Seasonal Shortcuts

Getting kids ready to play in the snow can be a pain. “My kids love to play in the snow, but often it takes longer to get them ready than the amount of time they actually play,” says mom-of-four Jennifer Clowers. “First, find a good snowsuit. It just makes things easier. Many times you can find them at thrift stores or discount stores for pretty cheap, under $20. Buy it one size larger so they can grow into it. Put together a bin for each child—snow suit, hat, gloves, and boots—and keep it in a closet or basement, even under the bed during winter months. When it snows, the kids will know exactly where it is and help get themselves dressed. Once they are done you should let their gear dry, and then put it back in the bin for next time.”

You don’t have to make picture-perfect cupcakes. Pick up some store-bought cupcake mix for your kid’s next bake sale, and then use cupcake toppers. “A good cupcake topper can hide any imperfections and make your homemade cupcakes look professional,” mom Jamie Yahne says. “Just keep the frosting simple and add a cute little toy or holiday-shaped chocolate candy from the bulk food department.” Bake, frost, top and go. Your child can even help or, if she’s old enough, put them together, herself.

Did your kids add sparkly glitter to their Easter eggs after dyeing? No problem. Pick up all that loose glitter by using a lint roller to get the itty-bitty pieces, which are tough to grab, off the table.

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During and after those social times of year—holiday dinner party season, summer cookouts, birthday parties—steal this tip for saying a brief thanks. "I always carry thank-you cards in my car," says mom JJ DiGeronimo. While parked, waiting for the kids to get out of class or sports practice, "I can often get a quick card written to express my gratitude. These always seem appreciated."

You'll still have to tackle the tougher chores, but getting little helping hands on the small tasks will save you much time and hassle. “If your kids are old enough to help, at least age 4 or 5, enlist that manpower!” Clowers says. “Kids love to help wash windows, walls and baseboards. Teach them how to do it, and what you expect from them, and you will have endless help around the house. When switching out last season's clothes, have them help sort. This is also a great learning tool for the younger ones on what is appropriate for the weather.”

There’s a tiny window wedged between school and baseball practice where you have to feed those kids … and here’s how: “With three of my four boys active in sports, and practices or games three or four times a week, dinner will not happen unless I use a Crock-Pot,” says Clowers. “I put it on in the morning, and it’s done before they get home from school. Minimal mess, and lots of great recipes to choose from. My favorite is ‘1-2-3 Chicken.’ Mix a can of cream of mushroom soup with an 8-ounce package of cream cheese. Place 3-4 frozen chicken breasts in the crock-pot, top with your soup-and-cream-cheese mixture, and cook for 4 to 6 hours. Serve over rice.”

“If you’re planning a BBQ, make it a theme party that requires the guests to bring something, like a Mexican theme party with a taco bar,” says Yahne. “Have each guest bring a taco ingredient, like lettuce, meat, cheese and so forth. This will save you time, because you won't have to cook everything yourself. Also, buffet-style BBQs and dinner parties are less work. Guests fix their own meals. You provide the ingredients, and they assemble them.”

Get sunscreen on in a flash, before your kids get a chance to scurry away toward the sand and waves. “Spray sunscreen is the best invention ever,” says Clowers. “Do it as soon as everyone gets out of the car, so the kids can start playing while you have time to set up a spot. Bonus: Sand doesn't stick to it!”

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To keep school papers organized—assignments, order forms, permission slips—create a “command center” somewhere in your house. “Pick a spot in your house and do some simple organizing,” says Clowers. “Have a paper bin for each child and a large calendar. Train yourself to write everything down. Go over homework with each kid, and then stick the papers in the recycling bin. No need to keep clutter!”

Want a quick fix for holiday treats? If you’re out of time or don’t feel like hitting the grocery store, just brush melted butter and almond extract over pre-made pie dough and grab your cookie cutters. Bake until golden, decorate and enjoy.

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Before opening new gifts, have your kids kick off the season of giving by cleaning up, clearing out and giving back. “I make my boys do a complete clean-out of their playroom,” says Clowers. “It’s an inventory, if you will. Anything that is broken gets tossed. Gently used toys that no longer get played with go in the donation pile and everything else gets organized. This will free up space for new toys, and give the kids a sense of accomplishment. It's a great Christmas break activity.”