Did you know that reading to your kids early can l Did you know that reading to your kids early can lead to children understanding more, learning more, and becoming competent readers? 

There is a new wave of kids that “can’t read” by the time they enter higher grades and school, and a lot of that comes from not setting a solid foundation in the early years of reading.

With social media and electric devices helping working parents aid when we need a break, we also have to give our kids a break from the tablets and get some good old-fashioned reading in. 

Noah makes us to read four books a night to him. While it’s a bit much, I know the benefits of reading to him, and his teacher notices it as well.

Why do you think kids now “can’t read?

#readingislife #backtoschool2023 #preschooler #readingathome
Mama…Did you know some common foods are choking Mama…Did you know some common foods are choking hazards for kids under 5?

Yes, kids have choked on the skin/casing of food. 

Peeling it off allows them to still have the flavor without them trying to peel it off anyway because of the texture. 

Common foods this happens on:
✨ Hotdogs
✨ Sausages 
✨ Some Nuts
✨ Some Candies
✨ Grapes

Make sure you are cutting these foods in small pieces for small kids to eat them with no issues 

Follow @accordingtoaprilxo for more mom hacks

#newmomhacks #chockinghazard #dinnertonight #candycandy #accordingtoapril
Hey Mama, try a printable if you want a fun way to Hey Mama, try a printable if you want a fun way to interact with your 3-5-year-old. 

They are easy to work with, come in so many different styles, and work perfectly for where your child is in their attention span. 

What’s even better is that you get them away from the screen and get the quality time needed with them, even if it’s just 10 minutes a day. 

I have printables in my Etsy Shop if you want some 🥰 Link in bio to get ABC, Holiday, and Tracing Printables for your little ones! 

#momadvice #preschoolathome #workfromhomemommy #sahmomlife #backtoschool2023
#sponsored Looking for a convenient and easy-to-us #sponsored Looking for a convenient and easy-to-use way to stay organized? 

Look no further than dry-erase index cards by Apostrophe Games! 

These index cards are perfect for parents, teachers, professionals, and students. These versatile cards make it easy to jot down notes, organize your day with ease, and help your kids build vocabulary. 

With their wipeable surfaces, you can use them repeatedly, making them an eco-friendly and budget-friendly choice. If you want to see more of these cards in use, I have a full review on my Youtube Channel: According to April. 

Lastly, before October 2, 2023, use the code TEACHERS10 for 10% off orders of five or more units.

Link in bio for a full review and to get this product!

#dryerase #indexcards #organization #schoolsupplies #officeessentials #teacherlife #parentingtips #commissionsearned #apostrophe #apostrophegames
Hey Mama, it’s not just back to school time; it’s also back to business.

Many of us have hybrid schedules, and if you’re like me, I need an easy outfit I can throw on and head out the door. 

This corporate-friendly dress comes in 12 different colors and 5 different sizes. 

Links to shop & how-tos:
🔗 My Stories for links 
🔗 My LTK Shop ➡️ https://liketk.it/49Unu
🔗 My YouTube channel for reviews
🔗 My Weekly Newsletter with the Latest
Go to the link in the bio to get the deets!
——————

Follow my shop @accordingtoapril on the @shop.LTK app to shop this post and get my exclusive app-only content!

#workfromhomemom #hybridwork #amazonfashion #amazonfinds #amazon #backtobusiness
Hey Mama, kids are greedy. Small kids are greedier Hey Mama, kids are greedy. Small kids are greedier. 

A reusable snack bag makes traveling much more manageable and better for the planet. These snack bags come in:

🥨 different sizes
🥨 different colors
🥨 different designs

While they are suitable for on-the-go, you can also use them for your kids’ everyday lunch bags. They are super ways to clean and you can write your kids name on them. Win-Win

Links to shop & how-tos:
🔗 My Stories for links 
🔗 My LTK Shop ➡️ https://rstyle.me/+bi0UacIRNOabQL4I469k3A
🔗 My YouTube channel for reviews
🔗 My Weekly Newsletter with the Latest
Go to the link in the bio to get the deets!
——————

Back to school time is here; only a couple more weeks left!!! 

#snackbag #greensprouts #amazonfinds #endofsummer #backtoschoolshopping
Hey Mama, if you need a toddler table for your kid Hey Mama, if you need a toddler table for your kid to do homework on, this review is for you. 

#onyoutube I share my review of this #amazon kid table along with the following:

✅ Is it easy to assemble
✅ Does it scratch up
✅ Can adults sit in the chairs (and not break them 🤣)

YouTube: According to April

Links to shop & how-tos:
🔗 My Stories for links 
🔗 My LTK Shop ➡️ https://liketk.it/3uWXj
🔗 My YouTube channel for reviews
🔗 My Weekly Newsletter with the Latest
Go to the link in the bio to get the deets!
——————

Back to school time is here; don’t get catch slippin’!!! 

