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How to Build Up Your Child

April 1, 2015 by Ashley Soderlund Ph.D.

How to Build Up Your Child by Nurture and Thrive Blog for Busy Mom's Helper

Hi Busy Moms! I’m Ashley from Nurture and Thrive and I’m so excited to be here today and share some tips on How to Build Up Your Child: Celebrate Successes and Handle Failures.

How to Build Up Your Child by Nurture and Thrive Blog for Busy Mom's Helper

You’ve seen the headlines “Praise turns children into narcissists!” and you’ve read the articles and yet, if you are anything like me, you still find yourself saying the words “Good Job!” There isn’t anything wrong with feeling proud, praising your child, and wanting to celebrate your child’s successes. But, there are ways to praise that can build your children up. For me, to truly change my behavior as a parent I have to understand the “why,” so let’s break it down: Here are 3 Key Ways Build Up Your Child: To celebrate your child’s successes and build them up to handle failures.

1. Nurture a sense of mastery in your child by praising their “process”

Young children think in a “fixed” mindset. They don’t naturally assume things can or will change. For example, children often don’t realize that an emotion isn’t something that will last forever or that they can change it if they want to (For more on regulation, see my post here on The Most Important Skill to Teach Children). So, when we praise children by saying “you are good at that” or “you’re smart” they will attribute that their ability, rather than their effort.

The problem with children attributing their ability to something innate or unchangeable is that when they are faced with challenge and failure they will assume that they cannot do the task. They won’t realize that they can work hard to learn the task and eventually succeed. In a study where parents praised effort (and not inherent characteristics/ability) at 14-38 months of age, their children were more likely to believe their ability was changeable, enjoy challenges, figure out ways to improve and attribute their success to hard work when they were 7 to 8 years old.

Researchers call this praising the “person” and praising the “process.” Instead of praising your child’s traits (person), praise their behavior (process), emphasizing how they put in effort or changed something. “Wow you worked hard to balance those blocks!” “When it didn’t work to put those Lego pieces together you tried it a different way and it worked!” Or even simply – “It worked, you really were working hard at that.” This will create that sense of mastery that if they work hard they can accomplish their goals.

2. Be genuine, sincere, and specific when you praise.

Rewarding a behavior simply to reinforce that behavior can backfire. That being said, there can be situations in which rewards are useful (although perhaps not necessary)– for example getting young children interested in the potty. But once they develop pride for using the potty, it’s time to focus on that internal reward and for the external rewards to fade.

Research shows that when praise is sincere and not only used to reward a behavior that it is beneficial for children’s motivation. When praise is sincere, don’t hold back, sincere and genuine praise has been shown to increase children’s motivation.

For example, if you are genuinely impressed that your child did something, then tell them, but be specific: “I am so happy you shared your toys with that little girl. Wasn’t it nice to play with her?” “When you share toys it can be fun.” “I am so glad you peed in the potty!” “Do you feel happy and proud? Let’s do a happy dance!”

In the end, as a parent you want to enjoy and share in your child’s successes and that is what we should do! But instead of focusing on the person or even the behavior, focus on their feelings (and your feelings) of internal joy. That ultimately is what is truly rewarding. And your child is happy when you are proud. Help them to recognize those feelings of pride, happiness, and satisfaction that come with hard work, good play and trying at something over and over again. That way you recognizing their natural motivation and enhancing it.

How to Build Up Your Child by Nurture and Thrive Blog for Busy Mom's Helper

3.Tell your child that they are good and kind.

Praising cognitive and behavioral things is different than praising kindness, goodness, or altruism. Above I said never praise the “person,” only the “process.” Well this is true when it comes to academics and behavior. In that context, you want your child to know that they can change their behavior. But when it comes to your child’s belief that they are good or not, you can and should focus on the “fixed” aspect, on her person. I wouldn’t ever tell my son he is bad or anything negative—but telling him he is kind, good, true, brave, and strong will enhance those qualities in him and help him to internalize those ideals.

