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When the snow starts falling and temperatures drop, managing rising heating costs on top of your daily family routine can feel like a tough balancing act. Fortunately, lowering your home's energy bills is much easier than you think. With a handful of simple daily habits and helpful provider programs, you can take control of your utility budget and keep your home warm all winter long. Turn It Down According to the U.S. Department of Energy, turning your thermostat down just one degree in the winter saves you about 1% on your heating bill! You can double down on those savings by dropping the temperature to the low 60s when your home is empty during the day and again when everyone is warm and cozy in bed at night. Simply turn it back up when you return or wake up, and watch those monthly energy costs drop! Clear It Out Take a quick walk through your home and check your floor registers and air returns. When furniture or large rugs block these vents, your furnace has to work much harder to push warm air through the house, which drives up your heating costs. Simply slide couches, dressers, or rugs a few inches away to give your heating system room to breathe and keep every room warmer for less. Tune It Up If you own your home, scheduling regular HVAC maintenance is a simple way to protect your budget. A well-maintained system runs much more efficiently, which keeps your home warm without burning through extra energy. In fact, according to the U.S. Department of Energy, a seasonal tune-up can save you up to 30% on energy costs. Be sure to put an HVAC checkup on your calendar each fall before the snow starts to fall! Average Monthly Billing Minnesota utility providers offer an average monthly billing option to keep your heating costs predictable all year long. Instead of getting hit with a surprise spike during freezing winter months, your payments are balanced into an even, manageable amount each month. Reach out to your utility company today to ask about enrolling. It is an easy way to keep your budget stress-free. Energy Assistance Program If winter bills feel overwhelming, you do not have to carry that burden alone. Minnesota’s Energy Assistance Program helps qualifying renters and homeowners pay their heating bills, sending grants directly to your utility company. Eligibility is based on household size and income, so even if you are not sure if you qualify, it is always worth applying. Applications open each fall on October 1 and close on May 31, giving your family extra support right when the cold weather sets in. You’ve got this, mama! You are smart, capable, and resourceful. Taking control of your home’s energy costs is just one more way you are building a comfortable, thriving home for your family. P.S. Check out our Resources page for more savings!

Managing a household on one income isn't easy, but taking control of your energy bill is a powerful way to save. You don't need a big budget or tons of free time to see real results on your monthly statement. With a few simple habits and a little help from your kids, saving money can be easy and even fun! Unplug Everything that stays plugged into the wall uses a little electricity, which can really add up on your bill! Try unplugging what you’re not using, and make a fun game of it with the kids before heading out for the day or going to bed. You’ll love watching your electric bill drop! LED All The Way Swapping out old incandescent and halogen bulbs for LEDs is one of the easiest ways to lower your monthly electric bill! LED lightbulbs use 80% to 90% less energy and can last up to 25 times longer than traditional bulbs. Best of all, Xcel Energy offers discounted LEDs through their online store, making the switch even cheaper. Switch to Green Energy Whether you rent or own, you can switch to green energy! Xcel Energy allows you to choose what percentage of your power comes from clean sources like wind and solar. While standard electric bills include fuel cost adjustments to cover the fluctuating price of fossil fuels, opting into renewable energy helps reduce reliance on coal and natural gas while protecting the environment. You won’t pay for fuel credits, which helps you pay less each month! Appliances Matter Outdated appliances use far more electricity than they're worth! When it’s time to replace one, choose an ENERGY STAR®-certified appliance to cut down your energy use. Be sure to check with your local utility company and city council for rebate programs, which can lower your monthly electric bill and put extra savings right back in your pocket! Xcel Energy even offers a $50 rebate for recycling old refrigerators and freezers! Laundry Clothes dryers are among the most energy-intensive appliances in your home, so using them sparingly can really save you money! For under $20, a collapsible clothes drying rack can help lower your electric bill while extending the life of your clothes by reducing wear and tear. It’s also a quick, easy chore for kids, saving you both time and cash. You’ve got this, mama! You are smart, capable, and resourceful. Now go flip the switch on those high electric bills and enjoy the extra savings! P.S. Check out our Resources page for more savings!

