Looking for a fun Valentine’s activity to do with your partner or kids? Well, download my FREE printable, Valentine’s Day Bingo Game.
I love Valentine’s Day. I know it doesn’t mean a lot to other people, but it has multiple meanings for me. Obviously, it’s a another reminder to celebrate my beautiful husband and our marriage. But now that I have kids, it is also fun to celebrate with them and make them feel loved.
I’ll be honest though. Getting out to have dinner, just me and my husband is hard. So, we’ve often included them in love day celebrations. If you and your family want to do that or if you just want something fun that is Valentine’s related, I know you’re gonna love my Valentine’s Day Bingo Game. That’s right, it’s FREE printable time again!
Using Valentine’s Day Bingo Game
I’ve created a game with six bingo cards, which are Valentine’s Day icons. Print them out using your home computer or at a local print shop like Office Max or Staples. If for some reason the edges are cut off by the printer, you may want to set your printer to “full bleed.”
Also, I’ve included the bingo cards you will call out. I love to use card markers that are holiday-themed too. Like we like to use conversation hearts. I just recommend not using chocolate because it will melt after a lot of handling. Hard candy is the way to go.
Playing Valentine’s Day Bingo Game
It’s hard for me to believe that there is someone out there who doesn’t know how to play bingo, but just in case, here are the rules to the beloved, timeless, game.
Each player receives a bingo card. One person is selected as the dealer. You can rotate this role to each player if you choose. The dealer, calls out the cards and if you have the icon on your bingo card, you can mark it.
You will decide before beginning what pattern will be considered a bingo. For example, you can play diagonal, horizontal, four corners, a full card, etc. You can choose to play for money (we love to use spare change) or play for prizes. You can also do one major prize at the end for whoever got the most bingos that night.
Thanks so much for downloading this fun game I made. Don’t forget to check out my other FREE printables before you go and also, don’t forget to PIN this post for later or share the link with a friend.
Science can be fun learning at any age with these 10 toys that teach kids about the human body.
I’m not sure how it happened, but my four-year-old has fallen in love with the human body. He is fascinated by it. Even his pediatrician was taken aback when he could name all the anatomy of the human ear. He also knows the systems (e.g. circulatory, muscular, vascular, neurological, etc) of the body. So much was learned simply through play. Kids learn so much that way and they don’t even realize they are soaking it all in like a sponge.
So today, I’m going to share with you some of our favorite 10 toys that teach kids about the human body. I will try to include the age appropriateness with each of the toys. However, many of the toys can be used with younger children as long as they are supervised.
Magnetic Human Body
I love Melissa and Doug toys because they aren’t plastic. Even though the M&D products are a little on the pricey side, I still swear by them. This cute wooden Melissa and Doug set has twenty-four pieces that help children envision the human body and how it works from the inside. I found this was perfect for ages three to five. It is simple enough for some toddlers and all preschoolers to understand.
Squishy Human Body
The Squishy Human body has 21 pieces. This was an absolute favorite for my four-year-old. It does say it is designed for ages eight and up, but my four-year-old loved it. The bones come apart and it comes with a booklet explaining the parts and their function in the body. Even the skull comes apart to reveal a realistic brain. All the organs are squishy giving it a real feel and look.
Magic School Bus: Human Body Lab
Based on the Scholastic and Netflix series, this educational kit comes with experiment cards, a skeleton, posters, and stickers. This great for kiddos five and up. Fun fact: this was actually developed by Harvard graduates, scientists and educators to make it a full, exciting experience. This was a little lower on our favorite list, but still a great learning tool.
Kakiblin Organ Apron
This cute apron has felt organs on the front that is used to model the human body. The organs are completely removable by velcro so your little one can practice putting the organs in the correct place. Even my two-year-old loves to attach the organs with his older brother.
Learning Resources Floor Skeleton
Learning Resources has an awesome floor puzzle that helps kids identify bones and learn how they connect together. It is made of fifteen foam pieces that you assemble on the floor that stands nearly four feet. On one side is the image of the bone and on the back, it gives the name of each bone. It’s great for ages three and up.
