The absolutely scorched state of our garden and house mirrors how depleted I feel in my body after this Summer Season. Overgrown beds, many brown dead leaves, plenty of cobwebs and sunny day play messes strewn about… with little energy, really– no energy left, to address them. 

 Along with the intense drought we had in our valley these past months, our family has been experiencing some excruciating trials of illness, children with high needs, increased stressors and the profound ache of grief.

It feels like we’ve had one trial after another beating down, and a good few of those that we’ve endured for many years now without lasting reprieve. 

Our little town was on emergency water restriction for a good while, so the flowers were thirsty and the kiddie pools stayed dry.  

Daily prayers as of late have basically consisted of, “Lord, please send rain.  In all the ways.” 

I  have found only a few mothers have the same experience as me in summer, or perhaps others just don’t talk about it, 

but long full days on my own with many little ones, 

no matter how much I may strive to create healthy boundaries and care for my own needs, and seek extra supports, are often simply overwhelming. 

I guess it’s not only summer, but especially summer. There have been seasons in my motherhood that seemed like I was breathing more easily, but really much of it has had me treading water in the deep end.

This doesn’t mean I’ve been perpetually unhappy treading water, but I am certainly often quite tired.

It’s helpful in my journey of being gentle with myself to remind myself that I do have some unique challenges. 

I’m off the charts a highly sensitive person, which means easily overstimulated and deeply impacted by intense things… like big emotions for example :).  

 I’m the only introvert amongst our lively chatty energetic family. 

I periodically have symptoms of complex ptsd which can be debilitating.

I’m also a strong idealist, which translates into very lofty desires and expectations for myself to be the best wife and mother I can possibly imagine.  

The struggle and loneliness of the long days is real.  Attending to all the needs and feeling like I just cannot keep up or just that I don’t have reserves to be the gentle skillful parent I know I’m otherwise capable of… it can just be discouraging.

Even so, there is the will to persevere.

The human person is amazing and nature similarly shows us resilience.

Along with weathering the hard, goodness prevails. 

After many weeks of grass growing crispier and the river growing lower and lower, we finally were given a few rain showers. Not enough to lift all the restrictions, but enough to allow a few more cherry tomatoes to grow, a couple lavender roses to bud, and to help my cosmos and zinnias in the hummingbird garden to stretch those last few inches. Small but sure signs of hope, of presence and continued drops of nourishment in the hardship.  

I’m ever learning that what He decides to give is what is best, is truly enough.  Even if my own estimations are radically different, of what one little weak woman can possibly handle, I am not God.  In the lowest of low places of these days when every cell cries out in desperation, “when will you help us?!” there is a soft whisper that I will have the grace to get to the evening once again and see, “ok, we did it, we did today.”  I may be seriously parched with only a few drops of water, but He is still sustaining me.

“Let me be singing when the evening comes… bless the Lord, O my soul”

I’ve been revisiting the album in my phone filled with joyful pictures and videos of the abundant little adventures I brought the children on over these past warm weeks. 

So much time in wonderfully green forests and cool streams. 

There was good togetherness through our Summer Collective of Montessori families. 

Though the sense of total tiredness or burn out of the season seems more salient, I can still choose to see and smile with gratitude and remembrance.

Our children have begun their several weeks of “phase-ins” where they gradually build up to being at Montessori school for the full mornings. 

 I’m taking the small bits of long-awaited solitude as opportunities to reconnect with my own thoughts and heart, eventually and hopefully my body as well.  It’s been good to write and organize my thoughts with you.

I’m anticipating the refreshment of cooler air and space to care more attentively to our home and to revisit creative projects.  

I hope to share some of these intentional moments with you and invite you to join me in 

welcoming Autumn.

If you’re into this sort of thing, here’s a Fall playlist with an “energized rest” vibe that to me describes the beginning of Fall. 

Please share if summer with little children is hard for you and any wisdom that has helped you.  Also, what is motivating you as we move into this new season?  Send me a note, I’d love to hear from you. 

Love,

Serra Ann

The post Entering Autumn appeared first on the place she made.

This was that second trimester when you’re feeling chipper for a few weeks, hehe! It can be challenging to feel cute and comfortable at the same time when the belly gets bigger… hope this gives a little inspiration and sharing sources below if it helps. Almost all of these pieces worked well for winter as well!

SOURCES

all shoes, silk scarf and green sweater: thrifted

green blazer and brown coat: vaguely remember from a discount store like TJMaxx or Ross?

basics (navy tee, camel mock turtleneck, brown high neck tee, maternity jeans): Walmart or Target

amazon:

• lavender knit stretchy high waisted pencil skirt
• gray sweater jacket “coatigan” – super comfortable and warm
• olive green basic pregnancy dress with ruched side and 3/4 sleeves (lots of color options)
• basic body con rib knit sleeveless pregnancy dress with side split
• gauze loose jumper with adjustable straps and pockets

Hope you enjoyed this one… life can feel so serious, especially during big changes like expecting a new baby. It was fun to just have a little fun and affirm our pregnant bodies are beautiful and worth celebrating.

