Mommy Has to Work

How You Can Enhance Your Child’s Proprioception

November 3, 2025 By Anne Leave a Comment

As a parent, you want to do everything you can to improve how your child functions in the world, giving them the best chance of success. But what, specifically, should you be doing to enhance their proprioception?

In this guide, you’re about to find out. It explores the various ways you can teach their minds to know what their bodies are doing so they can better navigate the world and enjoy their experience of being in it.

Tug-Of-War Bands

One of the things you could do is get your child some tug-of-war bands. These are essentially large elastic bands or ropes that exert an oppositional force when pulled.

They seem like such a simple intervention, but they can have a profound effect on how kids develop. Even the simplest bands require a lot of learning and motor skills to master, especially if your child is a little younger.

Usually, you’d give these bands to your child and then tell them to manipulate them while their eyes are closed. As they get older, you should notice that they become more confident and may even trip over less than before.

Sensory Bin Digging

You might also want to explore sensory play. Things like sensory bin digging can be a great way to get them used to using their hands and tools, setting them up for adult life.

Sensory bin digging is essentially what it sounds like. You get the child to dig through a bin with their hands or tools to find various objects, like toys or cans of beans. Traditionally, kids dug through sand, but you can also use white rice if you prefer (the latter tends to be a little easier to dig through).

Just make sure you coach them on how to dig. If they dig too softly, they won’t make any progress. But if they dig too much, then they could actually damage the items they are trying to find.

Playground Swinging And Climbing

As a parent, you could also explore the option of swinging and climbing at the local playground with your child. Kids will usually automatically try to master these techniques if left to their own devices, so the best policy is usually just to leave them to it.

Swinging and climbing supercharges proprioception because it contorts their bodies into so many new positions. They have to coordinate multiple aspects of what they’re doing, all with adult support, of course.

However, once they get the hang of it, it is often the first stage to becoming more athletic. Children who build up muscle memory when young almost always carry it with them into adult life.

Wheelbarrow Walks

Another way to foster greater control over their bodies is to use wheelbarrow walks. You sometimes see PE teachers getting kids to do these at school gym classes.

All you need to do is hold their legs like a wheelbarrow and then get them to walk along the ground using their hands. The first time they do this will be extremely challenging, but they should eventually get used to it.

The reason this activity is important is because it educates kids on how to use the upper part of their bodies, not just the lower part. It shows them that they really can walk on their hands, inverting their body position and getting them to do something they wouldn’t ordinarily do. This skill can come in handy in multiple life situations, including in the trades where the use of one’s hands is critical.

Trampoline Jumping

Then, there’s trampoline jumping. Not only is this a great pedagogic tool, but it’s also something that kids universally find fun. Bouncing up and down all day long helps children learn where their body is.

The nice thing about trampoline jumping is that it is easy to increase the difficulty as you go along. If you want to make it harder for our child so that they learn faster, you can.

For example, you could throw them a ball mid-jump and then get them to catch it. This activity requires a combination of hand-eye coordination and balance to get it right.

You can also send them to trampoline class where they’ll have access to better equipment. Once there, they can expand their repertoire and do things like backjumps or flips.

Heavy Work

Getting kids to do heavy work seems like taboo in our society, but really it doesn’t have to be. All it requires is giving them heavy objects to carry, like grocery bags, to build their strength. Just make sure they are the appropriate weight and that you’re not going to injure them.

Resistance bands also fall into this category so you can use them, too. Kids will struggle at first to pull them apart, but they should get better at it over time.

Balance Beam Challenges

You could also boost your child’s proprioception with balance beam challenges. These test their balance skills intensely, heightening their reliance on things like internal feedback and vision.

You’ll want to start with a wider balance beam and then narrow it as the child progresses. Make sure you keep adjusting the difficulty to make it interesting for you. Keep the challenge high so that they always feel like they’re progressing and getting better.

