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Teacher Work Bag and Organization

by doitonadimeblog Filed Under: Dollar Tree, Money Saving, Teaching


It’s back to school season! Where has the time gone? Lots of you ask to see teacher organization videos, and while I don’t have a classroom (I am a “floating” teacher), I wanted to shared with you my two favorite teacher systems for staying organized!

In this video I share with you some of my favorite back to school tips, best Dollar Tree finds for teachers, what to do with absent work (and how to keep it organized) and my teacher work-bag. These are my school staples, and you’ll see why I love them so much.

Even if you aren’t a teacher, I hope you find these tips helpful!

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*This is not a sponsored post. All opinions are genuinely my own. Links contain affiliates.*

Dollar Spot at Target | Toddler Haul

by doitonadimeblog Filed Under: Dollar Tree, Teaching

Every couple of months I pick up a few inexpensive finds from the Dollar Tree and/or the Dollar Spot at Target.  Carson doesn’t go to day care yet, so all learning takes place at home.  Very inexpensively you really can find a lot of great resources for keeping busy and learning!  Here are a few favorite finds and how I store our learning activities.  Simple and effective.

P.S.  If you are a teacher, you need to get to the Dollar Spot now!  There are some classroom resources!

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*This is not a sponsored post.  All opinions are genuinely my own.*

GUIDE TO FAST POTTY TRAINING: How we potty trained in 4 days

by doitonadimeblog Filed Under: Advice & Vlogs, Teaching

When I told friends and family I was going to potty train Carson just after his 2nd birthday, a few of them laughed and said, “good luck.”  A few told me flat out it was too early.  Even my husband was skeptical.

But deep down, I’m his momma, and I knew he could do it.

I scoured the internet, read every blog post and every potty training book and guide I could get my hands on.  I chose the information that worked best for us, and I went with it.  Here’s what we did that was EXTREMELY SUCCESSFUL FOR OUR FAMILY.

https://youtu.be/WIwG_QkOLRc

*I am not a doctor or a potty training expert.  I can only speak from experience of what worked for me and my son.  Use YOUR best judgement and always consult your pediatrician with medical concerns! *


STEP 1: ASSESS READINESS


Major signs of readiness:

  • Has dry diapers for 1-2 hours at a time
  • Diaper changes are stressful
  • Eliminates in private or in corners (may ask you to look away)
  • Has an understanding of order and where things go (cars in the basket, clothes in the closet, certain toys outside, etc.)
  • Verbalizes when going to the bathroom

Other signs of readiness:

  • Showing interest in the toilet or people and animals eliminating
  • Enjoys reading books about the potty
  • Incessant poop jokes (okay, okay… maybe that’s just my son!)

 

STEP 2: GET PREPARED


I took Carson shopping for all the potty training gear so he could be a part of the experience.  You’ll need (depending on your house set-up):



1.  A potty seat.  This Elmo Potty Seat was right in our budget, but you can also find one at a second hand store.  These are not necessary, but are helpful for those first couple of days.  Some kids prefer to use these to start out with because they are less intimidating, they are quick to get on, and they are easy to have out in the open so you aren’t running to the bathroom.  (Yes, a bit of running is involved 😉 )

2.  A good stool.  I love the fold up stools because they are easy to hide away, but allow for a lot of independence to wash your hands, and helping kids reach the toilet.  They are also CRITICAL to rest their feet on when using the toilet, as they help stabilize.  Imagine trying to go the bathroom without putting your feet on the ground.  How uncomfortable!

3.  Puppy pads.  Buy a pack to put on the floor around the potty seat.  There will be accidents and lots of them.  These are helpful to keep in front of the big people toilet under your stool for accidents, too.

4.  A toilet seat adapter.  These are critical for the big potty and taking on the go when out and about.  We have one for upstairs and one for downstairs.

5.  Lots of paper towels and cleaners!  I love Green Works because it is natural but tough.  There will be a lot of accidents, and you need it at the ready.

6.  Baby wipes at the ready for wiping their bum, especially for #2s

 

 

 

7.  A baby gate to constrain their movements for at least a couple of days.

8.  10-15 pairs of children’s underwear in your child’s size.

9.  Potty Books!  Optional, but so helpful, especially in the weeks leading up to starting training.  Carson’s favorites are Potty by Leslie Patricelli and P is for Potty.


