How can I decorate a bedroom that is used for a boy and a girl?

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My aunt needs to know what all you need to become a foster parent?

kids bedroom organization ideas image

Q. Since I have no idea on this subject, I knew someone here would. Any suggestions or answers?

Answer
my husband and I have been foster parents for several years. she can research on the internet some agencies pay better than others but are harder to work for others like the state don't pay as well but they have less restrictions. We were foster parents with the state for a long time but we got tired of needing to speak to a worker that we couldn'g get in touch with. So we switched to Benchmark and they were pretty good it took awhile to get a placement but once we did they were all about helping us with the kids they would call several times a week and ask if we were haivng any problems and ask if we needed anything. My mom is a foster parent right now too and she just switched from Benchmark to Safy? and she really likes them.

as far as what you need you have to go through several weeks of in class training to help you understand certain behaviors.

you need to have a job that pays your bills

you need to have a safe stable home w/ no holes in the walls, ceilings or floors

credit references, and personal references so they know you are an upstanding citizen

you can get more info from the organization that you decise to go with they don't all require the same things. so she needs to set up a meeting with 2 or 3 different ones and go with the one that she thinks will work best for her family.

here in Kentucky we can keep up to 4 children in 1 bedroom but...they cannot sleep in the same beds (unless they are your own kids)

How do you teach your child to be organized?

Miche

My 2d grader is very unorganized. At school and at home. It's to the point that he forgets to bring his homework home and he hasn't grasped the idea of putting things away once he's done using thim

Answer
Some people are a lost cause, I'm half that way. My kitchen and bathrooms are generally very organized, my living room is now that my baby is crawling, but the bedrooms are disaster zones, FEMA would probably be interested in them!

Kids have to be taught how to be organized and it's something you have to work with constantly. It's something you have to have a system for. Places for everything, containers, organization has to be taught literally one thing at a time, from pencils to crayons in a box to backpacks. I take away my son's backpack periodically when I see that he's just shoving papers in it and he has to carry his papers in his hands.

I didn't grow up around organization, so I'm most comfortable in controlled chaos. You should try to set an example in some areas, start small. Have your son help with dishes, a simple chore where everything has a specific place. Every day have him do something to get organized. Get shelves, boxes, tubs, hooks, etc. and teach him step by step where things go. I'm just now starting to get myself organized, and I've got 5 kids to keep up after! Be an example and work WITH your child as you help clean and organize. And be prepared for a long haul, it takes much longer to unlearn a bad habit than to learn a good one from scratch!

Also, give him some space to be totally disorganized. A drawer in a dresser, a toybox, a plastic storage container, somewhere that he can just "dump" stuff of no importance. I know that helps me to have dump areas that I can just put stuff I don't know what to do with.

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Any organization tips please?

kids bedroom organization ideas image

ladysequoi

Okay, school starts in exactly two weeks and my office and bedroom are both complete disasters. I'm usually an organized person but with all the new text books and clothes everything's beginning to cram. I've already gotten rid of some stuff I don't need and sold it on eBay.
Any other ideas on how to organize it all?? I'd like to start the new year fresh =)

Answer
What I have been dying to do in my house, is take it one room at a time. Completely empty everything in the room (except large furnature items that you know will be staying in there). Put it all in another room, and pick through the stuff. Only put back the stuff in the room that is necessary in there. What you have left over, decide if it can go somewhere else in your house. If not, then pitch it, sell it, give it away, whatever.

That's if you actually have time to do that. It could take a few days, but it would be worth it in the end.

As far as school organization...

I bought a cubbie hole furniture piece from walmart for only like 35.00. I use it for my kids toys, but it would be great to organize backpacks, books, school supplies, etc...

My cubbie unit comes with 9 cubes in it. Depending on how many kids you have, give them a certain number of cubes to put their things in.

They also sell great closet organizers that have the days of the week marked on them. I am thinking of getting one for my daughter this year when she starts school. This way, on Sunday, I can put each day's outfit in the slot, and cut down on time in the mornings by picking out clothes. If your kids are old enough to pick out their own clothes to put in the slots, that works even better!

If you start with a clean house, it's easier to keep it organized. So give your house a good cleaning, and encourage your kids to put the things in appropriate places so they know where it is for the next day.

My house is a disaster, need some helpful hints.?

Shell

I am going to school, have a 9 year old, 2 year old, and 1 on the way. I am lazy by nature. Not something I am proud of, and my house, well, let's just say the closets in every room are stuffed with who knows what. I keep, for the most part, living area and kitchen area fairly picked up. But my laundry is out of control, and I horde clothing that is too small, too big, if I like it I can't get rid of it even if I don't wear it. I have no organization, and my kids keep me up, and down, and all over the place. I get frustrated, and I am stinking tired. My other half says this is woman's work and does absolutely nothing. He refuses to put dishes in kitchen, undresses in the front room and leaves it there, gets out his man tools and what nots leaves them generally wherever, then I put them, or stuff them rather, anywhere....oh It;s a mess. I wish I knew how to be a student, mother, wife and housekeeper/doctor, psychologist, mediator, lover, all wrapped into one. Anyone have any ideas on how to get caught up... lose the clutter, and keep it organized while doing all the other life stuff.??

