How do they earn money. . .or DO they earn money?

One way that kids can earn money is through chores.  

Initially, Brittany's family was of the mind that chores were just a part of life-and should be done-which is a belief that many families hold (and how many of us were raised).  Over the years, however, she and her husband have pivoted a bit and decided that there are definitely SOME chores that are simply done out of family responsibility, but there are also tasks that can be completed for money-for a really good reason:

Allowing children to earn money beginning at a young age can provide SO many teaching opportunities when it comes to money management-and helps with the goal of raising financially smart adults.  

Both our families pay children their age in allowance each week.  Brittany's family has a great system (which also teaches responsibility and the importance of a job well done).  We'll call it the system of 1/2's. . .

1. It's ALWAYS a good idea to check kid work (think of yourself as quality control).  Brittany emphasizes the idea (once again-because it is brilliant) of asking good questions (in a loving way) when effort is lacking (or if a job hasn't been done).  

2. Then, if a child doesn't complete their chores one day, their pay is cut in half.

3. If they miss a second day, there goes another half.  

4. By the third missed day-there will be no pay.  

On raising entrepreneurs. . .

Brittany's kids have participated in the Children's Business Fair for a few years now and they have learned a TON.  This last year, her boys made and sold wooden toys, and her girls sold handmade dolls and paper.  Parents help, yes, but the kids purchase supplies, create product ideas, and run their shops on the big day!  For more information on Children's Business Fairs, check out: 

https://www.childrensbusinessfair.org

After the fair, there is another great opportunity for a teachable moment. . .what to do with the profit!

Earnings are divided as follows. . .

1. 10% is given.  Giving is SO important, and when started young, it can become a GREAT lifelong habit.

2. 20% is saved.  The only exception to this is when profits (or earnings exceed $100, then savings gets bumped to 30%)

3. 70% is spent!  If kiddos work hard to earn all that money, they should get to enjoy it!  Now. . .depending on the kid, this can get a bit sticky--literally and figuratively--because we all have that one child who wants to spend $15 on candy!  This is another great opportunity to ask good questions and let your kids waste a little money (because when something else comes along later when they have nothing to spend-it will be a great lesson).  

As far as savings goes, this is an area where we exercise a bit more parental control, for two reasons. . .1. to teach good habits (because savings is important, and saving little bits over time and not digging into it constantly is a GREAT habit), and 2. both of our families have a parent matching program (where we add the child's age to their savings each month on TOP of what they save themselves.  

Kids CAN do big things with their money!  Brittany's two oldest saved for and traveled from Florida to ALASKA!  She also has another son saving for his own hoverboard right now!  Our family was able to help my oldest purchase a new camera for his photography business by saving in this way!

If you aren't interested in chores, and you don't live near an area with a children's business fair-consider encouraging kids to own their own skills.  Kids CAN do big things-with a little help and encouragement!  

Finally-we would love to hear YOUR ideas!  Find us on IG @dirty_moms_talk, @thedeliberateday, and @artfullybydorajayne 

While new episodes will not be published, we hope you can enjoy any of our 200+ past episodes!

1. How do you keep up with household organization and cleaning without getting overwhelmed and just not doing anything at all?

Start with a book!

Some of our favorites are:

Declutter Like a Mother

A Mother's Rule

Pray Like Mary, Clean Like Martha

First, figure out your priorities!  Is a clean house your #1, then schedule your day for it.  Is playing with your kids the most important to you?  Then plan for that!  (All of us have different priorities and that's OK!)

Then, figure out what makes you crazy!  Is it the laundry?  Dishes, the kitchen?  Is there a small thing, that you can turn into a habit that will make you FEEL like your home is clean?  

Next, what can you do to be kind to tomorrow's you?  

Finally, understand that having help that isn't exactly up to your standards is better than no help at all. . .not all help will be exactly what you want, and that's ok.  Opportunities for growth exist here-both for us moms (in learning to let go a bit) and for kids (in learning to be proud of the work they do).  Just know that you will have to repeat yourself over and over again.

Sidenote: In Brittany's home they practice mastery. . .
First time-you show by doing.
Second time-you show them by having them help you.
Third time-they show you and you're there to monitor and ask good questions.
Fourth time-they do it all by themselves, and you come back and check.

