Costco’s 2024 Valentine’s Day Rose Sale: 50 Long-Stem Roses for $64.99!

by Karly WoodJanuary 10, 2024

Need some roses for your love? Costco has you covered

News flash: Costco Valentine’s Day rose sale is back! Here’s the scoop on the sweet deals you can score on Costco roses, just in time for Valentine’s Day.

It’s true that rising prices are being felt everywhere in 2024, and Costco’s deal on roses is no exception. This year, the cost to pre-order the Valentine’s Day bunches (with guaranteed delivery) is $64.99—but it’s still an amazing offer if we do say so ourselves. You can’s get 50 long-stem roses for $64.99 anywhere else that we know of. And there’s a wide assortment: all-red bouquets, all-white bouquets, hot pink and light pink bouquets, lavender bouquets, and bouquets with shades of pink, red, and white.

Members and non-members alike can snag this preorder-only deal by placing their order from now until no later than Feb. 12 by 11 a.m. PST. But be forewarned, this is one hot deal and supplies are likely to run out before then.

Shoppers can choose delivery dates of Jan. 31- Feb. 2, Feb. 6-9, and Feb. 13. Deliveries may occur one day before or one day after the selected date (so if you want Valentine’s Day delivery choose Feb. 13). All deliveries include free shipping and handling (taxes still apply). Non-members can also get in on the deal, but they will have to pay a 5% surcharge.

These beautiful bouquets all have 50-centimeter stems, are Rainforest Alliance Certified, and come from Costco’s South American farms. Costco prides itself on running socially responsible farms, so you know these beauties are coming from a wonderful place.

The order of 50 roses comes in two bundles of 25 stems and without a vase. It’s probably wise to start shopping for a vase (or two) that can handle 50 of these gorgeous flowers!

Insider’s Tip: If you want to send someone roses “just because,” it’s only $49.99 for 50 roses, but remember, this deal isn’t available around Valentine’s Day.

If you buy something from the links in this article, we may earn affiliate commission or compensation. Prices and availability reflect the time of publication.

12 Last-Minute Mother’s Day Gifts You Can Totally Pull Off

by Amber GuetebierMay 8, 2023

Procrastinate much? We’re here to help.

Did Mother’s Day sneak up on you again? This year we’ve got you covered with both amazing DIY gifts and some that can be delivered in a flash. These last-minute Mother’s Day gift ideas are sure to bring a smile to the number one lady in your life and let her know how appreciated she is.

Breakfast in Bed

It’s a classic Mother’s Day idea for a reason. A few minutes of extra sleep is pure gold for a mom. The kids can help make a special meal, like a fancy breakfast sandwich or some yummy pancakes, then hand deliver it along with flowers and a card.

Another idea? Let a delivery service do the work for you. Harry & David’s Waffle Brunch Gift Box has everything you need to start mom’s special day off right, including blueberry and chocolate Belgian waffles, cranberry orange loaf cake, Moose Munch ground coffee, and more. Order ASAP to get it before the big day. Harry & David Waffle Brunch Gift Box ($99.99)—Buy Here!

Do the Grocery Shopping

This may seem simple, but this takes a load off of that person you love. Giving your person a complete break, especially from things like grocery shopping will mean so much and allow them to celebrate Mother's Day as they please.

Chocolate-Covered Strawberries

If mom’s got a sweet tooth, we’ve got you covered with this last-minute Mother's Day gift that she’ll gobble up. Kids will love to help dip and decorate these chocolate-covered strawberries. The only challenge will be making sure they don’t eat them before they get to her!

Would you rather skip strawberry dipping yourself? Edible Arrangements has a super fun Mom's Chocolate-Covered Strawberries Platter that's available for fast delivery—even same day in some locations. Mom's Chocolate-Covered Strawberries Platter ($79.99)—Buy Here!

DIY Terrarium

It doesn't take much to make a sweet little green bundle as a last-minute Mother's Day gift. She can take it to work or keep it in her home office or display it in the living room. Stick with plants that are low-to-no maintenance like tillandsias. For more tips on making one yourself (plus several other gifts in a jar), click here.