Answer
Ah... I know how you feel - but I suppose every woman knows how you feel - when you are bringing up children and going to either college or have a job. It can be hard - especially if you are not organised! Because this only causes more chaos in your life and makes you feel like you are obviously feeling at the moment.

So, one thing for sure you do need some re-organisation with your life, but that also includes your husband not just your clothes and stuff !

My Mum always told me when I got married was 'to start as you mean to go on' i.e. you don't always have to 'pick up' everything after your husband and why should you? You are not a slave to his needs. You have children - you go to College - as above you are trying to do everything! And... this is impossible and your husband should realise this.

So, my first course of action is to tell your husband to get off his backside and to help you with the children and some 'chores'. He sounds a very lazy person. So, you have to get him trained into doing jobs too. As someone else suggest - get him to take your children out the house for a few hours to enable you to get on sort out your cupboards or whatever etc.

I know all this will not happen overnight and will take some time - but don't give up - keep at it and make sure he does something to help in different ways. Can he cook? If he can - let him cook you a meal every now and then to either give you a rest or to enable you to do something else i.e. cleaning, ironing etc. In fact perhaps you should teach him to iron. My husband does all these things - I'm not saying all the time, but at least he can do them.

As regards the 'other clutter' in your life i.e. clothes, unorganised cupboards etc. When you start doing anything like this - this also takes time and lots of effort. In fact I do 'house doctoring' for other people, which is what you could do with - someone to help you do it - to give you encouragement etc. Does your Mum live near you? Can you ask your Mum if she wouldn't mind helping? Do you have a Sister or Brother that may help you? It is also worth asking these to assist - as I say even if it is just to give you encouragement!

Anyway getting back to your cupboards etc. clear a cupboard or a few drawers out say perhaps every 2/3 days and take what you don't want to a charity shop or if you know of anyone who might need them - give to them. This way, you will also be helping others - which will no doubt make you feel good doing that. If you do this gradually and do one room at a time i.e. say start with your bedroom and clear the clutter.

But... whatever - do not give up trying to sort your life out - first to sort out is your husband - then the rest of your clutter. And.... once you have done this - it will make you feel 10 times better.

Hope it all works out for you - keep your chin up and be strong - say to yourself you can do this - you will do this :)

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How can I decorate a bedroom that is used for a boy and a girl?

kids bedroom organization ideas image

Allie G

I have a little boy and a little girl that are a year apart. Right now they are 1 and 2. I dont know how to decorate their room. I am trying to find a theme and colors. Any organization tips are welcome to. They have so many toys and their bedroom always looks cluttered even when I clean it. I am a first time mom and a first time house buyer. I have no idea how to decorate their room. Please help!!! Thank you!!!

Answer
great bedroom ideas for kids sharing bedrooms
http://kidsthemebedrooms.com/shared-bedrooms/decorating-shared-bedrooms.html

Great theme bedroom decorating ideas, pictures and fun decor
http://kidsthemebedrooms.com

What is the best way to stay organized in a small space with 3 kids ages 3,2,and 1?

dcforensic

They all have different personalities and all make messes. I feel like all I do is clean and it gets trashed five minutes later. Im a stay at home mom and my husband thinks I stick to schedules too much and I am always cleaning but it doesnt seem to help. Any ideas how to keep everything tidy.

Answer
Three under three is certainly going to put you in the position of cleaning all the time. While organization is a good goal, applying it will be very different at home than in an office -- or a home without children.

Keeping everything tidy is not a reasonable goal and you'd do well not to put that kind of pressure on yourself. With three toddlers, you'll maintain more of your sanity if your goal is to keep up with them.

I had three under three. Now I have three in college. The "mess" doesn't go away, it just changes shape.

Keeping a schedule (this happens at this time, that happens at that time) can be daunting with three little ones. A routine (this happens after this -- regardless of the time -- and then we do that) might be more accomodating for everyone, especially you.

Mornings can start when everyone wakes, not necessarily at 8AM. We eat, we clean up, we watch a program, we play outside, we snack, we play outside some more, we eat luch. This doesn't have to happen by the clock to go smoothly and successfully.

Do remember, "Stay at home Mom" doesn't mean you have to stay at home. Check into your local resources for playgroups and parks. Network with other moms about scheduling playgroups and exchanging babysitting.

Children cannot mess up what they can't reach, see, or know is there.

