After the mad dash to get everything done at work before the year’s end and the rush-rush of the holiday season, it’s no wonder so many of us end December fried, physically and emotionally. If you’ve fallen to the bottom of your own to-do list over the past few months and find yourself exhausted and drained, take heart. Over the next, relatively quiet, two weeks, it is possible to not only recharge your batteries, but to plan ahead for ways to make time for yourself in the coming year.

Sarah on “Space Time Continuum”

When my brother-in-law asked my husband what he wanted for Christmas, he glibly replied, “Well, I’d really love it if you could find that wrinkle in the space-time continuum and buy me an extra week or two to just relax.” Everybody laughed at the absurdity of the request, and yet, wished it were a gift that could be given at the same time. It got me thinking. If someone you love has a hard time making time for himself or herself, maybe you can help that person find a wrinkle in time. I drew up a list of 50 ways I could give him the gift of time in the New Year, like a quiet breakfast in bed with the paper and no screaming 2-year-olds, an afternoon stroll with the family in a pretty spot, and a weekend without the kids. Then I made a plan to do all 50 things throughout the year, scheduling them like appointments in my calendar. I don’t know if it is the equivalent of two weeks, but it should make a noticeable difference.

Alicia on “Turning Off”

In this 24-hour, seven days-a-week, 365-days-a-year world we live in, it can be incredibly difficult to truly relax. One trick that definitely works is unplugging your digital items — literally. Make a plan to ditch e-mail, voicemail, instant messaging, the Internet, texting, and any other form of electronic communication you can think of. If you can swing a week, it’s ideal. But even if you switch off for only an hour a day, the act of tuning out for a bit gives your mind and body time to relax and recharge.

Here are additional ideas for making more “you” time in the coming year.

1. Pick Something to Delegate

One of the surest ways to buy back some time is to identify one or two tasks on your mental or actual to-do list that someone else can do. We’ve piled more on our plates today than ever before and yet, even though we’re frazzled and exhausted, sprinting from activity to activity, most of us rarely ask for help. By enabling others to take on some of the work, you’ll not only have a much lighter load, but you’ll give them the opportunity to stretch their full potential as well.

2. Find a Getaway Place

You don’t necessarily have to go far to find a good place to truly relax. Possible options include the basement rec room, a coffeehouse down the street, a hot bath, the gym, or a nearby walking trail. Simply designating a place that is your “getaway” means that you’ll have a way to easily trip the relaxation trigger and truly detach from the crazy world for a moment or two.

3. Have a Cut-Off Time for Work

In this topsy-turvy economic time, it is easy to feel the pressure to burn the midnight oil at work. But studies have shown that productivity actually increases when people have time to relax and recharge. In the New Year, establish a time that you will leave work each evening, and stick to it. Even if you go back to work from home after a few hours, the break will help you clear your head, focus on other priorities (like your family or your health) and boost your energy.

We are the co-founders of Buttoned Up, Inc., a company dedicated to helping stretched and stressed women get themselves organized and co-authors of “Everything (almost) In Its Place.”  We welcome your thoughts!  Please send ideas and questions to us at:  yourlife@getbuttonedup.com or visit us at www.getbuttonedup.com 

Whether you celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa or something else entirely, the chance to see your family and friends is truly one of the best parts, if not the best part, of the holidays.

But hosting family members and friends in your own home can also be one of the most stressful parts of the holidays. It’s unfortunate that this cheery time of year can become overwhelming, and trying to make everything perfect for guests at your home can only add to your stress. However, with some simple planning you can have a stress-free time while hosting the ones you love.

Alicia on “It’s OK Not to Be the Ritz”:

As much as you’d love to give your guests the perfect, five-star experience, putting chocolates on the pillows, cooking amazing meals and doing anything else a top-flight hotel would provide is just not realistic. In fact, setting the bar that high will only make you more stressed and less likely to be able to enjoy the company. The best way to make guests feel comfortable will be to treat them as though they are truly part of the family. People become uncomfortable if they feel their hosts are waiting on them hand and foot. Instead, focus on a few small details ahead of time so they feel welcome. For example, if a cousin is in town, leave a photo album that contains family-beach-vacation pictures from when you were kids on the dresser. Avoid slavishly tending to their every need the entire time. You don’t need to vacuum twice a day (your guests will want to sleep in in peace).

