You’d be surprised how many “basic” life skills some freshmen are missing. (When I went to college, I had to teach my roommate how to do laundry. LAUNDRY. She’d literally never used a washing machine before.) So before you pack up their shower caddy and ramen noodles, make sure they’re equipped with these real-world essentials.

1. How to Write a Check

Yes, most things are digital now, but life has a way of throwing curveballs. Your kid might need to pay rent to an old-school landlord or cover a sorority fee that requires a paper check. They should know:

• How to fill in each line correctly
• How to write numbers and amounts in words
• How to sign it (and not in bubble letters)

2. How to Make a Bank Deposit

Whether it’s in person or via a mobile app, your college student should know how to:

• Endorse a check
• Fill out a deposit slip (yes, those still exist)
• Snap the right pictures for mobile deposits

3. How to Make a Doctor’s Appointment (and Actually Go)

They need to be able to:

• Call the office, explain why they need an appointment
• Give their insurance information
• Show up on time without Mom texting reminders every five minutes

4. How to See a Doctor Without You

This means knowing how to:

• Bring their insurance card
• Fill out medical forms
• Ask questions if they don’t understand something
• Pay the copay

5. How to Get a Prescription Filled

They should know how to:

• Drop off a prescription at the pharmacy
• Request a refill before they run out
• Transfer a prescription to a new pharmacy near campus

6. How to Mail a Letter or Package

Because not everything fits in a DM:

• Correctly address an envelope (yes, the return address goes in the top left)
• Buy stamps (no, they are not free)
• Choose between USPS, UPS, and FedEx

7. How to Do Laundry Without Destroying Clothes

Teach them:

• The difference between detergent and fabric softener
• How to separate colors from whites
• Why you don’t put “dry clean only” items in the dryer unless you enjoy tiny sweaters

8. How to Cook a Few Basic Meals

Ramen is great, but they should also know:

• How to boil pasta without it sticking
• Make scrambled eggs
• Cook chicken all the way through (salmonella is not a freshman-year experience anyone needs)

9. How to Budget (and Actually Stick to It)

A little math now saves a lot of overdraft fees later. Make sure they understand:

• How to track spending
• How to prioritize needs over wants
• How credit cards work—and that they’re not “free money”

10. How to Sew on a Button or Fix a Small Tear

They don’t need to be Martha Stewart, but they should know how to make a shirt wearable again without duct tape.

11. How to Navigate Public Transportation

If they don’t have a car, teach them:

• How to read bus/train schedules
• How to buy a transit pass
• Basic safety rules for riding alone

12. How to Handle an Emergency

Run through:

• Who to call if they’re locked out, sick, or in danger
• Basic first aid
• How to safely use campus emergency phones or apps

13. How to Advocate for Themselves

From talking to professors to resolving roommate conflicts, they should feel confident:

• Asking for help
• Setting boundaries
• Speaking up when something’s wrong

Final Thoughts

Sure, they’ll learn a lot in college—academically and socially—but starting with these skills means fewer panicked phone calls home that begin with, “Um…how do I…?” You’ve spent years preparing them for the big stuff. Now it’s time to nail down the everyday stuff that keeps life running smoothly.

The post 13 Life Skills Every Teen Should Know Before Heading Off to College appeared first on Mommy Travels.

22 Things to Buy For a Newborn

1. A Portable Playpen aka Pack n Play

A portable playpen is one that will safely contain a child that is rolling, crawling and climbing. This is in contrast to baby gates and large plastic pens that you really can’t take with you. A portable play pen allows you to put the child down to play or nap, whether you’re keeping them close while working in another room of the house or sleeping in a hotel room. The best portable playpens can be folded up and stored in a corner of the closet or the back of your car. Then your child can take a nap at Grandma’s house in a child-safe playpen.

2. A Changing Table

Why do we recommend having a dedicated changing table instead of using a pad on top of the material in the baby’s crib? Hygiene is just one reason. Change the child’s dirty clothes and dirty diapers on a surface you can easily sanitize without doing a massive load of laundry. Reduce the risk of poop getting on stuffed animals and your child’s favorite blanket.

Another benefit of having a changing table is that you can collect all of the changing supplies like wipes and skin rash cream in one place. And when that place is not near the child’s crib, your child is less likely to start tasting the diaper rash cream out of curiosity when they wake up alone at 5 AM. A waterproof changing table pad is optional but recommended. Our parents’ guide will include other items that are useful but not essential.

3. A Car Seat

You must have an approved car seat to take your child home from the hospital. This is so important that police and hospital staff may install it or verify that the installation is properly done for free. It is your choice as to whether you have a separate car seat or a “system” that lets you connect the baby carrier into a car seat structure mounted in the car. A newborn should be placed in a car seat that has them lying down. The child shouldn’t be sitting up in the car seat until they can successfully hold their head up for long periods of time; that is well after the six-month mark.

4. Rocking Chair / Glider

It is easy to say you’ll carry and rock the child to sleep when they’re a newborn. It gets harder as they get bigger. And the job is that much more difficult in the middle of the night. The solution is to get a rocking chair or glider. You can rock the child to sleep or simply bring both of you back to calm. As a side benefit, you can sit in it and read to your child.

