The Busy Mom's Guide to a Happy, Organized Home

by Peel, Kathy

• ISBN13: 9781414316192
• ISBN10: 1414316194
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2008-07-01
• Publisher: TYNDALE HOUSE PUBLISHERS

Summary

"How can I reduce sibling bickering?" "Can I plan a memorable birthday party without breaking the bank?" "How do I display my faith in God to my children?" When busy moms have questions like these, they need answers . . . fast. Kathy Peel, America's Family Manager, offers moms quick solutions and practical advice in The Busy Mom's Guide to a Happy, Organized Home,an easy-access reference guide that covers all of the key questions asked by women who want to be the best moms possible. Containing a comprehensive index, helpful checklists and charts, and an extensive list of online resources, moms will turn to The Busy Mom's Guide to a Happy, Organized Hometo guide them from bewilderment and confusion to confidence and maturity as they perform the important job God has called them to do.

Author Biography

Kathy Peel is founder and CEO of Family Manager. Her company trains women in the art of family management

Table of Contents

Introduction: Creating a Happy Home Starts Here	p. xi
Managing Time and Scheduling
Live by Your Priorities	p. 5
Decision-Making Guidelines	p. 7
Set Up a Base of Operations within Your Home	p. 8
Control Central	p. 8
Family In-Boxes	p. 9
Daily Hit List	p. 9
Maximize Your Moments	p. 11
10 Principles of Time Management	p. 11
Scheduling Strategies	p. 12
Making Phone Time Count	p. 13
Memory Joggers	p. 15
Planning Ahead	p. 16
Five Minutes Is Worth Its Weight in Gold	p. 17
Multitasking Made Easy	p. 19
Prescription for Procrastination	p. 20
Managing Your Home and Property
Organizing and Storage Basics	p. 27
Attic and Basement	p. 29
Bathrooms	p. 32
Children's Bedrooms	p. 33
Master Bedroom	p. 34
Home Office	p. 35
Kitchen	p. 38
Laundry Area	p. 39
Work Centers	p. 40
Garage	p. 41
Clutter	p. 43
Declutter in a Day	p. 43
Clutter Combat Rules	p. 44
Conquer Paper Clutter	p. 45
Clutter Combat Tactics for Children	p. 46
Cleaning	p. 47
Cleaning in Manageable Chunks	p. 47
One-Day Clean Sweep Plan	p. 51
Shortcuts and Smarter Cleaning	p. 52
Eliminating Smells and Odors	p. 56
Children and Housework	p. 57
All Your Stuff	p. 63
Appliances	p. 63
Bedding	p. 66
Books and Bookshelves	p. 68
Carpet Care	p. 70
Clothing Care and Laundry	p. 71
Do-It-Yourself Decorating	p. 72
Six Steps to Decorating on Your Own	p. 72
Decorating Tips from Professionals	p. 74
Your Home's Structure	p. 79
General Maintenance	p. 79
Quarterly Maintenance	p. 83
Building and Remodeling	p. 86
Moving	p. 88
Getting Ready for Your Move	p. 88
Tips as You Pack or Unpack	p. 91
Safety	p. 92
Household Emergencies	p. 92
Be Prepared for Disaster	p. 95
Fire Safety	p. 99
Crimeproof Your Home	p. 99
Home Inventory	p. 102
Car Care Basics	p. 103
When Should You Call Your Mechanic?	p. 103
How to Find a Good Mechanic	p. 104
Car Cash Savers	p. 105
Managing Menus and Meals
Menu Planning	p. 111
Meals	p. 113
Dinnertime	p. 113
Lunches	p. 118
Picnics	p. 120
Insider Chef Tips	p. 120
Cooking Crises	p. 120
Kitchen Time-Savers	p. 121
Everyday Cooking Tips	p. 122
Baking	p. 123
Fruit	p. 125
Freezing	p. 127
Grilling	p. 128
Shopping for Food	p. 129
Groceries	p. 129
Food Co-ops	p. 135
Restaurants	p. 136
Managing Relationships with Family and Friends
Building Family Relationships	p. 141
Investing in Your Marriage	p. 141