Feel free to email me any questions or if the links change at some point, and I’m happy to help.

Happy baby growing! xxo Serra Ann

serraann@theplaceshemade.com

*the links above may allow

The post French-Inspired Pregnancy Outfits appeared first on the place she made.

Hello, Dear Friend,

Our beloved season of Fall is officially over.

These months were swollen with unexpected crisis and heartache. Life took some turns that we never would have expected and the moments aren’t few when it seems that another ounce more will surely break the worn, taught thread so desperately protected.

The fabric of these embodied souls– can they handle any more stretch? Surely with a loud POP there will be a break– a harrowing hole with a reckless running seam racing into the broken unknown.

We laugh on phone calls because we truly have to.

But seriously, how much more can be taken? This is an absurd amount of stress…

Fight and flight and freeze are frequent visitors. We’ve asked each other (and of course our Father who art in heaven), how can one little person carry these loads? How are we expected to heal, be healed, foster a thriving marriage in the face of trauma, while receiving the onslaught of the minute-by-minute, day and night intensity that is high needs parenting?

Scream-weeping episodes in the calm of cars with no ears. Hot, hurting fury tears released like autumn downpours. And then frustration turned numbness, watching the falling streams just make more mud to wade through and slosh around… chunky, earthy, chilly brown…dashing desires for clarity.

Will there be any comfort at all? A far-off voice is guiding, “breathe, breathe…” but can we fight to fathom (or surrender?) and trust that it won’t always be this way?

1. Storms do subside.
2. The dawn always conquers the night.
3. Resurrection absolutely comes after the tomb.

All spoken truths to each other’s weary hearts.

We may not be able to conceive it right now, but dammit…we really believe it, don’t we?

What is this gift of faith that we share? It really is totally.given.

Rain coats and weathered boots peeling off, entering this other home of safety and surety– that is all Him.

Somehow we are still able to see the Beauty…

vibrant mountain leaves

wildflowers resisting winter

cheese and chocolate in our old stomping grounds

a quiet country drive

watching our children wonder

a happy laugh with the handsome ones who asked for our hands

Days, yes, swollen now with heaping heartache, but days also overflowing in signs of Love, grounding Goodness, promise of Real Presence.

Sister, may your winter months be marked by gentle rest and warmth within.

May our seeds of sacrificial love be buried deep.

Lord, let them die in peace in the soon-to-be-freezing ground, and pour forth we beseech Thee all the needed nurturance for your ever-perfectly timed rebirth in us.

Love,

Serra Ann

The post Heartache and Hope appeared first on the place she made.

My toes are a bit cold and I notice that the thickness of summer has finally eased. Autumn is here and somehow I’m surprised by its arrival. Part of me just wants to hold tight to the world of green and warmth, yet other parts of me are desperate for fresh air, warm colors and soothing rhythms.

This marks the first week of normal sessions at our Montessori Center, which means we’ve officially been ushered into a steady structure of goings and comings. This time of year feels to me, like that moment when you get into a kayak and finally push off into the water with one big glide and stroke of the oar.

So much happened this summer, as summers tend to hold so much life. I made a list of all the victories yet even this last week was bursting with difficult intensity. My sensitive spirit feels weary this morning as it faces the familiar pulsing overwhelm of piles and unfinished projects and big needs of the ones entrusted to my care.

—

Lord, help me to slow down this morning. I’m setting it all on a sturdy table cloth, carefully folding up each side and tying it together and asking you to hold this bundle for a while. There is the knotty lump of it all, I know you see it, sitting snug at that spot where the bottom of my throat touches the top of my chest. Will you take it? If only for a few hours?

With my bare feet and their cold toes firmly planted in this still-green grass, I ask you to breathe your Spirit of Peace into my lungs. Let today be the morning I remember and cherish the last signs of summer. Help me say goodbye to all that was so very good and all that brought me heartache. Nourish me and make all things new through the surrender that is Fall.

—

As a deeply sensitive person, it’s not uncommon for me to emotionally struggle and yet be quite excited about new seasons. There is nostalgia mixed with the wondering if I made the most of the past weeks and days, hoping so earnestly I’ve given my best while recalling many imperfect moments where things didn’t come anywhere close to the grand ideals I can’t help but set up in my heart.

I’m a dreamer and a striver by nature. While I don’t want to squash such integral part of who I am, I’m also teaching myself better acceptance of what is realistic. I’m trying to fostering more gratitude for both the things that went my way and the things that didn’t. He is present and working in it all.

If you also have a hard time looking back and seeing how things unfolded compared to your expectations, I pray peace for your heart and mind. I hope you may trust in the One who knows and loves you, wills what is best for you, and upholds you right where you are.

May you give Him all your unfulfilled ideas and remember the joyous gifts perfectly given this summer.

I hope you enjoy the accompanying video of my goodbye-and-thank-you to summer.

Happy Autumn to you, dear one.

Love,

Serra Ann

I had fun capturing some of the end-of-summer beauty around our cottage.