Order a Plant

Would you rather skip the DIY? Plants.com has these ultra-cute heart-shaped succulent gardens in two sizes. And if you're worried about delivery, they offer overnight and Saturday delivery, too. Plants.com Sweet Succulent Heart Garden ($49.99+)—Buy Here!

Take the Kids Out for the Day

As much as moms love their kids, some time alone is always a treat. Take the kids out to the park, a museum or somewhere they enjoy. Letting mom do her thing while the kids get tuckered out is always a great last-minute Mother's Day gift idea.

Organize a Game Night

If mom would rather skip getting time to herself, or after she's taken a break while the kiddos are out of the house for a bit, gather the crew for a Mother's Day game night. The OP offers Priority Overnight Delivery, so you can be sure her favorite board game will be there on time. Hues & Cues ($25.99)—Buy Here!

Have the House Cleaned

We're not just talking about taking out the trash, we're talking about detailed, professional cleaning to get the house sparkling. Bonus points if you can schedule this as a surprise while mom is out: treat her to lunch on the Saturday before Mother's Day so the cleaners can come in, or schedule it while everyone is at work/school on Friday. The key here is to get it as close to Mother's Day as possible so the cleaning lasts! Brave enough to tackle this job on your own? Get the kids to help with a few tips.

Prefer to do the home cleaning instead of a service? Make it extra special with luxe cleaning supplies that make the whole house smell like a spa. All of Caldrea's products smell incredible, but we're especially fond of their Pear Blossom Agave fragrance. Oh, and it's available on Amazon, so snap up a scent that reminds you of mom's favorite things and make her day. Caldrea Pear Blossom Agave Collection—Buy Here!

Make Bath Salts

This bath salt recipe from Hello Glow is a two-step mix, and it's easy enough that the kiddos can help. To make this gift extra thoughtful, pair it with a few hours of peace, a nice hot bath, and, of course, the muddled drinkable version of the mojito. For even more DIY gifts you can make mom, click here.

Salt not mom's style? Herbivore's Coconut Milk Bath Soak is made from organic coconut milk, protein-rich coconut pulp and natural essential oils, and has luxurious softening and moisturizing properties helping to target dryness and dullness, and leaving the skin feeling silky-soft. Herbivore Botanicals Coconut Milk Bath Soak ($17.60+)—Buy on Amazon!

Plan a Picnic Lunch

A mother and daughter cuddle while having a picnic on a blanket — Liana Mikah via Unsplash

Eating out on Mother's Day is more stressful than it's worth. Splurge on a picnic basket full of mom's favorite goodies and head to one of her favorite botanical gardens or local parks. Surprise her by packing her current novel or a couple of magazines and take the kiddos on a romp around the park while she lounges in the sun with a full belly and a glass of wine/cup of coffee from the thermos you so thoughtfully filled. Don't forget to pack kid-occupying items like pens and paper, playing cards, and bubbles to keep the kiddos busy enough that mom can relax.

This one-and-done picnic backpack with insulated cooler and blanket is a perfect gift to give alongside your family picnic plans. Sunflora Picnic Backpack ($67.99)—Buy on Amazon!

Washi Tape Photo Frame

Transform your plain-Jane frame into something colorful or coordinating with the aid of the world's finest craft item: Washi tape. Widely available and easy to snag on Amazon, the array of colors and patterns is vast and the combos are endless. The best part? It's as easy to apply as it is to remove so if you get bumps or go crooked, you can repair it and re-do it like a pro. And when you're done, try out some of these cute games and crafts with the leftover tape. Carousel Greetings Washi Tape Set ($16.95)—Buy on Amazon!

Phone to Frame

Take a special photo or a snapshot or scan of your kids' best art and use one of these apps to get it off of your phone and into a wall-worthy frame in just seconds. It's one of the easiest last-minute Mother's Day gifts around.

Skip the app and print frame-worthy pics right from your phone with one of these HP photo printers. They both work with iOS and Android devices. The HP Sprocket Portable 2x3" Instant Color Photo Printer (shown here) prints sticky-back 2x3" photos mom can stick anywhere, while the HP Sprocket Studio Plus WiFi Printer wirelessly prints 4x6" photos from your phone or tablet. Both are available on Amazon, so no need to worry about shipping on time with Prime.

All the products listed are independently & personally selected by our shopping editors.

