Traveling with kids is for the BRAVE. They present a whole new adventure. 

Kids come with extra details that you must absolutely pay attention to! I learned this the hard way..... Trust me when I say the story is too much for your delicate hearing. Plus if I told you we'd all need drinks and we're trying to stay sober for this, so pay attention....

Babies.

They need diapers, wipes, strollers, toys, the pack n play, a mommy strap on sling thingy, a car seat, or do they? While it's true you don't want to get caught without the diapers and wipes there are still ways around this.

Diapers and Wipes are available all over the world. You can buy them anywhere. You don't have to pack a month's worth in your suitcase. If you're visiting family you can easily ship to them from Amazon. Or ask them to go to the store in advance of your arrival. (send them a picture of what you need along with instructions)

This goes for formula and all other forms of baby food. Snacks...

Shop intentionally.  

- Have a list!

I don't know about you but there is something magical about morning routines that include coffee.

Okay, your morning routine can include tea and still be magical... if you insist.

No matter, what we're here to talk about is functionality! You might drool over those perfectly designed coffee/tea stations on Pinterest but when it's 6 am do you really care if all the mugs were turned the same direction when they are all still dirty in the sink?

I thought not.

So instead of just making this part of your home something to brag about let's make it something that functions well. Which is totally braggable too, FYI.

Let's start with where - where is your stuff?

Is your stuff, mugs, sugar, coffee, pot, all in one place or scattered about the kitchen? This makes a time difference.

I understand your kitchen may have been configured a certain way at one time but it's not against the law to move things. I promise. Feel free to use more than one cabinet. The point is to...

It's enough to tempt the average person to light a match and just watch it all burn.

You're above average. You've probably never had such an irresponsible thought. Trust me, it's tempting.  However, you need to deal with this before our lovely Florida weather makes the decision for you! Otherwise, mold, heat, humidity, will destroy our precious photos, lovely dresses, and fabrics. See below how professionals deal with these issues (in the video).

After watching the video, I'm inspired to press flowers. Aren't you? What a simple, inexpensive, yet extremely romantic way to make a moment in time precious. In our high-tech world, it's...

Let's start with your BackPack.

You absolutely need binders and folders.  Then you have to put your paperwork INTO the folders, in the binders. This is not rocket science but we all have our moments. I've seen the odd paper slipped into a bag and I know it's wrinkled beyond recognition in moments. The extra step of putting the paperwork into the proper folder and keeping your papers in a binder is key. Your papers are then crisp and easily located when needed. This makes for a better presentation, which makes for a better grade.  Trust me.

Binders with Folders

Since I'm already here, let me tell you about binders and folders. This is a very simple system. Put in a folder per class....