On the day of writing this reflection, a close friend sent me this message: “I was thinking about your gorgeous lavender blooms this week- and the reminder that they were shocked and struggling for a while and then blossomed into the most beautiful blooms. so much hope.” I immediately knew it was the best day to say a grateful goodbye to the last of our garden’s summer blooms and make a bouquet for this courageous friend of mine. I held each of you in my heart as well while making it, and sent a wish for your own bundle of beauty to greet you today.

Before you leave, please share your wisdom on navigating transitions into new seasons below

<3 Peace be with you.

The post seasonal shifts and mixed feelings appeared first on the place she made.

Are you wondering what to do with all the Christmas cards you received this year?

Yesterday was the feast of The Holy Family of Nazareth.  It’s one of my favorite days to celebrate family life. As Christmas cards and pictures of friends and their families roll in through the mail during this season, we get great joy from looking at them together.  We get to see how all the kiddies are growing and take time to tell our little ones their names and stories of our friendship or kinship. Looking at the joy in the faces gives me such encouragement… that through the ups and downs of the year, the commitment to love prevailed and we can give thanks to God for the gift of each other.

Today on the journal we have a tutorial for a quick and simple DIY project. We turn all those beautiful family pictures into a lovely little album that can be used to keep our dear ones remembered in prayer.

GATHER SUPPLIES

All you need is 5 minutes, your pile of cards, scissors and a Dollar Tree photo album. 

Some pretty paper and a prayer card are optional additions!

HOW TO MAKE:

1. Cut out the biggest pictures from the cards and collages
2. (optional) cut pretty paper to size of the album sleeves
3. Fill the album with the pretty paper
4. Center one family photo inside each sleeve
5. (optional) Use a prayer card or another decorated piece of paper for the album cover

USING YOUR ALBUM:

One great way to use your album is to pull it out for evening prayer with your family.  You can offer thanks and special prayers together for the family of the day, asking God to bless them and hear their intentions.  Children love/ need tangible items to connect with what we talk about through their senses (#montessori #catechisisofthegoodshepherd).  They just delight in touching pictures of their little friends and naming the members of the families!

Another way I used to use our album was hanging it by our kitchen sink.  I’d have one family showing for a week or so and would think of and pray for them as I washed the dishes.  A bonus was to reach out to them somehow, with a phone call or text or a little note in the mail to share with them that they were in my thoughts.

Family life is such a rich gift but at times can be so trying and isolating.  Keeping visuals of those in it alongside us (even if living far away) can be such an encouragement to us.

Thanks for visiting us today at the place she made, and joining us in intentional living.  Sign up for free resources and placemaking goodies HERE, and I look forward to connecting with you again soon!

Love,

Serra Ann

The post What do to with all the Christmas cards appeared first on the place she made.

Are you ready to set your child up for smooth morning and evening success? As I’m preparing for the school year to start next week, I wanted to share one of our favorite ways to minimize morning and bedtime stress in our home…

*Picture Routine Charts!* Hooray!

 Yes, I hear this cheering in my head, that’s how much I appreciate these things and how they help nudge particularly resistant toddlers to keep moving forward. A yearish ago I made a rough one by hand for our then 3-year old, and it was an amazing little aid in helping her through frustrated feelings related to getting ready tasks. Thankfully, a routine chart is a quick and easy tool to whip up for your little one too! 

INTENTION 1: FOR INDEPENDENCE

I’ve briefly mentioned here before the Montessori principle of helping children experience independence as much as possible.  Some call it the “help me to help myself” concept.  When we have a radical trust in our child’s own process (along with an informed mind regarding their abilities developmentally), it is beautiful to witness what a child does with that space given to learn and grow. It’s true we accompany and support their process, but it is only when we hold back from interrupting and offering (too much) help, can our children have a chance to build self-confidence, a sense of personal agency and inner pride. 

I know I personally don’t give my children this opportunity to develop their potential when I rush us through a series of tasks. I tend to want to just quickly do most of it myself because it’s “easier” and more efficient according to the clock. It is challenging for me to be patient in the opportune moments.  When I think about it even more, much of my “inability” to allow my girls to practice and experience their own abilities comes down to me not being prepared beforehand. I need to plan for generous amounts of getting ready time, for instance. I need to have their materials ready (like clean laundry available, and a non-empty tube of toothpaste!). I need to have thought through and explained the process on their level. Clear morning and evening routines are a prime example.

INTENTION 2: FOR CONSISTENCY

Another key Montessori concept is having consistency in the environment. Children crave and thrive on order, and frequent routine changes can hinder their learning process. Having the knowledge of what to expect is not only comforting, but it allows the child to enter more deeply into her learning.

Making picture routine charts for our home keeps me from randomly doing things differently every day.  If one of us parents presents a particular process in one order and another does it differently, we might see our child get agitated. She may not be eager to participate because of the disorganization. She may assume that she won’t succeed if she doesn’t quite know where things are or what she is supposed to do.