5. A Diaper Genie / Diaper Pail

A diaper genie or diaper pail will hold those dirty diapers until you put them out in the trash. They differ from trash cans in that they seal the diapers in a plastic wrapper, minimizing the smell in your child’s room. This makes it that much easier to dispose of stinking diapers and wipes, much less empty the diaper pail in as hygienic a method as possible.

6. A Clothes Hamper

It is true that you can use a laundry basket instead of an upright clothes hamper. Unfortunately, a basket full of clothes sitting on the floor will be of interest to your child. And that includes the soiled clothes in it. Upright clothes hamper with a lid will keep your child from playing with the dirty clothes you just took off of them. We’d recommend a separate one from what you use for storing your dirty clothes so that you don’t get any more of your child’s pee and poo on your own clothes than necessary.

7. Fitted Crib Sheets

Sheets prevent you from having to wash the mattress every time your child’s diaper leaked. Fitted sheets will stay securely in place. We recommend two such sheets so that you have one to have on the mattress while the other is being washed, and they need to be washed periodically. You can reduce the odds of this being necessary by putting a light blanket on top of the crib sheet, but you don’t want your baby sleeping on multiple layers.

8. A Mattress Protector

A plastic mattress protector will prevent spilled milk and vomit from reaching the mattress, especially since mattresses are hard to clean and you don’t want toxic chemicals next to where your child sleeps. Always cover the mattress in two sheets so that your child isn’t lying right on top of the plastic.

9. Baby Gates at the Stairs

Do you have stairs? You need baby gates at the top and bottom of the stairwells. Baby gates prevent the child from falling down them.

10. Outlet Covers

Cover your power outlets so that your child doesn’t get shocked pushing what they think are buttons. Have these in place before your child starts crawling.

11. A Portable Fan for Your Baby’s Room

Our parent’s guide wouldn’t be complete without discussing the items that you can use almost anywhere you go. A portable fan is useful both in your child’s room and when you’re on the go. Use the portable fan to keep your child cool in their crib or simply maximize airflow to reduce the risk of crib death. Blow it on their bottom to control diaper rash without using lots of creams and chemicals.

12. Bottles

It doesn’t matter if you’re breastfeeding or bottle-feeding, you need at least eight bottles. The bottles will allow you to feed the baby milk or stored breast milk. Then Mom can take a nap while Dad feeds the baby.

13. Bottle Cleaning Brushes

If you have bottles, you need bottle cleaning brushes to get them properly clean. Pick ones with flexible heads and a long brush, and you could use it to clean your water bottles, too. You can use the same dish soap you use to wash other dishes to clean your baby’s bottles. Just make sure you rinse them out with water thoroughly.

14. Insulated Carriers / Coolers

Unless you’re going to rely on single-serve cans of formula you can pour into a bottle in an instant and serve, you’ll need an insulated carrier to keep the breast milk or pre-made formula safe and ready for use. These carriers could be stylish enough to keep your sandwich or healthy snacks cool, too.

On the other hand, you can skip the bottle warmer. It takes as long to heat a bottle as a baby bottle in hot water. Note that you should never heat a bottle in the microwave because that creates boiling areas that can burn your child’s mouth.

15. Cotton Bibs

Babies spit up and vomit. They drink milk and stop, and some of it dribbles out of their mouth. Babies will pick up things that fall out of their mouths, even when they’re learning how to eat. If you don’t want to be doing five loads of laundry a day, save yourself the hassle and invest in at least half a dozen cotton bibs. Then you only have to wash the bibs, not their whole outfit.

16. A High Chair

This can wait until the child is old enough to sit up and eat solid food, and that’s normally at age six months. A good high chair will hold the child upright and prevent them from climbing out of it. It must be ultra-stable. Mess mats are optional.

17. Diapers

It doesn’t matter if you’re going to use cloth or disposable diapers – you need several packs of them before you bring the baby home. Diaper stackers are convenient but not necessary.

18. Baby Wipes

Baby wipes are indispensable. They’re used to wipe your baby’s bottom when changing their diaper and clean the snot from their nose. Note that you don’t have to pay a premium for baby wipes containing aloe or essential oils. Baby wipe warmers are unnecessary.

19. Diaper Rash Cream

You could use zinc oxide ointment or petroleum jelly, but your baby will need something on their skin applied after you’ve cleaned their bottom to protect the skin from diaper rash.

20. An Infant Tub

An infant tub is essential to safely giving your child a bath, once the umbilical cord has fallen off. A bath seat is only an option once the child is more than six months old and can sit up on their own for an extended period of time.

21. Baby Safe Bath Supplies

You should not use your bar soap and shampoo on a baby. Use baby bath wash and baby shampoo. You’ll also want to get baby combs and brushes, but these are less of an issue. You can use the same cotton balls and cotton swabs as you may already have stocked in your makeup kit. Do get baby-safe scissors and nail clippers.

22. Boppy

The Boppy nursing pillow is a must have when it comes to feeding your baby at home. It makes things much more comfortable whether you’re nursing or bottle feeding. You wear it around your stomach or off to the side to give baby a comfortable place to be fed and make things easier on your back. You can also prop your baby up in it for photos like we did with Kennedy in her halloween costume! She was a cupcake. Plus, there are a lot of design options to match your nursery decor!