Mom, you work hard. Every dollar of your income needs to work as hard as you do. Cutting your monthly phone bill is one of the easiest ways to free up room in your budget. With a few simple swaps, you can stay connected without overpaying. Switch Your Plan Every dollar counts when managing a household budget. If your current phone bill is over $30 a month, consider swapping to a low-cost carrier. Brands like Mint Mobile, Tello, Boost Mobile, Verizon, or prepaid options from AT&T offer reliable, unlimited talk, text, and data for a fraction of the cost. Buy Refurbished As tempting as the newest smartphone might be, high price tags don’t belong in a smart budget. Instead, look for a certified refurbished model from a trusted retailer. You can often snag a like-new phone for less than half the original cost, complete with a standard warranty! Best of all, certified refurbished phones come unlocked. That means total freedom to choose a low-cost plan ($30 or less) without being trapped in an expensive contract. Sell Your Old Tech Don’t let your old phone sit in a drawer collecting dust! Once your refurbished upgrade arrives, sell your old tech to help offset the cost. Enter your device specifications on reputable sites like BankMyCell, ItsWorthMore, or SellCell to find the highest payout. Print the free shipping label, ship it out, and enjoy the instant boost to your family budget. Kids and Tech When it’s time to get a phone for your child, make sure affordability is part of the equation. You don’t want to be locked into an expensive monthly plan for features they won’t even use. A basic flip phone is a fantastic starter device with a price tag to match. With budget flip phones costing $30 or less, you can often find annual basic plans for under $100, which averages out to less than $9 a month. Check out Tracfone's flip phones and phone plans. If you're considering a kid-safe smartwatch instead of a smartphone, Gabb watches are a highly rated option. They offer certified refurbished buying options to save on hardware, and monthly plans are budget-friendly, ranging from $12.99 to $17.99 per month. You’ve got this, mama! You are smart, capable, and resourceful. Every dollar you save on your phone bill is money that stays where it belongs, supporting you and your precious kids. P.S. Check out our Resources page for more savings!

Managing a budget on a single income is tough, but keeping your family connected shouldn't break the bank. Here is how to get fast, reliable internet without overspending. Negotiate Did you know you can negotiate with your internet provider? Call them up and ask for a better rate. Since they want to keep your business, they are usually willing to lower your bill. They will often discount your rate for a full year. Just make sure to set a reminder to call back annually so your bill doesn’t skyrocket. Shop Around Don’t be afraid to shop around for a better deal. T-Mobile and Verizon now offer 5G home internet plans with solid speeds at fair prices, especially if you are already a mobile customer. A major perk of these plans is that they don't require a traditional cable line. Simply plug the gateway into an outlet, and you are ready to go. Make sure you verify that signal quality and service availability are strong in your area. Buy Your Modem Buying your internet hardware is cheaper than renting it. Providers often charge $10 or more per month to lease a combined modem and Wi-Fi router. Over two years, those rental fees add up to $240 or more. You can purchase a top-rated modem and router for under $200 on Amazon or at Best Buy. Double-check with your provider to ensure the equipment you choose is compatible with its network. Internet Essentials Xfinity offers Internet Essentials for low-income households that qualify for assistance programs like SNAP, Medicaid, or housing assistance. Applicants can choose between two plans: a standard 75/10 Mbps plan for $14.95 a month, or an upgraded 100/20 Mbps plan for $29.95 a month. Once approved for Internet Essentials, you also become eligible to purchase a discounted laptop for $149.99 plus tax. You’ve got this, mama! You are smart, capable, and resourceful. Time to show your internet provider that negotiating with a toddler was just practice for negotiating with them! P.S. Check out our Resources page for more savings!

