It’s been clear to me, throughout my experience of ‘stuff management’, that young folk are often very receptive to a structure for organisation. And before you fall about laughing, I don’t mean that they have a natural dispensation to the minimalistic. What I mean is that they like life made as easy for them as possible (and I can empathise with that sentiment, believe you me).

One household of my acquaintance had an adorable toddler: a little lass of about two years old. Part of our work was to create a special area for her in the side area of the kitchen – a sort of breakfast area, half-divided off from the kitchen proper but visible to mum. As a result of our work, a sideboard was relocated in there (from the dining room, where it had taken up too much room so the doors were unopenable, and the stuff stored inside inaccessible as a result).

At the perfect height for Small Person, we stocked it with little plastic baskets: one for Lego, one for dollies’ clothes, one for Precious Things… you get the idea. On the top surface stood larger toys: the doll’s house, the toy train. The point is, Small Person loved this. Putting the right stuff in the right box became as much of a game as working through a jigsaw, and built into the bedtime routine it gave her a natural sense of order.

Ah, you say, but what about teenagers? Here we can appeal to their sense of values. I was thrilled on a revisit to a family to learn that the young teenager had (with no help from me, but with inspiration from what I’d done for mum) set up her own eBay and PayPal account (with parental help & permission, of course). The deal was that, if she sold an item on eBay, the money went into her personal PayPal account… and when there was enough money in there, she was free to spend it on whatever she wanted – usually once again on eBay. Desperate for some reasonably expensive item – an upmarket item of clothing, a game for the Wii, whatever it was – she sold everything that stood still long enough. Result? The item that she reallywanted was hers, and an unnaturally tidy bedroom to boot.

The key to all this, however, is always simplicity. There’s no point in micro-organising (as I’ve said in other posts); children or adults, few of us (myself included) have patience for keeping things in a perfect and rigid order. I have no time for filing CDs by composer; if I want to find my recording of Kander & Ebb’s Chicago, I know it will be somewhere along the two shelves that contain (loosely speaking) songs-from-the-shows. If I make my life easier in this way, the organising is far more likely to get done than if perfection is insisted upon.

Let kids put books on an easily-accessible set of shelves, but with no more ordering than that, and it’s far more likely to happen. Have the laundry basket in the place it’s most likely to be used, rather than through a door and into another room. If they won’t put shoes tidily on a rack, have them chuck ‘em in a box the minute they get through the door.

One final example. One of my favourite clients was a delightful chap who has ADD (Attention Deficit Disorder) and his wonderful wife. He taught me just as much as I was able to help him: the simpler the system, the easier it is to do, the more likely he is to do it. If I’d said “put your bank statements in chronological order”, it would never have happened; but saying “just put them in that drop-file with the other statements from the same bank” still narrowed down where he’d find them, and the process was far more likely to happen. “Putting his books away” meant “sling them all in that space of two shelves”, not “put them in order”. Bite-sized chunks – very large ones – were the order (pardon the pun) of the day.

So yes: there are ways to get some buy-in from the younger members of the family. And, who knows? Some of these ways might just apply to the bigger people in your life as well.

Contributor Details

Cassie Tillett is a professional declutterer [www.workingorder.co.uk] and co-founder of The Association of Professional Declutterers and Organisers (APDO). Please visit www.apdo-uk.co.uk for more information or to find your nearest decluttering expert.

Image: Bill Longshaw / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

It’s no small task to convince your kids about eating healthy food. Fast food chains, frozen fried snacks, sweets, and fizzy drink advertisements dominate every type of commercial media. Whether your child is watching the television or surfing the web, they’re constantly exposed to enticing images of junk food.

Needless to say the path to nutrition is treacherous at best for children overexposed to unhealthy alternatives. For mums, the challenge is about managing what your kids eat on a daily basis. If you’re working at home, you can have a more immediate influence on what your children eat. But even when you’re at home, most mums have difficulty monitoring their kids’ eating habits. To mums at home, I advise a proactive, engaging approach to your kids’ snacking habits. Below I offer a few ways you can try to curb their junk food tendencies.

Always Leave Fruit Out on the Table

You can immediately change your kids’ snacking choices by limiting what’s readily available in the kitchen. Clean out salty and high-calorie snacks to be replaced with fresh fruit and produce. Start simply by placing apples, oranges, bananas or berries prominently in the kitchen area. If fruit is all that’s available to snack on, they’ll gradually take to it as a snacking staple. You might be met with resistance from your kids initially, but stand firm. If you have a habit of stocking your pantry with crisps and cheesy snacks, of course your kids will resist the change in their snack food. If they continue to protest, just reiterate the importance of healthy food in your kids’ diets. At the very least you can rest assured that your kids will snack on healthy food as long as they’re under your roof.