Disgusting Science Kit
This toy isn’t so much about anatomy, but rather about what our bodies do. This disgusting science kit is full of fun hands-on experiments. Children discover and make fake blood and slimy snot, as well as the stinky intestines and their role in the human body. They also can grow safe bacteria and mold and how it can be used to fight infection. This is for older children around the age of eight and requires adult supervision.
The Journey Match It – All About Me
This word puzzle allows your child to both build their vocabulary and also learn to identify body parts and organs. There are 30 sets of puzzle pieces and this is great for children four and up. Even my four year old loves doing this in his beginning reading stages.
Genetics and DNA Science Kit
This genetics and DNA kit is for older children around eight, but it is a great way to introduce the science around our genetic code and molecular structure. In this kit they’ll construct models of the double helix DNA structure. Also they’ll learn about the pioneering scientists in genetics. Your child will feel like a scientist as they conduct experiments with this fun, educational kit.
Ben Franklin Doctor Lab Biology Kit
This takes playing doctor to a whole other level! This kit by Ben Franklin Toys, very much resembles a doctor’s kit. However, it delves deeper into the role of a physician. Children will conduct 12 experiments and tests. It includes 30 tools such as a stethoscope, bandage, shot, activity cards, anatomy model, brain game, eye chart, and more! When children aren’t conducting tests, they can use it for dramatic play like any other doctor’s kit.
Learning Resources Brain Model
This Learning Resources Brain Model is definitely better suited for older children. In this human anatomy model, children will build the brain using pieces of the cerebellum, frontal, parietal, temporal and occipital lobes. I will say the model is on the smaller side once completed. It’s smaller than four inches, but I do think it gives a very thorough look at the intricacies of the brain.
I hope you and your family enjoy these toys as much as we did.
So you’ve decided to homeschool but don’t know where to begin. With all the choices available it can be confusing so here are the homeschooling methods explained.
Photo Courtesy of Unsplash; This post contains affiliate links. Should you make a purchase through one of the links I provide, I may receive a small percentage at no cost to you. I only link to things I own or love.
So you’ve decided to homeschool or maybe you are just interested and would like to learn more about it. Homeschooling methods can be confusing at first which is why I will explain in the simplest of terms.
Homeschooling can be a wonderful choice. There are lots of reasons why homeschooling is becoming more popular. You can read all about Why We Homeschool. Everyone’s reasons will vary and there are lots of myths that need to be cleared up. You can read all about that in my post, Debunking Myths About Homeschooling.
Today, I’m going to explain the most common methods of homeschooling. I think understanding the methods is crucial to how you will be selecting the curriculum.
Some of my favorite resources for curriculum are Rainbow Resource, The Homeschool Buyers Co-op and Christian Book. Christian Book is a great resource for both classical and Charlotte Mason methods, which we will discuss below.
Homeschooling Methods Explained
Unschooling
Unschooling is a very different method when compared to others. Instead of being teacher-led, unschooling is largely child-led. It is also primarily informal. Specifically, the child advocates for what will be learned as opposed to the parent having full control.
It’s important to note that although homeschooling is legal in all fifty states, unschooling may not be. Some states have specific requirements for the subjects taught, attendance, records, and other things. Unschooling is a complete contrast to public school and may not meet these state-imposed requirements. You can learn more about your state’s requirements on HSLDA’s website.
Charlotte Mason
Charlotte Mason was a British educator in the twentieth century. She used a tri-method approach to learning. Her method is similar to Classical homeschooling which also uses three phases of education.
Atmosphere
The first is the Atmosphere. This is the idea that children are to observe and evaluate the world around them but particularly in the home environment. In other words, children are watching our actions, our own behaviors, rules, and even the mood we set in the home environment. In our family, we try to model constant learning and look for opportunities to explain and teach. We encourage questions and try to maintain a peaceful, gentle atmosphere.
Discipline
This is primarily the traits of good character. Modeling, instilling and cultivating good habits and enforcing a code of conduct, largely play into this area of teaching.