If gas prices aren’t enough to make your heart race, grocery bills are a close second. You need to eat, but how can you cut spending to ensure your family gets nutritious meals while still keeping enough cash for life’s other basics? The good news is that taking control of your grocery bill is easier than you think with these simple tips. Pantry Challenge Before heading to the store, shop your pantry, fridge, and freezer first. Pull out what you already have and build a meal plan around those items. This will lower your grocery bill and help you make the most of the food you already bought! If you are short on ideas, search your available ingredients online or ask an AI assistant for quick, simple recipes. By using what you have, you may only need to pick up a few staples like fresh fruit, milk, bread, and eggs, saving you a stack of cash. Ibotta If you think saving money on groceries is hard, you need to try Ibotta. It acts like a digital coupon hub for items you buy every day. Start by downloading the free app, choosing your store, and tapping the plus sign on any offers you plan to use. Then, shop as you normally would. When you finish shopping, simply upload a photo of your receipt to earn your cash back. If you shop online, you can link your store account to earn rewards automatically. Once your balance reaches $20, you can transfer your cash directly to your bank account or PayPal, or trade it in for digital gift cards. You can even earn extra bonus cash by purchasing featured products or completing special challenges. You can use this promo code (rmayjso) for a $5 bonus when you submit your first receipt! Fetch Fetch is a free rewards app that turns your everyday receipts into points. Simply download the app, tap the camera icon to photograph your paper receipts, or link your email for automatic e-receipt tracking. You earn a minimum of 25 points for almost any store or restaurant receipt, plus bonus points when you buy featured food brands. Once your points accumulate, you can redeem them for gift cards to your favorite stores, including for free groceries. You can use this promo code (UP3BUA) for 2,000 bonus points when you scan your first receipt! Aldi If you live in Minnesota, Aldi consistently ranks as the cheapest grocery store. Comparisons show it routinely beats competitors like Walmart, Target, Costco, Sam’s Club, Cub, and Trader Joe’s on basic staples. If you want to stretch your grocery dollars as far as possible, Aldi is the best place to start. Too Good To Go Too Good To Go is an app that connects people with unsold food from local restaurants, bakeries, cafes, and grocery stores at a discounted price. Businesses bag up their surplus at the end of the day, and customers reserve and pick it up through the app. Food Shelves Sometimes, no matter how far you stretch your budget, there simply isn’t enough left over for the basics. Mom, I see you. Don’t despair. You’re not alone. According to the USDA, 82% of households with children in the US were food insecure in 2024—that’s almost 30 million people. Local food shelves are ready to help. Check out these options to find support near you: Hunger Solutions Hennepin County Food Resource Map Second Harvest Heartland Many food shelves offer monthly or twice-monthly visits, allowing you to choose what fits your family's needs. You can also visit more than one food shelf to ensure your kids go to bed full every night. Beyond food, these programs often connect families with additional resources like clothing, household essentials, holiday gifts, school supplies, and youth activity scholarships. Loaves & Fishes: Community Meals On nights when you lack the time or energy to plan and prepare a meal, Loaves & Fishes offers free drive-up community meals. Each ready-to-eat, to-go box includes a main dish, fruit, and vegetables. Simply drive up to a designated location, request the number of meals you need, and pick them up with no hassle required. Use the search tool to find a community meal site near you. Meals are offered most nights during specific pickup windows. SNAP and SUN Bucks The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) helps Minnesotans experiencing financial hardship buy nutritious, well-balanced food for their families. Qualified households receive an Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card preloaded each month with a designated grocery allowance based on household income. Eligibility depends on your household size and income level. Households may qualify if their gross income falls below the following limits: SUN Bucks is an income-based food assistance program that provides families with $120 per eligible school-aged child to buy groceries during the summer break. If your family receives SNAP, your children are automatically enrolled. A preloaded card is mailed to your address for each eligible child at the start of summer and can be used anywhere that EBT (SNAP) is accepted. You’ve got this, mom! You’re smart. You’re capable. Every small step you take adds up to big relief for your family and your wallet. P.S. Check out our Resources page for more savings!

Refreshing your family's closet can be both affordable and truly rewarding. You don't need a huge budget to keep everyone looking and feeling their best. Swapping Put the word out to friends and family that you’re open to hand-me-downs. You’ll be pleasantly surprised by how eager people are to pass things along! You can also plan a casual clothing swap get-together. Let the kids play while everyone gets swapping. Clothes, shoes, and even winter gear are all fair game. Everyone walks away with great new-to-them finds, and you get to enjoy a fun afternoon with your community! Community Freebies In the Twin Cities, there are plenty of community resources that provide free clothing for women and children. Check out these comprehensive lists of free clothing resources. Make sure to contact the agency directly to find out specific details on intakes and appointments. Dress for Success Twin Cities Professional work clothes often come with a high price tag, but local support is available. Dress for Success Twin Cities provides free professional attire, career coaching, and skill-building classes to help women in the Twin Cities advance in their careers. Whatever your workplace demands, they have you covered. Scrubs? Check. Suits? Check. Business casual? Check! Sign up for an online orientation to get started with services, including your first free 15-pound clothing package. Secondhand Once you have made the most of free community resources, turning to secondhand stores is a fantastic next step. For your kids and teens, Once Upon a Child and Plato’s Closet make it easy to swap gently used clothes for cash or store credit. It keeps your budget on track while ensuring your growing kids and teens always have clothes that fit and look great. The Salvation Army Buy-the-Pound store lets you fill your cart with clothing and shoes for only $1.89 per pound. It is a fantastic local resource when you want to maximize your savings, located at 900 N. 4th Street in Minneapolis. Goodwill is packed with hidden wardrobe treasures for your whole family. Every store offers something unique, and if you're hoping to find brand name styles, try visiting locations in higher-income communities. It is such a simple way to find designer labels at prices that will make your wallet smile. You’ve got this, mama! You are smart, capable, and resourceful. Each thoughtful piece you pick up on a budget is a loving win for your home and your wallet. P.S. Check out our Resources page for more savings!