GETTING STARTED:

DAY 1


  1. The night before, set up your potty area.  Should be near a bathroom with an easy to clean floor, potty set up, and ready for the morning (puppy pads underneath.)  Take out all your potty training books and fun toys to keep them entertained in a small space.
  2. Wake up, say goodbye to diapers and immediately take off all clothes.  You child will be naked all day (or at least bottomless, naked is easier because you can see the beginning of pees more quickly.)
  3. Give your child LOTS OF CHANCES to get it right.  Load up on water, juice (1/2 water 1/2 juice) and drink in fun cups.
  4. As soon as they start going to the bathroom (it will be on the floor), run to the potty!  Try to get them to go!
  5. YOUR CHILD WILL MOSTLY PEE AND POO ON THE FLOOR.  This is normal and important.  When they eliminate on the floor, stay positive.  “Oh, that’s too bad.  That goes in the toilet.  Where does the potty go?”   Have them help you (but not so much they get dirty, be sure to wash your hands after!) by cleaning the floor.  Talk about where pee and poo go.
  6. Set an alarm in 30 minute increments.  After each 30 minutes, practice sitting on the potty.  To encourage them, reward them with a small treat (marshmallow, raisin, etc.) for sitting for 10 seconds or longer.
  7. If they pee reward again with a prize or small Dollar Tree toy (although this is optional and motivational only).
  8. Don’t expect them to get it right much if at all.  Encourage potty sitting, talk about where pee and poo go.  Talk about how you are so proud of them for trying.
  9. All naps and nights time sleep in diapers or pull ups.  IMMEDIATELY take off the diaper when they wake up.
  10. WASH YOUR HANDS A LOT!
  11. If they make anything in the potty, have a HUGE CELEBRATION!  Dance, clap, and congratulate them.  Use small prizes or treats to help if you would like.

TROUBLESHOOTING:

Expect some push-back maybe even some tears from the change of routine (or being extra toddler-y).  Stay encouraging.  Diapers are all they know.  Don’t be frustrated or rush them.  Try putting them in warm water in the tub with their little potty.  Or, run the faucet while they are on the potty, watch videos on your phone on the potty to keep them there longer (withhold shows unless they are on the potty).  They may hold back from eliminating, Carson did this, too.  Eventually they will go, and it may be on the floor.  That’s okay.  Celebrate even the tiniest success.  If they do a #2 on the floor, safely pick it up together and take it to the toilet!  Remember, never force your child onto the toilet and never allow them to directly touch fecal matter or urine.  They can safely help clean up by bringing you supplies, opening the trash can, wiping up AFTER you have, etc.


DAY 2 AND BEYOND


 

  1. You will be tired!!  Keep going!
  2. Same as Day 1.  Naked.  Lots of chances to go to the bathroom.
  3. If they have one success, that is a win!  CELEBRATE!  Keep going if not.  They can do it!
  4. Expect setbacks.  They may have a great morning and HORRIBLE afternoon, or a great day and a horrible next day.  This is normal, they are adjusting.  So are you.
  5. As they become more confident, start opening up the house more.  Go outside, get out for very short trips.  A short walk, a 15 minute trip to a low-stress place like the park.  Go commando under their pants, and if they have an accident there it’s okay.
  6. Once they have 70% success start having shirts and underwear on.  Practice pulling down the underwear to go (this was day 3 or 4 for us, but it’s totally fine if it takes you longer).
  7. KEEP ON KEEPIN’ ON.  YOU CAN DO IT!  If they are making any forward strides at all, DON’T GIVE UP.
  8. By the time they are done, you shouldn’t need pull ups during the day.  This method teaches them how NOT to need them!

I truly hope these resources were helpful to you.  What worked for you?  I would love to know what you found success with!  The more we share, the more we grow.  Love you all <3  You’ve got this, momma!

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*This is not a sponsored post.  All opinions are genuinely my own.  Links contain affiliates.*

Goodwill + Dollar Tree Haul…for toddlers!

by doitonadimeblog Filed Under: Dollar Tree, Money Saving, Teaching

Here’s a few items I picked up from Goodwill for Carson (some incredible scores here) and a must-see Dollar Tree find.  I hope you enjoy!

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*This is not a sponsored video.  All opinions are genuinely my own.*

$1 Toddler Learning | Dollar Tree and Goodwill Finds

by doitonadimeblog Filed Under: Dollar Tree, Money Saving, Teaching

It’s been 100 degrees outside.  Call me a weenie, but it’s just not possible to stay outdoors all day long in that heat.  And staying inside with nothing to do is almost worse 😉

Here are a few items we picked up from the Dollar Tree and Goodwill to make the heat a little more bearable and give us something to do during the day.  Hope you enjoy!