Follow my shop @accordingtoapril on the @shop.LTK app to shop this post and get my exclusive app-only content!

#liketkit #LTKkids #LTKbaby #backtoschoolshopping #preschoolathome #amazonfinds #generationalpha 
@shop.ltk
Mama, did you know that outside play also helps wi Mama, did you know that outside play also helps with your mental health?

Time spent playing outdoors also helps relieve stress and anxiety by reducing the hormone cortisol levels in the brain. 

Just 5 minutes outside playing with your kids (or hanging with adults) can improve your mood, raise oxygen, and increase serotonin levels.

What games to do, like playing with your kids outside? Share in the comments.

#outdoorgames #kidsplaying #outdooractivities #playgrounds #momandsons
Mama, when you are overstimulated you can become i Mama, when you are overstimulated you can become irritable, sad, depressed and withdrawn. I don’t want that for you. 

One of the EASIEST things I do when I’m overstimulated is tell my family I need a moment and take a few minutes to myself. 

1️⃣Sitting the the car
2️⃣Going for a walk
3️⃣Talking to friends and family

Let me know in the comments your ways you fight overstimulation. 

#momlifeunfiltered #settingboundaries #selfcareday #momsmatter #overstimulated #momhacks #momtipsandtricks
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Self Care Tips for Busy Moms · September 14, 2020

9 Self-Reflection Tips To Be More Successful

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This post may contain affiliate links, which means I'll receive a commission if you purchase through my link at no additional cost. You can read my full disclosure here.

Self-reflection seems to be a dying art. People either feel they don’t have the time or that it’s a waste of time. Others are afraid to take a good, long, hard look at themselves. You can gain a lot by examining yourself and your past to become the most successful version of yourself.

how to self reflection

This post is about how to self reflection.

Self-reflection provides many advantages that can make life easier:

  1. You learn about yourself. Most people are shockingly low in self-awareness. Some people are too busy, or at least they think they are. Others would prefer to distract themselves rather than spend one second in self-reflection.
    • By taking a few moments per day you can learn alot about yourslef and your actions. The choices you made, the positives, and the negatives.
    • When you know yourself, you can make better plans that utilize your strengths and avoid your weaknesses.
    • Recognizing your weaknesses and dealing with them is powerful. You can stop shooting yourself in the foot over and over.
  1. You learn from your past. If you look at the biggest mistakes you’ve made over your life, you’ll find they’re surprisingly similar. You may have either spent money you couldn’t afford, got involved with someone you shouldn’t, or made poor decisions to get away from stressful situations.
    • If you’ve never taken the time to review these mistakes, you’ve repeated them.
    • Reviewing the past can also help you to identify what works, and then you can advantageously repeat those actions.
  1. Take intelligent, thoughtful action. Everyone is very action-oriented and avoid “wasting” time on thinking too much. Rather than just jumping in with both feet, it can be incredibly helpful to spend some time thinking and strategizing.
    • Reflect on what you actually want to accomplish for yourself. Ask yourself a few questions and use the answers wisely.

Graham Gibbs is an academic that studies self-reflection. He developed a six-step process to aid in self-reflection. Use this process to get what you are needing to get and allow yourself to have the best possible outcome for self-refection.

Use Mr. Gibbs’ process to examine your past and present:

  1. What happened? This is simple enough. Describe the event to yourself. “I dropped out of college.”
  2. What was I thinking and feeling? How about what were you thinking at the time? What did you think afterward?” I felt a sense of relief when I first dropped out, but then I felt a sense of dread and felt lost.”
  3. What was good or bad about the experience? This can include more free time and preceived value. But, now I don’t have a plan for my future and my job prospects are much more limited.”
  4. How does this affect the various parts of my life? What does it say about me? “Personal career development is stifled. The other is upset with me and threatening to leave. My parents kicked me out of the house and told me to find a job. This suggests that I am impulsive and handle stress poorly.”
  5. What else could I have done? “ Talked to a friend. Spoken to my professors. Sought professional help. I learned meditation or yoga. Lightened my course load.”
  6. If this happened again, how would I handle it? “I would consider long-term implications instead of just short. Would I get the help I need? I wouldn’t consider quitting to be a viable option.”

Self-reflection is a useful tool that’s free to learn and apply. Imagine being able to leverage your strengths, minimize your weaknesses, and avoid repeating your mistakes.