Keep breakables and other valuables up and away. If necessary, put them out of sight completely. While it may seem like you'll never see your things again, the reality is that the days are long and the years are short. This means you'll be bringing your things down and back into view before you know it.

Safety devices work in theory. In practice, small children are geniuses. Block outlets, unused radiators and cords with furniture. All lower kitchen cabinets should be child proofed with one exception. Here you would keep plastics the children can play with. Cooking around kids is dangerous. Cook in advance (when they're sleeping) and reheat later; tell your husband to keep the kids occupied; create meals out of raw fruit, raw vegetables and sandwiches. Puddings are great -- and much fun in the tub (see below).

Keep a minimum of toys available. A child with too many choices (more than 5 toys) can be become an overwhelmed child. A child with a toy that contains more than 5 pieces can also become overwhelmed. Simple blocks go a lot further than a box of action figures.

My rule of thumb was that if a toy couldn't go in the dishwasher or clothes washer, it wasn't a toy for my kids. This helped immensely on many levels, the least of which was cleanup.

If your kids have more than 5 toys each, stick the rest in storage. When you bring out all those "new" toys, put the other toys in storage. Change them out about every three months.

Messes will be made no matter what. To consolidate messes, never dismiss the wonders of the bathroom.

If you have a hand-held shower nozzle, explore the possibilities. During the colder months and during rainy days, I fed my baby during the day by putting her in her high chair and the high chair in the bathroom while the two older enjoyed their lunch on the tray that fit between the sides of the empty tub. When my baby was done eating I washed the older two and let them dress themselves. I then put the baby (still in the high chair) in the tub and washed her up along with the high chair. I'd take her out and let the high chair dry.

On warm days I used an empty inflatable kids' pool instead of the tub. After eating, I'd fill the pool with water and bath bubble mixture. If you have a sprayer on the end of the hose, you can get some rockin' bubble mountains going.

The beauty of inflatable pools and pool toys is that they can go inside in a bedroom (without water, of course). The inflatable toys that have slides and palm trees are great, but if all you can afford is a moderately sized inflatable pool, this can double as a napping place (with pillows, blankets, stuffed animals) and as a place to play or look at books. Very small pools can hold books or toys and make it easier for small children to learn organizational skills (books go in the pink pool and toys go in the blue pool).

The important thing is your peace of mind. Three small children are exhausting no matter what you do. Don't put extra (and unnecessary) pressure on yourself to do more, more, more. Keep it simple. The simpler things are for all of you, the more fondly you'll remember them at the end of the day, the more accomplished you'll feel, and trust me -- they'll remember the time you spent with them, not how tidy everything was.

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How can I decorate a bedroom that is used for a boy and a girl?

kids bedroom organization ideas image

Allie G

I have a little boy and a little girl that are a year apart. Right now they are 1 and 2. I dont know how to decorate their room. I am trying to find a theme and colors. Any organization tips are welcome to. They have so many toys and their bedroom always looks cluttered even when I clean it. I am a first time mom and a first time house buyer. I have no idea how to decorate their room. Please help!!! Thank you!!!

Answer
great bedroom ideas for kids sharing bedrooms
http://kidsthemebedrooms.com/shared-bedrooms/decorating-shared-bedrooms.html

Great theme bedroom decorating ideas, pictures and fun decor
http://kidsthemebedrooms.com

What is the best way to stay organized in a small space with 3 kids ages 3,2,and 1?

dcforensic

They all have different personalities and all make messes. I feel like all I do is clean and it gets trashed five minutes later. Im a stay at home mom and my husband thinks I stick to schedules too much and I am always cleaning but it doesnt seem to help. Any ideas how to keep everything tidy.

Answer
Three under three is certainly going to put you in the position of cleaning all the time. While organization is a good goal, applying it will be very different at home than in an office -- or a home without children.

Keeping everything tidy is not a reasonable goal and you'd do well not to put that kind of pressure on yourself. With three toddlers, you'll maintain more of your sanity if your goal is to keep up with them.

I had three under three. Now I have three in college. The "mess" doesn't go away, it just changes shape.

Keeping a schedule (this happens at this time, that happens at that time) can be daunting with three little ones. A routine (this happens after this -- regardless of the time -- and then we do that) might be more accomodating for everyone, especially you.

Mornings can start when everyone wakes, not necessarily at 8AM. We eat, we clean up, we watch a program, we play outside, we snack, we play outside some more, we eat luch. This doesn't have to happen by the clock to go smoothly and successfully.

Do remember, "Stay at home Mom" doesn't mean you have to stay at home. Check into your local resources for playgroups and parks. Network with other moms about scheduling playgroups and exchanging babysitting.

Children cannot mess up what they can't reach, see, or know is there.

Keep breakables and other valuables up and away. If necessary, put them out of sight completely. While it may seem like you'll never see your things again, the reality is that the days are long and the years are short. This means you'll be bringing your things down and back into view before you know it.

