Collector Care: 4.5 Tips On Reducing Kid Messes

Hello Collectors! Do you have kids or grandkids? Nieces or nephews? Then you have clutter!

Wall smudges, fingerprints, smeared glass and windows. Kids are a mess! Below are 4.5 tips to help you reduce kid messes daily. Please don't be shy to ask your little ones to help out - it helps build character and organization skills. With a little bit of fun, (and bribery) they might enjoy it!

1. Create a chore list. I can't stress this enough! Pick 5 chores that your child can keep daily and reward them for it when they complete them for a week. I have a dry erase board on the fridge which keeps tracking handy. Set a specific time daily for chore review. For instance, at dinner I go through the 5 chores quickly with Shane and mark off what he has done. At the end of the week with completion of his chores - he gets a treat/prize. 
2. Take shoes off before you enter the house. Kinda old fashion right? I find it helps. Kids get used to routine. As long as your floors are safe barefoot, you will save a lot of mud, dirt and debris from tracking in. This means less stains and maintenance. 
3. Only eat in the kitchen. Seriously. At least for 10 and under. I don't mean popcorn or water, I mean meals. I can't tell you how many spills have happened when my son is eating food and watching TV.  If you enjoy watching TV while eating, then try positioning your TV towards the kitchen or bringing a laptop over instead of eating on the couch. 
4. Stick to snacks that are less messy. Small snacks like granola tend to sneak out of little hands. If possible avoid sticky dipping sauces or limit them to the table only. 
5. Wash their hands (and face!!!). Have kids wash their hands a fter meals, after being outside, after crafting, etc. Besides decreasing flu and cold risks you are keeping your walls and furniture clean. Kids love to touch everything with their filthy little

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Collector Care's 4.5 Tips: Fun Things To Do With Kids For New Years

It's here again, New Year's! Being a parent means being creative. Let your kids take part of the New Year's celebration and make it a time to remember. 

Below are 4.5 fun ideas to do with your little ones tonight.

1. New Years resolutions. Explain what this means to your child and help them find an appropriate "resolution" for the New Year. Whether or not they keep it, encourage their thoughts and ideas.
2. Take a family photo. New Years is always a great time to take a yearly photo. 
3. Watch New Year movies.
   Pop some popcorn snuggle up and watch any of the following:
   After the Thin Man (1936)
   Repeat Performance (1947)
   La Bonne Année (1973)
   Rudolph's Shiny New Year (1975)
   New Year's Day (1989)
4. Start a tradition. There are some GREAT ideas at http://www.fathertimes.net/traditions.htm
5. Make virgin strawberry daiquiri's!

Ingredients

• 1 (14.5-ounce) can pineapple chunks in juice
• 1 (12-ounce) bag frozen strawberries
• 2 tablespoons superfine sugar
• 2 medium limes, juiced
• Fresh strawberries, optional, for garnish

Directions
In a blender, combine pineapple, frozen strawberries, sugar, and lime juice and puree until smooth. Pour into glasses, garnish with fresh strawberries, if desired, and

Have a wonderful and safe New Years eve with your family! See you next year! 
 

Rachel Seavey, Professional Organizer
I specialize in Hoarding Disorder, Chronic Disorganization and helping the overwhelmed with clutter. I love what I do, and I provide realistic expectations and timelines. Don't suffer in chaos any  more. Every breath is a new beginning! Please visit my site at www.collectorcare.com
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