7 Secrets of Moms Who Are Always Prepared

It’s Friday night, and you just remembered Charlie's best friend turns 5 tomorrow, but you were so focused on sending the gift that you forgot to buy a card. Uh-oh. Instead of scrambling at the last minute (or paying extra for expedited shipping), a prepared mom taps into her designated drawer filled with all the trappings of a good birthday that she keeps on hand, just in case. Think: balloons, candles, scissors, tape, colored construction paper, markers...the works. Use this tactic for any occasion, from graduations to weddings to sympathy, even if you are sending love from their front lawn or from a safe distance.

Gone are the days of having just one first aid kit in your medicine cabinet. Because a mom knows accidents can happen no matter where you are, she makes sure to stay prepared and stick a first aid kit in every purse, car, bathroom and catchall drawer. This May through September, BAND-AID® Brand of First Aid Products is giving away free First Aid Kits (you can choose between classic red or geometric blue) with any purchase of three select first aid products from Target. Those include BAND-AID® Brand SKIN-FLEX® Bandages, BAND-AID® Brand Adhesive Bandages featuring Dreamworks Trolls, Neosporin® Antibiotic and Pain Relieving Cream for Children and Benadryl® Extra Strength Itch Relief Cream Topical Analgesic—all the things you needed to grab anyway. Found only at Target, this offer is available while supplies last.

You already use toys as a quick distraction. But what happens when they lose their effect? Apply the KonMari method to your kids' rooms by emptying out all chests, closets and under-the-bed storage bins. Separate their things into two piles: one for the items that "spark joy" for your child, and one for the items that don't. Then, try a toy or book swap with friends to renew the excitement of some of the older toys—the kids will be pleasantly surprised with some new-to-them additions, and you’ll avoid buying a million action figures. Wait, is that Jackson’s cool Star Wars figurine?! Work-from-home crisis averted.

Between helping one kid with their summer reading project and bringing the other to the park for a bit of fresh air, weekday afternoons are nothing short of hectic. But that shouldn’t interfere with the family bonding that happens over a sit-down dinner. No time to cook a homemade meal? Keep a freezer full of hearty options that you can dress up to seem homemade, like frozen cheese pizzas that you can add some pepperoni and basil to for an instant upgrade. Buon appetito!

As your kids grow, there’s more and more to keep track of. Between their ever-changing clothing sizes and booster shots, it’s hard to stay on top of every last detail. Breathe, mama. Start using an app like OneNote or Google Keep to record important information.We know our kids’ schedules have slowed down the past few months, but when they do pick up, these apps will have you covered. When the time comes to fill out school forms or make doctors appointments, everything you need is at your fingertips—not hiding somewhere in the back of your brain.

When it comes to kids, accidents happen at random. But that doesn’t mean you can’t be prepared. When your usual schedule resumes, be sure to carry an extra set of your kid’s clothes with you at all times. We’re talking about a complete outfit, not just an extra pair of underwear. Keep the clothes in a large gallon bag so they stay clean inside your purse (because who knows when your own lipstick tube will decide to explode?).

It’s best practice to think 30, 60 or even 90 days ahead when it comes to your kids' clothing needs. For instance, when you go shopping at the start of summer, even when it's just online, don’t stop at buying swim trunks and flip-flops. Think ahead to the start of the school year, and stock up on a backpack and T-shirts in slightly larger sizes (hey, kids grow like weeds). When everyone else is scrambling to get their fall schedules in order come Labor Day, you’ll be glad you don’t have to worry about a thing. Other than trying to get your kids not to stain said clothes, that is.

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