INTENTION 3: FOR PARENTAL SANITY

Well thought out (and simple) routine charts take the pressure off the parent.  Do you, like me, hate feeling like the naggy nagger mother? It’s so unpleasant hearing my voice like a broken record saying “please put your shirt on… it’s time to brush your teeth… we need to use the toilet first, what happened to your shirt?” etc.  Instead, with our picture charts, we get to refer to the established routine and ask, “what does your chart say comes next?” 

HOW TO WHIP THEM UP 

1. Sit down and write out what your morning and evening routines look like now.

 Is there a particular order you are drawn to? Do you like it?  Are there new things you would like to start incorporating ?  Is anything unnecessary or not as important that you could leave out?

2. After making your edits, write a first draft of the new routines you’d like to adopt.  

It can just be on a legal pad or piece of computer paper!

3.  Try out guiding your children through this written routine (verbally) for several days to a week.  

See how it went… does the order make sense?  Were there any difficulties you could brainstorm a solution for? Edit your changes.

4.  Make your charts!

My drawing skills aren’t the best (i.e., my four-year-old: “Mama, what is this a picture of? Really? It doesn’t really look like that at all”).  This time around, I turned to canva.com to make some simple ones.  

*If drawing or making your own on the computer does not excite you, you are welcome to print mine or use a blank template by going HERE.  If you choose the blank template, you can simply copy and paste some free clipart into a Word document, print, cut and finally glue the pictures to the chart.*

5. Consider “extras.” 

Some families like to have their charts laminated and allow their children to make a check mark or large “X” over completed tasks with a dry-erase marker.  I’ve heard of others using magnets on a fridge or clothespins clipped along the side to have their children move over the item to the opposite side when they complete them. 

6. Place your charts in a communal space and at a visible height for your child.

Choose a spot where the routines are accessible to everyone for reference.

7.  Present the routine and charts to your family. 

Perhaps the night before you can bring the child(ren) to where the new charts are located and say something like, “I made something lovely for us, this one is to guide us through getting ready in the morning for the day, and this other one is to help us during bedtime.  Let me show you how it works and tomorrow we can try it out together.”

8.  Make sure both parents are on board! 

If you didn’t consult with your spouse initially, (which probably is a good idea, now that I’m thinking of it!), make sure you go over the charts with him and share your vision for how you’re hoping you’d both use them. Remembering consistency is so helpful for the child.

9.  Give the routines at least a couple weeks to take root.  

Perhaps some small details are bothering you after several days to weeks and you decide it’s worth it to make a small tweak or two to your routine. No biggie, just be sure to explain the changes to the child)(ren).  For example, “I noticed that we may like it better to do this part of our routine after this other part.  Let’s try out together today and see how we like it!”

GO FOR IT

Get your free picture chart templates and other great home resources by going HERE. Let me know if you try them out and how it goes!  Tag me @theplaceshemade on instagram with pictures of your own charts, I’d love to see them.  Also share any of your other routine chart tips for us in the comments below. 

Happy Placemaking! Love, Serra Ann 

PIN IT FOR LATER

The post Getting Smart with Picture Charts appeared first on the place she made.

A Need for a System

Every season since having children, I have enjoyed revisiting how we  spend our days and weeks in our home.

When I first learned about creating “rhythms” in the home, I was totally fascinated and read lots of blogs dedicated to the topic, as well as the book “A Mother’s Rule of Life” by Holly Pierlot.  Beginning to learn the skill that I now like to call “flexible structure” was just what I needed as a still-new-stay-at-home-mother.

On top of caring for our daughter’s needs, I had all these hopes for prayer life, caring for the home, nurturing my marriage, investing time in friendships, as well as figuring out how in the world I could take care of my own health and pursue my own interests too.  I was completely overwhelmed.

We had just moved to a new state as well, and I was spending a lot of time helping my husband completely gut and rebuild a parochial school.  Drowning in all the big life changes, I needed to set my feet on some solid ground. I thought, “I really need some routine and structure.”  

A Rule of Life

Holly Pierlot’ s description for a rule of life:  “a traditional Christian tool for ordering one’s vocation.  Found most often in religious community life, a Rule can also be used by lay people — whose state in life is no less a calling from God.  It consists primarily in the examination one’s vocation and the duties it entails, and the development of a schedule for fulfilling these responsibilities in a consistent and orderly way.”   

As I began to read A Mother’s Rule, I realized I already knew a lot about rhythmic living.  Most of us learn in high school and college how to keep a schedule and manage all the time in the week for classes, coursework, part-time jobs, exercise, small groups, hang-out time, etc.  I also had some wonderful opportunities retreating at a monastery and discerning religious life with a couple groups of sisters, experiences that had taught me the beauty and freedom of living life according to a basic schedule of prayer and work.  One that is consistent each day and week.

“A Mother’s Rule” helped me identify what I was being called to include in my days according to the priorities of Prayer, Person, Partner, Parent, Provider.  This method was a good fit for me.