Walk Like An Animal

You could also try activities where you walk like animals with your kids. Again, this fun game teaches them to change how they move and consciously think about what each part of their body is doing.

For example, you could walk like a crab by being on all fours and moving sideways, or moving like a frog, leaping into the air.

Obstacle Courses

Finally, you might want to invest in an obstacle course for your child. These present them with numerous challenges that develop every aspect of their proprioception. For example, they might have to jump over boxes, walk along beams, climb walls, or crawl through heavy nets. All of these activities challenge their abilities individually, but are even more extreme when combined together. Kids have to adapt and learn on the fly.

Anne

I'm a mother of 2 who likes to get involved in too much! Besides writing here I started a non-profit, I'm on the PTO board, very active in my community and volunteer in the school. I enjoy music, reading, cooking, traveling and spending time with my family. We just adopted our 3rd cat and love them all!

Thriving Among the Chaos: What Are the Real Ways to Be an Organized Parent of a Baby?

October 29, 2025 By Anne Leave a Comment

Pixabay – CC0 License

From the financial aspects to the general daily chaos of feeding schedules, diaper changes, and nap times, it can feel like when we have a baby, we’re juggling 100 different things at once, and that’s because, very simply, we are! There are many parents who will tell you that there is absolutely no point in being organized because everything will still go out the window, but we have to remember that the very nature of organization doesn’t just make life easier, it will preserve your sanity and help you actually enjoy those tiny, beautiful moments in between rather than feeling like you’re fighting the tides constantly. How do you stay truly organized when there’s an endless to-do list and sleep is fleeting at best? Let’s show you some real ways to get there.

Labeling: Simple, Effective, and Sanity-Keeping

One of the first steps to keeping order, particularly when it comes to baby gear, is labeling. There are baby bottle labels that can help you keep track of whose bottle is whose when you have multiple kids, or your child will only have their bottle in daily daycare settings. It also makes things easier when you are preparing because you can write the date and time you prepared that formula or breast milk, and you can easily see which bottles need to be used first. A small routine, but it saves time, avoids waste, and always ensures your baby gets fresh milk or formula.

Create Simple but Realistic Routines

We have to remember that, as humans, we thrive on predictability, and parents do as well. Instead of overcomplicating your daily schedule, block out general times for the big things like feedings, naps, and play, but do what you can to leave some flexibility in there. After a while, you’ll know when your baby generally naps or has a feeding, so you can then use a morning routine around this, for example, doing a quick tidy of the kitchen while the coffee brews and laying out outfits for the day, or just a quick load of laundry. We have to remember that simple and repeatable patterns can create an automatic structure, particularly when things get hectic. These routines are about giving your day shape and direction.

Prep for Yourself, Not Just the Baby

It can be easy to focus all your energy on your baby’s feeding schedule and then forget about your own! Meal prep is a great way to ensure that you’ve got food handy for those days when you literally have one hand free. You have to remember that if you are well-fed, then you’re going to be far more energetic and more patient, and you’ll be able to deal with the stresses that come your way.

Let Go of Perfection

The final point is a simple one because the most organized parents aren’t those who do everything by themselves, but who actually accept support and prioritize what truly matters. Things like ordering groceries online or skipping the vacuuming and just letting grandparents babysit while you have a nap mean that everybody is fed and, more importantly, loved. Don’t worry about a fancy planner or a color-coded system, because the truth is that a happy baby is about everybody feeling grounded and cared for.

Anne

Finding the Motherhood Support You Need as a Single Parent in 2025

October 20, 2025 By Anne Leave a Comment

CC0 Licensed Image Courtesy of Freepik

Motherhood support can feel more like a unicorn than something you can access as a single mom. However, there are some ways you can build a support network system for yourself. From connecting with other single parents to accessing financial assistance, here are some ideas.

