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  • Londonultimatefamilyguide

    The Ultimate Guide To London For Families

    London is one of my favorite cities and undeniably in the top five. I’ve been lucky enough to live in London for several years, and I’ll share everything you need to know, which bucket list items are family-friendly & which ones are worth visiting. In this nearly exhaustive guide, I’ll share a ton of hidden gems, kid-friendly cafes, bucket list big hitters, and more!

    A Look At London Throughout The Seasons

    Winter: Albeit, This is my least favorite season if I’m honest. However, I LOVE the feeling Christmas brings. The streets will be twinkling with lights, shops, and public spaces transformed with decorations and all the sparkles, glitter, and warm hugs. You and your family can skate in an ice rink or stay indoors and see a ballet. And for my compulsive spenders- you’ll find ALL the sales! haha

    There is a downside, though: Traffic and transportation. These things tend to come to a halt, and the little snow you may see will be covered, or should i say, wiped away by rain. And more rain.

    If your kids can’t get enough of Santa- there will be a ton of opportunities to find him in many of the shopping centres and toy stores like Harrods, Selfridges, or Hamleys.

    On the 1st Thursday of December, you can watch the- Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony to switch on 500 lights that will decorate the large spruce tree in Trafalgar Square. The event begins typically at 6 pm with caroling a the views are up at 6:30 pm. Now Christmas Day is quiet in London, but an enormous NEW year Eve Celebration follows that with fireworks at the London eye! This is followed by their New years day parade. In late January/early February, you’ll find Chinatown filled with noise and color as a massive celebration with dragons, lanterns, torches, firecrackers, and more celebrates Chinese new year.

    • Santas Grottos
    • Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony

    • London International Horse Show
    • New Years Eve

    • London Ice Sculpting Festival
    • Chinese New Year

    Spring: This is my favorite time in London. I love seeing all the flowers blossoming. However, be prepared for temperamental weather. You’ll want to pack warm clothes and waterproof clothing because it tends to be chilly and wet. And after the month of March, you’ll find plenty of activities for the kids. During easter, Battersea park zoo holds an easter egg hunt. In May, there are festivals in Covent garden and garden shows at Chelsea Flower Show.

    • Oranges and Lemon Service
    • Easter Egg Hunts
    • London Friday Night Skate and Sunday Stroll
    • Canalway Cavalcade
    • Punch and Judy Festival
    • The Covent Garden May Fayre and Puppet Festival
    • Chelsea Flower Show

    Summer: Summer is lovely in London as well. (but still, be prepared as the weather in London truly is never reliable. You’ll find loads of people picnicking in the park and longs sunny days. Cafes and restaurants move their tables outside, and it’s merely divine as the city begins to feel almost like the Mediterranean. Almost.

    • Royal Academy Summer Exhibition
    • City of London Festival
    • Regent Parks Oper Air Theatre
    • London Green Fair
    • Spitalfields Festival
    • Greenwich and Docklands International Festival Notting Hill Carnival

    Fall: Autumn is another ideal time to visit London, as you’ll find it less crowded. Shops restock, and the days are still pleasant.

    • Mayor Thames Festival (Sundays night festival)
    • Great River Race
    • Pearly Kings and Queens Harvest Festival
    • October Plenty
    • Regent Street Christmas Lights
    • Winter Wonderland (Hyde Park)
    • London to Brighton Veteran Car Run

    Ceremonial Events To See

    Trooping The Color: honors the official Queens birthday

    Changing The Guard: literally the changing of the guard lol

    State Opening of Parliament: The queen announces a program of proposed legislation on behalf of the government. (this is closed to the public; however, is televised for your viewing)

    Remembrance Day: Nation commemorates those who died in world wars & recent conflicts

    Gun Salutes: marking of royal occasions

    The Ceremony of The Keys: The ceremony of securing the Tower of London

    Lord Mayor’s Show: Procession for the newly elected major to pledge allegiance to the Crown

    Oak Apple Day: Commemorates the lucky escape of the future Charles II

    Beating Retreat: Bands of the household division perform a ceremony

    Travel To London

    Air: the five airports that serve London are:

    • Heathrow
    • Gatwick
    • Stanstead
    • Luton
    • London City

    The first two are the closest and BEST options for arriving in the city (with the most effortless transfers). However, the others will likely yield cheaper flight tickets because of their proximity to London (they’re nearly outside London.)

    Train: Eurostar

    St Pancreas International

    Liverpool Street

    Kings Cross

    Euston

    Paddington

    Waterloo

    Charing Cross

    Victoria

    Coach: Eurolines

    Traveling Around London

    Bus: Bus is most likely the best and most affordable option. Be sure to plan your journey first so you can take advantage of their Hopper fare (which lets you ride any bus and another bus after that within the hour free) Children under the age of 11 are FREE!

    Train, Underground, Rail: Another good option but slightly costlier than the bus route. Download an underground map of London before your travel, understand and figure out which “zones” you’ll be traveling in (it’s an easy pinky promise), then you can calculate ticket costs.

    Taxi: This be the most expensive option for sure but if you’re all strapped for time, don’t want to be around people or just prefer a car ride- stay safe by using Uber (cheapest option), London black cabs or proper taxi service (you can Google them and read reviews)

    Car: If you don’t already have a car, renting one is undoubtedly an option. Be mindful though, in London, the vehicles operate on the other side (left) of the road. I’ve heard and seen several Americans STRUGGLE with this, so be careful. (There’s also many many little rules that you’ll need to be aware of.

    River: Services for the river are operated by TFL’S river bus. (There are four lines between Putney and Woolwich Arsenal but have season schedule changes, see their website for more information)

    Bicycle: I LOVE that London has bikes all over the city. All you need is a helmet and a phone. (You’ll use your phone to find the nearest bicycle location and to pay by the hour)

    Walking: This is the best and preferred method if you intend on touring small, close, nearby areas.

    Staying Safe in London

    Passport & Government: I’m assuming you’ve done this already, but in case you haven’t, be sure you’ve crossed your T and dotted your I’s. Verify dates on all documents! (Remember most documents need at least a future of 6 months until expiration)

    Insurance: A matter of personal preference here, but I recommend you have coverage for your trips and expensive items as anything can happen. Better safe than sorry.

    Health: To my understanding, in the event of an emergency, foreigners will always receive care. (These legalities are continually changing at the moment with Brexit) But, i advise travelers to take out comprehensive travel insurance in case of any health hiccups. In the event of an emergency, dial 999 (however 911 will work). If there isn’t an emergency, you can always consult a pharmacist first (that’s the standard procedure anyhow) and then see a GP if they recommend it.

    Personal Safety: Just like anywhere in the world, make sure you stay aware of your surroundings. In crowded areas, thieves will most likely be present, so be sure to carry a handbag that completely closes and seals up and keep it close. Never carry valuables and large amounts of money. Walk along with well-lit areas. Never leave a bag unattended in a public place, especially public transportation. It may be treated as a suspect package and trigger a security alert. London’s motto: “See it, say it, sorted.” Also, prepare yourself and your family for walking safely on roads, etc. as they drive on the left side of the way.

    Money: The UK uses GBP (pounds & pence, instead of dollars & cents) Currency exchange rates can be tedious and a rip- off in some cases, so my best suggestion is to use your American credit cards.

    Communicate: The UK country code is +44 (as ours is +1), and for London, the area code is 020. I know many Americans continue to use their own service abroad, and you can do that (I’ll say this is helpful when you need to call your credit card company…you won’t be flagged as a fraud because you aren’t calling from a different number). But I always suggest if you want to save money, use my budget strategy, and opt for a temporary month to month plan with any of the UK’s top mobile providers. In order of preference (due to price, customer service, and connection) is EE, Three, O2, Vodaphone.