Make snacking educational (but fun)

When you have time, plan activities designed to encourage your kids to eat healthy food. A trip to your local farmer’s market could be immensely instructive to your kids who likely know nothing about local foods. Furthermore, local farmer’s market can give your kids perspective on how foods on made and shipped elsewhere, putting a familiar face on healthy foods. You can let your kids choose the fruits, vegetables, or other sundries to eat throughout the week. While I recommend farmer’s markets for everyone, this step may best serve mums who are met with particularly stubborn resistance from kids who refuse to eat healthily. You’ll meet less resistance form your kids if you let them participate in healthy snack choices for the household.

Try to avoid pre-packaged snacks

While it’s one thing to ask mums to keep fresh fruit around the kitchen, it’s another thing to maintain that practice. I know it’s especially difficult for mums to plan anything when they’re working at home and raising kids simultaneously. If you’re watching your budget and want some snacks that’ll last the week without spoiling, there are alternative to fresh fruits and vegetables. While I’d advise avoiding most prepackaged snacks, even the ones marketed as “healthy,” some are reliable. Nuts of any variety can serve as an ideal healthy (and salty) snack, due to their nutrients of protein, iron, and healthy oils.

Healthy snack choices for your kids do exist; it just takes a concerted effort on your part. While you might not be looking to do more work to provide healthy snacks, the long-term benefits for your kids should outweigh any immediate inconveniences.

Author Bio:

This guest post is contributed by Patricia Garza, who writes about gadget, technology, design, social media, e-learning related articles at online university rankings.

Most children are skilled at using the computer and are keen to have a turn and there are a huge variety of websites designed specifically for them. It can be good way for them to spend some time over the long summer holidays and have some fun playing games, finding out information and getting ideas for things to make and do. It can also be good for their confidence and can help in developing skills.

Here are some tips on how your child can get the most out of their computer time and stay safe:

Limit time spent on the computer

A friend of mine had a general ‘screen time’ rule in her house – it was daily guide and the children could use it to either watch TV, play on computer consoles  or use the computer. It meant that they didn’t spend too long staring at any type of  screen, had to take turns and spent time playing and being in the fresh air too!

Internet safety

This is an important consideration for everybody – but particularly children. It is always advisable to fully check out any websites they want to use, read the guidance for parents and the privacy policy. Most good sites offer parental email consent and a policy of giving children ‘screen names’ so their identity isn’t shown. For older children it is well worth looking at installing parental controls to limit their access to the web. Having the computer in a ‘public’ room rather than in a bedroom also means you can keep an eye on what they are looking at.

Membership and sites which charge

There are many free sites for children which provide more entertainment than they would ever need. However there are several sites which are aimed at children which allow some free access and encourage membership or fees. Be careful about how these charge so you don’t end up with a big bill!

Don’t just play games

Children like a variety – so set them a challenge to find out information and pictures about something which interests them. Let them use a word processing package to write a letter to a friend or relative – this is great for practising writing and spelling.

Look out too for free downloads which provide an activity rather than a game – for example this free animation programme can be downloaded from  http://pivot-stickfigure-animator.en.softonic.com/ which is really simple to use and great fun.

The computer can be great way of keeping children occupied over the holidays, provided it is balanced sensibly with other activities– and you never know, they may even end up teaching you some new things too!

The summer holidays are now in full swing and I really value this time to be at home, to allow the children to relax and indulge their imagination and also to catch up with friends  and relatives who we are just too busy to see during term time.  However it is also nice to make the most of the time to go out and have fun and do something different – but without it costing the earth. Here are a few ideas of how to have fun without it costing an arm and a leg.

Search locally

Libraries, local museums and children’s centres often run a range of events and activities throughout the holidays which are free or low cost to join in with. Look online, in the local paper or places like www.Raring2Go.co.uk  www.whatson4.com or www.netmums.com  for more ideas.

Tesco vouchers

I have been using these for years to pay,  in full or part, for  many of our family activities as you can get up to 3 times the face value against many days out, activities and meals.  You can search on the website by region or activity type so that deals can be used at home or even when you are away. Full details at www.tesco.com/clubcard/deals for more details.

Swimming

Swimming is a really popular activity in the long, (hopefully) hot days of summer – but often an expensive one. Most local pools operate an ‘off peak session’ and this can be significantly cheaper than swimming in the most popular session and also offer vouchers online and in the paper. With a Family ticket you can often go with another mum and children for the same price, especially if you have under 5’s who generally don’t pay.