Research shows that prosocial “person” praising works especially well for children around the age of 8 and even in 10 year olds. Although, I think it is a good practice to get into at younger ages. Some examples of praising prosocial behavior are: “You are a great sharer,” “you care about others, you are kind,” and “you are a good helper.”

How to Build Up Your Child by Nurture and Thrive Blog for Busy Mom's Helper

I hope these three strategies help when you want to build your child up. Focus on their mastery and their goodness. Be specific and sincere. And if you say “good job” don’t sweat it, just elaborate on it!

For more on how to build up your child come on over to Nurture and Thrive for The POWER of a High 5!

Thanks for reading!

http___signatures.mylivesignature.com_54492_146_767F261AB717EE90C307B4E8955770D4 copy

 

Filed Under: Kid Friendly, Parenting Tagged With: child development, NurtureandThriveBlog, parenting, Relationships

Connect From Any Distance with Kinskii

February 10, 2015 by Kelly Dedeaux

Connect from any distance with Kinskii / by Busy Mom's Helper #KickstartKinskii

This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Kinskii. The opinions and text are all mine.

For the first few years of my kids’ lives, we lived pretty close to our families. Only about 6 hours from my in-laws, and a whopping 7 blocks from my whole side. The kids loved it, especially all the playtime! Since moving to Texas, it’s been a big challenge maintaining those relationships between the kids and their grandmas, aunts, cousins…everybody! With your help, this new Kickstarter campaign allows families to Connect From Any Distance with Kinskii!

Connect from any distance with Kinskii / by Busy Mom's Helper #KickstartKinskii

Last weekend, my family and I were invited to attend the big Launch Party for #KickstartKinskii – and it was AMAZING! So many fun activities, great people, delicious food AND I got to try out their awesome games. So what is Kinskii? In a nutshell, it’s the combination of video chat technology and the simple human connection through play. They go way above and beyond Skype, which is pretty much limited to a phone call while seeing each other, and actually create GAMES you can play online WITH your loved ones!

Connect from any distance with Kinskii / by Busy Mom's Helper #KickstartKinskii

Connect from any distance with Kinskii / by Busy Mom's Helper #KickstartKinskii

The games have a spot where the camera will capture the face of the child (or you!) playing, PLUS one for the other end (Grandma, perhaps?). They’re literally playing TOGETHER, working as a team in a science lab mixing colors or taking on the grocery store.

It’s so simple to figure out, our kiddos had a blast playing together at the party!

Connect from any distance with Kinskii / by Busy Mom's Helper #KickstartKinskii

They Need YOUR Help!!!

Here’s where y’all come in….in order to fill their library with plenty of games for any age group or interest, they need to raise the funds, thus begins their Kickstarter campaign! Here’s their little video (got to meet that sweet little boy at the party and he’s adorable!):

I can’t wait to get involved, since I believe this will be AMAZING for my kids to play with their relatives so far away. Phone calls don’t cut it, they need to play, do activities, and LAUGH together to really make those connections and create the lasting memories.

Connect from any distance with Kinskii / by Busy Mom's Helper #KickstartKinskii

PLEASE go support them by pledging something on Kickstarter…even if it’s just $2…so Kinskii can help even more families make playful, lasting memories even from afar!

Kinskii’s Kickstarter Campaign

Connect from any distance with Kinskii / by Busy Mom's Helper #KickstartKinskii

This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Kinskii. The opinions and text are all mine.

Filed Under: Kid Friendly, Parenting Tagged With: Family Night, Personal Life, Relationships

Strawberry Flower Date Night Basket

February 5, 2015 by Kelly Dedeaux

Strawberry Flower Date Night Basket / by Busy Mom's Helper #LoveOurVDay #ad @target

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #LoveOurVDay #CollectiveBias

My last little Christmas Tree, that I’ve enjoyed on my dresser by my bed, has finally been put away. It’s officially past Christmas and the New Year! Now we’re looking towards Valentine’s Day with lots of romantic enthusiasm, right? This year I decided to give hubby a little something special for US, this Strawberry Flower Date Night Basket!