Summary

There are many things you’ll want to get for your baby, but you should prioritize the essentials. The rest is optional, including the rattles and cute animal-themed slippers you’re probably going to get at the baby shower.

How to Prepare for Your First Road Trip with a Baby

11 Tips for Flying with a baby

Doona Car Seat Stroller Review: The Ideal Travel Stroller

The post 22 Essential Newborn Baby Accessories appeared first on Mommy Travels.

Once your child seems interested in helping you, you should run with it. I speak from experience. My children are teens and tweens now and they only “help” if you pay them. Your kids will not be interested in helping you forever, so you should take advantage of it while you can. Plus, it’s good for them to learn how to do these things. From a young age, they will become more capable children.

Tasks for Toddlers

Children can help care for animals or keep a younger sibling entertained while mom quickly cleans something up. Kids can dust furniture, fold laundry, take out the trash, and pull weeds in the garden. Here’s a list of simple tasks for toddlers that 2, 3, and 4-year-olds can easily do.

• Load spoons into the dishwasher
• Help care for animals
• Put toys away after play
• Wipe table
• Dry unbreakable dishes
• Sweep (small broom)
• Stir orange juice
• Entertain infant
• Bring in the newspaper or the mail
• Mop small area
• Pour milk (use a small pitcher)
• Empty wastebaskets
• Dust furniture
• Dig and pull weeds in garden
• Fold dishtowels
• Put away silverware
• Load washer, unload dryer
• Wipe mirrors (parent sprays)
• Assist with stirring cooking
• Brush teeth, wash face
• Tidy magazines, sofa pillows
• Pick up trash in the yard
• Set the table
• Dress and undress

As they get older you can give them more responsibility. They can run the vacuum, wash a car, or even mow the lawn. 

I’ve put together a free printable chore chart for you to use with your kiddos. Click the link to download it.This is what one of the pages looks like.

If you’re looking for some tasks for toddlers, I hope this list was helpful. I know it can be difficult to get small children to help around the house, but with a little creativity and imagination, it’s definitely doable! Do you have any other ideas? Be sure to share them in the comments below so we can all benefit from your tips and tricks. I’m all about working those kids!

The 1-minute cleaning drill

Ways Kids Can Earn Money

10 Things Kids Should Do Before Growing Up

The post Tasks for Toddlers appeared first on Mommy Travels.

Dorm Room Essentials

Most of our dorm room essentials I mention are on this handy Amazon list to help you get your shopping done super fast!

Bedding

• Twin XL Bedding: Most dorms have Twin XL mattresses, so make sure your sheets fit.
• Mattress Topper and Pad: Dorm beds can be a bit stiff, and a good mattress topper can make a huge difference.
• Mattress Protector: You don’t know who slept there before, so zip it up!
• Bed Risers: Create extra storage space under your bed for things like shoes or storage containers.
• Backrest Pillows: Perfect for those long study sessions in bed.
• Thick Warm Blanket: Something super soft and possibly weighted.

Electronics and Power

• Power Strip and Extension Cords: Dorm rooms often have limited outlets, so these are a must. Make sure it offers a variety of plug-in options.
• Desk Lamp: Great for late-night study sessions.
• Clip-on Light: This is perfect for a dorm bed
• Electric Kettle: For quick and easy hot beverages.

Storage and Organization

• Storage Containers: Keep your belongings organized in a small space. I love the collapsible ones. 
• Duffel Bag: Useful for weekend trips home or visits to friends’ dorms.
• Shower Caddy: A shower tote ssential for carrying toiletries to the communal bathroom.
• Bath Towel Set
• Under-Bed Storage: Maximize space by utilizing the area under your bed.
• Trash Bags: For easy cleanup.
• Trash Can: My sons dorm provided a trash can but my daughter’s did not. 
• Bed caddy: My son ended up with the top bunk and instead of having to constantly go up and down we bought a bed caddy. 
• Closet Organizers: These will help you hang more things in the closet.
• Laundry Bag

Personal Care and Health

• Shower Shoes: Protect your feet in communal bathrooms.
• Laundry Detergent: Don’t forget to keep your clothes fresh. I recommend using earth-friendly laundry sheets. Not only do you use no plastic with these but it’s also a massive space saver. 
• Body Wash: A shower essential.
• Cough Drops: Be prepared in case of a sudden cold.
• Water Bottle: Stay hydrated during those long study sessions.
• Pain Reliever: It’s just a matter of time before they need it.

Important Documents

• Student ID: Your ticket to campus events and facilities.
• Professional Attire: You never know when you might need it for an interview or event.
• Emergency Contacts: Keep a list in case of an emergency.

Miscellaneous Items

• Rain Boots: Be ready for any weather.
• Study Supplies: Notebooks, pens, folders, backpack, and other school supplies.
• Favorite Snacks: Stock up on your go-to treats.
• Mini Fridge: Great for storing snacks and drinks. (Some dorms like the ones at the University of Texas provide a mini fridge and microwave)
• Travel Steamer: Steam wrinkles out of clothes and save a lot room since you won’t need an iron and an ironing board.