    If you are staying with friends or family or an Airbnb, you can have one shipped free to your destination. (ask your hotel if they will allow this) Then, you’ll “top-up” when you arrive. Wifi is available FREE almost everywhere, from restaurants to cafes, libraries, and hotels. So you can stretch and save your data even more.

    Visiter Information: The main tourist information center is- the City of London Information Centre. However, there are visitor centers in nearly every railway station.

    Packing: Because London is a major city, there isn’t any worry if you forget something. You’ll be able to find anything you could need & if you need things in a hurry, Amazon UK to the rescue. (You can sign up for a FREE 30-day trial and use your foreign credit cards as well.)

    Exploring London & Greater London

    Favorite Parks & Playgrounds

    London is full of hidden gems. Here’s a list of places for you and your little ones to play, picnic, and enjoy nature. As a family, there’s no doubt we’ll be spending a load of time pushing swings, running around, kicking a ball, or any other thrilling activity!

    Coram’s Fields: London’s very first children’s public playground. Located in the West end right in the center of London. There’s a zip line, a giant sandpit paddling pool open place space small city farm and cafe alongside it.

    Crystal Palace Park: Here, you’ll find sculptures of prehistoric creatures and a beautiful lake.

    Victoria Park: This is one of my favorite parks as it has a boating lake, playground, rope nests, skate park, and water area, and a lakeside bakery.

    Kew Gardens: This park, while not free, easily justifies the cost. It has beautiful botanical gardens. It’s free entry for children under four and a fantastic membership offer. At 300 acres, it’s filled with climbers and an indoor play area, along with a treetop walkway.

    Battersea Park: spark holds small boating because of a small zoo and an adventure playground and is a frequent destination.

    Diana, Princess of Wales Playground: one of our favorite parks we frequent. It’s a child-friendly park paying tribute to the late Princess of Wales and is filled with a Neverland theme for children under 12 years old. There are ten slide climbing nets and a substantial boating play area filled with sand around it. You’ll find teepee, treehouse, sea monster, water play, treasure chest, and other sensory items hiding around. It’s also designed for children with special needs and is inaccessible to unaccompanied adults.

    Richmond Park: This is a huge, huge park with woods that are home to a variety of plants, birds, and animals, including deer that roam freely. You also find horse riding nearby.

    Hobbledown: This park’s here is a similar theme to the Chessington world of adventures! It’s filled with mazes tunnels exotic animals giant bouncing pillows and more. It has a modest entry fee, all targeted for younger children. (Under 10)

    Brockwell Park: This park is approximately 125 acres of space. It has a paddling pool duck pond, a tea room, and a beautiful community greenhouse. There’s lots of green space, and it isn’t particularly fun for little ones as there aren’t many distractions, just lots of open space. Between April and October, there is a miniature railway that offers short rides that are always ahead with preschoolers. Also, you’ll find the Lambeth country Fair that’s a lively mix of reggae, farm animals, vegetable sculptures, and local cider.

    Alexandra Park: we have so many paper parks in London, and this is no exception. This park is filled with swan and dragon-themed boats on a lake, large lush green space pitch and putt golf, dream climbing skate park soft play area, and in an indoor year-round ice rink.

    Sky Garden: although free tickets must be booked online in advance. This innovative public oasis is child-friendly, a fascinating space with planters of eucalyptus sage and huge palm trees. You’ll find hidden benches, a restaurant and cafe, and gorgeous panoramas of the ever-changing cityscape. No food and drink prices are sky-high.

    Dulwich Park: This park has tucked into which village It’s a semi-rural area of Southeast London. You’ll find a busy playground, pack cafe, boating lake, and sports pitches. It’s a real crowd-pleaser. What makes us one unique is it donut-like shape to the full traffic-free orbital path that is a favorite among local runners as well as cyclists.

    Ruislip Lido: This park is the whole the beautiful freshwater lake alongside imported sand that gives you a very beachy feel. Do note that the shallow water and grimy silt underfoot doesn’t allow for proper swimming. And surrounded by a dense forest and has all the sunny day treats and like playground and gastropub and a splash park. You can also ride the Ruislip Lido Railway. This is a volunteer-run service of manager diesel and locomotive train.

    Museums & Galleries

    Horniman Museum & Gardens: This museum is relatively small, but it packs a punch in the number of fantastic activities available for young children. As long for the earth stuff walrus that stands in the main hall. It has an extensive gardens 1300 musical instruments taxidermy working beehive a farm right next door and an aquarium in the basement. Honestly calling this place, a museum does it a disservice.

    London Transport Museum: this is one of London’s most famous museums. Here you’ll find vintage buses and more with an all aboard play zone and theme. There are tube driving simulations pre-war exhibits to keep to entertain the older children and more to appeal tiny train enthusiasts.

    National Maritime Museum: Head on over to the AHOY! Gallery FREE, where you’ll find a play space with stacking blocks or pretend fish market and the ton other miniature delights. That’s perfect for preschoolers. You also find a top floor located to all their children filled with an exhibit that gives the kids a gruesome rat filled guide to life below the deck (dock-themed). On the ground floor, there’s a cafe with a “Great Map” that helps keep the kids entertained if you need a rest!

    Museum of London: This museum beings all of London prehistory to life! It’s thoughtfully interactive, with a smidge of spookiness with it’s a dark theme.

    Science Museum: Miss Museum is perfect for both young and older children. On the ground floor, you’ll find a garden area that introduces the world of science and with water play like games and pipes that carry sound. And you can also find the natural history museum next door both free and donations appreciated. And the outdoors will usually be filled with treat performers, and it’s sure to be a mind-expanding day out.

    V&A Museum of Childhood: here, you’ll find tons of antique toys and a museum-like setup. I bustling central cafe and full gift shop. There are two floors of informative hands-on attractions and play spaces filled with a beach-themed indoor sand pet and building block area to an old-fashioned chin and a pair of famous rocking horses. You’ll also find a sensory area for younger ones and temporary exhibitions with memorable characters.

    The Cartoon Museum: Museum is not too far from the British Museum, and here you’ll find I catching cut-outs of giant characters drawing materials and a plethora of comics.

    Luxury Days Out

    Sea Life London Aquarium

    Madame Tussauds

    London Zoo

    Legoland & Windsor Resort

    Buckingham Palace

    Outdoor Adventures

    London Wetland Centre

    Hackney City Farm

    Battersea Park Children’s Zoo

    Richmond Park

    Woodberry Wetlands

     

    Activities For Teens in London

    Jurassic Encounter Adventure Golf

    Oxygen-Free Jumping

    Capital Karts

    All-Star Lanes

    Lee Valley White Water Centre

    Go Ape

    Street Art London tour

    Indoor Activities: Escaping the rain doesn’t have to be challenging!

    The Idol

    Discover Story Centre

    Little Angel Theatre

    Polka Theatre

    V&A Make it Workshops

    Greenwich Observatory & Planetarium

    Kidzania At Westfield

    Pottery Cafe

    Southbank Centre

    Artsdepot

    The Bees Knees at Battersea Arts Centre

    Dining: Where to Eat

    The best way to eat on a budget is to veer away from the high streets, main roads, and touristy areas. The most budget-friendly idea is to have a family picnic at any of the parks listed on this page. But, if the weather isn’t permitting, finding local cafes, chain stores, and ethnic restaurants are the best way to get a bang for your buck.

    Cuisine By Culture: If you’re ready to venture off into authentic cuisine, see some of the suggestions below.

    British: I’m going to be honest out here and just say it. I don’t find British food delicious. It tends to be tasteless. Coming from a Latina background that prides on seasoning food well, I find that the Brits fall short of this. But if you insist on trying some native dishes, I’d go for fish and chips or your standard English breakfast, which is surprisingly good, but that’s probably due to the bacon lol, however, stay away from the black pudding. It’s revolting. Don’t say I didn’t warn you!