Strawberry Flower Date Night Basket / by Busy Mom's Helper #LoveOurVDay #ad @target

Since Hubby and my anniversary is the end of January, we usually celebrate that AND Valentine’s somewhere in between the two….it’s easier to find a babysitter! Several years ago, Hubby made me a gorgeous bouquet of strawberry flowers, whipped cream, and chocolate. Seriously, it was FABULOUS! He learned how while cooking in a really nice restaurant, and has since taught me this neat trick.

Strawberry Flower Date Night Basket / by Busy Mom's Helper #LoveOurVDay #ad @target

I decided to add some of these fun fruit rose buds and such to a romantic little date night basket, and it was a HUGE hit with my man! I swung by Target to grab everything I needed, including a few ‘special’ surprises from the feminine care area 😉

Strawberry Flower Date Night Basket / by Busy Mom's Helper #LoveOurVDay #ad @target

Now, you should make your basket with stuff YOU and YOUR special someone would really enjoy! Some ideas are candies, sparkling cider, candles (I prefer LED ones), perhaps something ‘lacy’ *wink wink* and perhaps even some intimate items, like the new K-Y® Love – exclusive to Target for Valentine’s Day! It’s the holiday of love, for goodness sake, so go ahead and turn up the passion in your relationship! You can even save 10% with this Cartwheel offer through 02/14!

Strawberry Flower Date Night Basket / by Busy Mom's Helper #LoveOurVDay #ad @target

To make the Strawberry Flowers

  1. Wash & dry your strawberries. Attach a stick or cute straw carefully to the leaf end, not going in too far or it will poke through the top when you do your cuts. Strawberry Flower Date Night Basket / by Busy Mom's Helper #LoveOurVDay #ad @target
  2. To make the rose bud look: Cut a little ‘petal’ on each of the four sides, near the bottom. Don’t cut all the way down or it’ll just fall off. Then make two little slits at the top center, parallel to each other. Spread the petals and the top part, and there’s your bud! Strawberry Flower Date Night Basket / by Busy Mom's Helper #LoveOurVDay #ad @target
  3. To make a tulip-like bud: this one’s really basic, just making cuts parallel all along the berry. Spread them apart slightly, and you’ve got it!Strawberry Flower Date Night Basket / by Busy Mom's Helper #LoveOurVDay #ad @target

To complete my basket, I strung some ribbon along the top rim and lined it with tissue paper.

Strawberry Flower Date Night Basket / by Busy Mom's Helper #LoveOurVDay #ad @target

So I could make my berry flowers stand up, I put one of those green floral foam circles and put it into a small bowl. The straws stuck into it easily, making the buds stand up just great at different heights (I trimmed some straws to vary the height even more)! I then covered the ‘green foam’ with fake rose petals.

Strawberry Flower Date Night Basket / by Busy Mom's Helper #LoveOurVDay #ad @target

Strawberry Flower Date Night Basket / by Busy Mom's Helper #LoveOurVDay #ad @target

Add the rest of your stuff, scatter more rose petals around because, well, why not? Then you’re set for a romantic evening with your special someone!

Strawberry Flower Date Night Basket / by Busy Mom's Helper #LoveOurVDay #ad @target

Strawberry Flower Date Night Basket / by Busy Mom's Helper #LoveOurVDay #ad @target

Filed Under: Gift, Holiday Food, Holidays Tagged With: Craft, Date Night, Fruit, Fun Food, Relationships, Valentines

Why I Left My Husband

December 31, 2015 by Kelly Dedeaux

Why I Left My Husband, and You Should Too! / by Busy Mom's Helper #relationships #findingthejoy #self

Yes, it’s true, I up and left my hubby, kids and dogs this month….for an entire week! Although some friends have asked how I could be so selfish, I want to explain Why I Left My Husband, and You Should, Too! It could make your relationship, and yourself, better than ever!