For Class

• Backpack
• Pens
• Pencils
• Notebooks

Tips for a Smooth Dorm Room Move-In

• Start Early: Begin your packing process well in advance to avoid last-minute stress.
• Check the School’s Website: Different colleges have different rules and amenities; familiarize yourself with your school’s guidelines.
• Use Online Resources: Take advantage of free printable college checklists available online.
• Watch for Sales: Utilize platforms like Amazon Prime to find the best deals on dorm essentials.
• Mind the Space: Dorm rooms are often small, so be selective about what you bring.
• Be Mindful of Fire Hazards: Avoid overloading outlets and follow safety guidelines.

Conclusion

Preparing for your freshman year of college is an exciting time filled with new experiences. By following this ultimate college packing list for guys, you’ll be well-equipped to navigate dorm life successfully. Remember, college is not just about the classes but also about the people you meet and the memories you create. Good luck on your journey, and make the most of every moment!

The post The Ultimate College Packing List for Guys: Dorm Room Essentials appeared first on Mommy Travels.

I must say when I was researching this post I found it ironic how many “sexy” choices there were. These are for later. Do yourself a favor and go after comfort for the first few months. I don’t want to scare anyone. Becoming a new mom is absolutely incredible and every ounce of hard work is worth it.

Also worth noting is you may pick out a super cute nightgown to take in your hospital bag to get there go through the experience and realize you’d rather just stick to the hospital gown. I won’t say why but you’ll see. It’s still worth taking for photos though even if you decide not to wear it at the hospital.

Best Postpartum Nightgowns for Nursing

If you are nursing, even if you are only half nursing you will appreciate a nightgown with quick easy access when you are totally exhausted.

Sosolism Comfy Nursing Nightgown

This is nightgown is made out of advanced rayon which is more stretchy and comfortable than the normal fabric.

Now that we have gone over all of the best postpartum nightgowns for nursing, it’s time to make your pick! Whether you opt for one of these beauties or find something else on your own, just remember: it’s going to be a long road ahead and you will need to take care of yourself in order to take care of your baby. So go ahead and get yourself a special postpartum nightgown for those new-mom blues – you deserve it! If nothing else, slumber parties don’t happen very often in parenthood. Keep your wear comfortable, so you can enjoy those sweet cuddles with baby for as long as they want! Sleep, eat, and lots of love – that is the key to success when it comes to being a mommy.

Read Next:

Best Beach Dresses

Doona Car Seat Stroller Review – The Ideal Travel Stroller

22 Essential Newborn Baby Accessories

The post Best Postpartum Night Gowns for Nursing appeared first on Mommy Travels.

Don’t quite agree with us yet? Keep reading and then think again!

Here are our top 6 reasons why you should combine a family trip with teenage driving lessons

1. It creates a practical learning environment

When we say ‘practical learning environment’, we’re not just talking about the physical act of driving rather than theory – we’re talking about teaching your kids through real-life experiences. 

The reality is, that when they get their driver’s license, they will need to drive for longer periods than the average driving lesson. Allowing your teen to get long-haul driving experience where they can practice focus is key. 

Set your child up with driving lessons so that they are prepared for the challenges of a road trip, and let them tap into their skills in a more realistic environment on your family road trip. 

2. Provides bonding opportunities

The first reason why we think driving lessons and road trips are the dream duo for teens learning to drive are the valuable bonding opportunities that come along for the ride. 

Spending hours together in the car conversing, singing along to music, and playing road trip games allows parents and teens to connect on a deeper level. 

This quality time together builds trust and understanding during the critical driving instruction process. Teens also get to see their parents in a more relaxed setting.

3. Teens develop responsibility

When parents allow teens to take on important jobs like navigating directions, pumping petrol, checking tire pressure and fluid levels, it builds accountability and maturity.

Completing these essential road trip tasks successfully gives teens confidence and readiness to handle vehicles properly in realistic situations. 

Taking a less active role in quieter parts of the journey can also make your kid feel independent, an exciting step for a learner who is just starting to gain confidence on the open road.

4. Building confidence behind the wheel 

Nothing breeds self-assured and competent teen drivers faster than overcoming challenges on the open road.

With each new driving situation conquered teens feel more comfortable handling the vehicle, especially when coming across different terrains and traffic conditions in new places. 

Again, supportive guidance from parents in an low-pressure environment allows confidence to flourish, and confidence is a trait that shouldn’t be overlooked as a key indicator of a good driver.

5. Create shared goals and achievements 

Learning together to master driving skills and overcoming difficulties as a cohesive family unit teaches teens important life lessons. 

Having a shared destination and a shared desire to get there in one piece makes for a clear goal that you can keep in mind throughout the journey’s highs and lows. 

Achieving mini-goals like successful parallel parking or merging onto highways culminates in the big win of becoming a licensed driver!

If you have younger kids in the car, working together to ensure their safety and comfort can be great too. Before you set off, browse our tips for a roadtrip with kids together to prepare. 