    North American: all right guys, I would hope that you wouldn’t be the typical Americans searching for American food or in the land, but if you are hard Rock Cafe won’t disappoint. You can also consider the child-friendly Chicago rib shack in Knightsbridge. Or any of the chain restaurants listed below.

    Spanish: yeah yeah! What I love about Spanish restaurants are, of course, the tapas, but they are very sensitive to families and almost all Spanish restaurants or child-friendly with kid menus filled with an informal and relaxing.

    Italian: when you think Italian, most people think pizza, but it goes well beyond that, and there are many pizzerias restaurants and trattorias within London that are sure to please.

    Greek & Turkish: their food is similar to the Middle East with Greek specializing in stocky, which is delicious. I spent years living in Greece, and I can say that there isn’t much that the Greeks make that isn’t worth trying. Restaurants worth visiting are the real Greeks and The Athenian in Victoria.

    Chinese: If you’re craving Chinese food, the most obvious place in Chinatown in the West end. But there are many other areas, of course, they cater to this cuisine. We love Chinese food because it’s perfect for kids with choices of rice noodle dumplings spring rolls and many choices later to both meet and non-meat-eaters.

    Indian: Indian Curry’s are a heavy favorite in the UK, including London. Take caution though that Indian food tends to be very, very spicy, so if you do visit or an Indian restaurant, be sure to request the children have little to no spice or request gentler versions.

    Thai: Thai food is delicious with many restaurants in Kensington and Fulham area. Do note though that some of the food is also spicy. Be sure to ask the waiter first about each dish. It’s often inspired by Chinese cuisine. If anyone in the family has peanut allergies avoid avoid avoid.

    Malaysian & Indonesian: If your family and children have adventurous palates, then go ahead and head to the center of London and visit Penang and Bali Bali, which serve meals from both countries. But they don’t have children menus, so be sure to keep that in mind when ordering or ask for children portions (which they will be happy to assist with). Again like the Thai Indian and Chinese cuisine, peanuts are frequently used, so be sure to remind the waiter and the restaurant of this if there are any peanut allergies at all.

    French: you’ll find quite a bit of French restaurants in the UK in London serving high-grade food. So if you’re looking for more fancy expensive posh experience, go with the French.

    London Chain Restaurants

    If you’re anything like me, sometimes I just want to add a chain restaurant. While I love exploring and tasting cultural foods based on location as there’s nothing like eating authentic meals… As a multiracial family, there are times when I just don’t have the mental capacity to risk whether or not the issues will develop unfortunately this is the reality and something we’ve dealt with many times over and so when I just want to have a good time and eat and go with the place I know I can bank on I tend to resort to chain restaurants here are a few of our favorites.

    Franco manca: As you can guess from the name, this is an Italian restaurant that serves solely sourdough pizzas, and they don’t compromise on quality. The food is delicious and reasonably priced.

    Wahaca: A fun restaurant that’s Mexican inspired with tasty food.

    Byron: A delicious and someone posh restaurant that serves hamburgers of all types vegan and vegetarian-friendly and can friendly as well.

    Giraffe: One of our favorite places this restaurant resembles Applebee’s in America with a darker themed lighting, loud music, and constant chatter. Kid-friendly and global tasty menu.

    Nando’s: delicious menu but do know it’s spicy kid-friendly with each location looking a bit different but filled with wooden tables family style.

    Wagamama: Asian inspired their menus filled with yummy food s of all kinds and kid-friendly but always noisy. Do note when you order from this place. You will never get all of your food at one time. They bring your food as it is prepared and ready.

    Rainforest Cafe: This is a global chain with some locations in the US as well. It’s a wildlife-themed restaurant that is overpriced but sure to please (The kids anyway.)

    Bills: This restaurant serves breakfast all day long and also lunch and dinner as well as mid-range price and typically excellent service.

    Ping pong: This chain restaurant serves dumplings and Asian and dishes mostly in soup form.

    London By Area: The Best Of…

    West End: Westminster

    Bucket List:

    National Gallery

    Trafalgar Square

    National Portrait Gallery

    Benjamin Franklin house

    Leicester Square

    Piccadilly Circus

    Hamleys

    Covent Garden

    Bucket list:

    St Paul’s Church

    Royal Opera House

    Theatre Royal Drury Lane

    London Transport Museum

    Somerset House

    Hunterian Museum

    Key sights in Covent Garden:

    Apple Store: This is the world’s LARGEST Apple store! Nuts!

    Jubilee Market: In the south piazza, this area is full of passageways packed with stalls selling homemade trinkets, T-shirts, and the like.

    Street Shows: You find singers, dancers, magic, and performers extraordinaire.

    Royal Opera House

    London Transport Museum: We love this one, and the cool thing here is when you purchase a ticket, it’s valid for one whole year!

    St Paul’s Church

    Bloomsbury & Regents Park

    Bucket List:

    British museum

    Coram’s Fields

    ZSL London Zoo

    Camden Market

    East End: The City

    Bucket List:

    The Monument

    Tower of London

    St Paul’s Cathedral

    Bank of England Museum

    Southbank: Southwark

    Bucket List:

    the Golden Hinde

    Borough Market

    Imperial War Museum

    River Thames RIB tour

    Kensington, Chelsea & Battersea

    Bucket List:

    Science Museum

    Battersea Park

    Kensington Palace

    Natural History Museum

    Victoria & Albert Museum

    Harrods

    Beyond The City Centre

    Bucket List:

    Kew Gardens

    Wembley Stadium

    V&A Museum of Childhood

    Horniman Museum

    Royal Observatory

    Where To Stay

    Hotels

    Bed and breakfast

    Self-cater

    Airbnb

    Retail Therapy: Shopping in London

    Bucket list:

    Selfridges

    John Lewis

    Topshop

    Marks and Spencer

    Debenhams

    Nike

    Paperchase

    Waterstones

    Tk Maxx

    Russell and Bromley

    Disney Store

    Mothercare

    Early Learning Centre

    Jojo Maman Bebé

    & Of course, the standards like gap, h&m, Hollister, Victoria’s secret Levi, etc.

    And MORE!

    London On A Budget:

    Surprisingly, almost all of London’s significant permanent collections of museums and galleries are free. In addition to this, many offer FREE or budget tours, workshops, etc. The ones that don’t offer many discounts for families.

    The best way to tour the city is on foot. Hands down. London is completely fascinating and utterly entrancing. Walking around is like a living walk-through museum. The architecture is just that phenomenal, especially when you compare it to the USA.

    If you arent keen on walking during your entire vacation, traveling by bus is the next best option. It’s relatively cheap (much cheaper than a taxi anyway), and you get to see beautiful sights from up high. This is a great way to grab a “bus tour” around the city.

    If you’re interested in the best bus journies that’ll give you the best sights around the city: Visit The Transport For London website here. (I’ve saved you the trouble and given you a direct link to the suggested routes page)

    Free Entertainment: (Or By Donation)

    Public libraries

    Vauxhall City Farm

    Mudchute

    Covent Garden: You can guarantee you’ll have hours of entertainment to watch via the street performers

    Budget-Friendly:

    Theatre tickets: Visit the “tkts booth” at Leicester Square

    Or: discounttheatre.com, Lastminute.com

    Baby Changing Facilities Around London

    Most restaurants have baby changing facilities available. However, it never hurts to call and be sure. Starbucks almost always has a changing table available, and if worst comes to worst- find your nearest clothing store, bring your baby and stroller (called pram or buggy in London) and use the disabled changing rooms as a last resort. These changing rooms always have some sort of chair, table, etc. If not, that’s what diaper changing pads are for ????????‍♀️ (be sure to wash it when you return home!)

