Let's Have an Up Kind of Day

Do you Fly? I do. No, I'm not talking about mode of transportation from here to Florida (although flying is far better than 18 hours in the car!). What I mean is are you a part of the 500k Flybabies? I am.

If you haven't heard about Flylady, bear with me. This might sound a little crazy, but I promise you it has changed my life and can change yours too. 

At it's core, the Flylady is a system of routines to help perfectionists be okay with imperfection. The focus is on housecleaning but extends to fitness, fashion, and parenting. The idea is housework is not something that is done too you - not a punishment. It's just something that has to be done and actually "blesses" your family. Parents who model this attitude can instill a healthier approach to chores and responsibilities in their children. 

I used to think I had to spend 5 hours every Saturday cleaning my house. Half my weekend was gone by the time I finished! Since I work full time, I don't have the luxury of being home much during the week, and evenings are my precious time with Olivia. Flylady taught me that I can do one thing for 15 minutes every day to improve my house and do things today that will make tomorrow easier. The system allowed me to find time to open LivvySue Boutique with my mom. I just work on it for 15 minutes a day, and presto! a children's clothing and accessories business is born. There's a lot more too it, and more can be found on Flylady's website. 

Healthy parenting is a big part of the Flylady system, and her company dropped a CD this fall called Up Kind of Day full of songs to inspire kids to develop routines, eat their veggies, be kind to others, and more. Each song as a specific message delivered in a non-preachy, super motivating way. Even parents will enjoy listening with their kids. We literally listen to the CD every day after work/school. It's become part of our routine. The last song we listen to is the 2-minute Cleanup, which is Olivia's signal it's time to pick up toys and head upstairs for a bath.

Clips of the songs can be found on here and the entire album is just $9.99 to download on iTunes.

In addition, the Flylady and Friends network has a weekly podcast called Give Your Children Wings to Fly. In lieu of finding time to read parenting books (because time for that is non-existent), I listen to this podcast while I work out. Kelly, Flylady's sidekick, hosts the show and has tons of excellent advise on how to teach kids to keep their little lives clean and organized - a key to a successful life. Every episode is chalk-full of excellent tips and tricks; I learn something new every time I listen. Check it out on iTunes by going to podcasts, type in Flylady Kelly. Subscribing is free.