Gather helping hands
Enlist everyone you can to help you. Just because you're a mother, that doesn't mean you have to be Wonder Woman. When my daughter was born, I called my sister, crying. Hearing how overwhelmed I was, she came in all the way from Alaska and helped me set up a schedule, which was such a lifesaver! It takes a village to raise a child, especially a newborn, and you're a better mother for asking for the assistance that you need.' - Trisha Idoni, mother to Mallory; Pensacola, FL, US
Help homework happen
As soon as my children get home from school, I set them up for homework, with each child at his/her own station in the kitchen so that they don't mix up their papers. Then I find something to do in the vicinity so that I'm nearby for help if need be, but not hovering over them. It's a routine we stick to, so the children know what's expected of them.' - Karen Schiff Freeman, mother to Rebecca, Jarrett and Lexi; Solon, OH, US
Put nightmares to bed
If your child has nightmares, here's how to ward off "monsters": Use a batteryoperated handheld fan to chase them away, and fill a spray bottle with "Go-Away Monster Spray". Then lie in bed with your child and ask him what he'd like to dream about, suggesting pleasant things, such as sharing an icecream cone or building a sand castle on the beach. This worked with my son, and now he sleeps through the night.' - Lisa Keddy, mother to Nicholas; Ocean, NJ, US
Win the sweets war
I serve my children the dinner, along with a small dessert portion, together on those plastic sectioned character plates (SpongeBob is their favourite). Each area has chicken, rice, salad, and a sweet, or something similar. I don't bug them to eat the veggies before the treat, so even if they have dessert first, it's small enough that they don't fill up - therefore they always move on to eat a nice amount of dinner. It works like a charm.' - Emily Becker, mother to Jonathan and Madelyn; Belmont, CA, US
Read more