6. Promote safety and proper driving habits 

Parents can model ideal driving behavior like obeying speed limits, keeping full attention on the road, proper hand positioning, and mirror checking during their turns at the wheel. 

Consistently wearing seat belts, being aware of blind spots, and maintaining safe distances from other vehicles also ingrains good habits when your learner is watching you. 

Social learning theory dictates that kids learn from their parent’s behavior. Teens see first-hand how to take caution and prevent irresponsible driving, so remember to set an example!

Conclusion

Combining a family trip and driving lessons perfectly blends education with quality bonding time – and you might even fit some road trip games in. The shared on-the-road journey will prepare teens to handle vehicles safely while bringing the whole family closer together.

We hope that enjoyed reading our tips and have gained inspiration to take your learner on a family road trip to enhance their learning experience, skills, and confidence as a new driver.

Read Next:

How to Stay Safe While Traveling

Planning a Winter Road Trip with Kids: Essential Tips and Tricks

Get Travel Insurance

Unfortunately, there are a lot of things that can go wrong on any trip. Be prepared for the worst with travel insurance. We use Travelex or Safety Wing (often cheaper).

Book Flights

I use Skyscanner to find flights. I use it so much, I wrote an entire guide to finding cheap flights with Skyscanner! Another option for finding deals is FlightHub.

Book a Place to Stay

I recommend using Expedia.com or Hotels.com for most hotel bookings. I prefer to book directly with Marriott when I stay there because of their excellent military discount.

If you prefer staying in a vacation rental instead, I recommend VRBO. If you are looking for a hostel, I use HostelWorld.

Choose Activities and Tours

To find great activities in any area I use Viator. If we are visiting a city with lots of popular attractions I always check CityPass, PogoPass, and GoCard to see if they have discount cards available. Groupon also tends to have a lot of local travel deals.

When I want to book a full-on multi-day tour I use TourRadar. They’ve got fantastic weekly deals. If going somewhere in Mexico or the Caribbean, I use Apple Vacations.

Rent a Car or Get a Lyft

More often than not, Lyft is cheaper than Uber. Use my Lyft link for an $18 credit! For a car rental in any country, I recommend Hertz or Discover Cars.

Save Money on Gas

Upside a free app gets you cash back on gas! Use promo code RV2Q2 to get an extra 15¢/gal bonus on your first purchase.

Get a Visa

I use iVisa to get all of my Visas.

Travel Printables

If you found this information helpful consider buying me a cup of coffee aka helping me pay to put kids through college! Just scan the QR code or click the link. As always, thank you for your support!

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links, which means we may receive a commission if you click a link and purchase something that we have recommended but doesn’t cost you any extra. Please check out our disclosure policy for more details. Thank you for your support!

The post Combine A Family Road Trip with Teaching Kids How to Drive appeared first on Mommy Travels.

When is Teacher Appreciation Week?

These will also give you ideas for teacher appreciation week. Most schools in the US have a teacher appreciation week. Ours here in Oregon is typically in May, since we get out of school in June. After doing a quick search it looks like in the United States most have teacher appreciation week in May.  

Save Time and Shop Online

I have gotten more and more into online shopping lately. I even bought my groceries online the other day. Unlike last year when I made the teachers’ bath/body scrubs gifts and crochet hats, this year I’m not making anything by hand, except maybe some bath bombs! Instead, I am ordering all my kid’s teacher gifts off of Amazon and this is what I have come up with. I hope it is helpful to you. (And yes, there are affiliate links in this post. I gotta make that .02 cents. Right?)

20 Gifts For Teachers Under $20

Choosing great gifts for teachers can be tough. Especially if you have multiple teachers to buy for this year. Whether it is an end of the year gift, birthday gift, or those holiday gifting needs, this list is just what you need. They are all easy to grab on Amazon, and are sure to be gifts for teachers that they will keep and not just throw away.

1. A Teacher Box Sign
2. Teacher Gift Heart Pendant Keychain
3. Teacher Travel Mug W/Card
4. Blue Blessings Teacher Heart Keyring
5. Teacher Super Power Mug
6. Teachers Swear Adult Coloring Book
7. Teacher Crayon Accent Mug
8. Apple Memo Pad
9. Pink Blessings Teacher Keyring
10. Blessings for a #1 Teacher
11. Keep calm and pretend it’s on the lesson plan
12. Teacher Bracelet
13. Teacher Gift Double Insulated Bottle
14. Apple Post It Dispenser
15. Jumbo Teacher Stamps
16. Classroom Rules Chart
17. Teacher Necklace
18. Teacher Bracelet
19. Excellent Teacher Tote Bag
20. Teacher Ornament

Create a Bundle Gift

If you want to do a little more you can put together a clever bundle of items that your teacher will love and use. Here are two fun bundle ideas.

Sunshine Gift Bundle!

You can create a Sunshine Gift. Here’s a Sunshine PRINTABLE gift card to go with it, plus links to the products on Amazon. 

If none of these sound like something your child’s teacher would like consider a simple gift card. A Starbucks gift card is always a good bet, as is an Amazon gift card. I don’t know many people that don’t like Starbucks. Office Depot, Office Max, or Staples would be a good gift card to get as well. Everyone knows that teachers usually end up having to buy school supplies. 