Being a single mom means every dollar counts, but saving on car insurance shouldn't mean sacrificing your peace of mind. With just a few simple tweaks to your policy, you can quickly stretch your monthly budget and keep more money where it belongs, right with your family. Shop Around Finding the best rate on car insurance is easier than you think, and a little shopping around goes a long way. Insurance prices can vary wildly between providers, so it pays to gather quotes from at least three different companies (try AAA and Progressive) to see who offers the best fit for your budget. If you are short on time, consider working with an independent insurance broker. They do all the comparison shopping for you, which saves you hours of effort while helping you score the best possible price. Don't forget to ask about bundling! Combining your auto insurance with your homeowners or renters policy under the same provider is one of the simplest ways to unlock huge savings, often up to 30% off. Adjust Reviewing your insurance details to fit your current needs is a practical way to keep more money in your bank account. A great place to start is your deductible. Increasing your out-of-pocket deductible from $500 to $1,000 can lower your annual premium by 20% to 25% right away. If you drive an older car, it is also worth checking its current value. Dropping collision and comprehensive coverage makes total sense if your yearly premium costs more than 10% of what the car is actually worth. Finally, take a quick peek at your liability limits. Adjusting them to match your current financial picture ensures you stay fully protected without paying for extra coverage you don’t actually need. Discounts Claiming hidden discounts is a quick way to shrink your bill without cutting coverage. Start with your payment habits. You can lock in automatic savings simply by paying your premium upfront for the full term, setting up autopay, and going paperless. It also pays to ask about special rates. Reach out to your insurer to see if you qualify for discounts for anti-theft devices, safe driver training, or strong grades for young drivers in your household. Choose Wisely Choosing a safer car is a fantastic win-win. It protects what matters most, like keeping your kids secure in the backseat, while keeping more money in your pocket. Whenever you are shopping for your next vehicle, aim for the highest safety rating possible (up to 5 stars). Insurance companies love safe drivers in safe cars, so high safety scores consistently lead to lower premiums. Tip: Before you buy, quickly check any model's score using the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Safety Rating lookup tool! You’ve got this, mama! You are smart, capable, and resourceful. Go claim those discounts and remember to give yourself a high five in the rearview mirror! P.S. Check out our Resources page for more savings!

If your heart rate spikes the moment you pull into a gas station, you’re not alone. While fuel prices might be out of your control, your bank account doesn't have to take the hit. Here is how to fight back a few dollars at a time. Upside To start saving with basically zero extra effort, download the free Upside app and link your go-to payment card. Before you fuel up, just open the app to claim a cashback offer at a nearby station, and then pay as usual. Upside automatically verifies your purchase and loads real cash right into your account. When you are ready to cash out, you can send your earnings to PayPal, your bank account, or redeem them for digital gift cards. Best of all, Upside is not just for gas—you can score cashback at local restaurants and grocery stores too. You can use this promo code (JENNIFER955723) for an additional 15 cents off per gallon on your first gas purchase and a 10% bonus on your first restaurant or grocery purchase. Discounted Fuel If you already have a membership, buying gas at Costco or Sam's Club is a no-brainer for cheaper fuel. Go during off-peak hours so you don't waste those savings idling in their notoriously long lines. Tire Pressure Low pressure tires are silent gas guzzlers. Keeping tires properly inflated is the easiest way to stop your car from dragging its feet and dragging down your bank account. Roll into any local tire shop or mechanic, and they will check your tire pressure for free, getting you back on the road in a flash. Even better, it doubles as excellent, free entertainment for the kids. Let them press their noses to the car windows and watch the mechanics work while asking a million questions. Your tires get pumped up, your kids get a front-row show, and your wallet gets a much-needed break. Lighten the Load Carrying around extra weight forces your car to work overtime and burn more cash. Clear out your trunk and remove empty roof racks or cargo boxes, which drain your tank. Think of it as a quick cleanup session that instantly pays you back in fuel savings. Slow Down! Stick to the speed limit because speeding past 50 mph is basically throwing cash out the window. When you take off, accelerate smoothly. Pretend you have an open cup of hot coffee on the dashboard to help your car shift gears efficiently. Finally, instead of rushing to red lights just to slam on the brakes, ease off the gas early. Group Trips Group your errands into one weekly trip instead of making multiple separate runs. Running errands with a warm engine is much more fuel-efficient than constantly starting from cold. It saves you precious time and keeps extra cash in your wallet. Check out more Fuel-Saving Tips from AAA here! You’ve got this, mom! You’re smart. You’re capable. With these simple tricks, you are about to show that gas pump who is boss while keeping your hard-earned cash right where it belongs! P.S. Check out our Resources page for more savings!