Why I Left My Husband, and You Should Too! / by Busy Mom's Helper #relationships #findingthejoy #self

I find it also ironic that I’m sharing this post on our 8th Wedding Anniversary! Before everyone gets all crazy and relatives start calling my phone non-stop, let me explain. Just before New Year’s I found out that I had a chance to attend Click Caribbean Retreat from January 10th-17th. It was a great opportunity to better my photography and blog, make connections with other bloggers, as well as enjoy some ‘me time’ on a Royal Caribbean cruise for the whole week!

Why I Left My Husband, and You Should Too! / by Busy Mom's Helper #relationships #findingthejoy #self

At first, I brought it up with Hubby as a part of normal conversation about something interesting, not really serious about it. He, on the other hand, was all for me ditching the family to attend! The more we talked about it that night, the more I understood his point of view – I’m a stay-at-home mom. Honestly, my personality isn’t made for that, and it’s tough, but I am because it’s what we think is best for our family. It’s a huge challenge, and he knows it takes a toll on me. Between being a wife and mother, plus working on my blog full-time, life has gotten so stressful, and I finally realized I was burnt out. I didn’t FEEL like myself anymore, just like a person who needed to focus on everyone else 24/7. So I left all these cuties….

Why I Left My Husband, and You Should Too! / by Busy Mom's Helper #relationships #findingthejoy #self

….and about half-way through the trip I felt completely different! So here’s my Top 5 Reasons that it’s good to have a little time for yourself!

#1: Learn to Make Friends

Hubby and I are best friends, and honestly don’t socialize much beyond each other. So attending an event, for an entire week, without him really forced me out of my comfort zone! After the first few days, I realized that I relied heavily on him, but now I was making friends and connections all on my own. I was the one starting conversations with new people, asking questions during classes, and even feeling confident enough to go on my own instead of with a large group two of the days!

Why I Left My Husband, and You Should Too! / by Busy Mom's Helper #relationships #findingthejoy #self

#2: Build Your Own Confidence

Self-confidence is something I’ve struggled with my whole life. This time away from my ‘security person’ was a huge changer for me, though! I was noticing myself improve in my photography skills, realized people WANTED to talk with me, and felt proud in the progress I was making not only for my blog, but for me as an individual.

Why I Left My Husband, and You Should Too! / by Busy Mom's Helper #relationships #findingthejoy #self

#3: Recharge and Renew

Motherhood is exhausting! Raising the kids, playing, cleaning, plus add on all the work of managing my business and it was just SO MUCH! This time away gave me some much needed recharging time (I won’t say ‘rest’ because, honestly, we didn’t sleep much!). I spent time getting MYSELF ready each day, instead of being too busy focusing on the kids’ clothes and me sticking with the usual yoga pants. I took time to read for fun, went dancing with the gals, explored the ship for the heck of it, and did what I wanted to do. This was ‘me’ time, and it was long overdo!

Why I Left My Husband, and You Should Too! / by Busy Mom's Helper #relationships #findingthejoy #self

Why I Left My Husband, and You Should Too! / by Busy Mom's Helper #relationships #findingthejoy #self

#4: Let Your Mind Explore

Women tend to have a lot on their mind, constantly. Toss in all our roles like parenting, church stuff, neighborhood happenings, work, household agenda and menus….our brains to really have room to just wander much. When I didn’t have to focus on all my normal family and home duties, I was able to really think about some things that I just flat out didn’t have the time for before. Because of this, I’ve got some MAJOR ideas that I’m super excited about in the coming year or two!

Why I Left My Husband, and You Should Too! / by Busy Mom's Helper #relationships #findingthejoy #self

#5: Stronger Relationships with Your Family

When the week was over, and I made it home, everything was wonderful. The kids were still perfectly fine, the house hadn’t burned down, and they were just as excited to tell me about THEIR week as I was to tell them about MINE! While I was away having a whole new experience, Hubby and the kids were having their own little ‘adventure’ here without me, helping them grow in other ways to something out of the norm. Since I’m in a better position mentally and emotionally, I’m more fun to be around. Hubby loves how excited I am about my ideas I got while away, and we’re closer than ever because I truly feel like ME again!

