to look forward to. I try to plan the start of our trips around his nap time (11am) so he can rest in the beginning. He normally sleeps an hour in the car so we will start with that. Once he wakes up I give him a snack and then we stop a few hours in to eat, stretch, potty, etc. After a break he will play and read for an hour (ish). I like to save the last hour or so for IPAD. We have downloaded shows/movies that are on deck for travel.

2. Have Snacks Available 

I always pack a lunch box for travel to keep everyone happy. I like to keep our sons favorite snacks on hand that are easy to eat. I will have his bowls already filled with crackers, veggie straws, etc so it is one less thing to do. I keep it in the passenger seat so I can easily get what I need to give to him. He also has his water in his seat.

3. Have A Bag Of Toys/Books

I have a designated bag that I use for toys and books on trips. I try to bring easy toys for the car and have them in big zip lock bags ( if applicable). I keep the bag where I can easily reach in since our son is unable to sort through it himself.

4. Take Advantage Of Songs/Audio Books

Our son loves songs and nursery rhymes. If he is getting antsy I will play his favorite CD of all the songs he likes. Most times I repeat the same song for 30 minutes, but it keeps him happy and is an easy go-to!

5.Download Movies/Shows

Taking advantage of technology can be a life saver! I save it for the end of the trip so is not the main source of entertainment. We like to download movies and shows from Netflix so they are ready to go!

 

 

Blessings,

Jac