School season is approaching, and so are the extracurricular activities. The big question on every single mom’s mind: Where is the extra money to pay for extracurriculars? Here’s the good news: your kids can dive into their interests without you having to scramble for extra cash. By tapping into community resources, your kids can explore their passions while your bank account stays happy. Tutoring Your dear kids need extra support with schoolwork, but your bank balance can’t afford typical tutoring prices. Not to worry! Hennepin County Library offers FREE tutoring and homework help for K-12 students, both online and in person. For younger children, Hennepin County Library offers specialized K-5 reading support. Your child meets weekly one-on-one with trained volunteers to work on grade-level reading skills. Sessions are scheduled in advance by appointment only. The best part? You just need a Hennepin County Library card. Sign up today and get the support your kids need without the expensive price tag. Big Brothers Big Sisters Wouldn’t it be amazing if your children had a dedicated adult in their life whose sole purpose was to have fun with them? A mentor who your kids can look up to, who guides them, who is another safe person in their world, and who commits to seeing them two to four times a month. Welcome to Big Brothers Big Sisters, a national organization whose mission is to create and support one-to-one mentoring relationships that ignite the power and promise of youth. The Twin Cities chapter enrolls Littles (children) who are 8 to 13 years old when they first join. It is at least a one-year commitment (often it extends way beyond that!), and best of all, it is completely free. Children have access to an incredible variety of free activities and events hosted by Big Brothers Big Sisters to enjoy with their Big (mentor). These experiences include live sporting events, sports clinics with professional teams, art programs, STEM activities, career exploration, biannual picnics, back-to-school fairs, and even equine therapy! To all you amazing single moms who are doing it all, remember that you do not have to do it alone. If you want to give your child an extra layer of support, encouragement, and fun, this is a wonderful, cost-free opportunity. Take a moment to enroll your child today and welcome a positive new mentor into their life. Girl Scouts and Scouting America Girl Scouts and Scouting America have evolved over the years into organizations that promote STEM, problem-solving, leadership, and self-confidence. They also offer low-income families financial support that covers membership dues, uniforms, events, and camps. One of the many great things about scouting is that if there is a specific skill or hobby you don’t have as a single mom, I guarantee someone in the organization does! Your children will be exposed to a range of new ideas, try different activities, and pick up some wonderful life lessons along the way. If you've been looking for a new activity for your child that fits easily into your budget, scouting is a wonderful option. With generous financial help ready to cover almost everything, you can give them all the fun and friendship of an amazing after-school activity at little to no cost to you. Sports You want your children to play outside, get some fresh air, move around, and burn off all that excess energy! You just don’t want the high expenses that come with private sports clubs. Did you know that there are scholarships available through most city parks and recreation centers? Try searching Google for your city's parks and recreation scholarships. I guarantee there are funds available to help cover local community programs. These scholarships are typically good for one calendar year, so just make sure to reapply annually! When it comes to sports equipment, always look for free or secondhand options first! Check Facebook Marketplace for free or low-cost gear, or stop by Play It Again Sports for great secondhand deals. Reaching out to friends and family to see if they have any outgrown gear you can borrow for the season. You’ve got this, mom! You’re smart. You’re capable. You’re going to make sure your kids pursue their interests, try new things, and gain confidence. And you can do it all without draining your bank balance! P.S. Check out our Resources page for more savings!