Sarah on “Mapping Out Fun Around Town”:

If guests are coming from far away, they probably want to see things that are unique to your area. You should partake in these activities with them if you’re able to, but know that if you have to work the Monday before Christmas and can’t join them at the local ski resort, that’s OK. Gather up a few Web sites and e-mail your guests information for local activities that you think they might like, such as going to a festival of lights, concerts or museums. Also, if you have something in mind you would like to do with everyone, be sure to ask your guests ahead of time. It would be discourteous to assume they want to go see “The Nutcracker” if their 5-year-old isn’t really at a sit-still phase yet.

Here are more tips to keep you and your guests happy during the stay:

1. Delegate

There’s no reason the entire family can’t pitch in and help you get ready. The holidays are a family affair for both pitching in and having fun. Have your husband get the air mattresses out of the attic, clean the extra sheets and towels, or take care of other chores around the house that you need done. Have the kids help bake Aunt Maggie’s favorite cookies, make welcome cards and generally get the guest room ready.

2. Stock Up on Favorite Things

Make your guests feel comfortable by asking them ahead of time a few of their favorite foods, like deli turkey or the kind of milk they usually drink. Small details will make them feel comfortable and welcomed. The best part about these items is that you can take care of them before they arrive. As an added touch, leave guests some of your favorite lotions or soaps in the bathroom.

3. Prep Your Kids

Children don’t always react well to changes in the routine. Be sure to explain to younger and older children that the whole family will be welcoming guests. Talk about the rules of hosting before guests arrive so the kids will know what to expect. Explain that guests come first. That’s how they would like things when they visit another home, so they should treat their guests in the same manner. Practice ways that the kids can make guests feel welcome and at home. The more prepared they are for the disruption, the more likely they are to roll with things once guests arrive.

We are the co-founders of Buttoned Up, inc., a company dedicated to helping stretched and stressed women get themselves organized and co-authors of “Everything (almost) In Its Place.”  We welcome your thoughts!  Please send ideas and questions to us at:  yourlife@getbuttonedup.com or visit us at www.getbuttonedup.com 

The temperature has already dropped in most northern states, but that doesn’t mean it is too late to get your home buttoned up for the really cold winter months ahead. Give yourself the peace of mind that comes with knowing your home is prepared to weather the ice and snow efficiently — in other words, without costing you an arm or a leg.

Alicia on “Knowing Your Home”:

It can be tempting to run everything in your home by the “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” motto — not touching or thinking about maintaining an appliance until it dies or fails. When it comes to your house, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. For example, a dryer from 1985 that still works well and is problem-free probably has a filter system that isn’t working as well as it did the day it was purchased, which makes it a serious fire hazard. So, put your preventive-medicine hat on and get ahead of fires, leaks and other costly damages by enlisting a professional to check the pipes, and appliances like the refrigerator, washer/dryer, furnace and water heater.

Sarah on “Tracking Warranties & Service Plans”:

Warranty papers and service plans, especially those that come on the actual product receipt, have a way of floating around kitchens, home offices, purses, pockets and dresser tops without ever landing in a permanent, easy-to-find spot. Think about taking some time now to round up the paperwork on all of your appliances and storing them in a designated file or folder. We recommend buying an inexpensive accordion file, titling it “Appliance Files” and using it to safely house all of the warranties, service plans and receipts for important household items. Keep your file folder in an easily accessible spot, like a filing cabinet, utility closet or bookshelf and refer to it as needed. That way, if a professional checks an appliance, like your refrigerator, and finds it isn’t functioning properly, it doesn’t have to mean hundreds or even thousands down the drain.

Here are other key areas of your home/property you should winterize to save money.