If you buy something from the links in this article, we may earn affiliate commission or compensation. Prices and availability reflect the time of publication.

All images courtesy of retailers.

Incredibly Easy Design Hacks for Every Room

by Erin FeherFebruary 27, 2022

You don’t need an extreme home makeover, or even the help of a design pro to give your home an easy upgrade. From fresh flowers to perfectly placed candles to an expert stack of books, we bring you six ideas that you can execute today, probably with things you already have in your home.

Fresh Flowers on the Table

This is a classic, for a good reason. A vase full of flowers is sure to brighten up any space, and the dining room table is always a winner. But not all arrangements are created equal. For a dining table where people will want to look at one another, low and wide arrangements work best. A safe rule is to cut down bouquets from their original length. It will keep your blooms fresher, plus low arrangements are more modern than the "long-stemmed roses" of days past.

Rearrange the Furniture & Decor

If your space is feeling a little stale, consider rearranging your furniture, swapping area rugs or moving some of the home decor you already own. You'll be amazing at what a difference it makes.

Candles in the Bath

Dirty tub? Grime disappears in the dark! Whether it's bath time or you are expecting dinner guests any moment, flip off the lights and fill the bathroom with enough candles that no one will ever need to reach for the switch. The combo of candles, glossy tile and mirrors will turn this humble room into a glittering little getaway in no time. Bonus: scented candles will fill the small space with sweet smells.

Stack Your Coolest Books on the Coffee Table

Even the most well-designed house can suffer from a cluttered coffee table. But a quick and easy clean up can make your living room party ready in minutes. First, get rid of all of the "real life" stuff like remotes, tattered magazines and drinking glasses. Once you have a clean slate, handpick three to five of your prettiest hardcover books (take a peek under the dust jackets to see if anything special is hidden underneath), and make a stack. Add a pretty bowl filled with olives, a selection of your best coasters, and you are guest-ready.

Show Off Your Produce in the Kitchen

The most eye-popping colors and design comes from nature, and we are betting your fridge or pantry is filled to the brim with pretty stuff. Same as the coffee table makeover, clean the counters of all clutter, then set out a few pretty bowls. Lemons, eggplants, apples, pears, avocados—all make for the perfect decoration when displayed thoughtfully. But remember, these styling props are for eating, so never deny a hungry visitor to spare your lovely setup!

Toss a Tapestry in the Bedroom

Duvets are pricey, and picking one to commit to can lead most to a mellow neutral. But to easily spice things up in the bedroom, collect a few tapestries or oversized patterned blankets. Hang them over sofa arms, on the backs of chairs or spread them out over the bed for a quick and dramatic change. If you're feeling crafty, hang on from the ceiling above the bed or on the wall for a temporary headboard.

Use a Patterned Wicker Basket Instead of a Plastic Laundry Basket

Swapping out a typical plastic laundry basket for an eye-catching patterned wicker basket is an easy way to give your laundry room (and wherever else you fold the clothes) a quick upgrade.

—Erin Feher with Gabby Cullen

A Stylist’s Guide to Creating a Kid-Friendly Living Room

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These LEGO Flowers Are the Perfect Alternative to a Valentine’s Day Bouquet

by Karly WoodJanuary 12, 2022

If you want to add a little beauty to your brick stash, you’ll love the LEGO Botanical collection. Not only does this gorgeous lineup make for great therapeutic afternoon of building, but it’s also the perfect way to say “I Love You” this Valentine’s Day.

With florals that won’t die, the LEGO Creator Flower Bouquet ($50) and LEGO Bonsai Tree ($40) are the gift that keeps on giving. Each set has over 700 pieces each and is geared more towards adults than kids.

The Creator Flower Bouquet comes with 756 pieces to construct a variety of flowers, including snapdragons, roses, poppies, asters, daisies, and different grasses. The set comes with elements that feature new shapes and colors to make that perfect petal shape, and each bud can be arranged in a vase to your liking.

Harness your inner zen with the 878 piece Bonsai Tree set. It comes with with a rectangular pot and a slatted wood-effect LEGO stand. If you look close enough, you may even spy the little frogs that make up each blossom piece.

Both sets are sold out on LEGO.com, however, you can use the site to check your local store inventory to snag your own set. You can also find both the bouquet and Bonsai tree on Amazon.