(The above steps can be applied to MANY different situations-not just chores and meal mastery!)

2. What do you do when your kids are asking for snacks all day long?  

In Brittany's family, the rule is one piece of fruit and then vegetables (carrots are always available), and as soon as dinner prep starts there is no more snacking.  

In my family, it's free reign.  I get cereal bars and chips and my kids quite often refuse to eat the delicious food I cook (this isn't always the case-but it isn't a battle I pick currently).  

It really comes down to what battles you are willing to fight!  If you want to snack all day and that's your thing, that's fine!  If food is really important to you, fight that battle mama-and just know there will be things that you will make that your kids don't like!

On the planning side, you need to figure out what your priorities are.  If you want snacks every day, plan it out!  Hungry kids will eat eventually!  You don't have to turn to Mac n' Cheese-unless it is for you, and you need to let it be easy.  

If you need some help with meal planning, check out episode 9 (season 2) AND head to https://www.deliberatedayjournal.com and enter your e-mail for access to the free resource library and your FREE printable.

3.  What do you do about so many different taste buds?

I try to include something something that everyone likes in each meal.  Sometimes it is a second veggie or grain.  

Brittany's meals are non-negotiable.  Cooking is a sacrifice-with lots of love and care that goes into each meal-so even if they don't like it, they need to eat it.  Tastebuds are always changing, and it's possible that if you don't like something-you might like it cooked a different way!  Kids don't need to lie about what they like and don't like, but we should ALL be thankful that someone loved us enough to cook for us.

Sidenote: Food battles are almost ALWAYS a thing with toddlers.  Hang in there though-keep encouraging kids to try and eat lots of different items.  Food is fuel, it keeps us healthy and nourishes our bodies, it isn't just for pleasure. 

While new episodes will not be published, we hope you can enjoy any of our 200+ past episodes!

How do you get everyone's attention when you're out and about?

Consider a special whistle!  (Like Brittany-y'all this is so neat to see in action). If you can't whistle (like me), make sure you set clear boundaries for how far your kiddos are allowed to venture out (based on age, personality, and responsibility) and agree ahead of time on how they will be called.  

When you collect all the people, also think about how you will make sure everyone is present.  Brittany, once again, has a great way to make sure all the kids are there.  Encourage your kids to keep eyes on one another (because we can all use the help)!  

Inside mom tip: Your kids are capable of helping you!  Give them small responsibilities at young ages and build upon them over the years!  

What is the Catholic and Mormon rule of visiting friends?

Rule: With few exceptions, it's not ok for you to bring your many children to a home with less children.  

Consider meeting at a neutral location, or your own house.

Something else to consider, two star families (with two kids) may not be used to five star level crazy (five kids).  

This rule can be a reason why having more kids can be isolating. . .we suggest to keep trying!  Find your people (regardless of how many kids they have) and keep building relationships (if meeting a your house doesn't work, try a park, or pool, or coffee. . .just keep trying)!

How do you feel about allowing kids to venture out?  

I'm a recovering helicopter parent.  I know it is so important to let kids go and explore, but it is HARD.  (If you are like this-I feel you mama!). Brittany is a great example of a mom who sets clear boundaries and lets kiddos have a bit more freedom.  Think about this freedom as an opportunity to grow responsibility.  Kids do need opportunities to get themselves into-and out of- a little bit of trouble.  For two great books that touch on this topic, check out:

The Brave Learner by Julie Bogart

There's No Such Thing as Bad Weather by Linda Akeson McGurk

If YOU have any ideas about these topics, please send us a DM on instagram!  While you're there, check out what we have going on!  

@dirty_moms_talk (both of us can be reached here)

@thedeliberateday (Brittany)

@artfully_by_dorajayne (Tiffany)

If you are enjoying the podcast, give us a review (it will help us to reach more mamas!)

Finally, if you haven't already, head to https://www.deliberatedayjournal.com and enter your e-mail for access to ALL the amazing FREE printables!  

While new episodes will not be published, we hope you can enjoy any of our 200+ past episodes!