1: Check Seals on Doors & Windows

If the heated air is escaping your home through creaky, leaky doors and windows, you’ll be wasting hundreds of dollars heating your home. On the next blustery day, check to see if cold air is blowing in by holding your hand next to windows and doors. If you do find a drafty door, try an inexpensive fix — those sand-filled, fabric-covered draft stoppers for doors leading in and out of the house. For windows, check to be certain that they are properly closed and, and if you have them, that storm windows are in properly. Thick drapes are also helpful at nighttime, but during the day, be sure they’re open for windows that get direct sunlight.

2: Check the Chimney

Be sure your fireplace damper is closed when there is no fire lighted. Think of it this way: Leaving the damper open is like keeping a 4- by -4-inch window wide open, thus allowing that precious warm air (and the hard-earned money it took to heat your home) to go right up the chimney. In addition, check the seal on the flue damper to be certain it’s as snug as possible. If you never use your fireplace, then go ahead and plug/seal the chimney flue. There’s no sense in losing heat from something you never use.

3: Care for Your Heat & Water

Have your heating system serviced and be sure that anything on your heating system that is covered under warranty is replaced. Change heating filters and walk through the house to make sure that all heat vents are clear. You don’t want any of your children’s toys melting when you turn the system on for the first time. In addition, changing the filters will also help remove pesky allergens. For the water system, drain sprinkler pipes if you have them. Otherwise, the pipes underground can freeze and break over the winter, costing you money and time next spring. Also, never turn your heat off fully, even if you are going on vacation for a week. Your indoor pipes can freeze and burst, causing an indoor flood. Having a friend drop by to check on your home during winter months if you go away is always a good idea.

We are the co-founders of Buttoned Up, Inc., a company dedicated to helping stretched and stressed women get themselves organized and co-authors of “Everything (almost) In Its Place.”  We welcome your thoughts!  Please send ideas and questions to us at:  yourlife@getbuttonedup.com or visit us at www.getbuttonedup.com 

Cleaning the house, shopping for all the ingredients, cooking the large meal, baking desserts and everything else that is associated with Thanksgiving — by the time the wonderful day comes you want to spend time catching up with your family. However, if you have a lot of kids in the family like we do, it can often become difficult to relax when you’re constantly watching the children.

This is especially true since the meal is longer than most, and while there may be a lot of cousins to play with, the weather may keep everyone cooped up inside. Here are some ideas to entertain the kids who require little supervision, a good deal of youth creativity and a whole lot of fun.

Alicia on “Holiday Decor”:

It may be Thanksgiving, but wouldn’t it be nice to have some homemade decorations for Christmas/Hanukkah/Kwanzaa or New Year’s? Let the children decorate all sorts of fun items for the next holidays. Break out crayons and markers (washable, of course) and items like tablecloths that can be colored on, construction paper for greeting cards, pipe cleaners, felt and foam for ornaments or posters. Then let their imaginations run wild as they create decorations for the next holiday. This way they feel like they are contributing to the next holiday and they will have plenty to keep them busy with their young family friends. If you really want to see them immersed in the activity, offer a prize for the best Hanukkah card or Christmas-tree ornament. But give them all a treat, like a cookie, when they are done. They will be excited to show off their creations and you’ll be able to mingle with the adults while they are occupied.

Sarah on “A New Tradition”:

One of the best Thanksgiving traditions in my family has been going on ever since I can remember. Each Thanksgiving, while the entire family is sitting around the dining-room table, we all say what we are thankful for into a tape recorder. Just recently, I found tapes from more than 30 years ago, and hearing my grandparents, aunts and cousins all say their various thanks gave me goose bumps. Keepsakes like these are priceless and show the history in your family. So this Thanksgiving try this tradition in your family. It is truly a one-of-a-kind treasure when, years down the road, your kid can hear you giving thanks for being blessed with her birth this year, you can hear your brother say thanks for the bright red sports car he just bought, or you and others can hear your parents express gratitude for 50 years of marriage.

Here are three additional ways to keep younger ones entertained this Thanksgiving.

1.    Get Theatrical.

Have the older kids write and videotape the story of Thanksgiving, with all of the kids as the actors. Provide them with old clothes and props, and then at the end of the night you can watch the film. Or if you want to be more old-fashioned, you can have them put on a live play.