Life
This last area pertains to academics. Charlotte Mason believed that children learn best in a living environment and not with the dry rigors of textbooks. Therefore, children learn out of what is referred to as “living books.” Most living books are a narrative or in a story form that makes the subject come alive in real-world examples. Children are then to explain and narrate the lesson to ensure comprehension. In other words, if children can explain it to someone else, they have learned it themselves. This is the only form of testing progress in the Charlotte Mason method. In fact, Charlotte Mason could be described as a very gentle method of learning.
In addition, children learn handwriting, spelling, and sentence structure by transcribing passages from classic literature. Children are also encouraged to spend a great deal of time outdoors absorbing nature, biology, and the work of God’s hand. Charlotte Mason is also primarily Christian-based learning. Lastly, children learn about classical composers, fine art, all the while learning deeply about their great works. Children may be educated in foreign languages like Greek, Latin, Spanish and French. As well as rooted in Math with an emphasis on Algebra.
Courtesy of Unsplash
Classical
Classical education is based on the ancient model of learning. When you consider some of the greatest minds of the past, you’ll discover they were classically educated. Below, I’ll explain the three stages of classical education, known as the trivium.
The Grammar Stage: Kindergarten Through Fourth Grade
There is a rigorous emphasis on spelling, grammar, reading, and writing. As well as cultivating a joy of numbers with both procedural and conceptual math. Also, the beginning framework of foreign languages are taught, typically Latin, Greek or both. In addition, there is a study of fine art, classical composition, and music theory. Children will be introduced to Geography and a comprehensive study into History, which is the telling of all human achievement until now.
In history, The Ancients (5000 BC-AD 400) are taught in grades 1, 5 and 9. Medieval (400-1600) time period is taught in grades 2, 6, and 10. Late Renaissance to the Romantic era (1600-1850) in grades 3, 7, and 11. Lastly, the modern era (1850-present) in grades 4, 8, and 12.
I will give you an example of the effectiveness of classical education. My own four-year-old already has fundamental knowledge about Queen Nefertiti, Ramses II, and The Great Sphinx. He is learning about Ancient Civilizations and Native Americans. He can describe the anatomy of the human ear and identify the different systems of the body (circulatory, skeletal, muscular, etc) and their purpose. Also, he can name the different celestial bodies and even knows musical terms like accelerando, fortissimo, crescendo, and pianissimo.
The Logic Stage: Fifth Grade Through Eighth Grade
The Logic stage, in short, is reasoning or critical thinking. In this stage, children will begin to examine and analyze the arguments of others and themselves. Students will analyze facts and arguments to deduce why something is true or false.
The Rhetoric Stage: Ninth Grade Through Twelfth Grade
Classical rhetoric is a combination of expressive persuasion and argument (debate). The rhetoric stage is built upon the greatest ancient philosophers and writers such as Cicero, Aristotle, Quintilian, Socrates, and Plato. Simply put, it is expressing the knowledge obtained during the grammar and logic stages and composing effective writing and speaking through academic papers and speech. In other words, students learn to articulate their own answers to important questions.
Traditional
Traditional homeschooling resembles a similar structure to public schooling. You use a textbook curriculum. Children may use workbooks. You may even mimic a similar environment, with individual desks and a chalkboard. Normally, schedules are rigid with classes at specific times. Also, you may have tests and evaluations to determine your child’s progress. Traditional homeschoolers may even compare their progress or align themselves with public schools.
For traditional homeschooling, I greatly encourage you to read Duffy’s Homeschool Picks. This amazing book goes through the abundance of curriculum choices and gives unbiased reviews. Lastly, it helps you determine which curriculum is best suited to your child’s learning style.
Eclectic
Eclectic is basically just any combination of the aforementioned methods. Technically, I was an eclectic homeschooler because I was a mix of both classical and traditional homeschooling, although classical education was emphasized.
Some parents find their children do better with the strengths of the different methods. There is no one right way to homeschool. Each method has its benefits. As a homeschooler, you have immense flexibility and you are not in any way pigeonholed to one method. Yes, you can take what you like from the various methods and make it your own.