    Homeschooling: Teaching The History of London When You Visit

    London is a city with a rich history. They have impressive architecture, lush parks, and world-class museums. It’s a treasure trove for visitors, especially homeschooling families.

    Day Trips

    Some places to escape if you have time:

    Legoland Windsor

    Warner Brothers Studio Tour

    Thorpe Park

    Chessington

    Railway Museum

    ultimate family guide to london

     

  • The Ultimate Guide On Growth Mindset For Moms & Kids

    Growth mindset has been the talk of the decade. I’m not one to follow trends but, this one is worth it! As parents, it’s our responsibility to create an environment where a growth mindset can flourish. 

    So, What Is Growth Mindset?

    A “growth mindset,” as Carol Dweck coined the phrase, is the belief that you can grow your mind. In her book- Mindset: The New Psychology of Success, she explains that while a “fixed mindset” assumes that our character, intelligence, and creative ability are static givens that can’t be changed. A growth mindset, however, thrives on challenge and sees failure “not as evidence of unintelligence but as a heartening springboard for growth and for stretching our existing abilities.“

    “Believing that your qualities are carved in stone creates an urgency to prove yourself over and over. If you have only a certain amount of intelligence, a certain personality, and a certain moral character, well then you’d better prove that you have a healthy dose of them. It simply wouldn’t do to look or feel deficient in these most basic characteristics.“

    Dweck believes a fixed mindset can negatively impact all aspects of your life. When you start viewing things as changeable, you can see the situation in a clearer picture.

    A growth mindset is based on the belief that your basic qualities are things you can cultivate through your efforts.

    Although people may differ in their initial talents and aptitudes, interests, or temperaments, and personalities, adults, children, including your students CAN change and GROW through application and experience. When you change your perspective, you can change what you strive for your view of success. Changing your definition of failure allows you to grow further. In this mindset, the hand you’re dealt is just the starting point for development. 

    The Ultimate Guide On Growth Mindset For Moms & Kids 2
    Incremental theory of Intelligence states that intellect and ability are traits that are malleable. In essence, we can improve our brain through hard work and effort!

    Differences Between a Growth Vs Fixed Mindset

    Here’s a list of traits for each type of mindset:

    A Fixed Mindset Says:

    • I like my work to be easy
    • I don’t like to take on a challenge
    • I want people to praise me for how clever I am
    • I believe I cannot change how smart I am
    • I don’t like to try new things because I won’t be very good at it
    • I give up easily

    A Growth Mindset (Positive Mindset) Says:

    • I never give up
    • I like my work to be difficult – it means I am learning
    • I love challenges
    • I want people to praise me for the effort I put into my work
    • I believe I can get more intelligent by working hard
    • I feel clever when I’m learning something new
    • I learn from my mistakes
    The Ultimate Guide On Growth Mindset For Moms & Kids 3

    Simple Ways To Support Your Child’s or Student’s Growth Mindset

    Ask open-ended questions when solving a problem

    • What do you think will happen if…
    • Why do you suppose…

    These questions build a child’s critical thinking skills and lead to those enriching “lightbulb” moments.

    Give specific feedback on what the child accomplishes

    Moms (and most parents) love to use phrases like “you’re brilliant”, “you made that look so easy”, “you’re so clever” but praise like this doesn’t tell your child what they have done well. Comments like these just reinforce a fixed mindset in your child. Instead, use praises that target a specific action they’ve done like- “you sounded that word out really carefully and used your phonics – well done” or “I like how you kept going at swimming and tried to get all the way to the other side.”

    Encourage kids to take risks (healthy ones of course)

    Watch and listen to your child so you can take cues about what else they are ready to tackle. Vygotsky calls this the “zone of proximal development”. It’s when we gently nudge children to use what they know, to try something new (just a bit out of their reach, but developmentally appropriate.) By offering small but achievable challenges, they become more confident and persistent. Its one of the best ways to increase their self-esteem!

    Be persistent and growth-orientated yourself

    Try and narrate your thoughts or situations out-loud when you try something new or frustrating. This will give your child a chance to see you work through hard problems in a GROWTH way and with a healthy perspective. Try to avoid using fixed mindset terms when referring to yourself. So for example, you shouldn’t tell your child “oh, I’m horrible at such and such.”

    This will give your children the message that you are either good at writing or not good at writing and there’s nothing you can do about it. On the other hand, using a growth mindset tone, you might say- “Such and such was tricky for me, but if you keep trying and learning from your mistakes, you’ll get there.“

    Don’t sweat the small stuff

    Accidents and mistakes happen. Show your child that there’s a lesson to be had when we don’t achieve what we set out to accomplish. It’s okay to switch direction, abandon a project for a bit or slow down. No matter what always remember to be specific about what worked, identify the emotions involved, offer encouragement for the next time and figure what the next steps are. Celebrate mistakes as growth because of the lessons learned. One consequence I’ve learned by not doing this, is that you risk allowing anxiety to manifest in your child or even yourself. So, be sure to focus on these things!

    Mistakes = Marvelous Mistakes!

    The Ultimate Guide On Growth Mindset For Moms & Kids 4

    Access Your Child’s Mindset

    Take some time to understand your child’s mindset and thoughts. Pen in some time every day to have chats with your children (this may look different for every child depending on the age but it’s relevant for any child from the age of 2+) Once you have an understanding of where your kids “head is at” you can work on shifting their perspective or supporting the mindset that’s growing.

    Tangible “Hands-On” Actions To Take

    1. Make mistakes in front of your kids
    2. Have a positive reaction to those mistakes
    3. And openly reflect on what could be learned from the mistake. Try to show that it’s all about learning, not about being right.
    • At mealtimes, talk about a time that you struggled with something and how hard it is and how you overcame it. Then ask your kids if there’s anything they struggled with, how they overcome it, and what they learned from the experience.
    • Get excited when your child makes a mistake and help her think through what could be learned from it. Even mistakes that seem careless can be good learning opportunities. For example, if your child forgot to study enough for an important test, it might be an opportunity to learn about prioritization and to-do-lists.

    Above all, remember this is and will always be an on-going process!

    Growth Mindset Questions

    1. What did you do today that made you think hard?
    2. How will you challenge yourself today?
    3. What can you learn from this?
    4. What strategy can you use to get through this?
    5. Can you think of a mistake you made? How can you learn from this?

    Click Here To Grab a FREE Sheet of Printable Questions Here

    Support Growth Mindset With An Action Plan

    Help children reconnect with a time when they learned something new that was a stretch or a challenge for them.

    Point out the developmental nature of getting good. For example, we all go through the process of making a lot of mistakes, practicing, and then getting better. Help your children get curious about mistakes.

    Help them reframe a mistake as new information or as a step in the process of learning. Also, help them incorporate self-correction in their own learning process.

    Help children learn to hear their own fixed mindset voice too.

    Capture and, in a gentle way, share their statements with them. Most kids are unaware of their self-talk because it’s gone on for so long (all subliminally). Bring that to their forefront awareness so you all can tackle and overcome the issue together.

    • That girl is smart; she never tries and she always gets it
    • I got it wrong again, I’ll never get this

    Help your children talk back to negative self-talk with a growth mindset voice (i.e. give them language).

    •  I am willing to learn new skills to improve, and I know it will hard at times
    • I get better and better with practice, this is hard but will get easier
    • Model growth-mindset at every opportunity when you’re home!

    Tell your child about a time when you didn’t know the answer to a recent question. Who did you ask for help? How did you learn the answer?

    Or ask questions about their opportunities for learning and growth in the coming day or week. What questions do they need answers to? What do they want to learn, practice, and/or get better at today/this week?