Summer is finally here! We’re basking in the sunshine, enjoying long summer nights, and soaking up time outside with our kids. Somewhere in the back of our single mom brains, there’s that slight niggle reminding us that back-to-school season is creeping up. Another louder part of our brain really just wants to ignore it and head to the pool. The good news? We can absolutely do both! By turning back-to-school prep into a fun activity with the kids, you can crush the stress and save some serious cash at the same time. Here is how to tackle the checklist without breaking the bank, so when September arrives all too quickly, your kids will be ready and your bank account will thank you. Scavenger Hunt Get the kids together, set a timer for 20 minutes, and turn “shopping your house” into a game. Send them on an epic scavenger hunt across the living room, bedrooms, and junk drawers to round up forgotten treasures. You'll be amazed at how much you already own! Challenge them to track down: Backpacks (Empty them out) School & Art Supplies (Pencils, markers, rulers, and scissors) Tech Gear (Calculators and headphones) Classroom Extras (Unopened boxes of tissues, disinfecting wipes, and hand sanitizer) Once the timer goes off, test the pens, sharpen the pencils, and cross these items right off your official school supply list before you buy a single thing. Fashion Show Have your kids pile all their clothes, jackets, winter wear, shoes, and boots onto their beds and crank up some dance music. It’s time for a fashion show! Have them try everything on and strut their stuff down the hallway. It keeps them entertained while you assess what actually fits. As they model each outfit, help them sort the clothes into three distinct piles: Keep: If it still fits and they love it, it stays in the closet. Donate: If it’s too small but still in okay shape, set it aside to donate to a local charity or a friend with younger kids. Sell: If it’s too small but still in great condition (or brand new with tags), these are your golden tickets. Making the Money Take that Sell pile from the Fashion Show to a local kids' consignment shop like Once Upon a Child or Plato’s Closet. You can trade those outgrown clothes for cash or store credit to buy this year's wardrobe. It’s an easy way to ensure your bank account stays happy, which is almost as happy as you'll be when school is finally back in session. Swapping with Friends Take that Donate pile from the Fashion Show and plan a get-together with friends. Let the kids play while the moms get swapping. You can swap school supplies, clothes, shoes, and even winter clothes. Everyone walks away with goodies, and you turn a chore into a fun afternoon with your community! Community Freebies Late July and early August are when most community organizations open registration for free school supplies and backpacks. Look up local non-profits, churches, or school districts to get registered. Many areas pair these supply giveaways with a back-to-school event featuring free food and outdoor games, making it a fun afternoon out that completely eliminates a major expense. Check these out! Interfaith Outreach PRISM NEAR ResourceWest Brooklyn Park's Back-to-School Bash Big Brothers Big Sisters Shopping the Sales By now, the list of what you actually need to buy should be quite small! Unleash your savvy shopping skills on those remaining items. Check online to spot the best weekly deals, stack your savings with digital coupons, and use apps like Rakuten, Ibotta, or Fetch for cashback rewards. Don’t forget to go secondhand! Once Upon a Child, Goodwill, Plato’s Closet, and The Salvation Army are treasure troves of kids' clothing and supplies. Most importantly, stick to your list. Your kids have already had an amazing summer with their fabulous mother, and they will have an equally amazing school year without all the extra stuff. You’ve got this, mom! You’re smart. You’re capable. You are going to make sure your kids have everything they need for a great year, all while keeping your bank account incredibly happy. Now go enjoy that pool day! P.S. Check out our Resources page for more savings!

Living a life of gratitude, or "Thanksliving," is one of the most powerful things you can do for yourself and your kids. Gratitude is deeply connected to wisdom and true success. What is Gratitude? Gratitude means being thankful. It’s about counting your blessings, noticing the beauty around you, and acknowledging everything you receive. Living a life of gratitude shifts your focus from what you lack to what you have. To be grateful doesn’t mean everything in your life is perfect. It simply means you recognize and appreciate the blessings you have. Practicing gratitude is a transformative way of life. Our gratefulness ultimately points to God, but it overflows to everyone around us. Like water breaking over a dam, gratitude floods out and soaks through to our families and anyone else in our path. The Spiritual Connection The Bible is full of praise and worship to God. Many verses encourage us to be thankful, regardless of our circumstances. God promises us peace and joy when we live a life of prayer and thankfulness. On the flip side, thanklessness is a form of pride and is "anti-truth." Ungratefulness can hinder our deep relationship with God. I love it when science confirms God's truth. Research shows that gratitude makes us healthier and happier. Gratitude improves: Physical Health: Grateful people tend to be physically healthier. They take better care of themselves, exercise more, and often live longer. Those who practice gratitude before bed sleep better and longer. Psychological Health and Mental Strength: Being grateful is linked to higher self-esteem and self-respect. Grateful individuals are happier and experience significantly