Is anything missing from our list of gifts for teachers?  Would you add more personalized items/  Perhaps you would make homemade beauty products or edible treats?  No matter what you choose, this list is a great place to begin choosing a gift that any teacher would love to receive.

Gift Ideas

7 Cool Technology Gifts

Gifts for Moms

Unicorn Gifts

Toddler Gifts

Gifts for Dads

Teen Gifts

Tween Gifts

The post 20 Gifts For Teachers Under $20 appeared first on Mommy Travels.

Inspirational Quotes for Moms

1. Motherhood is the biggest gamble in the world. It is the glorious life force. It’s huge and scary – it’s an act of infinite optimism. —Gilda Radner
2. A mother’s love endures through all. – Washington Irving
3. 6. A baby will make love stronger, days shorter, nights longer, bankroll smaller, home happier, clothes shabbier, the past forgotten, and the future worth living for. –Anonymous.
4. Your most valuable parenting skill is learning to manage yourself first. –Dr. Laura Markham
5.  Sometimes the strength of motherhood is greater than natural laws. — Barbara Kingsolver
6. Live in the moment and make it so beautiful that it will be worth remembering. –Fanny Crosby
7. Even if the whole world was throwing rocks at you, if you had your mother at your back, you’d be okay. — Jojo Moyes
8. A mother continues to labor long after the baby is born. –Lisa Jo Baker
9. The mother’s heart is the child’s school-room. —Henry Ward Beecher
10. Men are what their mothers made them. –Ralph Waldo Emerson
11. There is only one pretty child in the world, and every mother has it. —Chinese Proverb
12. If evolution really works, how come mothers have only two hands? —Milton Berle
13. The heart of a mother is a deep abyss at the bottom of which you will find forgiveness. –Honore de Balzac
14. All mothers are working mothers. –Author Unknown
15. When you look at your mother, you are looking at the purest love you will ever know. — Mitch Albom
16. A mother’s arms are more comforting than anyone else’s. —Princess Diana
17. To describe my mother would be to write about a hurricane in its perfect power. Or the climbing, falling colors of a rainbow. — Maya Angelou
18. Acceptance, tolerance, bravery, compassion. These are the things my mom taught me. —Lady Gaga
19. He didn’t realize that love as powerful as your mother’s for you leaves its own mark. – J.K. Rowling
20. A mother’s arms are made of tenderness and children sleep soundly in them. —Victor Hugo
21. Mother – that was the bank where we deposited all our hurts and worries. -T. DeWitt Talmage
22. Biology is the least of what makes someone a mother. —Oprah Winfrey
23. A mother is someone who can take the place of all others but whose place no one else can take. —Unknown Author
24. When someone asks you where you come from, the answer is your mother. — Anna Quindlen
25. A mother is not a person to lean on but a person to make leaning unnecessary. —Dorothy Canfield Fisher
26. Parenting is the easiest thing in the world to have an opinion about, but the hardest thing in the world to do. —Matt Walsh
27. “She opens her mouth with wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue. She looks well to the ways of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness.” — Proverbs 31:26-27
28. Behind every great child is a mom who’s pretty sure she’s screwing it all up. —Unknown
29. “I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth.” —3 John 1:4
30. Mother was comfort. Mother was home — Ruta Sepetys
31. The love between a mother and a daughter is forever. — Patricia Wayant
32. All that I am, or hope to be, I owe to my angel mother. — Abraham Lincoln
33. The days are long but the years are short. —Gretchen Rubin
34. Mama, you taught me to do the right things. So now you have to let your baby fly. You’ve given me everything that I will need. To make it through this crazy thing called life. — Carrie Underwood
35. Mother is the name for God in the lips and hearts of little children. —William Makepeace Thackeray
36. A mother is one to whom you hurry when you are troubled — Emily Dickinson
37. It doesn’t matter how old you are or what you do in your life. You never stop needing your mom. — Kate Winslet
38. There is no way to be a perfect mother, but a million ways to be a good one. —Jill Churchill
39. God couldn’t be everywhere so that is why he invented mothers. — Daphne Wilder
40. No language can express the power and beauty and heroism of a mother’s love. —Edwin Chapin
41. As mothers and daughters, we are connected with one another. My mother is the bones of my spine, keeping me straight and true. She is my blood, making sure it runs rich and strong. — Kristin Hannah
42. What good mothers and fathers instinctively feel like doing for their babies is usually best after all. —Benjamin Spock
43. A baby fills a place in your heart that you never knew was empty. —Anonymous
44. A mother’s love for her child is like nothing else in the world. It knows no law, no pity, it dates all things and crushes down remorselessly all that stands in its path. — Agatha Christie
45. A mother is the truest friend we have, when trials heavy and sudden fall upon us; when adversity takes the place of prosperity; when friends desert us; when trouble thickens around us, still will she cling to us, and endeavor by her kind precepts and counsels to dissipate the clouds of darkness, and cause peace to return to our hearts. –Washington Irving
46. Life began with waking up and loving my mother’s face. – George Eliot
47. 46. And remember that behind every successful woman is a basket of dirty laundry. —Author Unknown
48. No influence is so powerful as that of the mother. —Sarah Josepha Hale
49. Children are the anchors that hold a mother to life. —Sophocles
50. Everyone loves their mom; everyone’s got an important mom, but for me, she’s really the guiding force. — Taylor Swift
51. Having children just puts the whole world into perspective. Everything else just disappears. – Kate Winslet
52. 36. A mother is a person who, seeing there are only four pieces of pie for five people, promptly announces she never did care for pie.” —Tenneva Jordan
53. The best place to cry is on a mother’s arms. — Jodi Picoult
54. If love is as sweet as a flower, then my mother is that sweet flower of love. —Stevie Wonder
55. A mother is she who can take the place of all others but whose place no one else can take. – Cardinal Mermillod
56. A mother’s happiness is like a beacon, lighting up the future but reflected also on the past in the guise of fond memories. —Honore de Balzac
57. The most powerful thing a father can do for his children is to love their mother. –Author Unknown
58. Youth fades; love droops; the leaves of friendship fall; A mother’s secret hope outlives them all. – Oliver Wendell Holmes
59. All women become like their mothers. That is their tragedy. No man does. That’s his. –Oscar Wilder
60. Life doesn’t come with a manual, it comes with a mother. — Unknown
61. When you are looking at your mother, you are looking at the purest love you will ever know. —Charley Benetto
62. Mother love is the fuel that enables a normal human being to do the impossible. —Marion C. Garretty
63. A mother’s joy begins when new life is stirring inside…when a tiny heartbeat is heard for the first time, and a playful kick reminds her that she is never alone. –Author unknown.
64. My childhood may be over, but that doesn’t mean playtime is. –Ron Olson
65. Sleep is like the unicorn—it is rumored to exist, but I doubt I will see any. –Author Unknown.
66. For a mother is the only person on earth who can divide her love among ten children and each child still have all her love. –Anonymous
67. I remember my mother’s prayers and they have always followed me. They have clung to me all my life. — Abraham Lincoln
68. Finding balance as a mother means accepting your imperfections. –Mary Organizes
69. Mother’s love is peace. It need not be acquired, it need not be deserved. —Erich Fromm
70. It’s not what you do for your children but what you have taught them to do for themselves that will make them successful human beings. –Ann Landers
71. Mothers hold their children’s hands for a while, but their hearts forever. –Author Unknown