    The Ultimate Guide On Growth Mindset For Moms & Kids 5

    The Right & Wrong Way To Give Praise

    Don’t label yourself in ways that model a fixed mindset ( I’m a terrible cook….I was never good at math)

    Shift your child’s attention to the process that led to the outcome. (i.e., cause-effect) Praise and value effort, practice, self-correction, and persistence. Don’t shelter your child from a failed task. Ask “What can you learn from this experience? What could you try differently the next time?”

    Get curious about your child’s work through questioning & positive phrases:

    • How did you figure that out?
    • What’s another way you could have done that?
    • How many times did you try before it turned out that way?
    • What here was challenging and how did you figure it out?
    • What do you plan to do next time?
    • Wow!
    • Look at that!
    • Tell me about it
    • Show me more
    • Can you do it again without help?
    • How did you do that?
    • Let’s see what you did.
    • How do you feel about it?
    • How did you work that out?
    • I see that you _________ (be specific)
    • That looks like it took a lot of effort
    • How many ways did you try it before it turned out the way you wanted it?
    • What do you plan to do next?
    • That looks like it took so much work.
    • Are you pleased with what you did?
    • What questions did you ask?
    • Keep trying and you’ll get there.
    The Ultimate Guide On Growth Mindset For Moms & Kids 6

    Access Your Mindset As A Mom

    Recognize your own mindset

    Be mindful of your own thinking and of the messages you send with your words and actions. This probably should have been the first point. Because,  what if you realize that you don’t have a growth mindset? Where does that leave you? But more importantly, what can you do about it? So, for the sake of this article, I’m gonna get straight to it and assume you have a fixed mindset.

    PS- no worries here. no judgment. I’m honestly right alongside you as I’ve walked down this road and continue to do so every day. its a work in progress.

    Now if you have a growth mindset-awesome! Skip this section and move on the next. If not, let’s continue. First, I’m gonna share my best tips on how to revamp your mindset and then we can move forward to helping our kids. Yea? Okay, great.

    Here are some tips:

    Acknowledge and embrace your own imperfections

    Hiding your weaknesses means you’ll never overcome them and you rob your kids’ chances to see YOU work through them (so they can learn too)

    View challenges as opportunities

    Embrace every opportunity to “fail”. This gives you and your children the ability to appreciate the journey more than the destination. Appreciate the inner growth and then people you become in the process.

    Try something different

    “There’s always another way!”

    Dory, Finding Dory

    The brain is not fixed and your mind shouldn’t be either. Stay connected with new research and data as it is discovered. (you know, for the naysayers)

    Replace the word “failing” with the word “learning”

    When you make a mistake or fall short of a goal, see it as a learning experience, not a failure.

    Stop seeking approval

    If you focus on others’ approval over learning, you’ll sacrifice your own potential for growth. Allow your kiddos to see you demonstrate a bold, unapologetic, leader attitude.

    Value the process over the end result

    People with a growth mindset perspective enjoy the learning process and don’t mind when it doesn‘t go exactly to plan.

    Cultivate a sense of purpose

    Dweck’s research showed that students with a growth mindset had a greater sense of purpose. But cultivating a growth mindset isn’t just for students. It benefits anyone willing to adapt. Moms and children alike. Keep the big picture in mind.

    Celebrate growth with others

    Share your progress with others, especially with your family. It’s an easy way to open the door to open communication.

    Emphasize growth over speed

    Learning fast isn’t the same as learning well, and learning well sometimes requires allowing time for mistakes.

    Reward effort, not traits

    Praise yourself when you’re doing something smart, not just being smart.

    Redefine “genius“

    Genius’ requires hard work, not talent alone!

    Portray criticism as positive

    Constructive criticism allows us (and our kids) to learn how to grow from the comments of others. Without becoming stagnant due to negative emotions that may arise from them.

    Disassociate improvement from failure

    Don’t assume that “room for improvement” equals failure. It doesn’t.

    Provide regular opportunities for reflection

    Allow yourself the opportunity to reflect on your learning at least once a day. Reflecting will cultivate an attitude of gratitude and naturally help rid any anxiety that rises up in your kids.

    Place effort before talent

    Hard work should always be rewarded before skills. Continue to acknowledge any struggles and validate their feelings.

    Highlight the relationship between learning and “brain training”

    The brain is like a muscle that needs to be worked out, just like the body. And like every other muscle in our body. It grows.

    Cultivate “grit“

    If you develop grit, you’ll be more likely to seek approval from yourself rather than others. And in turn, so will your kids

    Abandon the image

    “Naturally smart” sounds just about as believable as “spontaneous generation.” You won’t achieve the image if you’re not ready for the work.

    Use the word “yet”

    Dweck says “not yet” has become one of her favorite phrases. Whenever you see yourself struggling with a task, just remind yourself that you haven’t mastered it yet. This is one of the core basic concepts of creating a growth mindset. It’s with good reason! It is one of the best, fastest and easiest ways to shift negative mindsets.

    Learn from other people’s mistakes

    It’s not always wise to compare yourself to others, but it is important to realize that humans share the same weaknesses. If your children or students have siblings, encourage them to use their mistakes or setbacks as an opportunity to practice a positive mindset.

    Make a new goal for every goal accomplished

    No one will ever be done learning. Growth-minded people know how to constantly create new goals to keep themselves stimulated.

    Take risks in the company of others

    Stop trying to save face and give yourself permission to goof up now and then. It will make it easier to take risks in the future!

    Think realistically about time and effort

    It takes time to learn. Don’t expect to master every topic under the sun in one sitting. #imsuperguiltyofthis *shoulder shrug*

    Take ownership over your attitude

    Once you develop a growth mindset, own it! Acknowledge yourself as someone who possesses a growth mentality and be proud to let it guide you throughout your educational career.

    Acknowledge and embrace imperfections

    Hiding from your weaknesses means you’ll never overcome them.

    View challenges as opportunities

    Having a growth mindset means relishing opportunities for self-improvement.

    Try different learning tactics

    There’s no one-size-fits-all model for learning. What works for one person may not work for you (or your children.)

    Keep up with brain plasticity research

    Stay connected with new research and data as it is discovered and developed. (you know, for the naysayers)

    Replace the word “failing” with the word “learning”

    When you make a mistake or fall short of a goal, you haven’t failed; you’ve learned something new.

    Stop seeking approval

    When you prioritize approval over learning, you sacrifice your own potential for growth.

    Value the process over the end result

    Intelligent people enjoy the learning process and don’t mind when it continues beyond an expected time frame.

    Cultivate a sense of purpose.

    Dweck’s research also showed that students with a growth mindset had a greater sense of purpose. Keep the big picture in mind. You have a PURPOSE. You matter.

    Celebrate growth with others

    If you truly appreciate growth, you’ll want to share your progress with others.

    Everything in life requires hard work, not talent alone!

    The Ultimate Guide On Growth Mindset For Moms & Kids 7

    Growth Mindset Journals for Kids & Moms

    Cultivating a growth mindset doesn’t happen overnight. But, it certainly doesn’t take forever either. However, with diligence and opportunity, it’ll come MUCH faster. I’ve created a growth mindset journal for both myself and my littles after spending hours scouring the internet for suitable ones.

    My kiddos are both under ten and I wanted something that would work for both a big toddler and a child. And I couldn’t find anything that

    1. Didn’t cost an arm and leg for what I was getting in return and

    2. Was suitable for BOTH of my kids and

    3. Was complete with everything I needed and not just ABC, then having to purchase more products to fill the gaps.

    So when I couldn’t find it, I created my own.