Safety devices work in theory. In practice, small children are geniuses. Block outlets, unused radiators and cords with furniture. All lower kitchen cabinets should be child proofed with one exception. Here you would keep plastics the children can play with. Cooking around kids is dangerous. Cook in advance (when they're sleeping) and reheat later; tell your husband to keep the kids occupied; create meals out of raw fruit, raw vegetables and sandwiches. Puddings are great -- and much fun in the tub (see below).

Keep a minimum of toys available. A child with too many choices (more than 5 toys) can be become an overwhelmed child. A child with a toy that contains more than 5 pieces can also become overwhelmed. Simple blocks go a lot further than a box of action figures.

My rule of thumb was that if a toy couldn't go in the dishwasher or clothes washer, it wasn't a toy for my kids. This helped immensely on many levels, the least of which was cleanup.

If your kids have more than 5 toys each, stick the rest in storage. When you bring out all those "new" toys, put the other toys in storage. Change them out about every three months.

Messes will be made no matter what. To consolidate messes, never dismiss the wonders of the bathroom.

If you have a hand-held shower nozzle, explore the possibilities. During the colder months and during rainy days, I fed my baby during the day by putting her in her high chair and the high chair in the bathroom while the two older enjoyed their lunch on the tray that fit between the sides of the empty tub. When my baby was done eating I washed the older two and let them dress themselves. I then put the baby (still in the high chair) in the tub and washed her up along with the high chair. I'd take her out and let the high chair dry.

On warm days I used an empty inflatable kids' pool instead of the tub. After eating, I'd fill the pool with water and bath bubble mixture. If you have a sprayer on the end of the hose, you can get some rockin' bubble mountains going.

The beauty of inflatable pools and pool toys is that they can go inside in a bedroom (without water, of course). The inflatable toys that have slides and palm trees are great, but if all you can afford is a moderately sized inflatable pool, this can double as a napping place (with pillows, blankets, stuffed animals) and as a place to play or look at books. Very small pools can hold books or toys and make it easier for small children to learn organizational skills (books go in the pink pool and toys go in the blue pool).

The important thing is your peace of mind. Three small children are exhausting no matter what you do. Don't put extra (and unnecessary) pressure on yourself to do more, more, more. Keep it simple. The simpler things are for all of you, the more fondly you'll remember them at the end of the day, the more accomplished you'll feel, and trust me -- they'll remember the time you spent with them, not how tidy everything was.

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How do you teach your child to be organized?

Q. My 2d grader is very unorganized. At school and at home. It's to the point that he forgets to bring his homework home and he hasn't grasped the idea of putting things away once he's done using thim

A. Some people are a lost cause, I'm half that way. My kitchen and bathrooms are generally very organized, my living room is now that my baby is crawling, but the bedrooms are disaster zones, FEMA would probably be interested in them!

Kids have to be taught how to be organized and it's something you have to work with constantly. It's something you have to have a system for. Places for everything, containers, organization has to be taught literally one thing at a time, from pencils to crayons in a box to backpacks. I take away my son's backpack periodically when I see that he's just shoving papers in it and he has to carry his papers in his hands.

I didn't grow up around organization, so I'm most comfortable in controlled chaos. You should try to set an example in some areas, start small. Have your son help with dishes, a simple chore where everything has a specific place. Every day have him do something to get organized. Get shelves, boxes, tubs, hooks, etc. and teach him step by step where things go. I'm just now starting to get myself organized, and I've got 5 kids to keep up after! Be an example and work WITH your child as you help clean and organize. And be prepared for a long haul, it takes much longer to unlearn a bad habit than to learn a good one from scratch!

Also, give him some space to be totally disorganized. A drawer in a dresser, a toybox, a plastic storage container, somewhere that he can just "dump" stuff of no importance. I know that helps me to have dump areas that I can just put stuff I don't know what to do with.

Original Question

Ways to organize a small home?

Q. I have a rather small house and no closet space (just a little one in each bedroom.) I am really running out of places to put things and I hate having to throw stuff in my bedroom before company comes. Since I have two kids downsizing isn't really an option. I can't stand a bunch of clutter, but organization just doesn't come naturally to me. I would love any ideas!

A. Take a look at www.flylady.net. It is a free service that helps you declutter and organize your house. It has worked wonders for me. Even though you say organization doesn't come natural to you, you would be surprised at how organized and clean your house will be with this program. Try it. It is free so you have nothing to lose...except clutter. This program helps you keep your house so it is just 15 minutes away from company. I can say my house is 15 minutes away from company thanks to flylady. By the way I have 3 kids and have only been in the program for 2 months.

Original Question

What can I do to protect my daughter?