––Karly Wood

All photos: Courtesy of LEGO

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Why Imaginative Play Is So Important

By Jonna Laster

Tinybeans Voices Contributor

August 10, 2021

Photo: Markus Spiske on Unsplash

“You can’t use up creativity. The more you use, the more you have.” —Maya Angelou

In the picture book, Nutshell Regatta, a young girl and her beloved grandmother spend an afternoon exploring a pond and the many creatures and plants living in and around the water. Through their interaction, and using imaginative play, their experience transcends what most people might see when looking at a similar landscape. The animals take on unique roles, the plants play their special parts and the little girl and her grandmother transport themselves to a whole other world whereby they share a unique adventure and create their own story. This is imaginative play.

When we engage in imaginative play, we engage all of our senses. Observing a scene is very one-dimensional. Creating the scene, however, is multi-dimensional. All creative people and great problem solvers use imaginative play. At its core, imaginative play, is “thinking outside the box”.

There are those who might worry they are not creative or don’t know how to start. The great thing about imaginative play is there is no wrong way to do it! Start with a simple plan. Next time you take a walk with a child, try to engage with your surroundings.

Collect pebbles or leaves. Think about how you could arrange them in a vase or picture frame.
Take a walk with a child in silence. When you get back home, take turns sharing what you saw, smelled, heard and felt.

The fun part is there is no wrong way to do this. Creativity really has no boundaries—you just need to start. In keeping with that vein, let children color outside the lines. Encourage creativity and story-telling. Keep as many supplies around as you can manage including empty boxes, old fabric, old costumes, catalogs, crayons, pencils, paint. All of these types of items are a treasure trove for imaginative play. And remember, it’s the process of imaginative play that’s important rather than what is created!

Ideas for Imaginative Play:

Have one person start a story. Then, each family member or friend adds the next sentence or two. Round and round the story goes, often ending up in very unexpected places. This is a great boost for memory skills, and a source of delightful silliness for everyone!
Take out any board game. Collectively reinvent the rules. An example of this activity: A word tile game, like Scrabble, could expand to accept made-up words as a long as a pronunciation and a definition is given and the word is used in a sentence.
In this variation of charades, take out a stack of blank index cards. Each person draws or writes out instructions for whoever pulls one of their cards from a stack.
Create an entire new and zany rule book for a familiar game—this works well with strategy board games.
Flip the script. Rewrite or retell the endings of favorite shows or movies. To be able to deconstruct and reconstruct a familiar storyline is a prime example of imagination meets critical thinking skills.

The most important rule of imaginative play is…there really are no rules!

Jonna Laster

Tinybeans Voices Contributor

Jonna Laster's earliest recollections take place in an old canvas tent on her parent's Alaskan homestead. The stories told around the wood-stove filled her with wonder, and to this day remind Jonna of why she's always been a writer. Jonna lives in the Pacific Northwest with her family.

6 Ways to Create Good Vibes in Your Workspace

By Jen Kathrina-Anne

Tinybeans Voices Contributor

June 28, 2021

Photo: Georgia de Lotz via Unsplash

With more and more people continuing to work, study, and stay at home these days, it’s more important than ever to make your home your sanctuary–a space that invites peace and flow. Here are 6 ways to create good vibes in your space:

1. Plan It Out
Use a weekly planner to plan out your days each week. These can be store-bought planners or even bullet journals you design yourself. It should be easy and practical for you. Plan out each day’s tasks, weekly meal plan, a self care routine, and maybe even a motivational quote or theme for the week.

2. Think inside the Box
Don’t allow papers to pile up and become an unmanageable mess. Use boxes or bins that fit with your room’s aesthetic to help with paperwork storage. Make the bins easily accessible and keep documents separated within the bin if needed.

3. Bring Nature Indoors
Plants produce oxygen so it’s important to have at least one live plant in your workspace. Houseplants like philodendron or succulents are great since they don’t need to be watered regularly. They add a great pop of green and keep the room feeling fresh. You could also have fresh cut flowers in a vase, but keep in mind that they would need to be replaced every week or so. A more economical solution could be realistic faux flowers in a simple white vase or jug.