    And because my readers are my favorite people (seriously, I appreciate you sticking around and listening to what I’ve got to say)

    I want to gift them to you for an insanely low price. You won’t find this offer anywhere else>

    growth mindset workbook colouring book for kids

    GET IT NOW

    15 + Animated Growth Mindset Movies For The Family

    • Inside Out: Story of a girl who harnesses her emotions in a positive way by growing through hardship
    • Brave: Story of a princess who looks past tradition to see a new future
    • Trolls: Story of creatures who have a positive outlook on finding the way out of their peril
    • Finding Nemo: Story of a father who is persistent in then journey to find his son
    • Finding Dory: Story of a daughter (fish) who is persistent in finding her parents
    • Storks: A journey pf a human girl that stops at nothing to deliver another baby & return to where she belongs
    • The Little Prince: Story of determined mother that enforces perfectionism on her daughter. A daughter fights to go against it and live a happy life
    • Zootopia: Story of a determined rabbit to break tradition, barriers and glass ceilings to pursue her dream job
    • Sing: Story of an elephant that overcomes her fear of public singing
    • Moana: Story of a girl going against her culture to chase after old family traditions and finds purpose
    • Coco: Story of a boy who longs to express his heart through music which goes against his family’s traditions only to find that his true longing is his family’s culture.
    • Leap!: Story of a girl that’s determined to run after her dreams, no matter what it takes.
    • Frozen: Story of a girl learning to control her magical powers and how it affects everyone around her.
    • Up: Story of a husband determined to keep his promise to his wife no matter what.
    • Wall-E: The journey of a robot who lives to clean a deserted world.
    • Piper: Story of a reluctant bird that shies away from the status quo, only to discover he can redefine it.
    The Ultimate Guide On Growth Mindset For Moms & Kids 8

    Growth Mindset Books for Kids Under 10

    Some of our family’s favorite growth mindset books are: (not necessarily in this order) 

    • My Beautiful Oops: This is a fantastic story of artwork gone “wrong”
    • The Crayons That Quit:
    • The Dot: A beautiful story of a girl that creates and finds her ability to be creative

    There are a ton more- Click this post here for MORE GROWTH MINDSET BOOKS & summaries as well as direct links to the books.

    Growth Mindset Posters

    Here are some growth mindset posters for you FREE!

    Videos to Understand How Growth Mindset Works

    Here’s an introduction to the brain:

    https://youtu.be/rf8FX2sI3gU

    Understand Growth Mindset:
    https://youtu.be/I2ttL1kgZRk

    Understand The Neuroscience Behind It:
    https://youtu.be/ELpfYCZa87g

    Examples of Famous Failures That Support Growth Mindset:
    https://youtu.be/zLYECIjmnQs

    Growth Mindset VS Fixed Mindset:
    https://youtu.be/75GFzikmRY0

    Develop a Growth Mindset:
    https://youtu.be/2zrtHt3bBmQ

    “In one world, effort is a bad thing. It, like failure, means you’re not smart or talented. If you were, you wouldn’t need effort. In the other world, effort is what makes you smart or talented.”

    Carol Dweck

    87 Famous Failures That Support The Growth Mindset

    1. Ada Lovelace
    2. Amelia Earhart
    3. Audrey Hepburn
    4. Aung San Suu Kyi
    5. Bessie Coleman
    6. Betty Holberton
    7. Beyonce
    8. Billie Holiday
    9. Billie Jean King
    10. Danica Patrick
    11. Ellen Degeneres
    12. Florence Nightingale
    13. Frida Kahlo
    14. Harriet Tubman
    15. Helen Keller
    16. Indira Gandhi
    17. Jane Goodall
    18. J.K. Rowling
    19. Joan of Arc
    20. Julia Child
    21. Katherine Johnson
    22. Katie Ledecky
    23. Lindsey Vonn
    24. Lisa Leslie
    25. Lucille Ball
    26. Mae Jemison
    27. Malala Yousafzai
    28. Marie Curie
    29. Maya Angelou
    30. Mia Hamm
    31. Michelle Kwan
    32. Michelle Obama
    33. Misty Copeland
    34. Oprah Winfrey
    35. Rosa Parks
    36. Ruth Bader Ginsburg
    37. Sally Ride
    38. Serena Williams
    39. Simone Biles
    40. Sojourner Truth
    41. Sonia Sotomayor
    42. Whoopi Goldberg
    43. Wilma Rudolph
    44. Abraham Lincoln
    45. Alan Turing
    46. Albert Einstein
    47. Alexander Graham Bell
    48. Aristotle
    49. Arthur Ashe
    50. Barack Obama
    51. Benjamin Franklin
    52. Bill Gates
    53. Bruce Lee
    54. Cesar Chavez
    55. David Beckham
    56. Fred Rogers
    57. Henry Ford
    58. Ichiro Suzuki
    59. Isaac Newton
    60. Jackie Robinson
    61. Jesse Owens
    62. Jim Henson
    63. John McCain
    64. Leonardo Da Vinci
    65. Mahatma Gandhi
    66. Martin Luther King Jr.
    67. Michael Jordan
    68. Michael Phelps
    69. Muhammad Ali
    70. Neil Armstrong
    71. Pablo Picasso
    72. Peyton Manning
    73. Roberto Clemente
    74. Shel Silverstein
    75. Stan Lee
    76. Steph Curry
    77. Stephen Hawking
    78. Steve Jobs
    79. Steven Spielberg
    80. Thurgood Marshall
    81. Usain Bolt
    82. Allyson Felix
    83. Walt Disney
    84. Wayne Gretzky
    85. William Shakespeare
    86. Winston Churchill
    87. Wright Brothers

    Growth Mindset Quotes From “Famous Failures”

    You never fail until you stop trying.

    Albert Einstein

    NOthing is impossible. The word itself says “I’m possible”

    Audrey Hepburn

    If you’re feeling helpless, help someone.

    Aung San Suu Kyu

    Yes, we can.

    Barack Obama

    We do not need magic to transform our world. We can carry all the power we need inside ourselves.

    J.K. Rowling

    Click here for More Growth Mindset Quotes

    How to Use The Power of Yet

    The term “yet” as I’ve mentioned is such a powerful term. It releases this feeling of hope and positivity. As one can feel confident in the idea that they can grow, learn and discover new things.

    The Ultimate Guide On Growth Mindset For Moms & Kids 9

    How To Foster a Growth Mindset In Your Homeschool

    Portray criticism as positive

    You don’t have to use that hackneyed term, “constructive criticism,” but you DO have to believe in the concept.

    Disassociate improvement from failure

    Stop assuming that “room for improvement” translates into failure. It doesn’t.

    Provide regular opportunities for reflection

    Allow your kids to reflect on their learning.

    Place effort before talent

    Hard work should always be rewarded before inherent skills.

    Highlight the relationship between learning and “brain training”

    The brain is like a muscle that needs to be worked out, just like the body.

    Cultivate grit

    Kids with that extra bit of determination will be more likely to seek approval from themselves rather than others.

    Abandon the image

    Whatever prenotions your kids have worked up in their minds about being “smart,” Teach them to #Fahgeddaboutem.

    Always add the term”yet“

    Whenever you or your child hits a stumbling block or there’s something you can’t do. Remember “yet” and add that to the end of ALL your phrases. I can’t do such and such, YET.

    Learn from other people’s mistakes

    It’s almost never wise to compare yourself to others, but it is important to realize that everyone can learn from other people’s experiences and mistakes.

    Make a new goal every time you accomplish a goal

    Just like I tell my kiddos, we’re always students and we’ll never be done learning. Try not to toss a subject to the side simply because you aren’t required to “know” it anymore. Growth-minded people know how to constantly create new goals to keep themselves stimulated.

    Take risks in the company of others

    It’s easy to take risks when we’re alone and no one can judge us! Get comfortable taking risks around others as well.

    Think realistically about time and effort

    It takes time to learn. It takes time to pump out a quality project. Don’t expect to master every topic under the sun in one sitting.