You can make good use of those painful events from your past. Spend a few minutes each day and apply a little self-reflection. You’ll be happy with the results.

This post is about how to self reflection.

In: Self Care Tips for Busy Moms · Tagged: career woman, health, mental health, personal development

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Did you know that reading to your kids early can l Did you know that reading to your kids early can lead to children understanding more, learning more, and becoming competent readers? 

There is a new wave of kids that “can’t read” by the time they enter higher grades and school, and a lot of that comes from not setting a solid foundation in the early years of reading.

With social media and electric devices helping working parents aid when we need a break, we also have to give our kids a break from the tablets and get some good old-fashioned reading in. 

Noah makes us to read four books a night to him. While it’s a bit much, I know the benefits of reading to him, and his teacher notices it as well.

Why do you think kids now “can’t read?

#readingislife #backtoschool2023 #preschooler #readingathome
Mama…Did you know some common foods are choking Mama…Did you know some common foods are choking hazards for kids under 5?

Yes, kids have choked on the skin/casing of food. 

Peeling it off allows them to still have the flavor without them trying to peel it off anyway because of the texture. 

Common foods this happens on:
✨ Hotdogs
✨ Sausages 
✨ Some Nuts
✨ Some Candies
✨ Grapes

Make sure you are cutting these foods in small pieces for small kids to eat them with no issues 

Follow @accordingtoaprilxo for more mom hacks

#newmomhacks #chockinghazard #dinnertonight #candycandy #accordingtoapril
Hey Mama, try a printable if you want a fun way to Hey Mama, try a printable if you want a fun way to interact with your 3-5-year-old. 

They are easy to work with, come in so many different styles, and work perfectly for where your child is in their attention span. 

What’s even better is that you get them away from the screen and get the quality time needed with them, even if it’s just 10 minutes a day. 

I have printables in my Etsy Shop if you want some 🥰 Link in bio to get ABC, Holiday, and Tracing Printables for your little ones! 

#momadvice #preschoolathome #workfromhomemommy #sahmomlife #backtoschool2023
#sponsored Looking for a convenient and easy-to-us #sponsored Looking for a convenient and easy-to-use way to stay organized? 

Look no further than dry-erase index cards by Apostrophe Games! 

These index cards are perfect for parents, teachers, professionals, and students. These versatile cards make it easy to jot down notes, organize your day with ease, and help your kids build vocabulary. 

With their wipeable surfaces, you can use them repeatedly, making them an eco-friendly and budget-friendly choice. If you want to see more of these cards in use, I have a full review on my Youtube Channel: According to April. 

Lastly, before October 2, 2023, use the code TEACHERS10 for 10% off orders of five or more units.

Link in bio for a full review and to get this product!

#dryerase #indexcards #organization #schoolsupplies #officeessentials #teacherlife #parentingtips #commissionsearned #apostrophe #apostrophegames
Hey Mama, it’s not just back to school time; it’s also back to business.

Many of us have hybrid schedules, and if you’re like me, I need an easy outfit I can throw on and head out the door. 

This corporate-friendly dress comes in 12 different colors and 5 different sizes. 

Links to shop & how-tos:
🔗 My Stories for links 
🔗 My LTK Shop ➡️ https://liketk.it/49Unu
🔗 My YouTube channel for reviews
🔗 My Weekly Newsletter with the Latest
Go to the link in the bio to get the deets!
——————

Follow my shop @accordingtoapril on the @shop.LTK app to shop this post and get my exclusive app-only content!

#workfromhomemom #hybridwork #amazonfashion #amazonfinds #amazon #backtobusiness
Hey Mama, kids are greedy. Small kids are greedier Hey Mama, kids are greedy. Small kids are greedier. 

A reusable snack bag makes traveling much more manageable and better for the planet. These snack bags come in:

🥨 different sizes
🥨 different colors
🥨 different designs

While they are suitable for on-the-go, you can also use them for your kids’ everyday lunch bags. They are super ways to clean and you can write your kids name on them. Win-Win

Links to shop & how-tos:
🔗 My Stories for links 
🔗 My LTK Shop ➡️ https://rstyle.me/+bi0UacIRNOabQL4I469k3A
🔗 My YouTube channel for reviews
🔗 My Weekly Newsletter with the Latest
Go to the link in the bio to get the deets!
——————

Back to school time is here; only a couple more weeks left!!! 

#snackbag #greensprouts #amazonfinds #endofsummer #backtoschoolshopping
Hey Mama, if you need a toddler table for your kid Hey Mama, if you need a toddler table for your kid to do homework on, this review is for you. 