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Dollar Tree Birthday Party! | Movie Cars

by doitonadimeblog Filed Under: Dollar Tree, Teaching

Carson’s Birthday 2nd birthday had a small budget.  $20 for decor, and $70 for all the food with a guest list of 20 people.  Shopping at the Dollar Tree (and Costco) we stayed within our budget and made a super special day for him.  He loves Movie Cars!  Here’s how I did it and a few photos from the party:

carson2ndbday-4carson2ndbday-3            carson2ndbday-6carson2ndbday-15 carson2ndbday-16

Happy Birthday, ‘lil man!

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*This is not a sponsored post.  All opinions are genuinely my own.*

Garbage Picking + Toddler Play Ideas!

by doitonadimeblog Filed Under: Money Saving, Teaching

In this video I share our recent meant for garbage find (it retails for over $100): a toddler roller coaster.  Also, some amazing foam blocks from the Dollar Spot at Target and how to make your own indoor campfire.

Enjoy!

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*This is not a sponsored post.  All opinions are genuinely my own.*

Craigslist Tips & Free Activity Ideas

by doitonadimeblog Filed Under: Money Saving, Teaching

IMG_0773It’s a great time of year for Crisglist scores and FREE activities with your kids.  Garages are opening up as summer starts, and people want to get rid of those big ticket items for kids.  Because seriously, who wants a giant power wheel taking up all that room?

My best Craigslist tips are:

  • Shop weekends.  They are the best for finding deals and posts happen very frequently.  Also, pickup times have much greater flexibility.
  • Look for 75% off large kids’ toys.  That’s my price-point gauge.
  • Be prompt and short in your responses, and ask as few questions as possible.
  • Make reference to the quality of the posting in your message to state that’s what you expect to find when you go for pick-up (this always really works for me)
  • Be fair, be honest, and never visit someone’s house alone (always meet in a public area or go with someone).

IMG_0844IMG_0877

Also in this video, I’ll share with fun weekday activities to do that are new, different and free.  Triple-threat!  We visited our local fire station for a free tour and spent hours in a playscape showroom (free and cool!).

Hope you enjoy the video!  xo!

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*This is not a sponsored post.  All opinions are genuinely my own.*

$10 Toddler Learning Center

by doitonadimeblog Filed Under: Organization, Teaching

Creating a functional and learning-centered area of our home for Carson was a must for me this month.  He’s showing so much interest in coloring, drawing, and creating.  My budget was small, though.  I didn’t have much to spend, but I love how this space is maximized.

I thrifted the desk but you can also find it here if you are looking for one (they are not expensive).  You can also find the cutting board organizer here.  You can find a similar storage ottoman here.

 

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Toy & Playroom Organization

by doitonadimeblog Filed Under: DIY Projects, Organization, Teaching

Toys.  Everywhere.  When you have kids it’s the truth!

There are a few things that we do to cut down on toy clutter throughout our home, and I hope that these tips are helpful to you!  This is part of a collab video with Jady A and OrganizedClutterbug!

1) GET AN ORGANIZING SYSTEM…YOU REALLY CAN SCORE THIS FOR UNDER $60!  I love these organizing cubbies to store toys in the playroom paired with canvas totes.  

 

 

 

2) LIMIT THE NUMBER OF TOYS your child has access to.  Sometimes, we live under the mentality that more is more, and our kids seem to tire of toys easily.  I find that when they have less options (that are rotated out) they do worlds better!  Store them in sets that are easily put away.  Plus, with less, you can clean up faster.  We love the chalkboard labels from Michaels and chalk pens.

3)  STORE YOUR PUZZLES (or items with loose pieces) IN PENCIL POUCHES.  You will love this.  They are virtually indestructible and save so much space.
4)  HAVE AN ALWAYS-OUT BASKET TO PLACE NOT-IN-USE TOYS.  This way you are constantly purging and only the toys that your child likes will stay out.

5) GET CREATIVE.  I made a DIY lazy susan for Carson’s art supplies using a cheese platter (and I turned the table into a chalk table!).  You can see more on that here.

6)  MAKE USE OF HIDDEN STORAGE AROUND YOUR HOME.  We use everything from large tote baskets, small burlap baskets (with cute labels) and storage ottomans that can serve a dual purpose to store toys.

7)  STORE TOYS IN BOOKSHELVES.  If you can stand to part with a few books, move up the bottom rung of your bookshelf and put in canvas bins.

What do you do to tame the toy clutter?

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About me

Hi, I'm Kathryn! I'm passionate about organization, frugality, Dollar Tree, and thrifting to create a home I love with my family. Join me as I do it all on a dime! Read More…

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