Additionally, some parents start off as eclectic homeschoolers, choosing to try out multiple methods before deciding on their way to educate. That’s perfectly okay too! It is also important to note that any of these methods can be religious or secular in nature.
Pin for Later
Hopefully, I have thoroughly explained the different methods of homeschooling. I am immensely grateful for my classical education. I encourage you to read the resources I’ve mentioned. Don’t forget to PIN this post so you may refer to it later.
I feel how tired you are, mama. That’s why I’m sharing the best toys to get out toddler energyso they can get out wiggles and you can get rest.
This post contains affiliate links. Should you make a purchase through one of the links I provide, I may receive a small percentage at no cost to you. Your support helps to offset the costs incurred with this blog. I only link to things I love or own.
Toddlers seem to have never-ending energy. If you’re a mama like me with multiple toddlers it can feel like a zoo in your own home! Let’s be real though – there is no such thing as truly taming toddler energy. It’s more about finding safe ways to get it out! As a mother of boys, let me tell you, these are some of the best finds that keep my very active boys busy!
I have always found that some of the best toys at this age are the ones that encourage them to run, jump, crawl and otherwise stay active. It’s not always easy to keep the attention of toddlers which is why I love keeping them busy with things that keep them active and interested.
The Best Toys to Get Out Toddler Energy
Click on any of the pictures to purchase from Amazon
JumJoe Kids Trampoline
Both my kids absolutely adore this. Don’t be surprised if your little ones fight over it. We love this one because it has a bar that little kids can hold on to which reduces the risk of falling. Even a 20-month old will love this. Its such a great way to get out their wiggles during the day.
Little Tikes First Slide
An aunt gave us this as a gift when my oldest was about a year old and let me tell you, it has become a favorite in our house. We personally keep this indoors in our playroom, but you could use it outside. We love keeping inside for rainy days or summer days when we want to stay cool indoors and still get out bursting energy. My oldest is almost five and it is still a favorite of his. Definitely worth the $30!
Little Tikes Easy Score Basketball
We really grew to love this indoor/outdoor basketball hoop. What is great about this toy isn’t just that it gets the wiggles out, it also helps them work on eye and hand coordination. This has also become a favorite when we have playdates. It comes with 5 balls so multiple kids can play at one time. Also, it comes in pink for your girls. You can find it on Amazon for $29.99
Step2 Rain Showers Splash Pond Water Table
I love water tables. They are wonderful for hot summer days. But best of all, they keep little hands busy. I swear this keeps my little guys busy for so long! I grab my coffee, sit on the porch and let them splash and play. It gets them outdoors and it’s also a safe, fun, sensory experience. There are lots of great water tables out there, but we like this one.
Big Wheels
Who had a big wheel growing up, raise your hand! I loved ours when I was a kid. We had a smurf one. That should tell you what era I’m from! Today, my kids love this one. It’s been a lot of fun to watch them ride this around the neighborhood. Big wheels are fun because there is no risk of falling they are low to the ground. There are lots of big wheels that are centered around a cartoon-like Minions and Disney princesses, but I’m including this classic Radio Flyer one.
Little Tikes T-Ball Set
We love this t-ball set and play with it outside in the backyard. This is great for eye-hand coordination. It also makes your little one run to fetch the ball when they hit it. Thank goodness for toys like this one that wears their little legs out before naptime.
ToyVelt Kids Golf Club Set
This toy is a lot of fun, especially if daddy golfs as well. You can do this indoor or outdoor, but I’ll tell you being on grass makes it harder for them to hit and control the ball. We prefer to do it on the carpet inside. It retails for about $25 on Amazon.
5pc Kids Ball Pit Tents and Tunnels
This is one of our favorite toys! Honestly, we love doing this as an indoor activity. This is a great way to get out toddler energy on rainy days. We set this up and let them play away. It’s funny how much they squeal crawl – and all that crawling tires them out! One thing that is really nice about this is that crawling babies, toddlers and preschoolers can use it. I love toys that grow with my kids for a few years and this is one of them. Just remember you’ll need to buy the balls separately.