    Take ownership of your attitude

    Once you develop a growth mindset, own it. Acknowledge yourself as someone who possesses a growth mentality and be proud to let it guide you throughout your life.

    Modeling a growth mindset means being willing to try hard even when failure is likely because that’s when massive growth happens. For example, parents should try to get excited when their children make mistakes because these mistakes can reveal important gaps that should be filled.

    When adults get excited about “learning” and making mistakes, children start to think of mistakes as a natural part of the learning process. (and leads to changes in learning behavior overall) Your children will become less likely to try and “sweep mistakes under the rug” because they’ll stop thinking of them as something to be ashamed of and see it as a learning experience.

    Focus on Tasks that Require Perseverance

    Never try to lower the standards for your children. Or “help” them too much. No one understands how easy this can be while homeschooling better than me. So be on the lookout for it. The last thing you want is to raise a child that feels entitled to easy work.

    Now, I assume you’ve done this already but be sure to teach your child about how their brain works and how they can grow their brains. And if you need help doing this, be sure to grab our Growth Mindset Bundle for Kids from our shop.

    Reflect On Your Own Biases

    When you’re teaching your kids, it’s so easy to get frustrated with their inability to grasp a concept and revert to fixed mindset language. Like- “____ wasn’t born with it so I won’t waste my time. It’s easy for parents to hide their own lack of ability behind statements like these. So, it’s important to have honest reflections with yourself, and ideally with each other, about our own biases. Remember, it’s okay for your child to be stuck. That’s when the best learning is done. Praise effort and persistence.

    The Ultimate Guide On Growth Mindset For Moms & Kids 10

    Best Affirmations to Teach Growth Mindset

    We celebrate making mistakes – we can learn from them

    We never give up – perseverance is the key if we are to succeed

    We learn from each other

    We don’t compare ourselves with others

    We challenge ourselves and take risks

    We remember that our brains are making new connections and growing all the time

    Praise the amount of effort your child is putting into things rather than how clever they are

    Talk to your children about their brain being like a muscle – the more they use it, the stronger it gets

    Encourage your children to not give up if they are finding something difficult

    Challenge your children to try something new

    Growth Mindset Fun

    brain
    Growth Mindset Coloring Book

    A beautiful 100-page coloring book!

    You can purchase this Growth Mindset Coloring Book for Kids and Adults! here.

    Is Growth Mindset Real Science or Pseudoscience?

    I’ll be honest and say I’m still unsure. The funny thing about Pseudoscience is that it’s too “slippery” to disprove. And so, we have to let time reveal its truth. I’ve spent hours upon hours researching this topic. Here are a few articles worth reading that may pique your interest:

    • This person isn’t sold on this mindset

    Grab Your Growth Mindset Journal Now!

    Growth mindset does not equal toxic positivity, rather it is the acceptance and realization that failure and challenges are a part of growth

    happy girl child
    happy mother

  • How To Pack Your Life In One Luggage

    How to pack your whole life in ONE luggage

    Can you live out of one luggage?

    Learning how to live out of one carry on and/or one checked luggage is a super crazy challenge!

    I learned very quickly that rolling your clothes makes for much MORE space in suitcases than folding. (military hack right there lol)

    Shoving socks, makeup, costume jewelry and underwear into shoes will became the norm.

    As a new-ish mom (let’s not kid ourselves here I’m no veteran LOL), my oldest pushing double digits, I’ve had a few years to fine-tune the things that help keep our life as someone once said to me: ‘normal.’

    When this person made this statement, I immediately realized that most people are comfortable being stationary.

    Normal is a matter of perspective -Sheree

    And the day my life calls for ‘normal’ is the day I take a real good look at what the heck I’m doing with myself.

    There’s absolutely NOTHING wrong with staying put / settling down / being stationary whatever you want to call it.

    However, this isn’t something I want.

    Do what works for you and yours.

    It’s important to protect your visions & your dreams.

    Living a life abroad (from wherever you call home) can be a frightening thought and a bit intimidating.

    But aren’t those the moments that matter the most? You know? Where we are challenged beyond our comforts?

    Nobody ever saw growth or change by doing the same things

    So I’ve found a few ways to maintain stability in our constant ever-changing lives! (Because there simply is no negating the fact that children thrive on stability)

    Since each person has pretty much has one piece of luggage (check-in size & carry on) to work with–every single item that is packed and stored is crucial.

    Space is limited and must be used wisely!

    A note on packing:

    I still struggle with weight as now we have two children, I’ve found it quite tricky to keep our cases below the 45/50 lbs. threshold limit.

    HOWEVER, YES, it can be done.

    I’ve been traveling with my kids for a while now and it wasn’t until less than a year ago while shopping online, I accidentally found something called “compression bags””.

    You see, I know all about space bags and I’ve found that depending on your items and family size, this actually may not be ideal and work against you. Space bags take up an awkward amount of space, and leave gaps in luggage being unused.

    And we can’t have THAT.

    I also found that in most places, I didn’t have access to a strong vacuum with a tube to vacuum air back out once opened. So needless to say, this was not ideal.

    But, back to compression bag (also known as-packing cubes)…could they be helpful?

    I found yes!

    I have no idea how I’ve been traveling without them (I’m an organizational freak I battle OCD so it’s safe to say, I know how to organize anything and everything). These things are awesome. You see, they are pretty much a soft zippered gym bag in the shape of a cube, ideally working together to fit snugly into your luggage.

    Buy a set, or 2, and you will fill your luggage nice and neat. I roll our clothing as I normally would but instead now place them into the cubes for even more compact organized packing.

    This helps immensely with organizing our items and giving an extra layer of protection, should the luggage get wet from bad weather. Which totally sucks by the way.

    Compression bags are sort of like space bags, but you don’t need a vacuum as it uses extra zippers for compression.

    I wouldn’t suggest this for someone with weak hands or anyone of older age as this can get tricky but I’ve found it super helpful in packing our coats and large items as such.

    Starting with the children:

    Clothing:

    Purchase and pack items relating to the primary weather you expect to be. This sounds simple enough, but I’ve seen so many people overpack for the “just in case” moments.

    Don’t do it! LOL

    Create capsule wardrobes for everyone:

    I’ve been doing this long before it became a trend. Try as hard as possible to stick to universal color schemes- meaning pack clothes that are easily interchangeable.

    That green white pink and purple polka dot shirt probably isn’t necessary. HAHA

    Same for shoes- 7+ pairs just aren’t needed. Stick with 2-3 shoes that can be dressed up or down.

    As a family, we all usually stick with a pair of navy, red, and chestnut or black shoes/boots. Nice un-boring universal colors.

    If you have access to a washer- you don’t need 30 outfits for you and your children. I promise you, 12 (or even less) are MORE THAN ENOUGH.

    Toys:

    This may depend on where you are going/if you can purchase, finances, and just personal preference. I pack a few “staples” that spark creativity such as Lego blocks, magformers, wooden blocks, play food, a couple of animals figures, a board game, a musical instrument, kinetic sand. (update: I don’t pack this anymore now that I have more than one child), and a foam playmat. (update: same here).

    Notice I don’t list hair or body products as we choose to adapt to the countries we live in.

    TIP: What I find is if “things” hair styling product/soap/food seasoning etc., aren’t written in English- they are always translated in at least three other languages (English is surprisingly not always present)

    Begin practicing another language now if you haven’t already! Audiobooks are fantastic, seriously. Bonus, you can even find some for free in your library!

    Use my affiliate link to grab a FREE 60 day trial of Scribd or 30 day trial of Audible here (first time customers I believe)

    There are a few key items that I always pack so that my children understand that this is “home.”

    I always purchase those removable wall stickers from a dollar store, and we decorate the house walls as they like… playmat and blankets always come etc.