Rhythms in the Home

I came across some other very beautiful and peaceful mom blogs that encouraged creating rhythms for family life.  Some of my favorite takeaways that have stayed with me:

1. Alternate inhales and exhales throughout your day.  “Inhales” for me are restful, nourishing times of the day when I can feel restored and strengthened (like prayer, eating a meal, having a cup of tea, reading, taking a walk) whereas “exhales” are the energy-consuming activities where I am giving or serving or working or going somewhere (cleaning, errands, work, a toddler activity, for example).
2. Assign certain days of the week particular themes or activities.  Little ones especially love this.  They can look forward to going to the library every Monday, visiting the farmer’s market on Tuesdays, doing an art project on Wednesdays, or gardening on Thursdays.  The sense of tradition is quite special. If you do this with other things like home care, it’s wonderfully freeing to not feel like everything has to be done at once… if dusting is done on Fridays, then when you see a dusty shelf on Thursday you can go right back to what you were doing without worry, knowing that it will get done tomorrow!
3. Celebrate the changing of seasons. Marking the beginning of new seasons and living them out in special ways brings a beautiful cyclical movement to the years. Decorating the home according to seasons creates a fresh and festive homey feel.  You can plan out a trip to the apple orchard in Fall, make hot cocoa a go-to in the Winter, plant a garden in the Spring and see fireworks in the Summer. Many Mommas are so good at this naturally. I’ve seen that when I make an extra effort in fostering an appreciation for the current season, our whole family lights up in wonder.

In Real Life

Though I have my current Rule of Life sitting in a frame on the corner of my kitchen counter, (and I’m writing this post telling you that making such a schedule has been life-changing), there are “survival seasons” when I honestly just let it all go.  First (couple) trimesters of difficult pregnancies, newborn postpartum life, massive changes like moves or job switches, for example. I have found that in trying times like these, sometimes I just need to take things day by day and hour by hour.

If I notice significant stress or guilt associated with staying in rhythm, it’s better for me to take a pause or cut it down to the bare minimum (i.e. pray, eat, feed your kids, sleep).  On the other hand, after years of using a rule, I trust myself to know when things are getting too flexible and I need to bring in more structure again.  I see it as a life-long tool for healthy intentional living that guides both me and our whole family through our days.

Free Personal Rule of Life Bundle

With summer break approaching soon, I will be revisiting my personal rule of life along with our family rhythms.  I’m getting these pretty worksheets and templates out that I made earlier this year, and am happy to share them with you if you’re interested.  I can send you my 10-page bundle that includes:

• worksheet helping you identify this season’s daily essentials according to Holly Pierlot’s 5 Ps (Prayer, Person, Partner, Parent, Provider)
• worksheet helping you determine time frames for your essentials (i.e. when am I going to wake up, spend time in prayer, drop-off or pick up children, care for the home, work, etc.)
• cute sun and moon cards where you can write out your morning and evening routines
• worksheets for listing your weekly,  monthly and seasonally essentials (both earthly and liturgical seasons)
• worksheet to determine each of your children’s essentials to factor into the family schedule
• homecare charts (both blank and example of my weekly homecare routine)
• chart of yearly occurrences (like birthdays and anniversaries or favorite holidays) to consider when planning

Sign up HERE to get my free Personal Rule of Life Bundle and other great resources.

You can get a copy of A Mother’s Rule of Life book HERE on amazon.com.

*I may earn a small commission for my recommendation links to amazon.  At no cost to you, purchasing from my link helps support my work here at tpsm, thank you!

A free digital version is available right now if you have an account with FORMED.ORG

I’d love to hear if you use a personal rule of life.  Please comment below and tell us about it!

Happy Placemaking! Love, Serra Ann

The post Resources for Making a Personal Rule of Life appeared first on the place she made.

Hello gals!

I’m excited for our first Montessori-themed post.  Winter is just wrapping up here as I write, so setting up our Spring entryway is a welcome reminder that the days of daffodils and rain boots are coming soon!

WHY CREATE A ENTRYWAY FOR A CHILD?

I’d like to start off this how-to with briefly noting why I made an entryway for my dear daughters, who are at this time 3.5 and 1 years old.  Taking a moment to notice when something speaks to me and think about why I am inspired to then incorporate it into our own home, (in my own way!) helps me to live with intentionality.  Identifying the purpose(s) fueling my actions beautifully enriches the experience of these little home projects and brings a deep-seated joy and meaningfulness to our space.  In this case, passing by our entryway and watching the girls use it brings me a smile in knowing that my devoted planning and work in our home is effectively providing a space for their development as persons.  It is so simple yet very profound!

Reasons to design an entryway for children

1. I want my children (and their little friends who visit) to have a strong sense of “you are welcome here.” I can pave the way for this feeling of belonging by providing child-sized furniture, a place for everything, and touches of beauty.

2. Having a place for everything needed to get out the door significantly decreases the inevitable STRESSFUL last-minute searches for necessary items like shoes or backpacks or that matching glove.  Stress is my least favorite thing, and a stressed-out mama bear is definitely not fun for the little ones. Having a place for everything allows us to have a consistent routine for leaving the home and also upon returning to it.