Getting Along with Your Kids' Dad and Your Ex	p. 142
Simple Ways to Be a Great Mom	p. 143
The Home Team	p. 145
What Kids Only Learn at Home: Answers to Some of a Mom's Toughest Questions	p. 151
How Can I Teach My Kids Good Values?	p. 151
How Can I Teach My Kids to Tell the Truth?	p. 153
How Do I Get My Kids to Obey?	p. 154
How Can I Teach My Children to Manage Their Anger?	p. 155
How Can I Pass On My Faith to My Children?	p. 157
How Can I Encourage My Kids to Eat Right and Be Active?	p. 157
How Can I Encourage My Parents to Get Involved with My Kids?	p. 159
Do Good Manners Really Matter?	p. 160
How Do I Keep the TV and Internet from Monopolizing My Family's Life?	p. 161
Do I Really Have to Talk with My Kids about Sex?	p. 163
How Can I Help My Children through the Teen Years?	p. 164
Dealing with the Everyday-from Family Milestones to the Mundane	p. 170
Preparing for Baby	p. 170
Babysitting Co-ops	p. 171
Playgroups	p. 172
Child Care	p. 173
Babysitters: Important Information They Must Know	p. 175
Education	p. 175
Carpool Guidelines	p. 184
Kids at Home Alone	p. 185
Activity Overload	p. 186
Sick Days	p. 187
Bedtime Routines	p. 188
Building Other Relationships	p. 189
Making Time for Friends	p. 189
Network Your Neighborhood for Fun and Safety	p. 190
Managing Your Finances
Creating Your Family's Financial Strategy	p. 196
Your Family's Financial Philosophy	p. 196
Your Family's Financial Priorities	p. 197
Your Family's Financial Plan	p. 198
Ideas on Cutting Your Expenses	p. 201
Ideas on Increasing Your Income	p. 205
If You're Really Strapped for Money	p. 208
Organizing Your Money Matters	p. 210
Bill Paying	p. 210
Prioritizing Bills	p. 210
Taxes	p. 211
Money Management for Kids	p. 213
Guidelines for Teaching Kids about Money	p. 213
Everyday Economic Lessons for Kids	p. 213
Allowances	p. 214
Managing Special Events
Entertaining	p. 220
10 Steps to an Unforgettable Event	p. 220
When to Do What	p. 223
Tips for Entertaining	p. 226
A Few Decorating Details	p. 228
Rental Know-How	p. 228
Catering Queries	p. 229
Quantities	p. 229
Nine Entertaining Disasters	p. 230
Party Ideas	p. 232
Special Event Seven-Day Countdown	p. 233
Short-Notice Party Shortcuts	p. 235
Party Protocol When You Are the Guest	p. 236
Birthday Party Planning	p. 236
Planning a Fun Family Gathering	p. 238
Joyful Ideas for Overcoming Christmas Chaos	p. 240
Seasonal Stress Relief	p. 240
How to Experience Holiday Joy	p. 241
Creative Gift Giving	p. 242
Quick Gift Baskets	p. 242
Last-Minute Gifts	p. 244
Buying Your Children Gifts That Matter	p. 244
Planning the Best Vacation Ever	p. 245
Choosing Your Vacation Destination	p. 245
Long-Term Planning	p. 245
Short-Term Planning	p. 246
Planning a Kid-Friendly Vacation	p. 248
Saving Your Sanity on a Road Trip	p. 248
Managing Yourself
Creating Self-Care Habits	p. 257
No-Cost Ways to Build Rest into Your Life	p. 257
Choosing Self-Care Strategies That Work for You	p. 259
Taking Care of Your Body	p. 260
Get Moving! Building Exercise into Your Life	p. 261
Smart Eating Tips	p. 264
Turn Energy Zappers into Energy Boosters	p. 265
Identify Hidden Stressors	p. 266
Sharpening Your Mind	p. 267
Why Bother? The Benefits of Continuing to Learn	p. 268
Nurturing Your Spirit	p. 269
Faith-Building Exercises	p. 269
Affirmations	p. 272
Web Resources	p. 275
Index	p. 295
Acknowledgments	p. 305
About Kathy Peel	p. 307
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