#onyoutube I share my review of this #amazon kid table along with the following:

✅ Is it easy to assemble
✅ Does it scratch up
✅ Can adults sit in the chairs (and not break them 🤣)

YouTube: According to April

Links to shop & how-tos:
🔗 My Stories for links 
🔗 My LTK Shop ➡️ https://liketk.it/3uWXj
🔗 My YouTube channel for reviews
🔗 My Weekly Newsletter with the Latest
Go to the link in the bio to get the deets!
——————

Back to school time is here; don’t get catch slippin’!!! 

Follow my shop @accordingtoapril on the @shop.LTK app to shop this post and get my exclusive app-only content!

#liketkit #LTKkids #LTKbaby #backtoschoolshopping #preschoolathome #amazonfinds #generationalpha 
@shop.ltk
Mama, did you know that outside play also helps wi Mama, did you know that outside play also helps with your mental health?

Time spent playing outdoors also helps relieve stress and anxiety by reducing the hormone cortisol levels in the brain. 

Just 5 minutes outside playing with your kids (or hanging with adults) can improve your mood, raise oxygen, and increase serotonin levels.

What games to do, like playing with your kids outside? Share in the comments.

#outdoorgames #kidsplaying #outdooractivities #playgrounds #momandsons
Mama, when you are overstimulated you can become i Mama, when you are overstimulated you can become irritable, sad, depressed and withdrawn. I don’t want that for you. 

One of the EASIEST things I do when I’m overstimulated is tell my family I need a moment and take a few minutes to myself. 

1️⃣Sitting the the car
2️⃣Going for a walk
3️⃣Talking to friends and family

Let me know in the comments your ways you fight overstimulation. 

#momlifeunfiltered #settingboundaries #selfcareday #momsmatter #overstimulated #momhacks #momtipsandtricks
Prepare your toddler for preschool with this inter Prepare your toddler for preschool with this interactive easel. 

While we know that school will teach our children many things, it’s still our job to teach them. 

Sight words help build accuracy as well as speed when reading. This will also lead to better comprehension for kids as they get older. 

Links to shop & how-tos:
🔗 My Stories for links 
🔗 My LTK Shop ➡️ https://liketk.it/3NPcV
🔗 My Youtube Channel for reviews
🔗 My Weekly Newsletter with the Latest
Go to the link in the bio to get the deets!
——————

Follow my shop @accordingtoapril on the @shop.LTK app to shop this post and get my exclusive app-only content!

#liketkit #LTKbaby #LTKkids #LTKunder50 #backtoschool #preschoolathome #learningathome #prekactivities 
@shop.ltk
Are you looking to refresh some of your kid produc Are you looking to refresh some of your kid products? Here are some of my favorite toddler products that are educational and functional.

Links to shop & how-tos:
🔗 My Stories for links 
🔗 My LTK Shop ➡️ https://liketk.it/3x5YA
🔗 My Youtube Channel for reviews
🔗 My Weekly Newsletter with the Latest
Go to the link in the bio to get the deets!
——————

Follow my shop @accordingtoapril on the @shop.LTK app to shop this post and get my exclusive app-only content!

#liketkit #LTKkids #amazonfinds #amazonprime #vtech
@shop.ltk
Happy 5th Wedding Anniversary to my best friend. L Happy 5th Wedding Anniversary to my best friend. Love you @millhouse84 to infinity and infinity, my man my man my man or whatever Gen Z says 🤣

#itsouranniversary #mymanmymanmyman #happyanniversarytous #augustbride #2018bride
Reading to children is a crucial way to help them Reading to children is a crucial way to help them build language skills. It exposes them to new words and methods of using language. 

Here are five more reasons why reading to kids is so important.

1️⃣Improving Cognitive Development
2️⃣Increasing Vocabulary
3️⃣Boosting Memory
4️⃣Enhancing Focus
5️⃣Strengthening Your Bond

I’ve listed just a few of the books I love reading to Noah, and you can use them for your littles as well 🥰

Links to shop & how-tos:
🔗 My Stories for links 
🔗 My LTK Shop ➡️ https://liketk.it/3xvbn
🔗 My Youtube Channel for reviews
🔗 My Weekly Newsletter with the Latest
Go to the link in the bio to get the deets!
——————

Follow my shop @accordingtoapril on the @shop.LTK app to shop this post and get my exclusive app-only content!

#liketkit #LTKunder50 #LTKkids #LTKbaby #readingisfundamental #readinglist #childrenbooks #readwithus 
@shop.ltk
Mamas deserve to have a swimsuit they feel good in Mamas deserve to have a swimsuit they feel good in as well.