Season three will be ALL about listener questions!  We will do our best to share our wisdom and experience on a wide variety of momming topics!

Don't you know what causes that?  

This is a question that you begin to hear quite often-once your kid count surpasses 3.  We're not sure why people seem to ask this so often, Brittany thinks it *may just be an attempt to connect--even if it doesn't feel that way--so we encourage you to answer charitably.  Also, if you are a mom who wants to connect and encourage other moms out and about in public, consider complimenting their children, flashing them a knowing smile, or perhaps telling them good job (because at the most basic level, regardless of HOW we mom, we all LOVE our kids and want what's best for them).  

How do you do IT?  

What is IT anyway?  According to Brittany, we are all picking a different mountain to die on based on our priorities.  We both agree that the idea of a supermom who has it all together is an absolute MYTH.  Not one human can actually do it all, and that's ok!  Just know that momming well is all about choosing your priorities in this season.  

Real talk. . .Good moms yell.  Good moms get angry.  Good moms get frustrated.  Good moms get worn out.  

Motherhood can be like a battlefield and require triage.  This, mama, is where we get to shine, because we get to choose what we will prioritize.  Based on your season, you need to prioritize, do the best you can, give yourself grace, and let the rest go!

Where do you put them?  

You may not need as much space as you think you need!  Brittany's family of 9 lives in an 1,800 square foot home-very comfortably!  My family of 7 lives in a home that is just slightly bigger.  Whether you have a huge space or a small space, it can be more about how you USE it than how much you have.  

Brittany suggests the idea of being flexible. . .different set-ups are necessary for different ages and stages.  Allowing children to be in close proximity can teach children selflessness, communication, and basic "humaning" skills. 

Sharing space is good roommate and marriage practice.  Consider that siblings are a great gift-even if it doesn't feel that way!  

Should I have another baby?

1. Have you prayed about it?

2. Are the reasons you aren't having another baby rooted in love and goodness and Christ?  Or are they rooted in fear or selfishness?  

Brittany has seven children and I have five, and they were NOT all planned.  Still, each little soul has added to, changed, and grown our families in beautiful and amazing ways.  

So much goodness can come from adding another soul to your family.  We can create so many reasons to say "no" to another life, but all these things aren't always as big of a deal as we think.  There will be challenges-absolutely-but all of those challenges are conquerable!  You will grow, you will see beauty, and although it can feel scary or overwhelming, you can do it.

Many times, our children are given to us in order to make us into the humans we are meant to be.  Hopefully, you are a different mother today than you were a year ago.  With God's grace, you will be a different mother twenty years from now!  

Finally, saying "yes" to more children DOES mean you will need to say "no" to other things right now.  But consider that those "yesses," might close some doors, but will open others.  So, have a conversation with a husband (if this is something that's on your heart).  And consider approaching it from a "why not" angle.

Connect with us on Instagram @dirty_moms_talk and @thedeliberateday and head to https://www.deliberatedayjournal.com and enter you e-mail!

While new episodes will not be published, we hope you can enjoy any of our 200+ past episodes!

Where do you stand on wardrobe planning?  

What does wardrobe planning look like?  In this episode, we talk about a modified capsule wardrobe for kids.

So, how do you start?

1. Start early and small. . .go through clothes and purge anything that is in poor condition or doesn't work.  Save what will work fo the next child down for next season-or the next two seasons ONLY.

2. Go to deliberatedayjournal.com and put in your e-mail for access to the FREE wardrobe printable, print it off (one copy for each child) and start making notes about what you have and what you want.

3. Shop!  Online, in store, and yard sales and consignment shops are ALL great ways to find the pieces you need.  Also-ask friends with kids older than yours where they get their clothes-or what they do when the kids outgrow them!  (We shop at Old Navy, H & M, Target, Hollister, Underarmour Outlet, Nike Outlet, Primary).

4. Keep your list for next season!  Make notes on what works and what didn't.

If all this sounds overwhelming, take it slow!  Do what you can and give yourself grace.  If starting fresh is all you can handle, do that. 