3. An entryway designed specifically for children provides a daily opportunity to practice the integral Montessori notion of attuning to the child’s need of  “help me help myself.”  When we do the least amount of work necessary to assist our children toward mastery (in tasks such as getting dressed, gathering school supplies, or returning personal items to their proper place), they gradually gain more and more independence and experience the joyof doing these things on their own.  

Without a designated space for preparing to leave, I end up being the crazy mother hen rushing around the house looking for items and pestering children to put their shoes on. When returning home from an outing, if there is not a place for everything (or if little family members are unaware of where everything goes), there ends up being a massive pile of clothing items and unsorted bags tossed just inside the door. I think this is especially difficult when living in a small space.

HOW TO MAKE THE ENTRYWAY

Steps

1. Assess your entryway space and make some notes of your set-up ideas. Some people have entire mudrooms, you may only have a tiny corner just inside your front door. We can make any situation work!

2. Make a list of what you need and gather your supplies. (Get a FREE printable checklist at the bottom of this post)

3. Set up the area rug, chair(s) and/or bench and/or sitting stool(s)

4. Designate a place for hanging outerwear and install hooks at an accessible height for your child(ren)

5. Designate a holding place (such as a basket or bin) for loose seasonal items (sunglasses, hats, mittens, etc.). I also like to keep a few small books for time waiting.

6. Designate a spot for shoes.  You can try a boot tray or a small rug, or even outline a box on your floor with washi tape. I was excited about trying out the washi tape but our 1.5 year-old kept gleefully peeling it up. We have a boot tray and hanging pockets for shoes just inside our front closet.

7. Consider hanging a mirror at an appropriate height

8. Add your own touch of beauty, such as art, greenery, labels, name tags, etc.

INTRODUCING THE SPACE TO YOUR CHILDREN

When introducing a new place and routine to our girls, I like to start by stating how we used to do things and then follow it by presenting our new approach.

Example Presentation to your Littles

1.  State how things used to be.

It could go something like this, with an upbeat voice:  “So Miss Mae and Lady Lou! I would like to show you some things… you know how we have been getting ready to leave the house before?  Mama gathers all the things and helps you get your coat and shoes on and carries your bags, and then puts everything away when we get home? Well we are going to do this a little bit differently now.”  

2. Give a tour around the space.

I might say, “Here is where the coats will go from now on.  Yours belongs on this hook, Miss Mae, and Lady Lou, yours goes here. Here is where you can find your shoes and where you can sit when you put your shoes on.  In this basket we keep your indoor booties and sunglasses and a little book to look at while you are waiting to leave.”

3. Model how to use the space.

“Now I am going to show you how we will use this area.  After my turn, we will do it together and then you will get to practice doing it all on your own.” Without using words, I would as best as I could (obviously may not fit in their chairs or wouldn’t be able to put on their clothing or shoes) walk through the steps of getting ready, “pretend leaving,” then return, and put all the items back where they belong.

4.  Use the space together and then allow the child(ren) to try on their own.

Go through the same steps of getting ready, “pretend leaving” and returning alongside your child, assisting when necessary and softly whispering prompts such as “the coat goes here” when they need a reminder.

HELPFUL TIPS

·     While assessing and creating your Montessori-inspired entryway, get down and see the space from your child’s perspective.  I like to just plop down on the floor and take it all in for a few minutes. From there I can see better things like distracting wall outlets or pokey edges that need taken care of.

·     Try to look around your home and use what you have before going out to purchase anything new. Is there an old stool not being used in the garage?  Left over command hooks from another house project? Some of your child’s artwork in a drawer that can be framed for a splash of color?

·     Check thrift stores for child-sized furniture.  I have found some really REALLY cute little benches at thrift stores, and I know of others who will simply saw down the legs of smaller chairs to make them just-the-right-size for their kiddos.

·     Allow some time for trial and error as you observe your child exploring and utilizing the space.  Maybe you decide the hooks would work better in another spot, or the mirror needs to be adjusted. Personally, I had to replace the chairs with more sturdy ones as the stools I initially used were so wobbly that the girls were nervous to use them.  After Maribelle kept yanking the picture frame down, I had to go back and add stronger command strips to the artwork, as well as replace our original command strip coat hooks with ones that could be mounted on the wall by screws.

·     Once you get into a groove, be as consistent as you can with the getting ready and returning steps.  Offer lots of patience and kind reminders. I have seen that our 3.5 year old responds better to statements of where things belong rather than commands, for example, “the backpack goes on the hook” rather than “put the backpack on the hook please.”  