Tummy control anything is a win since having my son. 

It has excellent coverage for the top and bottom, and it’s comfortable, so I don’t have to adjust constantly. 

Links to shop & how-tos:
🔗 My Stories for links 
🔗 My LTK Shop ➡️ https://liketk.it/3Mbf7
🔗 My Youtube Channel for reviews
🔗 My Weekly Newsletter with the Latest
Go to the link in the bio to get the deets!
——————

Follow my shop @accordingtoapril on the @shop.LTK app to shop this post and get my exclusive app-only content!

#liketkit #LTKcurves #LTKswim #LTKtravel
@shop.ltk
What better way to end summer than at the Virginia What better way to end summer than at the Virginia Aquarium?

It’s Noah’s first time, and he had a blast. We learned much about sea turtles and saw sharks and tons of fish.

We also got a chance to touch stingrays, snails, and crabs.

If you are looking for a great way to learn and play, the Virginia Aquarium is the way to go. 

Links to shop & how-tos:
🔗 My Stories for links 
🔗 My LTK Shop 
🔗 My Youtube Channel for reviews
🔗 My Weekly Newsletter with the Latest
Go to the link in the bio to get the deets!
——————

#virginiaaquarium #vaaquarium #travelfun #aquarium
Y’all remember Hurricane Lane? The hubs and I ho Y’all remember Hurricane Lane? The hubs and I honeymooned in Lāhainā, Maui, Hawaii, during that hurricane. 

We just landed, and not even 48 hours later, Hurricane Lane hit. 

During that time, we saw firsthand the fires and flooding that devastated the locals this time 5 years ago.

Locals came to our resort to bathe, wash clothes, shelter and eat. 

Hawaiians are THE kindest, hardworking and humble people I’ve met on the planet. 

It’s honestly heartbreaking and triggering to see so many natives having to rebuild again. 

Currently 80% of Lāhainā is gone 😭

Natives and locals ask that tourists DO NOT COME IF YOU CAN AVOID IT.

Airlines are honoring flight changes going to Maui, and hotels/resorts are doing the same. 

In my stories & bio I will link to information and ways to help donate. 

Mahalo

#mauihawaii #mahalo #lahaina #wildfires
Bowling is a great fine motor and cognitive skill Bowling is a great fine motor and cognitive skill for young kids. 

It builds confidence, problem solving skills and it a great way to burn some energy. 

What are you and your little doing this weekend? 

#bowlingfun #familyactivities #finemotoractivity #cognitivedevelopment
Give your preschooler a great start to learning wi Give your preschooler a great start to learning with these Printables.

These Printables are made for kids 3-5 years old so that your child can start learning how to read and write. 

Only 2% of children come out of kindergarten knowing how to read fluently. Let’s help increase that number 😉

Follow my shop @accordingtoapril on the @shop.LTK app to shop this post and get my exclusive app-only content!

#liketkit #LTKU #LTKkids #LTKunder50
@shop.ltk

Links to shop & how-tos:
🔗 My Stories for links 
🔗 My LTK Shop 
🔗 My Youtube Channel for reviews
🔗 My Weekly Newsletter with the Latest
Go to the link in the bio to get the deets!
————
https://liketk.it/467xS
#ontheblog I’m sharing the best Brest pumping ba #ontheblog I’m sharing the best Brest pumping bags for working moms. 

Trying to transition back into the workforce after a baby is ROUGH. If you’re breastfeeding or planning to breastfeed, you need a game plan.

Part of your success in your breastfeeding journey is having the proper items for you to succeed. A great pumping bag is one of those things. 

Links to shop & how-tos:
🔗 My LTK Shop ➡️ https://liketk.it/4fjLr
🔗 My Youtube Channel
Go to the link in the bio to get the deets!
——————

Follow my shop @accordingtoapril on the @shop.LTK app to shop this post and get my exclusive app-only content!

#pumpingbag #breastfeedingmoms #workingmomlife
Motherhood can be overwhelming. If you are current Motherhood can be overwhelming. If you are currently struggling, I encourage you to take a step back. 

⭐️There are resources for you. 

⭐️You are not alone.

✨You are doing a good job.

✨Every season isn’t hard. 

If you are trying to find a way to manage it all, click the link in my bio & stories to join other moms who are vocal about the struggles of motherhood and finding ways to make it better. 
 
Links to shop & how-tos:
🔗 My Stories for links 
🔗 My LTK Shop 
🔗 My Youtube Channel for reviews
🔗 My Weekly Newsletter with the Latest
Go to the link in the bio to get the deets!
——————

#momblogger #njmom #motherhoodlens #momstruggle
                 

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