Cinema

It is hard to resist the pressure of going to see the latest release as it will have been marketed for months and the kids will know all the characters and the plot. However Cineworld do a Saturday morning Movies for Juniors club where you can see films which are about 6 months old for just a £1 which is an absolute bargain.  Look at their website www.cineworld.co.uk  for more information. And if you really can’t wait to see the latest release, you can exchange Tesco clubcard vouchers for Cineworld tickets – so all you need to pay for is the popcorn!

Remember to look in our archives – we have loads more ideas for garden games, wet days and things to make and do to help you have fun and pass the time this summer.

This week, as part of our re-launched Freebie Friday competitions, we’re delighted to give you the chance to win a £50 voucher for Argos.

The Argos catalogue is one of the handiest resources for busy working mums out there – not only can you find everything you need in one place, you can keep the kids quiet by letting them flick through the pages!

As the summer holiday approaches, you’ll be looking for fun ways to keep your little (and not so little) ones entertained during the school break. So our competition today is about the ultimate in summer fun – the party.

Organising the perfect children’s party is a challenge for even the most creative mums – your child’s imagination runs wild, and you have to follow. So what we’re looking for today is the ultimate party theme: the premise that shapes your party, from dress code to décor, from finger food to games.

Be inspired by their fancy dress section – perhaps you’d throw a party fit for a princess, or organise a fiesta for a football fanatic? Or get all your friends to come dressed as their favourite superhero?

To enter, simply leave a comment after this post telling us your best idea for a party theme!

Entries close at 8pm tonight (15th July) and the winner will be notified by email on Monday 18th July.

Notes:

You must be a UK resident to enter.
The £50 Argos voucher is redeemable throughout the Argos catalogue.

New research from Savlon and Play England reveals two thirds of parents always had adventures outdoors as a child but worry their children do not have the same opportunities today.

This is a subject close to our hearts as we have written previously about how our children need freedom in play. Many of parent’s fondest childhood memories are of playing outside, however, outdoor activities that for parents were part of growing up seem to be in danger of disappearing.  

• 42 per cent of children report they have never made a daisy chain
• 32 per cent have never climbed a tree
• A quarter of children today have never had the simple pleasure of rolling down a hill 
• 47 per cent of adults built dens every week as a child, yet 29 per cent of today’s children say they have never built a den at all
• A third of children have never played hopscotch
• One in ten children have never ridden a bike

This research marks the launch of Playday, supported by Savlon. To celebrate the national day for play on 3 August 2011, nationwide events are being held across the UK to encourage families to get outdoors and play.

And Savlon is helping 100 families join in the fun on 3 August, by giving them the chance to win a £100 contribution towards a Playday celebration! For your chance to win, visit www.savlon.co.uk/playday/ .

Who doesn’t enjoy a good book? Be it a childhood classic or something more obscure, reading is one of life’s great pleasures. World Book Day, on 3rd March, is all about encouraging children to explore the pleasures of books and reading by providing them with the opportunity to have a book of their own but what better way for them to do this than to act out their favourite books in fancy dress.

Below is a rundown of this year’s top 10 most popular World Book Day costumes.1. 

1.  The biggest scardy cat in the whole of Oz. The Cowardly Lion is one of history’s favourite characters from the classic story The Wizard of Oz. A timeless classic amongst Children and adults

2.  Meg and Mog is a classic kids cartoon. The mischievous and clumsy cat has to be everyone’s favourite character, and who doesn’t enjoy dressing up as a black cat?

3.  Princes Jasmine portrays elegance and beauty, as all princesses do. So why not dress your daughter up as an Arabian princess for World Book Day.  Most little girls dream of being whisked away by a charming prince

4.  Three Little Pigs is an all-time classic story. Everyone knows it and everyone loves it. Children love this tale and always will the only decision is do you dress them up as a cute little pig or the big bad wolf?