less depression and stress. They are more alert, enthusiastic, creative, determined, energetic, and optimistic than those who are not grateful. They also tend to be more emotionally resilient and able to endure tough circumstances. Relationships: Showing appreciation helps deepen relationships. Acknowledging others, writing thank you notes, and expressing gratitude makes people more receptive to friendship. Gratefulness fosters sensitivity and empathy towards others' needs while reducing aggression and violence. How Do You Begin? There are many strategies to become a more grateful person. Start by simply asking God to help you be more mindful and thankful. Start small and be mindful: Notice and appreciate each day's gifts. We often take what we have for granted like sight, food, clothing, and relationships. Imagine losing those things and think about how you would feel to get them back. Understand gratitude as a choice: Gratefulness and thankfulness are choices we make. In every situation, we have a choice in our response. Use gratitude to gain perspective: Reframe tough situations as learning experiences. Ask yourself, "What is good about this situation?" and "What can I learn or benefit from it?" Fast from negativity: Take a break from gossip, criticism, and complaining. Instead, choose to focus on the good aspects of a person or situation. When negative thoughts arise, replace them with grateful ones. Keep a gratitude journal: Each day, write down three to ten things you are grateful for. This practice can help shift your mindset. Acknowledge others: Make it a habit to thank and acknowledge those around you. A simple "thank you" can go a long way. Once you begin to live a life of Thanksliving, you start to appreciate simple pleasures and things you've taken for granted. It helps you see the good in tough circumstances and teaches your kids to maintain a positive, affirming attitude. Rejoice always. Pray continually. Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus. – 1 Thessalonians 5:16–8 Sources Forbes: 7 Scientifically Proven Benefits of Gratitude Possibility Change: Gratitude Bible Study Tools: Gratitude Bible Verses Robert A. Emmons: Thanks! How the New Science of Gratitude Can Make You Happier

Getting Ready for School or Daycare Transitioning from summer, holidays, or trips back into school or daycare can be difficult and chaotic, but there is hope! These tips will help set you up for success in preparing yourself and your child for school or daycare. 1. Choose the best school. Your kids spend most of their day at school or daycare, so it is critical that you select the best school(s) for your kids. Pray about this decision and be open to changing schools, even during the school year. Consider homeschooling. Many single moms make this work. Consider private, faith-based schools. Many schools have great scholarships. Don’t make your decision based on your child’s opinion alone. Look at the school’s academic success. Visit the school to see how classrooms are managed. Discuss the school’s values with the principal and teachers. If the choice of schools needs to be negotiated with their father, consider how to approach the subject gracefully. 2. Prepare yourself. Commit to being calm each morning. Ask the Lord for wisdom and help. Spend time in a quiet atmosphere before the kids get up. When you are calm and at peace, it is much easier for your kids to be calm and at peace. Put all important dates on your calendar (school closures, teacher conferences, etc.). Start getting up a little earlier so that you have time to manage the kids’ frenzy. Establish schedules and routines for your kids: bedtime, wake time, preparing clothes and backpacks, breakfast, etc. Get them on the school schedule several days before school begins. Use a tradition or special send-off in the mornings (prayer, song, funny saying, special hugs, etc.) Inform the teacher of any special needs your child might have. Listen carefully to teacher feedback, and do not dismiss it. 3. Become familiar with the school and your child’s teachers. If the school is open, walk through it with your child and learn the layout. If it isn’t open, drive by the school and point out the doors, playgrounds, etc. Take advantage of any orientation opportunities. Tour the school and meet the teachers in advance, or at least email with the teacher. Get on the school’s communication system. Learn how it works. If your child is attending the same school, talk with your child about upcoming changes, as well as aspects that will remain consistent. 4. Pray. Pray for your child and with your child about their time at school, their relationships, academics, and extra-curricular activities. Invite your child to pray about their concerns. Pray specifically for your child’s teacher, administrators, lunch aids, and other school personnel. Pray for the other students in your child’s classes or activities. Have a special verse for each week that you memorize together. 