Q. For obvious reasons, I can't tell you our names. In 2007, my daughter was charged with killing a young boy in our old neighborhood. I can tell you that yes, she did it, but I won't reveal her reasons and they're not important. What is important is that while she was being interrogated, one of the police officers hit her so hard in the head it caused a TBI (traumatic brain injury). She was never the same after that, besides her learning, reasoning and other mental abilities becoming greatly diminuished (she even has trouble remembering words sometimes), her personality changed drastically. She used to be outgoing, haughty and provokative, now she's shy and always seems terrified of everything and everyone around her, I'm the only person she's really comfortable with.

Anyways, after that incident, I managed to get the judge to throw out all the evidence the police acquired and my daughter was released. We moved away afterwards and started a new life here, and things were going well, or as well as they could be, until last November, when one of my new neighbors came by, wanting me to sign some stupid petition, and recognized my daughter from the news and, of course, he told everyone else living in the neighborhood. We became pariahs, we've already had two incidents: one where someone wrote "Child Killer" on our wall during the night and another one a week ago: I was watching TV in my bedroom when I heard my daughter screaming in the garden, I came down and found her pinned down by a man who kept asking "Where is he?! Where is he?!", anyways I went to pull him off her, we got into a fight, I broke his nose... it was a mess. It turned it out his son hadn't come home after school and he didn't know where he was, but later that night they found him... the stupid kid had run off with his girlfriend or something. I tried talking to the police, but after they learnt who she was, they were less than eager to help us.

Look, I'm not going to claim my daughter was "just misunderstood" or some cliche like that, I know she wasn't a good person and that what she did was awful, but she stopped being that person after that troglodyte nearly caved her skull in. Now she's just a simple, dim-witted girl who's scared of her own shadow, and even if you don't believe that, if any of you are parents then you know I can't abandon her.

I'm at a loss, I can't be near her all the time, I have to get back to work soon but I'm terrified to leave her alone, I'm scared they might try to kill her. What can I do to protect her? If you have any ideas please share them with me.

A. I'm sorry for that..I think the best thing to do right now is to speak to your neighbors tell them the way you feel about everything happening right now, everyone deserves a second chance tell them clearly that you know your daughter actions were bad but she is a human being allowed to commit mistakes maybe not as easy to forget but after all she is still your baby girl...don't confront them cuz you would become equally as bad as them you giving them motive to not trust you and most importantly your daughter too...don't just sit there make your daughter interact with other people, join a community organization if they don't know tell them right away and if they don't want her, don't push it move on they would eventually forget and forgive....I'm pretty sure that is she was release then there was more than one person in that room that believed she had a chance in life and deserve it...a t the end of the day she was proven innocent and they can't take that from you

Original Question

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How can I decorate a bedroom that is used for a boy and a girl?

Q. I have a little boy and a little girl that are a year apart. Right now they are 1 and 2. I dont know how to decorate their room. I am trying to find a theme and colors. Any organization tips are welcome to. They have so many toys and their bedroom always looks cluttered even when I clean it. I am a first time mom and a first time house buyer. I have no idea how to decorate their room. Please help!!! Thank you!!!

A. great bedroom ideas for kids sharing bedrooms
http://kidsthemebedrooms.com/shared-bedrooms/decorating-shared-bedrooms.html

Great theme bedroom decorating ideas, pictures and fun decor
http://kidsthemebedrooms.com

Original Question

What is the best way to stay organized in a small space with 3 kids ages 3,2,and 1?

Q. They all have different personalities and all make messes. I feel like all I do is clean and it gets trashed five minutes later. Im a stay at home mom and my husband thinks I stick to schedules too much and I am always cleaning but it doesnt seem to help. Any ideas how to keep everything tidy.

A. Three under three is certainly going to put you in the position of cleaning all the time. While organization is a good goal, applying it will be very different at home than in an office -- or a home without children.

Keeping everything tidy is not a reasonable goal and you'd do well not to put that kind of pressure on yourself. With three toddlers, you'll maintain more of your sanity if your goal is to keep up with them.

I had three under three. Now I have three in college. The "mess" doesn't go away, it just changes shape.

Keeping a schedule (this happens at this time, that happens at that time) can be daunting with three little ones. A routine (this happens after this -- regardless of the time -- and then we do that) might be more accomodating for everyone, especially you.

Mornings can start when everyone wakes, not necessarily at 8AM. We eat, we clean up, we watch a program, we play outside, we snack, we play outside some more, we eat luch. This doesn't have to happen by the clock to go smoothly and successfully.

Do remember, "Stay at home Mom" doesn't mean you have to stay at home. Check into your local resources for playgroups and parks. Network with other moms about scheduling playgroups and exchanging babysitting.

Children cannot mess up what they can't reach, see, or know is there.

Keep breakables and other valuables up and away. If necessary, put them out of sight completely. While it may seem like you'll never see your things again, the reality is that the days are long and the years are short. This means you'll be bringing your things down and back into view before you know it.