Little Tikes Easy Score Soccer Set
This is fun for both girls and boys alike. If you are considering putting your little one in soccer, this can be a great tool to gauge their interest. I definitely recommend using this outside. Let your little one run to their heart’s content and work on eye-foot coordination at the same time. Available on Amazon for about $32.
Little Lab Creations 67″ 4-in-1 Inflatable Splash Pad
Once the weather is warm enough we love going outside to run around, but here in Texas, weathers can be wildly hot. So we love to bring out the splash pad to stay cool in the warmer months. It’s so fun to watch the kids run and jump in the water. Dare I say that nap time almost always follows this fun activity!
Eezy Peezy Monkey Bars
Once you have a toddler you realize they love to climb! So how about giving them a place to channel it instead of on coffee tables and furniture. The nice thing about this is that it grows with them for a while. It’s safe for almost eight years of age.
Nova Kids Seesaw
I loved teeter-totters as a child. I would have loved to have one at home. This might be better suited for older toddlers closer to the preschool age, but I still included it because I know three-year-olds who love it. Also, seesaws work best when you have kids around the same weight. Under $50 on Amazon.
As a mama of a toddler and preschooler, I know how tired you are, mama. Keeping kids entertained is a full-time job and they move from one toy to the next. I know that you are constantly battling the clutter of toys which is why I like toys that keep them active. It seems to keep their interest a little more, especially if you applaud for their performance. It keeps them physically healthy and makes sure they are good and tired before bedtime. Don’t forget to PIN this post for later, especially when people ask about birthday gifts for your kiddo.
Got a new 2020 Happy Planner? Looking for a way to use the year at a glance page in your planner? Here are 50 Ways to use the year at a glance page in your planner.
I got very excited when my new 2020 Happy Planners have a gorgeous new year at a glance view. I love them, but I scratched my head for a few weeks to figure out what I would use them for. Perhaps if I was struggling, other people might be as well. So I came up with 50 ways to use the year at a glance page in your planner.
There is a variety of ways you can use it. In my social media planner, I’ll be using it for my YouTube schedule. I had been so bad about scheduling days to shoot, edit, and upload videos over last year, so I decided that this would help me make sure I do it regularly. You could also do this for Instagram since the algorithm considers how often you post (you want to post daily for the best views).
You could use this in a variety of ways, but I think using it as a habit tracker really lends itself to a lot of different uses. You could use it to record running times, your weight, water intake, your number of reps and a number of other fitness activities.
I’ve asked some of the most productive ladies I know how they run their household smoothly. Here are 9 habits of a productive stay-at-home-mom.
Momming ain’t easy which is why we need every trick in the book. Today, I’m sharing 9 habits of a productive stay-at-home mom to help you get more done with the time you have.
Wake Up Early
I value my sleep. I do. In fact, I actually have to take a sedative at night that leaves me groggy in the morning. But I’ve discovered something since being a stay-at-home mom. Getting up before the kids makes a big difference in my attitude for the day.
If I’m woken up by them, it often leads me to be being in a rotten mood. I’m still trying to wake up and struggling to make that first cup of coffee when toddler requests are being made in rapid succession. No one wants to wake up to a needy toddler or to the sound of a crying baby. Think of it as being gentle with yourself.
I always found that if I was able to have some peace and quiet first thing in the morning, my whole day is better. Wouldn’t it be nice to drink your coffee while it is hot? Whether you spend that time in prayer or a morning shower, having those few minutes to yourself while you wake up helps you ease into your day. If you feel like you’re always waking up on the wrong side of the bed, you might want to try simply getting up before your babies.
Write It Down
When you are a stay-at-home mom it is very easy for the weekdays to blend together. Organized mamas will tell you the importance of writing things down. When I first became a stay-at-home mom I thought I wouldn’t be that busy and would be able to keep everything organized in my head. But just a few months into this full-time job I realized I couldn’t keep things straight. I constantly double-booked myself, couldn’t remember things I needed from the store and forgot about appointments altogether. Trying to manage the schedules of an entire family can lead to a lot of stress, especially if you are disappointing others by your disorganization.