    As for myself, I follow the same rules. No toys lol but I choose to bring vitamin supplements and other small trinkets as triggers to my brain that this is “home”.

    I love this* supply and this brand* especially when I’m in a hurry and want to use Amazon’s fast shipping haha.

    I also tend to pack a few books- but now have joined the Kindle community through the kindle app and boy was I missing out!

    I pack my bible, which is actually quite large so I typically place this in my carry on luggage.. I have this one* along with these* labels since I still don’t know where each book is.

    Call me crazy but funny enough I actually pack some utensils/cutlery with me as well.

    There’s just nothing quite like having the proper knife to cut with! haha

    I have something similar to this or this, of you’re wondering. (I didn’t link to my exact one because I honestly don’t remember where I purchased it).

    Whereever you go, check for IKEA. They will become your favorite place!

    For the parents:

    It’s pretty much the same theme. Well, on a much smaller scale as adults don’t typically have heavy toys!

    Click here to get a list of the BEST travel resources.

    *Be sure to bookmark it as I update it frequently*

    Still, have some Q’s?

    Pop them in the comments below & I’ll give you my best advice.

    How To Pack Your Life In One Luggage 11

  • Ivory-Mix-Review

    If you do a quick google search for stock photos you’ll find thousands if not millions of web results.

    I’ve tried close to 10 different stock photo memberships and I continue to return to Ivory Mix.

    If you’re not familiar with Ivory Mix… it’s a stock photo website geared towards female business owners.

    The company is owned by CEO creative Kayla Butler & She’s been providing stock photos for the internet for years.

    At the current time of writing this article, she has roughly well over 6000 stock photos available for members to download!

    With 100+ being added EVERY MONTH.

    (Let me note: you can bulk download images! Yay!!! I’ve been a member of other sites where you need to download images 1 by 1….smh…such a freaking nightmare! But not here, thank goodness)

    The memberships are affordable with three different tiers being monthly, quarterly, or yearly.

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    GRAB YOUR MEMBERSHIP HERE

    (You can click the link above to grab free stock photos or a membership)

    And as for terms and conditions of use there isn’t another company that offers a policy like hers.

    I know the plethora of options there are out there for us. BUT, do their terms of use suit your needs?

    Definitely check this first. The last thing you want to do is fall in love with a stock company’s photos only to discover you aren’t free to use it as you need.

    (Think limitations on using the images for book covers / planners etc) MOST stock photo sites do not allow you to use the images in as many ways as Ivory Mix allows.

    Many different stock photo companies put so many restrictions on what you can and cannot do with their photos rendering them useless in so many situations where bloggers really need it.

    Inside Ivory Mix membership, you’ll find a succinctly organized dashboard with photos organized and categorized by color, category, items, types etc.

    Here’s a peek inside:

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    Her photos offer hundreds of lifestyle images, flatlays, mockups, social media graphics & more.

    For me, I need to do business with a company that I know stands behind their products and truly cares about my needs.

    Am I right?

    Ivory Mix has great customer service.

    (I have no idea if she’s a one-woman-show but I’ve always received swift responses by email)

    There’s also a Facebook group for VIP members and it’s very active. Kayla always responds whenever anyone tags her.

    Most, if not all, of the inspiration for her photoshoots from the member’s request comes right from inside the group!

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    How cool is that?!

    VIP Ivory Mix members also get special access to a mobile app & single image search capabilities!

    ivory mix review

    These comments, reviews & testimonials aren’t even conclusive of the ones on her site!

    If you’re a female entrepreneur /mompreneur or if this matches your target audience, then you definitely want to consider this stock photo site.

    Currently, her color categories include metallics, black & browns, yellows, blues, greens, pinks & reds, white & grey, purples & oranges.

    She offers vibrant, bold, neutrals & more.

    At the time of writing, her photos cover the following categories

    (& more continuously being added)

    Categories include:

    Business / Finance Niche

    Parenting / Home Niche

    Wellness / Fitness Niche

    Mockups / Creative

    Holidays

    Lifestyle, Flatlays & Mockups

    Ivory Mix Stock Photo Membership Highlights:

    ✓ vertical & horizontal images

    ✓thousands of images to choose from

    ✓ best terms of conditions on the market

    ✓ affordable & pocket-friendly

    ✓excellent photo quality (scale up or down with no loss of quality)

    ✓awesome affiliate program that’s free to join!

    ✓social media & quote graphics

    Plus:

    You’re free to use her images for Pinterest graphics, Instagram, social media, website, digital products & more.

    And AS IF this all wasn’t already amazing all on its own.

    Kayla is pretty much a brand wizard. She truly knows her stuff and shares it freely in her blog posts & courses.

    (I’ve purchased several & now own them ALL & they are REALLY good)

    Update: Here’s what you’ll get in 2021 if you join & grab an Ivory Mix VIP Stock membership today:

    • Instant access to over 4500+ styled stock photos, graphics, social quotes, and canva templates (and growing monthly)

    • 100+ new stock photos every month delivered twice a month

    • 30+ Monthly Ready to Use / Customizable Social Media Quotes monthly

    • 30+ Monthly Social Media Captions

    • 15+ Monthly Exclusive and Custom Canva Templates

    • Monthly Live Workshops (& replays) To Help You GROW Your Business

    • Single Image Search and Download Library

    • ???? $700 BONUS access to all Ivory Mix online courses & the EPIC Easy Marketing Planner! (This planner has 365 content ideas/captions to plan your yearly content)

    Are you a : Course hoarder ✓

    Me too, friend. Join now and never buy another course this year✓

    See all the courses included below…

    • ???? $120 BONUS access to The Creative Boss Method workshop series (This is worth $120 – included for FREE)

    • ???? NEW INFOGRAPHIC & LIST-GRAPHIC CANVA TEMPLATES (So you can create stunning info-graphics for your social media accounts)

    • ???? NEW VISIONARY AWARDS You get a chance to win monthly prizes inside the membership and have your content and knowledge shared with The Ivory Mix community #getseen

    • ????SAVE 30% As a VIP You get the benefit of only paying once all year and having it barely work out to just over $11/month. Yes seriously.

    Here’s the “catch” :

    The Ivory Mix V.I.P membership is only open for a handful of days throughout the year. It’s that affordable but it is ending soon, Eek! This membership is so much more than a stock photo membership. It’s a freaking powerhouse that continues to grow with everything you could ever need as a blogger or business owner. Even before you realize you need it.

    Click here to enroll as a VIP member before doors close

    Courses Included In:

    The Ivory Mix VIP Membership

    Digital Profits, Jump Start!

    This course covers how to create digital products and courses that CONVERT.

    PinDepth

    This course covers in depth, how to use Pinterest to grow your business.

    Instagram Marketing, Jump Start!

    This course covers how to take control of a new and authentic Instagram Marketing strategy.

    Self Made Together

    This course is a 90 Day plug & play strategic guide for your online business growth and sales.

    Brand Know-How

    This course covers how to create a cohesive and confident brand. Stay consistent and get noticed.

    Content that Converts

    This course covers how to create content that’ll help you grow.

    The Subscriber Rush

    This course teaches you how to use incentives to grow your email list.

    CREATE CAPTURE CONQUER

    This course covers how to take amazing photos with your phone because the best tool is the one you already have!

    The Everything Bundle

    This bundle covers everything from preparing your mindset, productivity, guides, workbooks, printables, cheat sheets, marketing, roadmaps, outsourcing & so much more.

    This VIP enrollment only opens up a few times throughout the year, so this is your limited chance to save you nearly 30% compared to other options and get more photos, and lock in the price before it goes UP.

    I hope this review helps you make the best choice for your stock photo needs & pin it so you don’t forget!

    Please PIN IT for later

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