Some other things to keep in mind:

1. Socks and underwear have a lifespan of about 12 months. 

2. Your laundry prowess.  If you are really good at laundry, you can probably get by with less.  If laundry is not your gift, make sure to have enough clothes to cover laundry delays.

3. Don't overplan.  The goal is to have several pieces that can all be worn interchangeably.  

4. Get one, cute, well put-together outfit for special occasions and protect it with your life.

5. Kids of ALL ages are hard on clothes.  Make sure to bake in extras for when pieces are damaged or lost (how do kids lose so many pieces of clothing!?).

Finally, if you found value here-share with a friend and give us a rating!  

While new episodes will not be published, we hope you can enjoy any of our 200+ past episodes!

Why do our people need to eat 3 times a day?  

Meal planning saves you frustration, fatigue, time, energy, and money, but why is it such a difficult thing for moms (in fact, it's right up there with laundry)!?  It doesn't have to be!  We're here to help!

For us, there are 5 steps to meal planning:

1. Budget-be prepared for some trial and error if you have never made a food budget.  The good news is that "food" is generally one of the largest portions of a family's expenses-so there is great opportunity to save here if you really put your mind to it!

2. Inventory-check your pantry, freezer and refrigerator!  Take photos or keep a list. . .this will keep you from overbuying certain items (like Cholula) or forgetting items (which will require yet another visit to the store).  

3. Schedule-don't forget this step!  Do you weekly planning, and don't make elaborate plans for busy days!  Be kind to your future self and let those hectic days be easy!  This will save you frustration and money!  

4. Menu-keep a running list of the  meals that your family enjoys!  Use these strategically.  Also, we give you permission to include a leftover/quick & easy night!  In fact, if you are in a particularly busy season-make one meal a day into a leftover/quick & easy meal-no judgement here!  Head over to https://www.deliberatedayjournal.com and put in your e-mail to gain access to the resource library where you will find a great FREE meal planner printable!

5. List, shop, & save.  Keep a running list  on your phone or your refrigerator door that you can easily add to all week!  Consider which items are on sale this week and build meals around what's on sale and what you have on hand!  If you need to keep it simple, at most, choose your two favorite stores and shop at those!  (If you dread shopping-consider going with a friend-or a delivery or pick-up service!)

The people need to eat, so you may as well learn to simplify the process of feeding them.  Right now, head over https://www.deliberatedayjournal.com and get your FREE meal planner!  

If you have enjoyed our episodes, please give us a rating on your favorite podcast platform, and if you have any questions or comments you can find us on Instagram @dirty_moms_talk.  
  

While new episodes will not be published, we hope you can enjoy any of our 200+ past episodes!

Each week is 1/52 of a year.

It is *just* the right amount of time to review, make 1% chances, and pivot is need be.

Creating an intentional plan for your week will give you action steps and help you create a master to-do list to pull from.

So, how do you create your weekly plan?  First, head over to the Resource Library at https://www.deliberatedayjournal.com

1. De-clutter your brain.  Write down every "possibility" for this week.  Every appointment, every task, the habit you are working on, even your big challenge for the week ahead.  As a mom, you WILL forget things--make it less likely when you write them down as you think of them--and when you still forget a few things, give yourself grace.  Use the FREE weekly planner resource to help guide you as you begin!

2. Prioritize!  Keep 3 categories.  (Use highlighters, letters, or numbers. . .make it your own).

     a. Max priority.  Must be done.  Include one thing each day that gets you closer to your big goals-            the world needs what YOU have to give!

     b. Mild priority.   Important, but no one will perish if you don't get these things down.

     c. Barely a priority.  Hope-to-dos.  This is where your dreams and goals can begin to live if you aren't careful!  Don't let this happen!

3. Use your prioritized possibility list to Pick Your Six for each day.  (To learn more about Picking Your Six in Episode 7).  Be AMAZED at your progress over time (1% each week adds up quickly)!

Rest easy knowing that you are doing the next best thing, and limit stress, resentment, and frustration in the moment because you have been kind to tomorrow's you.

Finally, go to https://www.deliberatedayjournal.com and get access to the FREE Resource Library.  Start planning your week today-even if the week is mostly over, START TODAY.

While new episodes will not be published, we hope you can enjoy any of our 200+ past episodes!

