Busy families rely on carpooling moms and dads to get their kids to and from school and extra-curricular activities on time.  Carpooling can be a real nightmare if you’re not organized. Below are 10 tips to help you keep your sanity and get the kids where they need to be on time.

1.  Keep a written schedule of who is responsible for picking up kids and dropping them off.  Create a carpooling calendar each month and provide a copy to each parent in your carpool group.  Be sure to include pick and drop off points to avoid confusion.

2.  Keep a few toys in the car to keep younger kids occupied. Select toys that don’t make much noise to keep the distraction level to a minimum while driving.  If you have a DVD system in your vehicle, consider playing sing-a-longs to keep the kids engaged and happy.

3.  Set ground rules with the kids at the beginning of the school year to minimize disagreements and confusion. Sit down as a group to get everyone on the same page. Take notes of the discussion.  Pass out a copy of the agreed upon rules to each parent to set the baseline for a successful school year.

4.  If you choose to allow snacks in your car, use individual snack size baggies and don’t overflow to prevent spillage. Try to keep the snacks nutritious by only providing cut up fruit, cheese sticks, or sliced vegetables.

5.  If you are transporting older children, after school activities can often run late. Have each parent provide a schedule with contact information to locate kids who don’t come out on time. Have a pre-set amount of time each parent will wait before leaving the school without all of the children.Help teach kids responsibility by making them accountable for showing up on time or contacting the carpooling parent if they are running late, as it is not the carpooling parent’s  responsibility to chase down kids who are late.

6.  Music can be a hot button in some homes, be sure to discuss music preferences at your initial parent carpooling meeting. Only play age-appropriate music. Avoid music with negative connotations.

7.  Assigned seating can reduce conflict when it comes to who sits where. If you are transporting kids with motion sickness take that into consideration with child placement. Taking turns sitting in the front seat will help cut down on fighting over riding shotgun.

8.  Have a predetermined place to meet the kids each day. Younger kids can get frustrated and stressed out if they don’t immediately see a car they recognize. Have a backup plan in case you are late to communicate to the kids as to where to meet you. Update school officials with a list of children each parent is responsible for transporting.

9.  Notify the driving parent if your child is sick or goes home early due to a doctor’s appointment so they are not left waiting.

10.  Be aware of car seat requirements in your state, and ensure you have proper car seats for each child you are transporting. If the child does not require a car seat, make sure they are properly belted in.

Having a successful carpooling group takes planning and coordination.  Keep in mind that rules are not set in stone and can be changed if they are not working for your group.  Keep communication open and be respectful of each other’s time and commitment and you’ll be off to a successful stress-free year!

About Jennifer Chung & Kinsights:
Jennifer Chung is a parenting expert and co-founder of Kinsights.com: part parenting community, part online health record. Kinsights provides parents with a safe place to seek answers to their questions while also helping them track their child’s health information. Organize your child’s growth and developmental milestones, immunizations, medications, allergies, and more.  Connect with Kinsights at https://kinsights.com to learn more and sign-up! You can also follow them on Facebook and Twitter (@kinsights).

The post 10 Ways To Make Carpooling With Kids Easier appeared first on AKAMom Magazine.

Between going to work, driving the carpool, and running errands, Moms spend a lot of time in their cars!  Let’s be real, it can be hard for the busy mom to stay looking (and feeling) her best.  The secret to looking great is all in a well-stocked glove box!  Keeping a few necessities in the car will help keep you looking great even on those hectic days!

Here are my essentials:

• Blotting papers

Oil absorbing papers are great to have on hand for those moments when you look in the mirror and see a little too much shine!  I love Clean and Clear’s Oil Blotting Sheets because they are super portable and affordable.  If you are feeling like a DIY, I have a friend who swears by regular white tissue paper that she cut into squares and keeps in a business card holder.

• Healthy Snack

We have all had that moment where you realize that between the PTA meeting, soccer practice and grocery shopping, you haven’t eaten and have no time for a meal.  Reluctantly, you turn to the nearest fast food joint to choke down something that probably shouldn’t ever be able to be called food.  This scenario is easily avoided by stashing a baggie of almonds or a few Cliff Bars in the glove box.  You will have higher energy, save money and your body will thank you!

• Cotton Swabs

Half way through the day, especially when it’s hot out, your eye make up is probably melting half way down your face.  Warning: the raccoon-eyed look does not work for anyone!  Next time your make up is making you resemble an angst-y teen just reach for a cotton swab, moisten it slightly, and run it gently under your eyes just beneath your lower lash lines.  Instantly you will look fresher and more put together!

• Essential Oils

I always keep one energizing oil and one calming in my car at all times, that way I have boost when I need one and something to clam me on those crazy days!  For my pick-me-up I like peppermint, lemon, grapefruit or sweet basil.  For relaxing oils, chamomile, jasmine and lavender are a few of my favorites.  How do you use them?  I like to dab a drop on the inside of each wrist and maybe even a drop right under my nose for a stronger effect.

• Dry Shampoo

When your hair falls flat simply flip it over, spry with dry shampoo and shake it out!  The dry shampoo will not only absorb any grease that may have accumulated during your hours in the car, but it will also give you ‘do new life and volume.  I do recommend stepping outside your car before you spray so that you don’t have to breath it!

• Tinted Lip Balm

There is no better way to brighten up a tired look than with a tinted lip!  While lipstick is classic, I find it to be too high maintenance for my busy life so I stick with tinted lip balms.  Moisturizing, subtle yet noticeable, and easy to apply, what more could you ask for?  My absolute favorite set is from Fresh called Sugar Lip Treatment.  I know that these are a little pricy, but the color is great and they leave you with ultra-soft lips, they are so worth it!

One final piece of advice is that if it is as hot where you are as it is where I am, you might want to bring anything that may melt (ex. lip balm) inside at the end of the day to prevent a mess.  So, load up your glove box with your necessities, relax, and enjoy driving pretty!

The post Glove Compartment Must-Haves for the Moms on the Go appeared first on AKAMom Magazine.