These small, manageable tasks will make your mornings smoother and your evenings a little less stressful, because a little bit of nightly prep can go a long way in keeping your home in order. Older kiddos (and maybe hubby too) can give you a hand with this.

Don’t dismiss Date Night just because you don't have a sitter! Here’s a quick plan to put some romance on the calendar for your special occasion: 

1. Give the kids a bedtime. The older ones won’t like it (bedtime on the weekend?) but let them know they don’t have to go to sleep, but they do have to get in bed and stay in bed.
   
   
2. Set the scene. Choose a setting ahead of time, and make sure that area of the house is clean and available. Consider the back porch, formal dining room, or a quaint corner of the home library.
   
   
3. Set the mood. Dim the lights, light candles, and have a pre-arranged playlist to enjoy your favorite tunes.
   
   
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A few Decembers ago, after watching a mom and her twin toddler girls bundle up and take a walk outside in the cold rain (while one of the tots gleefully pushed along a doll stroller), I came to realize that The Great Outdoors is very all seasons! Hiding indoors for 3 months (or actually less, since our area doesn’t really get a true winter) is not the plan. Bikes can be ridden, walks can be taken, and fun can be had outdoors, in any weather, with just a bit of preparation. Here are some tips to help you and your family get outside, embrace the cold, and make the most of the winter season!