Safety devices work in theory. In practice, small children are geniuses. Block outlets, unused radiators and cords with furniture. All lower kitchen cabinets should be child proofed with one exception. Here you would keep plastics the children can play with. Cooking around kids is dangerous. Cook in advance (when they're sleeping) and reheat later; tell your husband to keep the kids occupied; create meals out of raw fruit, raw vegetables and sandwiches. Puddings are great -- and much fun in the tub (see below).

Keep a minimum of toys available. A child with too many choices (more than 5 toys) can be become an overwhelmed child. A child with a toy that contains more than 5 pieces can also become overwhelmed. Simple blocks go a lot further than a box of action figures.

My rule of thumb was that if a toy couldn't go in the dishwasher or clothes washer, it wasn't a toy for my kids. This helped immensely on many levels, the least of which was cleanup.

If your kids have more than 5 toys each, stick the rest in storage. When you bring out all those "new" toys, put the other toys in storage. Change them out about every three months.

Messes will be made no matter what. To consolidate messes, never dismiss the wonders of the bathroom.

If you have a hand-held shower nozzle, explore the possibilities. During the colder months and during rainy days, I fed my baby during the day by putting her in her high chair and the high chair in the bathroom while the two older enjoyed their lunch on the tray that fit between the sides of the empty tub. When my baby was done eating I washed the older two and let them dress themselves. I then put the baby (still in the high chair) in the tub and washed her up along with the high chair. I'd take her out and let the high chair dry.

On warm days I used an empty inflatable kids' pool instead of the tub. After eating, I'd fill the pool with water and bath bubble mixture. If you have a sprayer on the end of the hose, you can get some rockin' bubble mountains going.

The beauty of inflatable pools and pool toys is that they can go inside in a bedroom (without water, of course). The inflatable toys that have slides and palm trees are great, but if all you can afford is a moderately sized inflatable pool, this can double as a napping place (with pillows, blankets, stuffed animals) and as a place to play or look at books. Very small pools can hold books or toys and make it easier for small children to learn organizational skills (books go in the pink pool and toys go in the blue pool).

The important thing is your peace of mind. Three small children are exhausting no matter what you do. Don't put extra (and unnecessary) pressure on yourself to do more, more, more. Keep it simple. The simpler things are for all of you, the more fondly you'll remember them at the end of the day, the more accomplished you'll feel, and trust me -- they'll remember the time you spent with them, not how tidy everything was.

Original Question

My aunt needs to know what all you need to become a foster parent?

Q. Since I have no idea on this subject, I knew someone here would. Any suggestions or answers?

A. my husband and I have been foster parents for several years. she can research on the internet some agencies pay better than others but are harder to work for others like the state don't pay as well but they have less restrictions. We were foster parents with the state for a long time but we got tired of needing to speak to a worker that we couldn'g get in touch with. So we switched to Benchmark and they were pretty good it took awhile to get a placement but once we did they were all about helping us with the kids they would call several times a week and ask if we were haivng any problems and ask if we needed anything. My mom is a foster parent right now too and she just switched from Benchmark to Safy? and she really likes them.

as far as what you need you have to go through several weeks of in class training to help you understand certain behaviors.

you need to have a job that pays your bills

you need to have a safe stable home w/ no holes in the walls, ceilings or floors

credit references, and personal references so they know you are an upstanding citizen

you can get more info from the organization that you decise to go with they don't all require the same things. so she needs to set up a meeting with 2 or 3 different ones and go with the one that she thinks will work best for her family.

here in Kentucky we can keep up to 4 children in 1 bedroom but...they cannot sleep in the same beds (unless they are your own kids)

Original Question

How do you teach your child to be organized?

Q. My 2d grader is very unorganized. At school and at home. It's to the point that he forgets to bring his homework home and he hasn't grasped the idea of putting things away once he's done using thim

A. Some people are a lost cause, I'm half that way. My kitchen and bathrooms are generally very organized, my living room is now that my baby is crawling, but the bedrooms are disaster zones, FEMA would probably be interested in them!

Kids have to be taught how to be organized and it's something you have to work with constantly. It's something you have to have a system for. Places for everything, containers, organization has to be taught literally one thing at a time, from pencils to crayons in a box to backpacks. I take away my son's backpack periodically when I see that he's just shoving papers in it and he has to carry his papers in his hands.

I didn't grow up around organization, so I'm most comfortable in controlled chaos. You should try to set an example in some areas, start small. Have your son help with dishes, a simple chore where everything has a specific place. Every day have him do something to get organized. Get shelves, boxes, tubs, hooks, etc. and teach him step by step where things go. I'm just now starting to get myself organized, and I've got 5 kids to keep up after! Be an example and work WITH your child as you help clean and organize. And be prepared for a long haul, it takes much longer to unlearn a bad habit than to learn a good one from scratch!

