A Can Do Mom

As parents, one of our biggest jobs is to make sure our kids are equipped with the skills they’ll need as adults. And while that covers a lot of ground, today I want to talk about one simple but powerful way to help them grow: age-appropriate chores. We’ll go over which chores are right for each age group, plus I’ll share tips on how to motivate your child to actually do them and how to make the process meaningful, not just manageable. Let’s dive in. Why Chores Matter for Kids Giving your child regular responsibilities helps in more ways than one. Here are just a few of the key benefits: Builds a sense of responsibility and work ethic Teaches valuable life skills they’ll use forever Helps kids feel important and included in family life Encourages consistency, structure, and following a routine Can improve mental health and confidence by fostering independence There’s really no downside as long as the chores are appropriate for your child’s age and development. So...

Most of us have hobbies that we enjoy from time to time. Things like cooking, reading, playing sports, or doing crafts. These personal hobbies help us unwind and recharge, but they’re usually solitary activities. And when we get caught up in doing things on our own, it can sometimes create a bit of distance in our family relationships if we don’t make intentional time to connect. That’s where family hobbies come in. What Are Family Hobbies? Family hobbies are shared interests or activities that every member of your family can enjoy together. They might be as simple as playing board games or as adventurous as planning camping trips. The key is finding something that brings everyone together and encourages connection, laughter, and teamwork. In our family, that hobby has always been gaming. When my kids were small, they would sit beside me and watch me play old-school retro games. Eventually, they joined in—and we’ve had so much fun playing multiplayer games together through the yea...

Saving money is tough,  especially in this economy  and it’s not always fun either. But thankfully, there are some creative ways to make saving a little more manageable… and even enjoyable! One of my favorite tools? Money-saving challenges . There are tons of different challenges out there, and today I’m sharing five of my favorites  plus a few tips on how to customize them for your financial situation. Whether you’re working with a tight budget or just looking to be more intentional with your money, these challenges can help you build momentum (and your savings account) without the overwhelm. 1. The “No Spend” Challenge One of the most popular challenges out there, the “No Spend” challenge is exactly what it sounds like: a period of time where you don’t spend money on anything that isn’t absolutely essential . You’ll still need to pay bills, buy groceries, and cover necessary expenses but you’ll cut out the extras like fast food, Target runs, subscriptions, and on...