For me, I use a Happy Planner. You can read all about how this decorative planner helped me in the post, “How Happy Planner Changed My Life.” Maybe you don’t care for a planner. Some moms opt for a command center. While others are list makers. Even a wall calendar can help manage tasks, but write down the things you need to remember. I promise it will save you lots of headaches in the long run. And fewer headaches means less stress for you! You are also more likely to complete your goals when you write them down.
They Create Routines
You may have found that keeping up with housework is a lot more challenging than you thought. Kids and their needs often put a halt on the things that need to get done. But you can make things run more smoothly by creating routines that both you and your kids know. For example, one of the first things I do in the morning is to start a load of laundry in the washer. Doing at least one load a day ensures that I won’t get overwhelmed by the laundry. I also, do certain types of laundry for each day of the week. For example, Saturday is bed linen day. All the beds get stripped, washed and changed. Doing that ensures that the bed linen will never go more than seven days without being cleaned.
You can implore this method for each of your chores. For instance, I wash dishes every evening before bed so I don’t wake up to a dirty kitchen. I take out the trash every morning while my coffee is brewing and clean the microwave every Friday. My cleaning is on a regular schedule and it isn’t just good for me. It also helps the kids know what to expect at any given time. You can save time and brainpower by relying on routines.
They Teach Their Kids to Help
Good bosses delegate tasks and that is exactly what you are. As a stay-at-home mom, the responsibility of running a household falls squarely on your shoulders. That’s why it is so important to ask for help. Younger children love to help and this is the best time to start training them to pick up after themselves. Even my four-year-old scrubs the toilet and puts his clothes in the drawers when I’ve folded them. He knows to throw his food in the trash and put his clothes in the hamper. I even get my twenty-month-old to helps switch clothes out of the washer and dryer. You’d be surprised what your kids will do if you create the habit of making them help. You can make it fun, by using a reward chart or chore chart so they feel accomplished.
Some days, I get creative and make chores into a game or competition. Like I try to see who can pick up all the clothes the fastest. The first child who wins gets a cookie with lunch (yeah, I’m not above bribery). I can tell you, picking up after a whole family isn’t fun. Delegate.
They Prepare
Just because you have kids doesn’t mean you have to be late to events. I’m rarely, if ever, late to an event even with two kids to get ready. My secret? I prepare the day before. As part of my evening routine, I prepare the diaper bag for the next day. Check the weather. I get clothes ready for the next day, particularly if we have an important event. I’ll gather the things I’m going to need and put them by the door. In the case of large events, I may even pack the car in advance. I make it as easy and as stress-free as possible. There is nothing more anxiety-inducing than rushing to leave the house or forgetting the thing you were supposed to bring. Do yourself a favor, prepare.
They Take Care of Themselves
Moms get crumbs. It’s okay to put your kids before yourself. Sometimes it’s necessary and it’s part of being a good parent. However, we also shouldn’t forget about ourselves. Productive moms know that you must take care of yourself so you can take care of others. If you are burning the candle at both ends, over time there will be nothing left to burn. Little will get done if you are dragging all day.
At some point, you need to remember to take some time out for yourself, even if it is just for a few minutes a day. Whether it is taking a hot, long soak in the tub or getting some alone time, make sure you find some way to recharge. If you are really struggling to make a habit of taking care of yourself, I highly recommend my 30 Day Wellness Challenge. Remember, even moms need a work-life balance.
Stay Off Devices
Phones, tablets, computers, and TVs are time burglars. It is so easy to get caught up in a Facebook newsfeed or a sucked into one of your favorite shows. Before you know it, time is lost. Valuable time. Time that could be spent with your babies. Time that could be spent getting chores done. We almost always spend more time on our devices than we originally intended.
Take it from me, friend. A digital detox is amazing for what it can do for your mental health and productivity. Put the phone down. Put the devices down and be present. Be mindful. Your kids notice if you are always on a device and not with them. Take a look at my two posts Living Without Likes: How I Broke Up With Facebook and 30 Day Social Media Detox. Every now and then I take a break from social media and it’s always refreshing and time-saving.
