For Those Little Emergencies

Arm yourself with an 'Little Emergencies' Kit. Try to think of anything that might arise unexpectedly.

This is what I bring with me: A mini sewing kit; bandaids/plasters; nail-cutters; tweezers; a one-size fits all pair of undies; a small snack pack; a purse-sized pack of tissues; pen and small notepad; a plastic bag for soileds; wet wipes; loose change and/or a phone card; Panadol; a small bottle of disinfectant; medicine cup for drinks. Place all these items in a zip-lock bag for easy access.

- R. Laklem.

Smooth and Spotless

To remove permanent ink from your hands and skin, lanolin does the trick without causing a reaction. Baby wipes are good for this.

To other surfaces - hairspray works wonders!

- R. Laklem.

Time Out Day

In addition to your usual daily interaction with your family, set a day of the week when you have a special 'time out', away from your usual run of the mill routine, one on one time with each of your kids. Go out for lunch; do a favourite activity; have a favourite treat; take a look at that item he/she has been asking for. Time out just for that child. And listen....listen to his/her dreams; troubles; view on the world....Makes each one feel really special. The kids taking turns each week.

- R. Laklem

BTW: This can be modified to once a month; or a special hour, the point is to have a special time out slot where your child can look forward to 'having you all to him/herself'. (Works well for spouses too :-) )

Kiddy Kit

Make a survival kit for your little ones to keep them occupied and entertained while visiting friends or in a meeting - containing a small pack of coloured pencils or crayons, paper pad, small matchbox sized cars or small dolls or other small toys. Add a juice pack or milk and some crackers. Make sure to also pack some wet wipes. Pack these items in a small pull-string bag. (boxes tend to make noise).

- R. Laklem

In Your Sight - In Your Mind

Hang Times Tables up on the back of the toilet door
Repetition assured!

- R. Laklem

Lost and Found

To avoid the ‘odd sock’ syndrome, buy socks in the same brand and same colour. That way you will always have a matching pair.

- R. Laklem

Have a Handy Hint to Share?

Do you have a Handy Hint that works for you?

Don't hesitate to share it!

Email me on: laklem@hotmail.com

Acknowledgement given.

The Graffiti-nator

Preschooler's graffiti-masterpieces on your walls?

Here's something that really works - Jif Cream Cleanser. Rub a bit (concentrated, not diluted) on the spot, and scrub with a dry clean chux cloth. Pencil, marker pens, pen - all come off easily and it doesn't damage paintwork.

- R. Laklem

Best Friends Notebook

Set aside a special notebook or address book for all the close friends of your children. This is a valuable tool when you need to contact them in the case of an emergency. List your children's friends' name, address, telephone number, mobile number and email address. List their parents names and any siblings too. This information comes in handy for sleep-overs too, list any important information ie: medications and allergies etc.

- R. Laklem.

Birthday and Anniversary Box

Have a box containing assorted wrapping papers and cards (you can make these yourself if you wish), scissors, sticky-tape, ribbons and stickers. Buy a small gift whenever you doing your regular grocery shopping, or whenever you spot a nice gift in a shop. Place it in the 'birthday box' for those on-the-spot birthday gifts for your children's friends; or the unexpected birthday of a guest. This works for Christmas also.

- R Laklem.

Collect-A-Bins

Instead of running from room to room whilst in the middle of cleaning, have a container in each room to 'collect' any stray items. Remember to take the items with you to return them to their proper place when you've finished cleaning that room.

- R. Laklem.

Container-ise

To eliminate clutter: Contain everything, I mean everything, in baskets, boxes, containers, bins. Don't forget to label. As the old adage goes - A place for everything, and everything in its place.

- R. Laklem.