Get your free DIY Montessori Entryway Checklist HERE

RESOURCES

I always encourage to first use what you have, then borrow or thrift or bargain shop if possible (if that is your thing), and then turn to Amazon for your materials. Here are some links to help with searching what works best for your family. ***I may earn a small commission for my recommendation links to amazon.  Your purchase helps support my work here at tpsm, thank you!***

Non-Slip Mats- similar ones here at amazon.com

Toddler chair set here at amazon.com

Chalkboard Hooks (Target dollar spot); White Hooks (Ikea), similar ones here andhere at amazon.com

Mini baskets (Target dollar spot), similar ones here on amazon.com

White Paint Marker from amazon.com

Tobit 8 Wedding Artwork by Dovetail Ink

FISKBO Frame with Plastic panel (Ikea)

SPF 50 Sunhats on amazon.com

Shoes- Similar moccasins here, similar sandals here on amazon.com

Rain Boots (thrifted) and Bogs on amazon.com

Child-friendly umbrellas on amazon.com

Toddler cat-eye sunglasses- similar ones here on amazon.com

Aquinas Kids board books here on amazon

Happy Placemaking!

Thanks for joining me here at the place she made and please share any of your helpful child-friendly entryway tips or resources in the comments below!

Love, Serra Ann

Pin this Project for Later!

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Chickadees and rosy cheeks! Winter offers us so much beauty, yet the cabin fever can make that toughest hour of day with toddlers more challenging. Here you’ll find a simple plan and fresh ideas for surviving and thriving through winter at home with small children.

get through the toughest hour of the day with your toddler

Many parents call it “the witching hour,” that dreaded time of day when our little ones are usually feeling their worst and Momma is bordering on going bonkers.  Is it worse for you in the winter months too?  Today we are arming ourselves with some great go-to ideas on keeping your cool during those rough hours.

one of those days

I Started writing this post after one of these intense afternoons.  When I couldn’t get a hold of my husband, I called a trusted friend in tears and said, ”Honestly, I am losing it! I don’t know what to do.” After some comforting empathy, (cheers to having friends who are also therapists!), she suggested, ”well at this point, there’s always Chick-fil-A.”  Brilliant!  We don’t eat out much and that option did not even occur to me.  

Piling my daughters and myself in our little Honda Fit, I opted for the drive through experience, (what pleasant people at CFA!) and parked in front of our home for an early dinnertime, car-seat style.  As emotions were calming, I thought about how hard it is to problem-solve when we are overwhelmed.

A little bit later that evening, obviously still having some strong feelings about the matter, I typed out this reflection for some catharsis…

a cathartic reflection

It’s 5:30PM and the kids are losing it. I am more losing it. My HSP body has reached its max of stimulation for the day and now the whining and sibling aggression and random messes and the fact that the crockpot meal hasn’t cooked fully yet is all just putting me over the edge. 

 I HATE this place [of overwhelm]. I so earnestly want to be gentle and patient but I in actuality cannot, truly cannot answer another question or think of another snack or entertainment option to hold them over. Feeling mad that work is keeping him late again.  Then I think of all the mothers who don’t have someone coming home soon and am grateful for a second (ok, a half second because I’m still fuming) that my husband doesn’t travel often, etc. (annoyed eye roll)

Mostly, however, I’m frustrated that I’m depleted and overwhelmed again at this point in the day. How I really really really don’t want to be in this desperate holding place, just waiting for my relief pitcher. He is going to be tired too when he gets here, who wants to come home to this cloud of negativity?

My mind briefly flashes to an image of relaxed wifely me in a pretty apron, children waiting calmly (CALMLY DANGIT) at the table with just-the-right-level-of-warm food.  I showered earlier (yes!) and am wearing something besides exercise clothes. All the dishes are already washed because I don’t want them looming after bedtime routine… it would just be quite nice to have them out of the way so we could sit together for two seconds before we ourselves need to get some sleep.  Oh, if only the ironing was done too, all the clean laundry put away, children’s clothes and bags ready for the next morning.  A candle lit even! [end daydreaming]

Many days I really am ok with meeting less than those ridiculous expectations (are they that ridiculous, though? Maybe they’d be realistic one day?). I can be proud of my effort or just smile that there is dinner made… or that I just stopped running around doing so.many.things. and got down and readthe girls a book… and we end up having PB&J… OR that I did push through doing the last load of laundry and got them all folded.  

In this season of small children, though, every few weeks an overwhelming evening like this hits me without warning.I need some serious reserves or new ammo. I’m resolving right now to put together a “HEY, YOU CAN DO THIS” list for when the fight/flight/freeze response occurs within. No longer will I pine away at the slow minutes passing until that long-awaited text rings “leaving soon” or “omw” and at last the front door clicks relief of “DADDY’S HOME!”  I won’t be stewing with bitterness and ridiculous defensiveness that “I’m left to do it all alone again.”  

I’ll have a game plan.  

the time is now

I’m relieved to finally be gathering good ideas to equip us to approach this time of day confidently. Below I’m sharing my current collection with you in case they could help you in your hard hours.