Why I Left My Husband, and You Should Too! / by Busy Mom's Helper #relationships #findingthejoy #self

My relationship with Hubby wasn’t the only one that got better! My kids have noticed I feel more energized because of my renewed love of life and my goals. Having that time away made me appreciate each of them more, and they seem to recognize my service in their lives, also.

Why I Left My Husband, and You Should Too! / by Busy Mom's Helper #relationships #findingthejoy #self

Why I Left My Husband, and You Should Too! / by Busy Mom's Helper #relationships #findingthejoy #self

Why I Left My Husband, and You Should Too! / by Busy Mom's Helper #relationships #findingthejoy #self

Why I Left My Husband, and You Should Too! / by Busy Mom's Helper #relationships #findingthejoy #self

Overall, the Click Caribbean Retreat was AMAZING for so many reasons like the people, classes and the cruise itself (more to come on all those later!), but the absolute most amazing part of it was MY OWN personal growth and re-energizing! We get so caught up with our roles for OTHERS, we forget about OURSELVES. This quote is the PERFECT way to describe it….

Why I Left My Husband, and You Should Too! / by Busy Mom's Helper #relationships #findingthejoy #self

Happy Anniversary to the most amazing, wonderful husband and best friend ever! I love you so much!

Stay Tuned for More Click Caribbean Retreat Recaps, Coming Soon!

Filed Under: Parenting, Relationships Tagged With: Date Night, Happiness, Personal Life, Relationships, Self

Ten Ways to Show Hubby You Care (and save time, too!)

January 14, 2015 by Kelly Dedeaux

Ten Ways to Show Hubby You Care (and save time, too!) / by Busy Mom's Helper #DropShopAndOil #Ad #love #relationships

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #DropShopAndOil #CollectiveBias

So you may think your honey is the absolute most amazing thing this side of anywhere, but I gotta say that mine is the BOMB-DIGGITY! Seriously, he does so much for our family and treats me WAY better than I deserve. Lately I’ve been trying extra hard to return the love and treat HIM like he’s everything, because he is! If you’re wanting to do a little extra, too, here are Ten Ways to Show Hubby You Care (and save time, too!)

Ten Ways to Show Hubby You Care (and save time, too!) / by Busy Mom's Helper #DropShopAndOil #Ad #love #relationships

Wonder why I added the bit about saving time in there? Because we’re women…BUSY women! We have jobs to work, houses to clean, food to make, and kids to chase. We really would give our men all the time in the world if we could, but it’s usually not realistic. So saving some time while going the extra mile is a big deal. I mean, this blog IS called Busy Mom’s Helper, so let’s get to helping!

#1: Make Him a Nice Morning Drink

Before he heads out to work (or you head out, whichever comes first), fix him one of his favorite drinks. A coffee, hot chocolate, chai tea, apple juice, or milk…whatever it is, it’s a thoughtful act during one of the most rushed times of day. It not only shows you care, but can put him in a bright mood for the day! That can make you feel good for CAUSING him to be happy, which lets your morning be less chaotic.

#2: Lay Out His Clothes For Him

At night, lay out his work or casual clothes (or grubs, whatever!) for him so in the morning he doesn’t have one more thing to worry about. It doesn’t take you long, he’ll feel your support, and guess what…saves you time in the morning! Woot woot!

#3: Listen WELL When He Talks

Instead of just thinking about what you’re going to say next, REALLY listen to what you sweetie is saying. He’ll not only feel like you care and that what he has to say is important, but listening well will prevent anyone having to repeat (or possibly missing something important) so will save you time!

#4: Take Care of the Oil Change on the Vehicles

No, I’m not being sexist here saying that ‘usually’ men take care of the auto stuff. In fact, Hubby and I split it pretty evenly! But it IS nice for him when I just swing by Walmart’s Automotive Care Center, leave our van or car with them to get our oil changed, and even get my shopping done at the same time! It takes me hardly ANY extra time than errands already would have, and now HE doesn’t have to use his lunch break to take it in.