Being a stay-at-home mom can be even more challenging at times. Here are some stay at home mom quotes.

If I find more quotes I will be sure and add them! If you have a favorite that isn’t on this list please share it with me. I must say since I recently lost my mom some of these have a whole new meaning to me. She was my best friend and I miss her every single day.

Read Next:

Mom Hacks

6 Self-Care Tips Moms Need Now

The post 71 Inspirational Mom Quotes appeared first on Mommy Travels.

1. Keep a Journal

Children should keep a special journal, an account of their wishes and dreams, hopes, and goals. This can be something that they write daily, weekly, monthly, or only on their birthdays. This will prove to be a valued possession as a person gets older, and can even make a keepsake for a grandchild. As an adult, our memories of what we think we wanted as children often change and sometimes we forget our true dreams.

Journaling during a trip can be fun too. Free Printable Travel Journal for Kids

2. Babysit

There has never been a better way of teaching children just how much work children are. Babysitting not only teaches responsibility, but it also offers kids a way of earning some of their own money. They practice cleaning skills, cooking skills, and learn how to be somewhat independent. Babysitting for anyone other than one’s own siblings is a very important step everyone should take before becoming an adult.

3. Learn to Swim

Not everyone learns how to swim, but it is a skill everyone should have. Many opportunities in life are missed because a person did not learn how to swim. Like most skills, swimming is far easier to learn as a child.

4. Ride a Horse

For many people, this is not an obstacle to overcome, but for others, it is very much a trial. Horses are large animals who have minds of their own. Getting up into the saddle of a horse is a very empowering feeling. Pony Rides do not count.

5. Cook a Proper Supper for Their Parents

Not many children learn how to cook until out on their own. The process of planning and cooking an entire dinner is harder than they might think. It is easy for kids to take it for granted what their parents do until they have done it for themselves. Plus, when kids cook it will make your child more aware of what is in the food they eat. A proper supper does not mean taking a frozen pizza out of a box and heating it.

I have some incredibly simple meals that a child can easily make.

• Taco Soup
• Pizza Sliders
• Frito Pie

6. Volunteer

When we become adults, we have to watch our money, much of our time is controlled by our efforts to make a buck or two. Children have no expenses and are best able to donate their time to others. There are many volunteer opportunities for children, from dog walking at a local shelter to mowing a neighbor’s lawn, ideally without them knowing who did it. Good deeds can be done purely for the purpose of making somebody’s life better and not for financial gain. Some places have minimum age requirements for volunteers.

7. Clean Your Room

Without being asked. A clean room shows respect for the parents who have most likely paid for, and purchased, the majority of items a kid owns that are usually sitting on the floor. Cleaning one’s room on a regular basis helps them prepare for the day they are out on their own and do not have somebody to nag them or help them.