4. Create a Meditation Space
Meditation has proven health benefits, such as a reduction in anxiety. It also promotes clear thinking. Having a space to meditate, first thing in the morning if possible, is a wonderful way to start your day off on the right foot. This could be as simple as a corner near a sunny window or space in the middle of the floor.

5. A Soft Place to Land
For those days when work gets to be too much, taking a break from the computer or desk is much needed. If you have a small sofa or even a comfortable chair to move to during breaks, it will keep you from being tempted to turn back to the computer while trying to relax.

6. White Noise May Eliminate Distraction
If you are one of those people who likes to have background noise while working, consider having white noise such as birds singing, ocean waves, or even coffee shop background noise playing while you work. Sometimes having some noise can blend into the background while keeping distracting thoughts at bay.

This post originally appeared on The Haute Mommy Handbook.

Jen Kathrina-Anne

Tinybeans Voices Contributor

Jen Kathrina-Anne is a blogger, freelance writer, and graphic designer. When she’s not writing or designing, she enjoys spending time outdoors in the California Bay Area where she resides with her husband and two fearless daughters. Find her at www.hautemommyhandbook.com.

Flowers & Truffles Make a Classic Pair for Valentine’s Day

by Jennifer SwartvagherJanuary 21, 2021

Show your loved ones how much you care this Valentine’s Day. Lindt just announced a brand-new collaboration with Farmgirl Flowers that conveys “let’s stay together” (with flowers and LINDOR truffles) no matter how far apart you are from family and friends this year. Lindt’s classic heartfelt treats are also back for a limited time, plus an all-new LINDOR 70% Cocoa Extra Dark truffle bag for all the dark chocolate lovers out there.

Premium Swiss chocolatier Lindt releases its Valentine’s 2021 products crafted with love by the Lindt Master Chocolatiers. Just in time to sweeten the season of love, the brand’s beloved LINDOR Milk truffle, LINDOR Heart (in classic Milk and Assorted chocolate varieties) and the irresistibly sweet LINDOR Strawberries & Cream truffle return, all in heartfelt packaging.

New this season, Lindt is excited to debut the decadently dark 70% Cocoa LINDOR truffle bag. All available nationally now for a limited time only.

In the sweetest partnership, Lindt is excited to share a brand-new collaboration with Farmgirl Flowers. In a show-stopping Valentine’s Day masterpiece called “Let’s Stay Together,” an oversized bag of irresistibly smooth-melting LINDOR milk chocolate truffles will pair with a 360° arrangement of 30+ red roses, ranunculus and seasonal foliage in Farmgirl Flowers’ signature sustainable vase.

No matter what your 2021 Valentine’s Day looks like surprise your loved ones with this classic pairing available now at Farmgirl Flowers ($115.)

—Jennifer Swartvagher

All photos courtesy of Lindt

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My (Lame) Attempts at Baby Talk

By Janet Coburn

Tinybeans Voices Contributor

October 14, 2020

Photo: Dan Reily

First, let it be noted that I have no idea how to talk to babies. They stare at me like I’m from Mars and I stare back or read them the newspaper or something. Once in a restaurant a woman handed me her baby while she went to the restroom. Said baby and I had a staring contest, as there was not a newspaper handy. I jiggled it a little, which the baby didn’t object to, though I felt ridiculous. My husband took a picture, which I made sure no longer exists.

But with cats, it’s a different story. One conducted almost exclusively in babytalk. (I say “almost” because I do not use babytalk for communications like, “Get down off that shelf before you break the vase we bought in Italy!”)

The rest of the time, I sound like a blithering idiot. The blithering starts with their names. “Dushenka” becomes “Shenka-doodle” and “Toby” becomes “Toto-Booboo” or even “Toto-Booboo Baby.” (And we can’t overlook the geek-inspired “Toby-Wan Kenobi.” Sometimes Dushenka is even “Shenka-doodle-doo.” I knew you were wondering about that.)

I know there are those who feel these are not dignified things to call a cat, but the fact is that cats have no use for dignity. Despite their reputation, cats do the most un-dignified things, from licking their nethers to sneezing in my face. (One cat did this while I was blithering, “Sugar for mama?”)