5.  Goldilocks: The mischievous little girl with the curly golden hair. A timeless classic fairytale about a young lady, who just has to try every bowl of porridge, sit in every chair and sleep in every bed

6.  Snow White: She has hair as back as ebony, skin as white as snow and lips as read as blood. Snow White is a picture of beauty. Your daughter will look just as beautiful dressed up as Snow White this World Book Day

7.  On her 16^th birthday she pricked her finger and fell asleep for 100 years, Sleeping Beauty could not avoid her destiny as she was cursed at birth by an evil fairy

8.  Cinderella: Even wearing rags, this Disney princess still looks stunning. Cooking, cleaning and slaving away for her evil step mother and horrible step sisters. Dress your daughter up as everyone’s favourite Disney princess, she’ll be the talk of the class

9.  The mischievous little fairy that lives in never, never land with Peter and the lost boys. Tinkerbell is one of our al-time favourite fictional fairies. All little girls love dressing up as fairies there is something really magical about the wings, wands and glitter

10.  World Book Day wouldn’t be the same without the World’s most famous book character, Harry Potter. Your son will be instantly recognisable this World Book Day and he’ll love a day pretending he’s at Hogwarts

Encourage your children to dress up as their favourite character to celebrate World Book Day, you can find all these wonderful costumes at Fancy Dress Outfitters. And remember to pick up a book for your children on March 3^rd and get them reading.

Here at MTB we don’t agree with re-inventing the wheel – so what we have done is put together a roundup of some of our past posts which may give you some ideas for a happy half term ………..

How to get work done

If you run your own business one of the reasons may have been so that you do get to spend the time with your children so hopefully you will be able to do less – but for most people they can’t turn off altogether. We have 10 ways to get work done during the holiday .

Ideas for entertaining children and activities

This is often the top ‘worry’ for parents – the dreaded cry of ‘’I’m bored……’ and how to keep everybody happy and busy. We have ideas for being creative with Paper plates, 5 ways to entertain your kids on a rainy day and if you are a Halloween fan then take a look at our Top Tips for a fun Halloween . If you want some fun then try interviewing your children – you may get some surprising answers and there is always Doing Nothing….. as an option! And finally if it is all descending into chaos – remember you are not alone read our ‘Ode to Plans’

Last but not least – some delicious food to make and eat!

This time of year thoughts turn to warm, filling ‘comfort food. Here is a pick of our favourites;

Most children love to bake and help in the kitchen and it is a great way to get them involved in what they eat.  Two popular recipes which are not only easy to make and but really tasty are flapjacks and gingerbread biscuits. If you fancy something a little more indulgent then one of the most popular cakes at our meetings are these Raspberry and white chocolate brownies  .

And on a final note – mums are usually bottom of the pile and miss out when me time and treat are handed out – especially in holidays so why not try our “It’s all about YOU” daily challenge

Ingredients

• 175g Self Raising flour
• ½ tsp bicarbonate soda
• ½ tsp ground cinnamon
• 2 tsp caster sugar
• 50g butter
• 3 tbsp golden syrup

 Decoration

• 50g icing sugar
• 1 tsp water
• Sugar decorations

Method

1. Preheat oven to 190C/375F/Gas 5
2. Lightly oil 2 baking sheets
3. Melt butter and syrup together in pan and pour over all dry ingredients
4. Mix together well and use hands to form into a dough ball – be careful at this stage as the mixture can be hot so allow to cool before children touch.
5. Roll out on a lightly floured surface to approx 5mm thickness
6. Cut out shapes and bake in oven for approx 8-12 minutes until lightly browned
7. Allow to cool fully then decorate

Paper plates have to the number 1 item to have in your cupboard this summer for those ‘I’m bored’ moments or the second wet day on the run. They are cheap, last for ages and have endless possibilities………..hopefully you will have tried out some of the ideas in Part 1 and are ready for some more ideas……..

1.       Mask

Again this is an obvious idea but has so many possibilities. Even the very young children can draw a basic face and as they get older these can be more sophisticated. You can have wool for hair, comedy ears and even add hats etc. If the children have friends over you can suggest a theme or a film or book which all the masks have to be made from and then use in a play – they may need some help cutting eye holes out.

 2.       Hand puppets

• Rabbit – this is a really simple but clever one. Cut a small horizontal section from the bottom of 2 plates (approx 2cm) and put to one side. Turn the plates with right sides together so the raised sides are together. Insert the cut off sections in the top and staple all round curved edge. You should now have a rabbit shape which you can put your hand inside.
• Humpty Dumpty – simply cut a section off the bottom – you can also add folded paper legs.
• Octopus or jellyfish – as for Humpty Dumpty but add 8 legs of some strips of paper
• An owl – smaller ears, big eyes and maybe some real feathers
• Cat – make the ears more pointy and add whiskers
• Dog – cut the ear sections off more rounded and add pointing down.

 3.        Moving mouth puppets

Put 2 plates together on top of each other and staple around half the edge. Then fold one plate forward and the other back. This then provides a slot for the hand and the thumb works the underside. Animals which work well for this are lions, frogs and monkeys!

 Have fun and please post any pictures of what you have made!