Get a PDF version and our free list of winter activities HERE. We’ll also include blank templates so you can easily make a plan for your family’s “witching hour.”

our winter game plan

STAGE 1: PREVENTION

Do everything you can in the first place to to stay far from your breaking point

Complete evening preparations BEFORE afternoon rest time (for me, that is supper started, laundry in process, clothes and bags ready for tomorrow)

• TIP:a slow cooker is your best friend, make a crock-pot meal during lunchtime if you can
• TIP:when kids change out of school clothes, get tomorrow’s clean set ready for the morning
• TIP:clean out backpacks and lunchboxes right away

Establish a rest-time for everyone in your daily rhythm

• TIP: make sure YOU rest during rest time too (spiritual reading, a cup of tea, bath or shower, catnap, do something craftsy)
• TIP:do your resting self-care AS SOON AS family rest-time begins. If you just start to run around trying to get home care tasks done, or waste time scrolling instagram right away, your chance to “inhale” will be gone before you know it (inevitably a baby will wake and a toddler will need help in the bathroom, etc.)
• TIP:use earplugs to dull noises and to help restore your body to calm before the storm

Be prepared to be present

• TIP: as rest time comes to a close, put personal projects on hold, finish that podcast, resolve to be “all there”
• TIP: give yourself a pep talk or say a prayer before “releasing” the children from their rooms
• TIP: turn your phone on airplane mode and put it in a cabinet out-of-sight

STAGE 2: PLAN SOME GOOD FUN

Intentionally make it the norm to do simple, light-hearted activities to turn the toughest time of day to the favorite

Have a fun snack together

• TIP:Keep a list of fun snacks to reference when making your shopping list
• TIP:  Involve children as much as possible in the kitchen preparation.  They LOVE it. (I hope to do some posts on Montessori kitchen work at home!)
• TIP:Remember that non-desirable snacks make your three-year-old angry (see first tip in this section, ha!)

Go outside, go outside, GO OUTSIDE

• TIP: have clothing/gear for all kinds of weather, and have it accessible
• TIP:have a list of nearby nature spots so you can pick one quickly and go
• TIP:keep a nature table in the home where the children can observe little  collected artifacts and recall your adventures together

Choose sensory and/or gross motor activities 

• TIP: choose activities that will help your kiddos release energy and then sooth their bodies
• TIP: have a list of (mental or written) of your children’s favorite games (i.e. hopscotch, Simon says) as well as some new games to try
• TIP: have ideas for indoor play handy, when outdoors is not a possibility (get our free list here)

STAGE 3: JUST HANG IN THERE

When the anxiety starts rising, start thinking outside of the box so you can make it a little longer

Change up your routine

TIP:  do dinner early.  Sometimes everyone is simply hungry-angry and it helps to get a good meal in the bellies. We can sit down again when Daddy arrives and have fruit or dessert while he eats dinner.

TIP: take a quick trip for a change of scenery.  Go to the grocery and let the girls choose a random addition to dinner.  Go to the library and read a book to them in a different space.  Go to the chapel and whisper prayers and songs together.  

TIP: curb your “woe is me” thinking and go visit a neighbor.  Get out of yourself.  Ask them to tell you about their day or bring some of the girls’ latest coloring creations to give as a gift.

Have a back-up bin

• TIP: Thrift stores and Dollar Tree are your best friends for little books and toys.  Have a basket of random things that are sure to delight (i.e. silly puddy or a lizard that grows in water, etc.)
• TIP:Keep a few books aside from your recent library haul for moments when a new story would be an attention-grabber
• TIP: have a little stash of arts and crafts supplies like washable markers, scissors and glue, popsicle sticks and pipe cleaners, etc. and let them create

Facetime storytime

• TIP: Send grandparents or aunties funny books or have them pick up a few from a thrift store so they can have material for impromptu storytime.  
• TIP: If no books are handy, ask them to tell their own story.  Sometimes just a new smiling face with fresh energy and love for them helps everyone take a deep breath and step out of a cranky cloud.
• TIP: if no family or friends are available, let your little ones look at pictures and watch videos of themselves and loved ones

STAGE 4: GET HELP NOW

You’re officially overwhelmed, need to accept the emotions and reach out for support

Call a friend 

• TIP: call someone on speaker to help you stay calm and choose kind(er) words toward the girls
• TIP: vent or cry out the feelings and ask for a word of encouragement 
• TIP:ask a neighbor to give you a 15-20 minute break and go for a little walk

Put on a movie

• TIP: put on a happy show or movie for the girls, and then go do some deep breathing or progressive relaxation near the essential oil diffuser
• TIP: set a timer and speed clean something (my sister’s recommendation)
• TIP: listen to a relaxing playlist or uplifting podcast while the little ones are interested in the movie

Go for a drive

• TIP: again, change of scenery does wonders… announce you are going on an adventure together and explore a section of the town or city you’ve never visited
• TIP: scrap dinner plans and go to a local drive through, put on the radio!
• TIP: grab some munchies from home or a nearby gas station and go through its carwash

making it your own

Sign up HERE to get your Surviving and Thriving Through Winter bundle

• lists of go-to winter indoor and outdoor activities
• list of toddler winter snack ideas
• templates to make a game plan for your family
• PDF copy of our family’s game plan for reference

Finally, please share any of your go-to tips below!

With Sisterly Love, Serra Ann 

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