Ten Ways to Show Hubby You Care (and save time, too!) / by Busy Mom's Helper #DropShopAndOil #Ad #love #relationships

I also make the right decision to get Pennzoil for our vehicles, since Hubby loves it when we take the best care of our vehicles. Why is it better? All Pennzoil products help clean out sludge lesser oils leave behind and are designed for complete protection to allow you to drive an extra of 550 miles per year vs. a dirty engine. No other motor oil provides better protection from friction. We want our cars to last a LONG time, without expensive maintenance, so this simple choice will really help! With this particular trip, I had my little Green Lantern boy with me to help out!

Ten Ways to Show Hubby You Care (and save time, too!) / by Busy Mom's Helper #DropShopAndOil #Ad #love #relationships

They also offer specific types so you get the best thing for YOUR vehicle. For our van we use Pennzoil’s High Mileage Vehicle Oil because it helps to reduce leaks and oil consumption in worn or higher mileage engines, and ours is older with lots of miles. It’s a motor oil that is specifically designed for new or late model vehicles with over 75,000 miles, to help keep the engines running clean and going strong for a long time.

Ten Ways to Show Hubby You Care (and save time, too!) / by Busy Mom's Helper #DropShopAndOil #Ad #love #relationships

Not only that, but a total surprise to me was that they REALLY vacuumed it out! Normally I would be horrified to share pics of the interior of our van (we have 4 young kids and 2 dogs that sometimes join us for rides…it’s not particularly clean – plus it’s older)…but look at this!!!

Ten Ways to Show Hubby You Care (and save time, too!) / by Busy Mom's Helper #DropShopAndOil #Ad #love #relationships

Even Green Lantern was thrilled at our ‘pretty’ new ride!

#5: Praise Him in Front of the Kids and Your Friends

This is such a good thing, because it helps boost his confidence, shows you truly love and appreciate him, and teaches your kids about good, healthy relationships at the same time. I’ve noticed that the more I praise Hubby in front of them, they also show praise and gratitude more!

#6: Allow Him Time to Unwind When He Gets Home

After spending all day with the kids, cleaning the house, working on the blog, it’s really hard to not bombard him the minute he walks in the door, especially since it’s RIGHT at dinner time! But giving him a few minutes to just breath, put his stuff away, and adjust really helps the rest of our evening go smoother and with much less tension. A good smooch or two wouldn’t hurt, either!

#7: Apologize When Necessary

Holding on to grudges and letting your pride drag out arguments is so draining, and has an affect on the whole household. Instead of making it last, just apologize, make amends, and move on. Less time fuming over little things!

#8: Pack His Favorites for Lunch

It really doesn’t take long to add a few extra things to a sandwich so it’s extra tasty, or throw in his favorite few already cut up for him. He works hard (not saying we don’t, but this is about him), so something extra special in the middle of the day can really make him feel loved.

#9: Hang or Fold His Clothes the Way HE Likes

Some guys (and gals) have a particular way they like their clothes hung up. My honey has his work shirts organized by colors. I try to make sure to put them that way, so he can find things easier and….duh da dun….save time searching! When putting clothes away, I also fix the pockets on his pants. They tend to get all funky during washing, so fixing that for him makes it even better when he gets dressed. I honestly don’t know if he ever notices that, or does it himself when he puts laundry away, but even secret acts of service for him are excellent!

#10: Give Him Love Notes

Isn’t it super fun to stick short, sweet love notes in his car, or pocket, or backpack? Just be careful it’s not TOO sweet, in case it falls out during a meeting at work! You can even hide it with a secret treat for him, like a little candy or snack!

Bonus: Surprise Him With a Lunch Out

How happy would it make him to find a gift card so he can go out to lunch every once in awhile? Since we try to save money by packing lunches, my hun misses out on a lot of socializing with his coworkers who DO go to lunch regularly. I know he really enjoys it when he can join in!