Then comes feeding. “Does kitty want some noms? Nice noms for the kitty! Om-nom-nom!” And to think I used to make fun of my mother-in-law, who used to call her cat to the food bowl by yelling, “Pussy-Woo! Chickie!” (At least it’s not just me.)

For some reason, babytalk must be delivered in an unnaturally high-pitched voice. Of course, people talk that way to babies, too, but with cats it just adds to the absurdity. Maybe babies process language better at higher pitches, but I’m not really sure cats process language at all. Although I did once know one that would respond appropriately to a cry of, “Hey, you! You with the fur! Get down from there!” That was delivered in a regular, rather than squeaky, tone of voice, which is probably why it was effective.

Maybe the reason that I can babytalk cats but not babies is the fact that I have been around cats for years and years, while that encounter in the restaurant constituted most of the sum of my experience with tiny humans. It can’t be that only babies look at me like I’m from Mars, because the cats do too, when they aren’t just ignoring me.

Somehow, though, I feel that babies judge me and cats don’t. When your sole comment on anything is “mmma-weep!” (that’s a direct quote from Toby), you can’t afford to cop an attitude. (Dushenka has a wider vocabulary, including an assortment of purrs, trills, sighs, and snores. Dainty snores, but definitely different from the purrs.)

It’s ludicrous, I know, and one more sign that I may be turning into an official Crazy Cat Lady. Sometimes it’s even so bad that I make myself want to retch. (Does ittle Toto want snuggles from mama? Can I get the floofy white belly, Shenka-Doo? Does oo want to play with the nice mousie?) I mean, gag me. In either sense of the word.

Of course, it’s my belief that talking babytalk to babies sounds like blithering too. It’s just more socially acceptable. But since I’m seldom out in public with my cats, only my husband and closest friends know my little secret. And another little secret – I sometimes catch my husband cooing at the kitties as well.

Do you have a story to share with our readers? We want to hear it! Sign up for our Spoke Contributor Network and start submitting your writing today.

Janet Coburn

Tinybeans Voices Contributor

Hi! I'm a freelance writer and editor who writes about education, books, cats and other pets, bipolar disorder, and anything else that interests me. I live in Ohio with my husband and a varying number of cats.

This Surprising Idea Saved Our Weekends

By Elizabeth Allison

Tinybeans Voices Contributor

August 31, 2020

Photo: Elizabeth Allison

“If I do it, can I play Xbox after?”

“Is everyone doing it?”

“Can you just do it since you’re better at it?”

So would begin the litany of questions when I assigned my sons even the most basic weekend chores. Whether charged with watering, dusting, or raking, the boys inevitably would whine, slump their shoulders and feign sudden, fretful bewilderment. “How do I know which plants need water?” “What’s a Swiffer?” “We have a shed?”

Truthfully, my children were not sparing me much labor by pitching in. I cannot count how many times I would stop what I was doing to liberate an area rug being swallowed by a vacuum or to rescue a vase perched a micrometer from a mantel’s edge. Still, I soldiered on, determined to instill in my kids a strong work ethic and a sense of responsibility. Each weekly outburst, though, stoked simmering doubts that my mission was succeeding.

Then one dreamlike Friday the tables turned.

My seven-year-old announced that he would need to finish his science fair project over the weekend. With a toothy smile, he turned from my husband to me and with complete sincerity asked, “Who wants to help me?” I waited for him to appreciate the irony.

Though that night did not afford our family any lessons on paradoxes, it did produce our new favorite tool for a stress-free weekend: The “Help Wanted Bulletin Board.” Our family has found this device to be most valuable when used in the following way.

The “Help Wanted Bulletin Board” is literally a bulletin board that hangs next to our refrigerator, the most visited spot in the house.
Throughout the week, each member of the family takes a piece of paper, jots down a chore they anticipate may require assistance and pins it to the board. Each person posts two jobs in total.
The activities must be reasonable in scope. Our family defines “reasonable” as any task that can be performed by any family member in one hour. Jobs have included cleaning out the toy chests, skimming the pool, practicing math facts, and weeding the back yard.
All requests should be posted by Friday night.
Although everyone peruses the job postings throughout the week, no one commits to any until Saturday morning. At that time, each member of the family signs their name onto two posted job requests. I have found that my boys have a greater sense of control and approach their responsibilities more eagerly when they can select their jobs. To that end, the adults choose last so that the kids have more tasks from which to pick.
All jobs must be completed by early Sunday evening. The job solicitor and the job assistant decide together when they will work to complete the assignment.
When a job is done, the posting is crossed out. I am still amused by how triumphant the boys look when they do this, but I also understand that the “x” is tangible proof of their success and a validation of their work.
Finally, right before bedtime on Sunday night, we gather at the bulletin board and review what our family accomplished. Each job solicitor thanks his or her assistant, and it is impressive how much goodwill is fostered before our children retire for the evening.

