"Your time is limited, don’t waste it living someone else’s life."
- Steve Jobs
Good Morning Mama! It’s Friday—aka, the day we attempt to balance holiday cheer with laundry despair. Let’s end the week with fewer snack fights and a wreath that says “I totally have it together.”
Today’s Mommy scoop:
💵 Age-by-Age Guide to Kid Finance
🍪 Fig Bars That’ll Wow the Littles
❄️ Boho Winter Wreath
Budget Diapers & College Dreams
Tips for Teaching Kids About Money
Ever felt like teaching your kiddos about money is as tricky as explaining why broccoli is a superhero food?
Well, it may be easier than you think. 😊
For the Tiny Tots: Ages 2-3
Who said toddlers can't grasp the money concept?
Start simple: play the coin identification game! Trace and color coin shapes and then chat about each coin's name.
And for a dollop of imagination, transform your living room into a mini-mart.
Using play money and everyday items, you're not just playing shop – you're crafting a money genius!
Curious Kiddos: Ages 4-5
Pre-grocery trips, turn your tots into coupon-clipping helpers!
And remember those pretend restaurants?
They're back in business, but this time, don't let your 4-year-old dash without paying the bill with their make-believe money.
It’s all about learning the give-and-take of money, with a side of giggles!
Budding Bankers: Ages 6-8
Now's the time your little ones start getting the money gist.
Why not make their allowance feel "official" with a bank trip?
Opening a savings account can be an adventure, plus a math lesson when introducing interest.
And to sprinkle in some fun, dive into coin collecting or explore the kids' section of the US Mint website.
Money knowledge + fun = parenting win!
Tween Treasurers: Ages 9-12
Help your tweenies grasp the true value of money through comparison shopping.
Analyze price tags, consider quality, and compare brands.
And here's a cool idea: let them run your next yard sale.
You'll be surprised how they master the art of pricing and bargaining (maybe even better than you!).
Teen Titans: Ages 13-15
Time to introduce budgeting! Distinguish 'wants' from 'needs' with the 'potatoes and gravy' analogy.
Also, who said stocks are just for adults?
Play pretend stock investing with familiar brands, making finance discussions a family evening routine.
Almost Adults: Ages 16+
Your teens can now test all they've learned with stored-value cards.
It's a bridge between cash and credit cards, letting them manage and budget funds you load.
Just a heads up: check for any fees attached!
So, there you have it, moms! From coin games to stock play, turning money lessons into fun memories is now your forte.
Keep reading here.
Mom’s Field Guide
✨ Brain Food That Actually Delivers
Did you know your baby’s brain is nearly 80% grown by age 3? 🤯
Those first bites matter so much.
I’ll be honest — I’m VERY picky about what I feed my kids.
Cerebelly is one of the few I truly trust, so it’s always in my pantry. My 10-month-old devours the pouches, and my 2.5-year-old loves the bars.
Why? Because it’s:
✅ Created by a neurosurgeon + mom of three
✅ Packed with 16 brain-supporting nutrients
✅ Veggie-first, no added sugar, Clean Label® certified
And right now, use code THEMOMMY and get up to 35% off your first order. 🎂
👉 Take the quick quiz to get a personalized box for your child’s age and milestones.
Mom's Mic: This Week’s Poll 🎤
How confident are you in managing your child's technology use?
Poll Results From 12/1
Which type of products would you like to see more recommendations for?
🟨⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️ Toys and games (11%)
⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️ Clothes and shoes (5%)
🟨⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️ Baby essentials (9%)
🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩 Home organization (50%)
🟨🟨🟨⬜️⬜️⬜️ Educational materials (25%)
Featured Response 💬
“I would love to see ideas for organization for small places. We moved into a house with less storage space and a smaller kitchen and it feels like we have too much stuff.”
I love this suggestion. Small spaces get crowded fast, so I’m always looking for little ways to make things feel less packed over here as well. -Danielle 😊
Mom’s Menu
Favorite Fig Bars!👩🍼🍪
Source: yummytoddlerfood
Craving a sweet treat that's not only delicious but also packed with wholesome goodness?
These homemade fig bars might just become your new go-to snack!
📝 Ingredients
1 cup dried figs (stems removed, packed tightly)
½ cup orange juice
2 cups instant oats (or oat flour/ground rolled oats)
¼ cup honey (or maple syrup)
¼ cup whole-wheat flour
¼ cup peanut butter (or alternatives like sunflower seed butter)
⅓ cup milk (any kind you like!)
1 tsp vanilla extract
½ tsp cinnamon
¼ tsp baking powder
A pinch of salt
👩🍳 Instructions
Prepare the fig jam by boiling figs in orange juice, then blending them into a thick jam.
Preheat your oven to 350°F and get your baking sheet ready with parchment paper.
Mix all the ingredients (except fig jam) to form the crust. Keep a little for the topping.
Spread most of the batter in your pan, followed by the fig jam, then crumble the rest of the batter on top.
Bake for 22-24 minutes, cool, and slice into delightful bars.
Source: yummytoddlerfood
📌 Notes
Want to store them? They'll last in the fridge for up to 5 days or can be frozen for 3 months. Perfect for those hectic mornings!
These bars are versatile! Go gluten-free with a gluten-free flour blend, or make them nut-free with sunflower seed butter.
In a rush? Use store-bought fig jam to speed up the process.
To wrap up, these fig bars are a sweet and nutritious solution for those busy days when you're juggling a million tasks.
They're simple to make, and even easier to enjoy!
Happy snacking, mama! ❤️🌟
Full recipe here.
Daily DIY (Winter Edition)
DIY Winter Wreath, Boho Style!
Source: designertrapped
Want a wreath that oozes warmth and coziness? This boho-inspired piece is just what your door needs.
Crafted for a mere $10, its soft, neutral tones are perfect for the season.
Plus, it's versatile enough to stay up even post-Christmas.
The tutorial is here.
Mom’s Choice
The peanut changer was probably one of my favorite items I was gifted.
The ease of wiping it down after each use is a dream, especially when you have a wriggly baby on hand.
I laid a cozy muslin blanket over it to help with the potentially cold surface!
Keekaroo Peanut Changer
Easy Cleanup: Its surface doesn’t let anything stick, making cleanups a breeze
Comforting: The changer has a nice give to it, making it a cozy spot for them during changing time
Durability: It's designed to be durable and long-lasting
Game
Tiny Faces, Big Names
You can't help but want to cuddle with this adorable blanket-clad cutie. He goes on to become a critically acclaimed actor. Who is he?
(Answer below)
Mom’s Meme 🤣
Answer
It's Will Smith!