Specialist Support and Care

Being a single mom (or dad, for that matter) is one of the hardest things a parent can face. On top of that, you might have commitments to other family members with disabilities. When times are tough, this can make things even worse if they require medical care, support, and treatment. Fortunately, you can usually find a home and community based service provider in your local area. This can be just what your child needs, but also the reprieve that you deserve as well.

Connecting with Other Single Parents

There’s almost no barrier to connecting with others in today’s world. With social media and the web at large, it has never been easier to connect with other people, such as other single moms. Platforms like Facebook offer groups for chatting and connecting. But there are also apps made for this very reason such as Frolo. If you don’t trust online platforms, then you can also try recognized charities for 24/7 connection and support, such as the SingleParents website.

Motherhood Support by Networking

Recent data suggests that 45% of single mothers in the US live below the poverty line and are disproportionately affected by issues like housing instability. Sure, making money as a mom is easier than ever these days with things like side hostels and online jobs. But it can be hard to get a small business going or even find a remote job as a new mother. Like any kind of work, you can benefit from networking through local resources, the kids’ schools and local charities.

Applying for Government Assistance

Finances are often the hardest part of raising kids alone. The absence of another partner places a massive strain on a family if you don’t earn much money or aren’t able to work at all. However, there are government plans available for people in your position. The UK’s Universal Credit and Child Support system are good examples. As is the US’s food stamps program that can help with the basics of feeding your children. There is no shame in asking for help when needed!

Personal Wellness and Wellbeing

You can’t take the best care of your kids and possible without looking after yourself. Making personal wellness a priority will help you feel better about your situation and provide the motivation you need. This includes taking breaks when you can, excellent personal hygiene and eating a healthy diet. A positive mindset like this encourages a more harmonious home, even when times are tough. And this can be passed to the children as a greater support provider.

Summary

Finding specialist care for children with disabilities can be a lifeline when looking for the motherhood support you need as a single parent. Of course, networking can open up tons of opportunities for your professional life, but you must also take better care of yourself, too.

Anne

How Taking Care of Your Health Can Transform Your Future

October 16, 2025 By Anne Leave a Comment

Health is one of those things people don’t always think about until something forces them to. Between work, responsibilities, and the general pace of life, it’s easy to put personal wellbeing on hold. But sooner or later, your body and mind start sending reminders that rest, nutrition, and peace of mind can’t be ignored forever.

Taking care of your health is about far more than fitness or diet these days. The trick is to create a foundation that supports every other part of life. When someone starts to prioritise their wellbeing, everything from focus and confidence to energy and relationships begins to change. It’s a gradual change that has a lasting impact, one small decision at a time.

Source: Unsplash (CC0)

Understanding what “health” really means

Good health is something that keeps evolving with time. It’s as much about how a person feels mentally as it is about their physical strength. When you pay attention to your health, you’re really choosing to give yourself a better quality of life.

It’s easy to think that being healthy only means avoiding illness, but it’s also about your energy levels, motivation, and mindset. People who take small and consistent steps toward better wellbeing often find that everything else becomes easier to manage. Your work feels more productive, relationships more positive, and challenges more manageable.

Taking care of your health also gives a sense of control over your life. It’s deciding that your future comfort, energy, and happiness are worth the time and effort it takes to maintain them.

The connection between health and daily habits

Many of the things that shape a person’s health happen quietly through everyday habits. Sleep routines, food choices, and stress management all play a role in how much energy someone has throughout the day. When these habits work together, your life will end up feeling a lot smoother than it used to.

Small changes can build momentum faster than you might expect. For example, simply swapping a few processed meals for fresh food, encouraging yourself to walk a little more, or even just limiting phone time before bed can make noticeable differences in your focus and energy levels.

These small actions become important steps toward a healthier future. The goal isn’t perfection but consistency. Building a lifestyle that feels sustainable helps create long-term results that last far longer than quick fixes or strict routines.

The barriers that hold people back from being healthy

Many people want to live healthier lives but are often hindered by deeper challenges. Issues like constant stress, poor sleep, or emotional exhaustion can make it difficult to find the motivation to start. For some people, it might even involve overcoming more serious health barriers such as substance dependency or social pressures that make it hard to change.