Also, give him some space to be totally disorganized. A drawer in a dresser, a toybox, a plastic storage container, somewhere that he can just "dump" stuff of no importance. I know that helps me to have dump areas that I can just put stuff I don't know what to do with.

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Ways to organize a small home?

Q. I have a rather small house and no closet space (just a little one in each bedroom.) I am really running out of places to put things and I hate having to throw stuff in my bedroom before company comes. Since I have two kids downsizing isn't really an option. I can't stand a bunch of clutter, but organization just doesn't come naturally to me. I would love any ideas!

A. Take a look at www.flylady.net. It is a free service that helps you declutter and organize your house. It has worked wonders for me. Even though you say organization doesn't come natural to you, you would be surprised at how organized and clean your house will be with this program. Try it. It is free so you have nothing to lose...except clutter. This program helps you keep your house so it is just 15 minutes away from company. I can say my house is 15 minutes away from company thanks to flylady. By the way I have 3 kids and have only been in the program for 2 months.

Original Question

Any organization tips please?

Q. Okay, school starts in exactly two weeks and my office and bedroom are both complete disasters. I'm usually an organized person but with all the new text books and clothes everything's beginning to cram. I've already gotten rid of some stuff I don't need and sold it on eBay.
Any other ideas on how to organize it all?? I'd like to start the new year fresh =)

A. What I have been dying to do in my house, is take it one room at a time. Completely empty everything in the room (except large furnature items that you know will be staying in there). Put it all in another room, and pick through the stuff. Only put back the stuff in the room that is necessary in there. What you have left over, decide if it can go somewhere else in your house. If not, then pitch it, sell it, give it away, whatever.

That's if you actually have time to do that. It could take a few days, but it would be worth it in the end.

As far as school organization...

I bought a cubbie hole furniture piece from walmart for only like 35.00. I use it for my kids toys, but it would be great to organize backpacks, books, school supplies, etc...

My cubbie unit comes with 9 cubes in it. Depending on how many kids you have, give them a certain number of cubes to put their things in.

They also sell great closet organizers that have the days of the week marked on them. I am thinking of getting one for my daughter this year when she starts school. This way, on Sunday, I can put each day's outfit in the slot, and cut down on time in the mornings by picking out clothes. If your kids are old enough to pick out their own clothes to put in the slots, that works even better!

If you start with a clean house, it's easier to keep it organized. So give your house a good cleaning, and encourage your kids to put the things in appropriate places so they know where it is for the next day.

Original Question

How do I better organize?

Q. I have 3 kids in my house, which is only 2 bedrooms and one bath. I am naturally an unorganized person so I need ideas of organization. Containers, storage, etc.

A. Do you have a spare room? put some toys inside and most outside. Put clothes in buckets for each child a different color. Make shelfing on the wall. Get rid of some furniture you dont need, like have a garage sale.

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I Need Some Help And Advice?

Q. OK, here is the thing. I have 3 small children and my husband has been deployed 2 months ago. We live in a 1972 trailer with one and a quarter bedroom. My room holds my bed and the baby;s play pen. the kids room holds their bed and a dresser. We have no room at all and i cant find any help. I want to add on before winter so we can be comfortable. I have a tight budget and really need to add on. If any one knows how i should go about doing this or finding the help i would apperciate any ideas. Thanks alot

A. We have an organization that I help out from time to time called operation homefront for military families. They help match up military families that are in need with people who can help them. Check to see if they operate in your area and they will find you the help you need. Thank your husband for his service to our nation and God Bless.

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How do I better organize?

Q. I have 3 kids in my house, which is only 2 bedrooms and one bath. I am naturally an unorganized person so I need ideas of organization. Containers, storage, etc.

A. Do you have a spare room? put some toys inside and most outside. Put clothes in buckets for each child a different color. Make shelfing on the wall. Get rid of some furniture you dont need, like have a garage sale.

Original Question

I Need Some Help And Advice?

Q. OK, here is the thing. I have 3 small children and my husband has been deployed 2 months ago. We live in a 1972 trailer with one and a quarter bedroom. My room holds my bed and the baby;s play pen. the kids room holds their bed and a dresser. We have no room at all and i cant find any help. I want to add on before winter so we can be comfortable. I have a tight budget and really need to add on. If any one knows how i should go about doing this or finding the help i would apperciate any ideas. Thanks alot

A. We have an organization that I help out from time to time called operation homefront for military families. They help match up military families that are in need with people who can help them. Check to see if they operate in your area and they will find you the help you need. Thank your husband for his service to our nation and God Bless.

Original Question

Tell me about a Gemini(male) and Libra(female) couple?

Q. Also, we'll be having a baby virgo very soon. Is there anything you can tell me about how a virgo baby boy responds with gemini father and libra mother?