Ending the weekend on a harmonious note is but one benefit of this approach to chores. Others have followed. With the board sitting in plain view every day, my sons understand that the weekend will bring housework. This visual reminder allows the boys to prepare mentally for chores. By eliminating any surprises, the board has reduced much of the whining in our house.

Though household duties are still inevitable, they no longer feel arbitrary. The board lets my children consider how they will contribute in the days ahead. They have developed a sense of ownership by having a say in what they do, and this autonomy has fostered pride in their work.

Each family member appreciates the support they receive while simultaneously feeling good about helping someone. There now exists a feeling of our family operating as a team. We enter the weekend knowing that someone has already offered to help us. What’s more, no one is shunted off to a corner of the house to work alone, as sometimes would happen before we used the board. Instead, each of us enjoys companionship while we work. More than once my kids have spontaneously offered up stories about what is happening at school while occupied with sweeping or washing dishes beside me. For me, these unprompted talks are the happiest consequence of the way we handle housework now.

My kids now take time to discern which of their own tasks they can do by themselves and which are best suited to a team effort. Subsequently, they have become more transparent about which responsibilities they find difficult and which they just do not want to do.

Finally, the “Help Wanted Bulletin Board” reinforces the notion that everyone needs help. Often children are told at school or at home that asking for help is not a flaw, but an asset exhibited by strong leaders. The “Help Wanted Bulletin Board” reinforces this sometimes-challenging idea. Each day it literally shows my boys that even the “oldest and wisest” can seek support and even the smallest and youngest can provide it.

This post originally appeared on Scary Mommy.

Elizabeth Allison

Tinybeans Voices Contributor

I spent many joyful years in education, but I made the difficult choice to leave the classroom to focus on my children and my writing. I recently published a short children’s book, Many Miles to Walk, an extended conceit written for my younger son to explain his birth via surrogate

Simple Science Experiments With 5 Supplies or Less

by Erin LemJuly 1, 2020

This summer keep your kids learning and engaged with fun hands-on experiments and projects that pack in big time fun without the need for a lot of supplies or clean-up afterwards. In fact, if you have glasses and food coloring at home you’re well on your way to scientific fun. Click through the gallery to peek at our favorite science experiments that require five supplies or less.

How Clouds Hold Water

Practice fine motor skills, focus and coordination, all while learning the very basic concept of how clouds hold water and when they become too heavy it starts to rain. Courtesy of Learn With Play at Home, this experiment is a great afternoon activity that will teach and engage your little learners.

You'll Need:
Colored water
A clear jar/glass/vase with water in it
Shaving foam
An eyedropper/pipette

How to:
1. Squirt shaving cream on top of the water. Talk about how the shaving cream is a "cloud" and that they are going to be filling it with water to see what happens.

2. Using fine motor skills, focus and coordination to transfer the colored water from one vessel to the other.

3. See how it begins "raining!" as the "cloud" gets too heavy and can't hold the water any more.

This experiment comes to us courtesy of Learn With Play at Home. Visit their website for more fun activities and ideas for kids.

— Erin Lem

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Procrastinate much? We’re here to help.

Breakfast in Bed

Do the Grocery Shopping

Chocolate-Covered Strawberries

DIY Terrarium

Order a Plant

Take the Kids Out for the Day

Organize a Game Night

Have the House Cleaned

Make Bath Salts

Plan a Picnic Lunch

Washi Tape Photo Frame

Phone to Frame

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Rearrange the Furniture & Decor

Candles in the Bath

Stack Your Coolest Books on the Coffee Table

Show Off Your Produce in the Kitchen

Toss a Tapestry in the Bedroom

Use a Patterned Wicker Basket Instead of a Plastic Laundry Basket

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