5. Prepare your child. Talk with your child about school. Begin by talking with your child about what they can look forward to when school begins. Set aside time to chat, ask questions, and coach them. Two weeks before school, ask them, “Are you excited? Do you feel prepared? Do you have any questions?” Avoid leading them toward anxious responses. Don’t ask, “Are you anxious?” Have your child organize their backpack and school supplies. Set and manage expectations. Talk through things that will stay the same and things that will be different in the new school year. Talk through how they will handle various situations like bullies, being ignored, feeling sick, etc. Teach and expect them to do what is in their capacity. Kids need to take responsibility for themselves according to their age. Set behavioral expectations. “I expect that you will control yourself and not hit or say unkind things at school. I expect that you will get up, dress, eat breakfast, brush your teeth, and be ready to go on time each morning.” Expect and enforce the rule that your child should do anything that your child can do. Do not get into the habit of being a perpetual servant. Prepare your child for unpleasant or out-of-the-ordinary things at school. The day before school starts, talk about exactly what will happen the next day to give your child a comfortable mental movie. Start the schedule and routines in the weeks before school starts. Practice and give kudos and rewards. Cease/remove electronics at least one hour before bedtime. Spell out each step of the morning routine (no more than three steps at a time). Make sure kids get everything ready the night before (outfit, water bottle, assignments, etc.) Establish a hard and fast bedtime and keep it. Set aside time each day to talk with your child and process the day. Talk to your child every day, starting with questions like “What was the best thing that happened? Worst? Who did you eat lunch with?” Remember not to ask questions that can be answered with a “yes” or “no.” Draw on their strengths. You know your children’s personalities and the approaches that work with each child. Be quick to pray with your child about any issues or concerns. 6. Be the best coparent you can be. Try to have a respectful conversation with their father about school readiness, expectations, schedules, and responsibilities. If possible, write up your agreement. Talk through the shared school schedule with your child if you have shared custody and they spend part of the week with the other parent. Focus on the best interests of your child(ren), not your personal preferences. 7. Prepare your home and set up systems. Sort and organize clothes, jackets, shoes, and boots for school. Plan snacks and meals. Stock up on what you use/need. Keep breakfast simple and healthy. Set up your home so that morning and evening routines are simple. This is particularly helpful for neurodiverse kids. Clothes and shoes have a consistent place. Set up a backpack staging area. Jackets, boots, and mittens should be within reach for each child and in the same place every day. Get a box for each child’s papers from school. Confirm bus schedules, school start times, etc. Troubleshooting Problems at School Look for these three things to help you determine if your child is struggling at school. Academics and feedback from the school. Are their grades tanking or are they performing okay? Communication with the teacher or guidance counselor is key. Keep up with their progress on the school’s portal or communication app. Avoidance of school. Does your child have stomachaches? Avoidance of specific classes or teacher? Maybe that teacher has favorites or maybe the child is getting picked on in that class. Behavioral changes. Are they having difficulty sleeping? Crying? Not hanging out with kids they used to? You can help your child by establishing and continuing an honest dialogue. A good model to follow is “I observe this. How is this going for you?” Try to give your child and yourself a non-judgmental way to express yourselves. You are Your Child's Most Important Teacher Here are some of the most important things that you can teach your child. Faith Teaching and modeling a personal relationship with Jesus is the most important thing you can teach your child. Teach them how God has been faithful to you and teach them how to pray. Show them that being a Christian is very different from other lifestyles. Identity Identity and belonging are critical for everyone. Your child will likely struggle as they grow and listen to what others have to say about identity. Your job as a mother is to constantly teach your child that they are created by and for God. Your child has a purpose, and their life has meaning. They need to know that God doesn’t make mistakes and that they are beautiful as his creation. Your child needs to have a deep sense of belonging to your family and others. Character Good character qualities are taught, not just caught. Patience, self-control, kindness, and other character qualities need to be modeled in your home and talked about often. Remember that your child is a child, so it takes time to learn and develop character qualities. There will likely be many times when there are growth opportunities. Skills Life skills, such as time and money management, will help your child succeed in school and in life. Take the time to teach your kids skills and let them make their own mistakes. What is essential is that they keep trying and learning. Attitude Having the right attitude is a lifelong struggle for many of us. Your kids will likely get their feelings hurt, be upset, and want to lash out at others. In your role as a mother, you can both model and teach your kids to reframe their attitude and focus on the good. 18 Tips for a Stress-Free School Year Set up doctor appointments Sign up for fall sports and activities Clean out the freezer and stock up on fast breakfasts Start meal prepping for busy nights Sort through last year’s clothes and determine what you need to buy Go over the school calendar and add it to your family calendar Shop for school clothes; consider waiting for fall to buy winter clothes Schedule kids’ haircuts Transition to earlier bedtime Transition to earlier wake-up time Start setting up carpools if necessary Create, clean, and organize study spaces Create an organized drop zone for backpacks, shoes, and outerwear Shop for school supplies Make a grocery list of needed food and supplies for kids’ lunches Create a backpack station and a place for school papers Discuss school year expectations Wash and organize new clothes