What are YOUR favorite things to do for your special someone?

Filed Under: Gift, Time Management Tagged With: Happiness, Relationships, Valentines

Join the Love Letter of the Month Club!

January 5, 2015 by Kelly Dedeaux

Love Letter of the Month / by Busy Mom's Helper #datingdivas #relationships #romance #love

This amazing post contains affiliate links & helps support this blog. See my Disclosure Policy for more info!

One of my goals this month is to work on my relationship with Hubby. It’s already pretty dang amazing, but I want to take it way up and beyond FABULOUS! One way I’m planning to do this is with The Dating Divas Love Letter of the Month Club! Here’s what they have to say about this amazing resource to help you bring a bit more romance and spark into your love life!

Love Letter of the Month / by Busy Mom's Helper #datingdivas #relationships #romance #love

Our exclusive printable love letter kit contains beautiful stationary, fun writing prompts, and SO MUCH MORE! Surprising your loved one with heartfelt messages ALL YEAR LONG doesn’t have to be a time-consuming, tedious process where you literally spend hours agonizing over what to say. Nope! Here’s a tried and true formula.

I’ll admit. I’m a words lover. I love to write. I love to read. And I love, love, LOVE to talk. My husband…well… He’s not a words lover. He’s a touch and time and watch-a-movie-and-snuggle with me kind of guy. And it’s wonderful. But, sometimes, all I want is a thoughtful love letter left on my pillow. A surprise note in my purse. A sticky note on the back of my phone. Or – most amazing of all…a well-thought out, impeccably written love letter. Every month. For twelve months. Swoon. Enter The Dating Divas!

Love Letter of the Month / by Busy Mom's Helper #datingdivas #relationships #romance #love

Oh, just the thought of my husband doing this gets me excited! The world just simply needs more love in it, and, in particular – more beautifully written love letters. Think like…Jane Austen’s “Pride and Prejudice” style love letters. Yep. “You have betwitched me body and soul”. Yes. Just yes. So why not invite your spouse to be part of the Love Letter of the Month club? Shower them with twelve beautifully written love letters, one for each month of the year!

Love Letter of the Month / by Busy Mom's Helper #datingdivas #relationships #romance #love

I sometimes think of Mr. Darcy with his quill pen, slaving over those amazing letters he wrote for Lizzy for hours on end. Well, guess what? Writing a quality love letter to your words-lover spouse doesn’t have to be tedious! The Divas have made it super easy, and they have thought of everything! All it takes is the winning formula:

Love Letter of the Month / by Busy Mom's Helper #datingdivas #relationships #romance #love

My favorite thing in this entire pack is the “anatomy of a love letter”. Move over, Mr. Darcy. Your love letters have suddenly become super-doable!

Love Letter of the Month / by Busy Mom's Helper #datingdivas #relationships #romance #love

Look at these darling tips!

Love Letter of the Month / by Busy Mom's Helper #datingdivas #relationships #romance #love

But why stop at just love letters? They also threw in these darling printables to include a favorite treat with each letter! Oh, this product speaks to me…

Love Letter of the Month / by Busy Mom's Helper #datingdivas #relationships #romance #love

Worried about writers block? Don’t be. They have even put in writing prompts, to get the creative juices flowing each month!

And the STATIONARY! Oh, the stationary! Isn’t it just darling? Could you imagine love letters written JUST FOR YOU on this paper?

Love Letter of the Month / by Busy Mom's Helper #datingdivas #relationships #romance #love

Okay…how cute it this? They even included embellishments for a darling mailbox to put them in! Can’t you just picture this on the kitchen table, eagerly awaiting for your spouse one morning? {Or…let’s face it. For me. I WANT THIS FOR ME. SOMEONE TELL MY HUSBAND.}

Love Letter of the Month / by Busy Mom's Helper #datingdivas #relationships #romance #love

Or – you can use their done-for-you wildly creative delivery ideas! Check out this love note balloon – isn’t it the cutest?!