When personal struggles like these take hold, outside help can make all the difference. Accessing addiction treatment or other forms of medical and psychological support can help someone break free from cycles that keep them stuck. It’s a step toward regaining control over both body and mind. Acknowledging those barriers is a sign of self-awareness. When people start addressing what’s really holding them back, they open up the possibility of genuine, lasting transformation.

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Why mental health matters just as much as physical health

Physical and mental health are connected, and one rarely improves without the other. Stress, anxiety, and constant worry take a toll on the body in ways that often go unnoticed. Over time, those effects can show up as fatigue, headaches, or difficulty concentrating.

Looking after your mental wellbeing can mean setting boundaries, practising mindfulness, or finding quiet moments to reset. It might also involve talking to someone, journalling, or finding hobbies that help clear the mind. These small actions build resilience, which in turn supports physical energy and emotional balance.

The better a person understands what affects their mind, the easier it becomes to make choices that keep them centred and motivated. Good mental health gives a sense of stability that supports every other part of life.

Building consistency and structure in your health

Health improves most when it’s supported by a consistent structure in life. This doesn’t mean rigid schedules, but rather routines that make healthy choices easier to maintain. Planning meals, setting sleep times, or organising short daily walks are great examples of structure that helps the body and mind thrive.

Structure also helps people stick with their goals during stressful times. It creates a rhythm that keeps progress moving even when motivation feels low. Over time, these routines start to feel natural instead of forced. It’s about creating an environment that supports good habits rather than relying on willpower alone. The more automatic healthy routines become, the less effort it takes to maintain them.

How relationships influence your overall wellbeing

The people around someone can have a strong impact on their health. Supportive relationships encourage better habits, while negative or stressful environments can make it harder to stay consistent. Surrounding oneself with people who respect the need for rest, good food, and balance makes the journey easier.

Social connections also bring accountability. Friends or family who share health goals can help each other stay motivated and celebrate progress. Connection plays a big part in overall wellbeing, as it supports emotional strength and creates a sense of belonging.

When relationships encourage growth rather than drain energy, they become one of the strongest parts of a healthy lifestyle.

The long-term rewards of better health

When people start taking care of their health, the first improvements are often small. It could be more energy in the morning, better focus, or fewer aches. But over time, these small gains build into something far greater. A healthier body supports a sharper mind, which in turn leads to more confidence and stronger decision-making.

Good health also helps people plan for the future with optimism. It gives them the energy to pursue goals, enjoy relationships, and make choices that feel right. The investment in wellbeing continues to pay off year after year through improved quality of life and personal growth. The longer someone maintains these habits, the more natural they become.

Taking care of your health is an ongoing process, but it’s one that changes every part of life for the better. When someone learns to care for their body and mind, they open the door to more energy, focus, and freedom.

Anne

Smart Ways To Save For Your Child’s Future

September 26, 2025 By Anne Leave a Comment

Explore practical savings tools—from 529 plans to UGMA accounts—that help you prepare for both college and beyond

As parents, one of the greatest gifts we can give our children is the foundation for a secure financial future. While we can’t predict exactly what their path will look like—whether they pursue higher education, launch a business, or simply need help navigating life’s early expenses—we can take steps now to prepare them for those milestones.

This blog will walk through some of the smartest ways to save for your child’s future, highlighting both traditional options and lesser-known ones. Whether you’re just getting started or looking to diversify your family’s financial plan, these ideas can help you feel more confident knowing you’re setting your child up with opportunities—and peace of mind—for the road ahead.

Start With a Savings Account

The simplest place to start when saving for your child’s future is often the most effective: a savings account. This is an easy, low-risk way to begin setting money aside while building the habit of consistent saving. Many banks and credit unions even offer special “youth savings accounts” designed specifically for children, which can be a fun way to get your child involved in learning about money.