Children can start doing chores at an early age. Tasks for toddlers.

8. Learn a Second Language

This is one of those things far easier to learn as a child than as an adult, and one thing many adults regret not doing sooner. Many schools offer classes for second languages. While it may mean a student has to sacrifice taking another, possibly more fun, class, it will pay off later in life. Here are some apps they can use. 

• DuoLingo
• Mondly
• Babbel
• Rosetta Stone

9. Save Money

Children have the opportunity to make money either with a part-time job, allowance, or from gifts. Most kids are in a hurry to spend this money with few plans for the future. Kids are not going to be looked after financially by their parents forever. If a person wants to one day own a home, go to college, buy a horse, or go to Greece, they have to start saving when they are young. Certainly, some money should be spent and enjoyed at the time, but a portion should be set aside for later, small amounts do add up. It sounds boring, and saving is something many people have a hard time with, a person would be wise to remind themselves of their wishes, dreams, and goals.

There are lots of clever toys that teach a child to save, spend, or share their money.

10. Thank Your Parents

Parenting is one of the hardest, most thankless jobs there is. Most children do not thank their parents until they appreciate this for themselves when they have their own children. Maturity shows best when a child stops thinking that everything is about, and for, them, and takes the time to thank their mom and dad for making sacrifices along the way.

This list could go on, but we will end it here. Did you do any of these as a child? What do you think should be on the list of things kids should do before they grow up?

Read Next:

14 Activities to Help Kids Blow Off Steam

Physical Activities for Tweens and Teens

Disclosure: This article contains affiliate links. 

The post 10 Things Kids Should Do Before Growing Up appeared first on Mommy Travels.

Give Them Space

One of the best things you can do for your teen is to give them space. This means not constantly being in their face and checking upon them. Teens need time to figure out who they are and what they want. If you hover over them, they will likely rebel against you. 

So instead, give them some space and trust that they will come to you when they need you. Giving them some independence can help develop their self-esteem and confidence and teach them to make good decisions.

Encourage Them To Be Creative

Encourage your teen to be creative and try new things. This can help them stay out of trouble while also fostering skills they will need for the future. You might be surprised to know that the most effective way for you to keep in touch with your teen is by encouraging them to do what they love. 

For example, if they are artists, help them practice their craft and encourage them when they feel discouraged. Perhaps organize a particular art room for teens where supplies will always be available or join forces on home improvement projects. 

If your teen is musically inclined, take them to music stores and allow them to try out different instruments. Or, if they love being outdoors, sign them up for a nature photography class or go hiking together. The possibilities are endless.

Be Observant With Their Behaviour

When your teen is acting out, ask them what’s wrong. Sometimes they need to vent or just be heard, and if you aren’t open about the situation, it will make things worse. If you are having a hard time understanding their behavior, take some time alone with yourself to think of how else you could deal with the problem at hand.

If your teen seems angry all the time, stay calm but don’t back down. Say that something isn’t acceptable, then walk away for an hour after explaining why not wait until later when everyone has calmed down to talk again. Just because someone is angry doesn’t mean no one can hear them speak normally, so keep this in mind while communicating. You can also help them get rid of stress with these 14 Activities to Help Kids Blow Off Steam.

When your teen refuses to do anything, ask why and try to develop a solution together. If they don’t want to do something, you can offer an incentive or a trade but make sure it benefits them as well.

Be Ready To Take Radical Action if There Is a Problem

If you’re concerned about your teen’s behavior, you may need to take some radical steps to get them back on track. This could mean changing how you interact with them or temporarily taking them to some sort of program they have a drug problem. 

It’s important to remember that your child is still going through many changes and may not be ready to handle everything independently. 

By providing support and structure, you can help them stay on track while also giving them the freedom they need to grow up. Make sure you are keeping an open line of communication with your teen. Let them know your concerns and ask how they’re feeling about things. 

Try not to lecture them or come across as judgmental; instead, listen to what they have to say. If they feel like they can talk to you about anything, they’re more likely to come to you for help when things get tough. You also need to set some boundaries for your teen. 

This doesn’t mean being strict all the time; it just means establishing rules and limits that both of you can agree on. By doing this, you’re teaching them how to be responsible adults. These boundaries must be realistic and achievable; otherwise, your teen is going to become frustrated and resentful.

Spend Time With Them

One of the best ways to stay connected with your teen is to spend time with them. For example, take your teen on an outing to the new bookstore. Let them pick out a book and then read it together before bedtime. 

Make some time for board games or card games so you can be more than just “the parents” in their life. Do something completely unplanned sometimes too. For example, suggest that your teen go ice skating or go for an outing one Saturday afternoon instead of watching TV all day long. The important thing is to show your teen that you are interested in their life. Showing them this interest through spending time together is a great way to cultivate trust and communication.

Conclusion

So, there you have it, some tips to help keep you connected with your teen. While it can be challenging, these strategies can make the process easier. By staying involved in your teen’s life, you can help them stay on track and heading in the right direction.

Read Next:

Vacations for Teens

18 Best All-inclusive Resorts for Teenagers

The post 5 Ways To Keep Up With Your Teen appeared first on Mommy Travels.