Love Letter of the Month / by Busy Mom's Helper #datingdivas #relationships #romance #love

And these embellishments! I love that they can be used on so many things, besides super cute love letters! I’m thinking Valentine’s Decor…anyone else?

Love Letter of the Month / by Busy Mom's Helper #datingdivas #relationships #romance #love

I seriously just can’t get enough of this product. Isn’t it gorgeously fun? If you are married to a Words Lover {like my poor husband}, this is a MUST! And guess what? It’s on sale for only $5.97 right now! I know…I can’t believe it either! Better nab it up while you can!

Download it today, and start sharing the love!

Find it Here

Filed Under: Gift, Printable Tagged With: Date Night, Happiness, Personal Life, Relationships, Valentines

14 Gifts of Valentines with Free Printables, plus MORE

February 19, 2016 by Kelly Dedeaux

14+ Gifts of Valentines: Saying & Ideas / Busy Mom's Helper
Do you go all out for Valentine’s Day, or keep it mellow? Do you love the holiday, or find it annoying? Me, I’m kind of a mix. Mostly since we haven’t done TOO much in the past for Valentine’s day. Either because we were busy with school/kids/life, or couldn’t afford it (or BOTH, usually). Now that we’re past the college years (Hallelujah – imagine angels singing here), we’re still really watching our budget and our lives are busier than ever – but I want to make a better effort to show Hubby he’s loved and appreciated. So this Valentine’s, I decided to do the: 14 Gifts of Valentines

14+ Gifts of Valentines: Saying & Ideas / Busy Mom's Helper

Day 1: I’m so glad you ‘CHEWS’ to be with me! (gum)

Day 2: We’re ‘MINT’ to be together! (tic tacs, mints)

Day 3: I’ve got a CRUSH on you (Crush soda)

Day 4: I’ll Always BURN for you (hot tomales)

FREE PRINTABLE TAG

Day 5: Our love will never ‘FIZZLE’ out! (soda pop)

Day 6: Let’s STICK together forever (duct tape)

Day 7: You’re the APPLE of my eye! (apple, apple cider, apple candy, etc.)

Day 8: I’m totally NUTS about you! (nuts)

FREE PRINTABLE TAG

Day 9: You’re my best CATCH (swedish fish)

Day 10: You’re my best MATEY! (Chips Ahoy)

Day 11: I’m BANANAS for you! (Monkey/banana)

Day 12: You always MELT my heart (melting chocolate, covered strawberries)

Day 13: Can’t BEAR to be without you! (gummy bears)

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Day 14: ‘Honey Comb’ your hair, ’cause we’re going out! (Honey Comb cereal with dinner certificate)

I’m really excited to share these with him – although I will admit I’m giving them to him early, since I don’t think he’ll truly avoid looking at this post! Oh well, he can feel special even if it’s not Valentine’s exactly, right? It’s NEVER the wrong time to give your honey a bit of extra lovin’!

Here’s some other fabulous Valentines ideas!
50+ Great Valentine's Ideas on { lilluna.com } #valentines
50 Handmade Valentine’s Ideas
from Lil’ Luna
Becca-EnvelopeBook-Pinterest
Valentine’s Day Envelope Memory Book
from The Dating Divas
50 Cute Sayings for Valentines
from Skip To My Lou
valentine sayings
100 Clever Valentine’s Day Sayings
from Creating Really Awesome Free Things
14 Days of Valentines Free Printables
from Mommy By Day Crafter By Night

Filed Under: Gift, Holidays Tagged With: Relationships, Round-up, Valentines

The Most Helpful Printables EVER for busy families! Nab just a mini set of your favorites, or get the whole pack! Practically every printable a busy family could use - over 70 pages PLUS two BONUS items! Help get organized with categories like: Money, Scheduling/Time Management, Kitchen/Meal Planning, Security & Home Management, as well as Trip Planning! #printables #busymom #busyparents #busyfamily #busyfamilies #printableset #parenting #moms #money #homemanagement #timemanagement
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