A savings account offers accessibility and safety, making it a smart first step for families who are new to saving or may not have extra money to invest right away. Your deposits are federally insured (up to certain limits), and though interest rates may not be sky-high, your money grows steadily without risk. Over time, this account can serve as an emergency fund for child-related expenses or be used as a stepping stone to more advanced savings vehicles.

Even better, opening a savings account in your child’s name can become a teachable moment. You can show them how deposits and interest work, reinforcing the idea that money grows when you set it aside instead of spending it right away. While it won’t cover college tuition or buy a first car on its own, a savings account is a practical and empowering way to start building toward bigger goals.

Consider a 529 Plan

If college is on your radar, a 529 plan is one of the most powerful tools you can use to prepare. These state-sponsored savings plans are specifically designed to help families set aside money for future education expenses, and they come with unique tax advantages that make them stand out from a regular savings account.

Here’s how it works: you contribute money to the plan, and it grows tax-deferred over time. When your child eventually uses the funds for qualified education costs—like tuition, room and board, textbooks, or even certain K-12 expenses—the withdrawals are tax-free. Some states also offer tax deductions or credits for contributions, which means you can save on your state income taxes while investing in your child’s future.

If higher education is a priority for your family, this plan should be near the top of your list.

Explore Custodial Accounts

For parents who want a little more flexibility than a 529 plan provides, custodial accounts—specifically UTMA or UGMA accounts—are a smart option to consider.

These accounts allow you to save and invest on behalf of your child, but unlike 529s, the money isn’t limited to education expenses. That means the funds could be used for college, but also for a first car, starting a business, or even a down payment on a home when your child reaches adulthood.

Here’s how they work: you open the account as the custodian, and your child is the beneficiary. You can contribute cash, stocks, bonds, or mutual funds, and the money grows until your child comes of age (usually 18 or 21, depending on your state). At that point, the account legally becomes theirs to manage as they see fit.

Custodial accounts do come with some trade-offs. Because the assets legally belong to the child, they may impact eligibility for financial aid more than parent-owned accounts. Additionally, once your child reaches the age of majority, you’ll no longer have control over how the money is spent.

If you’re looking for a versatile way to invest in your child’s future while keeping options open, a UGMA or UTMA account may be the right fit.

Invest For the Long Haul

While savings accounts and dedicated plans like 529s or custodial accounts are excellent starting points, it’s also worth looking at long-term investment options to build lasting wealth for your child. Investing in assets like stocks, bonds, or low-cost index funds can give your savings the opportunity to grow much faster than they would in a traditional bank account.

The key advantage of investing is the power of compounding over time. Even modest contributions, if invested wisely, can snowball into significant amounts over the course of 10, 15, or 20 years. Even investing just $100 a month in a broad-market index fund could grow significantly by the time your child is ready for college or reaches adulthood.

Of course, investments come with some level of risk, so it’s important to choose a strategy that matches your comfort level. Many parents opt for diversified funds that spread money across different sectors, balancing growth potential with stability. Others may mix in bonds or safer vehicles to reduce volatility. The beauty of investing is that you can adjust your approach as your child gets older and their needs become clearer.

When paired with other financial tools—like a 529 plan or custodial account—long-term investments can serve as the engine that accelerates your child’s financial foundation. By thinking beyond simple savings and embracing smart investing strategies, you’re not just setting money aside—you’re actively growing it into opportunities and security for your child’s future.

There’s no single “perfect” way to save. What you really need is to layer different tools together to fit your family’s needs, goals, and budget. A simple savings account can be a great starting point, while options like 529 plans and custodial accounts help you plan for even bigger milestones. By taking small, consistent steps today, you can ease future financial burdens while teaching your child valuable lessons about money, responsibility, and planning ahead.

No matter where you’re starting from, every dollar saved and every smart choice made is a step toward giving your child the gift of stability and opportunity.