If you haven't listened to podcasts #5 and #6 on Goals and Habits, you should revisit those in order to get the most out of episode #7.

The Deliberate Start can be found in our shop!

Pick your six!  Only six each day.  You may be tempted to choose more, but limit it to six.

What should we include in our six?

At least one item that links back to your big dreams and goals.  This is SO important!  Don't let it go!  The world needs what you have!

Non-negotiables, appointments, classes, and sports.

Hope-to-do's. . .reading a book, visiting a friend.

When should you pick your six?  Preferably the night before or in the morning when you wake up, before the chaos starts.

What happens if you don't complete your six?  You GET to carry it over tomorrow!  Give yourself grace.

Our favorite place to write our six is in our Deliberate Day Journals! 

Finally, for the next three days, use your phone, your notebook, or your Deliberate Day Journal and pick your six!  Do it before bed, or in the morning before the crazy starts and let us know how it goes!  Send us a DM on Instagram or Facebook!

While new episodes will not be published, we hope you can enjoy any of our 200+ past episodes!

"You are making something, you are making yourself." 
-Donald Miller

How are we making ourselves?  We are making ourselves with HABITS!

According to the Google, a habit is a "routine behavior that is repeated regularly and tends to occur subconsciously."  

Whether you realize it or not, you have habits.  Good or bad, there are routine behaviors that fill your days.  The key is to begin to CHOOSE more of those behaviors.

When we CHOOSE our habits, we can align them with our mini-goals, and ultimately our big goals and our why.  

When we CHOOSE our habits, we can select to perform actions that are kind to tomorrow's us!  

So, HOW do we CHOOSE our ONE (only ONE) new habit?

1. First, head over to https://www.deliberatedayjournal.com and get your Deliberate Start Guide (FREE)!  This will help you REFLECT on key areas, ASSESS what you want in the future, and CREATE new goals aligned with your why!

2. Think of activities that align with your goals AND lend to a kindness to your future self.  

3. Choose ONE (yes, only ONE) habit to start.  Bonus points if you choose something that makes progress in more than one area (such as waking up early in the morning, or exercising with your people).

HOW do we START a new habit?

1. Consider things you are already doing.  (Waking up, eating meals, picking kids up from school, nap time, etc).

2. Get creative, and consider your season of life.  Maybe "reading" more for you right now looks a lot less like you sitting in your favorite chair for hours at a time, and a lot more like you enjoying an audible book on your way to the carpool line.

3. Start SMALL.  Start with ONE (max two-if you are an overachiever).  Do not overwhelm yourself.  Lasting change happens in 1% increments.  Be the turtle.

So!  Go to https://www.deliberatedayjournal.com and get your FREE Deliberate START guide!  If you need a good Habit Tracker, there is a fantastic page in the Deliberate Day Journal (which can also be found at the link above).  

While new episodes will not be published, we hope you can enjoy any of our 200+ past episodes!

First and foremost, head over to https://www.deliberatedayjournal.com and gain access to your Deliberate Start resource so you can get the most out of this episode!  

Don't choose a word, choose your "why"!  

Begin working on your goals by imagining your big picture.  Start with your grand vision (based on your values and priorities) and work backwards.

When you have your "why," consider what big goals will get you there.  Then, break those big goals into smaller-more manageable chunks (and even into habits-which we will cover more next week).  

Important notes. . .
1.  Mothers can-and should-have goals!  If you have time to scroll social media, you have time to think about what you want your life to look like!
2.  Focus on goals that fall within your circle of influence.
3.  While you may not know what this year has in store, writing down your intentions and working towards them will set you on a path to achieve a surprising amount.

Finally, head on over to https://www.deliberatedayjournal.com and get your FREE Deliberate Start resource.  Better yet, send this link to a friend (or your husband) and set a date (do this NOW) to work on your 2022 together.  

Thank you for listening-we would love to hear YOUR thoughts about goals and goal setting!  Head over to Instagram or Facebook and tag us @dirty_moms_talk, or leave a review on Apple or Spotify and let us know what you think!

While new episodes will not be published, we hope you can enjoy any of our 200+ past episodes!