Following the holidays, your children most likely have more toys than they have places to put them. With toy boxes bursting at the seams, closets piled full of odds-n-ends and stuffed animals peaking out from underneath their beds you probably don’t know what to do with all the older toys your children have discarded. Instead of tossing them into the garbage, why not try some new strategies this year? If you have more than one child, some toys may be happily passed to younger siblings. These toys may seem extra special coming from the older sibling, whom they look up to and admire. But, that doesn’t solve the overflowing toy box problem. After sorting, you may find some toys that would be perfect for grandma’s (or other friends and family you visit often). By shipping some toys to their house, you gain more space at your house. The next time your children go for a visit, they become new and interesting all over again! Think of friends with children who might appreciate a few “new” toys, but don’t overload them. They may be suffering the same toy trouble as you. Other options are: consignment shops and resale stores, donating to churches or hospitals who are seeking out toy donations as well as giving to organizations such as the Salvation Army or other community centers for the less fortunate. Before giving any toy away, be sure to check it over thoroughly for safety hazards. If it’s dangerous or broken and unable to be fixed, it’s best suited for the trash.

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For stay at home Mom, it means you have an interesting paycheck – zero dollars and countless hugs. The hugs are wonderful, but they probably won’t pay the bills! Cutting costs is the key, and “thrifting” can be part of your answer.

My friend shopped at thrift stores for a year before I even considered going into one. She came home with all kinds of amazing things… an almost new coach bag, brand new Liz Claibourne pants with the tags on… but in my mind, I just thought, “Ew!” That was, until I started to shop at one. You would not believe the things you can find! Brand new clothes for less than three dollars…new shoes for two dollars… and yes, gently used clothes that originally cost over $100 but hardly look worn.

Baby and children’s clothes are often like new in thrift stores. After all, your little ones grow like weeds and may only get to use an outfit for a month! Now my friend and I can’t wait to go “thrifting” together. There is still a bit of the “ew” factor at times, but amongst that “ew” there is more often than not a “Wow!” Stay at home moms aren’t the only ones saving. We working moms do too!

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You finally have the children down for a nap. Now it’s work time! Wait a minute? Weren’t all those diaper changes, meals, hugs and cleanups work? And what about the mopping, the laundry, the dishes and the spilled juice?

Today’s mothers almost have to be supermom – but that will lead to early burnout, which isn’t good for anyone. The next time your child takes a nap, don’t feel you have to begin cleanup while they sleep. Take that time and actually sit! Read a book, knit, nap, maybe even watch a TV show! You have to realize that rest and relaxation is a must if you plan to make it through the day. Can this happen every day? Probably not. But you should make a promise to yourself to do this at least once a week. Use naptime as relax time for you, and see how much better you feel!

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