I wrote this post as part of my participation in a blog tour for The Motherhood on behalf of the makers of Children’s MOTRIN® and received compensation to thank me for taking the time to participate. However, all opinions expressed are my own.

16 #UnstoppableMoms Tips for the Holidays

The holidays can be one of the most challenging times of year. Parents have to pull off the extraordinary by creating a magical time for their families. Since we are all in the same boat, here are 16 proven ‘Mom’s Lifesaver’ tips we have been collecting since 2000.  These have really helped Bonnie and I navigate the busy months and hope they help you, too.  Feel free to leave a comment on this post with your favorite tips to make you Unstoppable!

#16 Get your house cleaned by someone ELSE

Hire a cleaning crew to get your house ready for the holidays. We advise twice – if you are hosting Thanksgiving and Christmas. Have a deep cleaning right before you host. This will truly give you a piece of mind.

#15 Catch-All Baskets

Have catch all baskets all over the house for clutter of toys, shoes and whatever happens to clutter your floor. These easy ‘catch-alls’ make it easy to delegate to family members to help organize the stash each evening before bed (even the littest helpers can be very efficient!).

#14 Donations & Toy Swaps

Go through the toy chest and closets before the holiday season and donate to your favorite charity or even have a toy-swap with friends. Often families are seeking gently used toys and clothing during this time – someones unwanted items may be a treasure to someone else.

#13 Don’t sweat the SMALL STUFF

I know, I know…you want the perfect wrapping for the perfect gift, etc. but in the end (I promise), NO one really cares. It’s truly the thought that counts! And do what you can – sometimes it truly is the thought that counts.

#12 Thoughtful Gifts

Think of thoughtful gifts. Wrap gifts in artwork ‘wrapping’ paper, or create memory calendars and albums, these are popular with grandparents and loved ones.

#11 Show Your Kids How to GIVE

Either donate, help out a family in need or contribute to your favorite charity. To give back starts at home. You will teach your kids how to become unstoppable themselves when they learn these very important skills from YOU.

#10 Stock Up on Essentials

Have plenty of household staples on hand and ready to go in a flash. The last thing you want to do is run out of laundry detergent or dishwashing liquid. Have everything at the ready – this will be a lifesaver. Gas up your car! It’s a small thing, but you will be so happy it is when sitting in holiday traffic.  Don’t forget the batteries – trust us!

#9 Take CARE of Yourself

Tape positive mantras on tiny pieces of paper around your home in strategic places (inside kitchen and bathroom cabinets) – this time is stressful and you need all the positive thinking you can get! If you have some affirmations surrounding you, these gentle messages do wonders:

I am grateful for all I have
I am at peace with my world
My life is wonderful
I have fun with my family
I think only of the best in others
I forget the mistakes of the past
I see beauty around me
I am healthy, happy & content
I have everything I need
I am strong that nothing can ruin my peace of mind
I see the worth in everyone
My words speak only of health, happiness and prosperity

#8 Start Your Day with a Good Breakfast

So often we make certain the kids are fed well before a big test day or even just their school routine – too often we forget to take care of ourselves with a healthy breakfast start.

#7 Mom’s Need Snacks Too

Be sure to pack a healthy snack for yourself to stay unstoppable – it will keep you out of the drive thru line or munching on things not fueling your busy days. This will keep you feeling well too!

#6 Limit Caffeine

Limit caffeine in the afternoon – #unstoppablemoms still need their sleep! Be certain to swap out that afternoon caffeinated beverage with a bottle of water, it will make it easier to sleep at night.

#5 Traveling?

Stop at the library before you travel to stock up on audio books on CD. Long car rides can be a bonding time listening to a book on tape. Our family even pulled over once before we got to our destination to listen to how the story ended.

#4 Plan A Pajama Day

One day over the holidays have a PAJAMA day – that’s right – don’t dress in anything but PJ’s for one WHOLE day! Enjoy the comfy cozy recharge that automatically comes from PJ’s. They are magical. We dare you to try it! Send us a photo to prove you did it.

#3 Don’t Over Schedule

Don’t over schedule yourself or family during the holidays. Pick the events and functions you can enjoy as a family and one or two adult events. Don’t over-do it.  Be in the moment and ENJOY holiday traditions.

#2 Gift of Time

Give yourself the gift of time. Add 15 minutes per child whenever you want to exit the home during this time. Everything seems to go in slow-motion this time of year, from standing in line for purchases, to organizing and family events. Deep breaths and you WILL get there!

#1 Smile!

Finally – SMILE! It’s contagious. Your children pick up on your moods and will be much happier if you are!  This is the time of reflection and gratitude – be a good role-model for your kids.

Do you have a Tip you can share to help keep moms #unstoppable?

Post your tip on the MOTRIN® Facebook page!

Visit the MOTRIN® Facebook page to enter to win a sweepstakes* with weekly drawings for $100 gift cards

For every tip you share, a $1 donation will be made to Safe Kids

About the Unstoppable Moms Program:

The makers of Children’s MOTRIN® are inspired by all the things Moms do, from quick family meals to keeping the kids entertained on rainy days. Moms may not always realize it, but they are amazing in so many ways. Moms are on call day and night and have so much unique knowledge that can really help other moms. That’s why the makers of Children’s MOTRIN® are asking moms to share this knowledge in the form of tips and tricks that help keep them going. These can be their own tips or those from moms they know, and can be about everything from how they create quick meals for their family to how they keep the kids entertained on a long drive.

*NO PURCHASE NECESSARY, OPEN TO LEGAL RESIDENTS OF THE 50 UNITED STATES & D.C., 18 AND OLDER. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED. Promotion ends 11:59p.m. ET 12/28/14. Sponsor will donate $1 for each approved Submission made as part of the promotion, with a minimum donation of $30,000 and a maximum donation of $50,000. For Official Rules, and complete details, visit www.unstoppablemoms.com. Sponsor: McNeil Consumer Healthcare Division of McNEIL-PPC, Inc. To learn more about Safe Kids Worldwide visit safekids.org.