A. Here is your Virgo baby in general

For better or for worse, the Virgo baby is plenty fussy! How else do you expect these kids to grow up to be perfectionists? Get used to it: the Virgo baby can be quite particular and needs to have a routine. At least having a routine isn't all bad, but don't even think of changing it! This baby will not respond well to a lot of change. The Virgo baby can also be picky about food, so keep it simple at mealtimes. Aside from these peculiarities, this tot doesn't require a lot. A clean bedroom and simple clothing are sure to keep this baby dry-eyed. As well, the Virgo baby is quite good at amusing itself for hours with the most basic of games, feeling very little need for the attention of others. The Virgo child also wants to talk early on, probably earlier than most of the other babies around. There's a lot going on in that mind, so it may as well come out! From an early age, this baby can also be seen as mother's little helper, as the need to serve others is a strong Virgo trait. They also won't make a fuss over their accomplishments, since by nature these kids are a bit shy. To sum up, the Virgo baby is fine on their own but also happy to help others, loves cleanliness, and can easily keep themselves amused. Pretty (albeit picky!) good kid.


Heres mom and baby--

When a Virgo child is born to a Libra parent, it can be like the coming together of two puzzle pieces. When fused together into a family unit, each interlocks into the other and comfortably rests in place in a very familiar way. Both child and parent value a secure relationship with their family, and this duo shares a love of beauty and culture in the home as well as in the community. Practicality and comfort are important to both Signs, and they complement each other in many ways. They both share a love of conversation and have fine taste. Virgo and Libra can work together efficiently and smoothly because they desire similar rewards at the completion of a task. This is not a family prone to explosive emotional outbursts or rising tempers. At times, however, they may find it difficult to understand where the other is coming from. Conflicts can arise between parent and child if Virgo seems too picky or Libra seems manipulative. Both need to learn that they view the world through different filters. The Virgo child and the Libra parent might not understand one another all the time, but it is within their nature to work out their differences reasonably and quietly. The best aspect of the Virgo-Libra family relationship is their mutual appreciation of organization and culture. Both Signs value the aesthetic, and they share a love of the finer things in life. Their similar tastes and interests makes theirs a family of great harmony.


Here's dad and baby
When a Virgo child is born to a Gemini parent, the smooth planes of their relationship may often be speckled with some bumpy terrain. Both think that they are always right, and they may judge one another too quickly. Virgo and Gemini have different approaches to life; Virgo is more sedate and practical and Gemini is intellectual. Represented by the Twins, Gemini can often be of two minds about things. Virgo may find it frustrating to constantly have to appease the dual nature of their parent. On the other hand, Gemini may be baffled by Virgo's simplicity. With a practical approach to life, Virgo may take things a little too earnestly for Gemini's taste. Gemini approaches life more lightly, sometimes too lightly for Virgo. It can be hard for Gemini to accept the down to earth approach of Virgo. It might be hard for Virgo to accept their child's flightiness and occasional lack of practicality. Virgo can help Gemini to be more involved in life and to see the depth of ideas rather than simply the surface. The best aspect of the Gemini-Virgo family relationship is the security they can give each other once they see eye to eye. Both relatives can learn to look at the world through new eyes when they open themselves to each other on a deeper level. As long as they communicate with each other effectively, theirs will be a gratifying family relationship.

Original Question

I want my son to do something nice for X-mas.Any ideas?He is 4.?

Q. I went to the Children's Mercy hospital's website but it says you cant bring a toy personally to the kids, it has to be through an organization.Any ideas on where I can go with him to give something(toy & cookies) to those in need.
Thank you

A. I also reccomend a retirement home, i wouldn't bring cookies tho as some may be diabetic or have other health problems that don't allow them sweets but maybe he could make some kind of craft to hand out http://www.amazingmoms.com/htm/christmas_crafts.htm

You could help him to practice random acts of kindness such as leaving holiday treats or small denomination giftcards on people's windsheilds check this out http://www.secretagentl.com/

Even though he can't personally hand out the toys to children you should sit in his room with him and go through his gently used toys. Explain to him that because Christmas is coming he will be getting lots of new toys, but some kids don't get alot so encourage him to donate some of his toys to them. You can drop them off at the hospital and hopefully he understands what you're doing. This will also clear out his bedroom a little and make room for his new gifts so you're really killing two birds with one stone.

Bake cookies together (i reccommend gingerbreak men, they're fun to decorate!) and hand them out to neighbors or family friends.

Volunteer together at a soup kitchen.

Its probably too late this year, as shipping will take alot of time but next year have him decorate cards for soldiers overseas and write messages in them for him.

Do something simple like give him change when you see the salvation army bell ringers, that way he can donate and explain to him that hes done something really good, so hopefully this behavior will carry on as he gets older.

Happy Holidays!

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