Schedule Tasks for The Right Time of Day
This may sound too simple, but I think its an underestimated point. It is mentally and physically exhausting to do things that require concentration while both my kids are full of energy in the morning. Over the years, I’ve become better about carefully scheduling when to do certain tasks.
For example, my youngest son loves to unfold the laundry I just folded. So, I don’t do it while he is awake. I do it during his naptime. Also, during naptime, I do things that require my full attention like balancing the checkbook, paying bills or making phone calls. During the summer, I do my outdoor chores, while the kids can play in the cool hours of the day. It’s a win for both of us. I do my errands in the morning while the kids’ attitude is still fresh and peppy. Picking the right chore at the right time will take some of the frustration out of your day.
They Automate What They Can
When I think back to my grandmother’s days, I feel like a total wimp. My grandmother was incredibly productive with six children. These days, we have it much easier, which is why we should try to take advantage of the conveniences that are available to us.
I save so much time now that my grocery store offers online ordering and curbside delivery. Even places like Target and Sam’s Club are offering it. I’ve learned to go to the website of stores to see if they show items that are in stock before I make a wasted trip. I set up lots of our bills on recurring automatic payments. I set up monthly prescriptions on automatic refills. I save money and time by using Amazon’s subscribe and save. I automate as much of my life as I possibly can. Take advantage of modern-day conveniences.
There are lots of ways to get things done and parent at the same time. It isn’t always easy which is why you need to be clever about how you go about your day. I’d love to hear from you and the things you do to stay productive.
Are you staring at your blank planner and have no idea what to write in it? Don’t let those pages go to waste. I’m sharing 100 things to track in your planner.
Some links may be affiliate links. Should you make a purchase through one of the links I provide, I may receive a small percentage at no cost to you, I only link to things I love, own, or want to own.
Welcome friends. I am not shy when it comes to my love for planners. If you have followed this blog for any amount of time, you’ll learn I love The Happy Planner. You can read how keeping a planner completely changed my life in my post, How Happy Planner Changed Life. I’ve managed to get lots of friends and family members to start using a planner to help organize their life. However, I always get one similar question. “What do I write down in my planner?”
Most people write birthdays and anniversaries and the random appointment, but most pages are left blank. In fact, I’ve heard many people say. “I forget to use my planner.” The reason why people forget to use their planner is that they aren’t opening it up every day – and the way to open it up every day is to have something to write every day! The more often you use it, the more it will become second nature to open it up.
So today, I’m sharing 100 things to track in your planner. I track all these kinds of things in my planner. Here are some ideas to get you started. If you’d like to see how I use my planner, follow my planner-related Instagram @ PaperNPlans.
Seasonal chores (changing air filters, oil changes, etc)
Chore list
Kids chores
Kids schedules
Recipes
To-Do Lists
Family events
Pet Grooming Schedule
Pet Walking/Feeding Schedule
Pet Vaccine Schedule
Vision Board
Favorite Moments
Baby/Child Developmental Milestones
Brain Dump
Daycare/Teacher Information
Contact Lists/Addresses
Birthdays
Renovations/ DIY list
Weather Login / Passwords
School Assignments
School Activities / Days off
Gift Ideas
Wish Lists
Anniversaries
Babysitter Info
Online order tracking
Work schedules
Pantry Inventory
Freezer Inventory
Laundry Schedule
Yard Maintenance Schedule
Party Planning
Happy Planner Classic Sized Recipe Inserts
These Happy Planner classic sized recipe inserts are perfect for organizing your recipes. The recipe inserts come in a set of three versions – blush pink, pale blue, and neutral grey in a downloadable file so that you can print them at home. Light grey trim lines allow for easy and precision trimming at home. Simply punch, fill in and decorate to your liking. Yours forever to use over and over again! You never have a download limit (you download again if you lose your digital file).
Thank you so much for reading. Don’t forget to PIN this post for later or share it with a planner friend. Also, don’t forget to check out some of my other planner posts!