2.    T-H-A-N-K Bingo.

This classic game is always a hit and the older kids can definitely be in charge. You can create your own game via Word with a clip art, or use items already made on the Internet like http://www.brownielocks.com/thanksgivingbingo.html. If you don’t like this page, you can Google “Kid’s Thanksgiving Bingo” and buy sets or create and print different bingo games. Be sure to make goodie bags or prizes for winners to keep the kids interested for up to five games (remember that there may be three winners in one game, so plan accordingly). This should provide 30 to 60 minutes of fun for kids of all ages.

3.    Puzzle Play.

Puzzles are an easy way to capture the attention of a child, especially if it has the kid’s favorite characters on it. Pick up puzzles that are age appropriate. For example, if you have children ranging from ages 10-14, they’ll enjoy putting together a 3-D puzzle.

We are the co-founders of Buttoned Up, inc., a company dedicated to helping stretched and stressed women get themselves organized and co-authors of “Everything (almost) In Its Place.”  We welcome your thoughts!  Please send ideas and questions to us at:  yourlife@getbuttonedup.com or visit us at www.getbuttonedup.com 

 With the price of travel increasing, and the amount of money in American pockets decreasing, many families won’t be spending the holidays together this year. But there are options.

Alicia on “Non-peak Visiting”:

One of the easiest ways to get through a holiday without everyone together is to plan to get together in January or February when travel prices are cheaper and terminals are less crowded. Try to schedule the trips around President’s Day or MLK day when children have time off from school.

If you ask your bosses for the time off now, you’ll be certain to get it and may even get brownie points for working when many others in your office plan to be away. It might not seem ideal, being one of the few still working in late December. But trust me: In January, they will be the ones with the winter blues when you are on vacation visiting your loved ones.

Sarah on “Holiday Creativity”:

Here’s a grand idea that will make your family laugh and smile even when you can’t be there in person. If, for example, one-half of the family will be celebrating in Atlanta, and the other in New Orleans, have each side make a lighthearted video for the other to watch over the holidays. It can be something silly like acting out the quirky things each family member does that you will miss (like how Grandpa unwraps his gifts at snail speed) or the kids putting on a living room Christmas play.

Family members can then send the Atlanta video to New Orleans and vice versa and watch it on the holiday or post the videos on YouTube and watch them together online. You’ll have new memories and a keepsake, too.

Here are three more ways to stay close to loved ones even though all of you may be miles apart this holiday season.

1. Technology

We are so lucky to have amazing technologies like cell phones and instant messaging services. They are solutions that connect you to the people you love in real time, so even though you’re miles apart, you can feel like you’re in the same room. If you don’t have one already, we recommend investing in a webcam. These video devices have gone down significantly in price. Today you can get a decent one for less than $20. A visual connection, even if you can’t hug the person on the other end, makes the distance between you and loved ones seem less vast.

2. Send Along a Memory

Shrink the distance between you and a loved one this holiday by sending along a little bit of you. Whether it’s an old, favorite teddy bear for your daughter, an envelope of funny pictures of you and your best friend during your high-school years or your famous peanut-butter cookies, something that sparks a happy, shared memory can make both receiver and giver feel closer.

3. Start New Traditions

As much as you love your family, if you have to be away from members, try to make a new tradition so you don’t spend the whole holiday season pining away. For example, go caroling with new friends in the neighborhood or volunteer at a homeless shelter to make another person’s holiday brighter.

We are the co-founders of Buttoned Up, inc., a company dedicated to helping stretched and stressed women get themselves organized and co-authors of “Everything (almost) In Its Place.”  We welcome your thoughts!  Please send ideas and questions to us at:  yourlife@getbuttonedup.com or visit us at www.getbuttonedup.com 

Our financial world is topsy-turvy. Each week, Wall Street takes us on another stomach-turning ride, new job cuts are announced and reports from the media leak out comparing our economy now to the Great Depression. With that as a backdrop, it’s no wonder a recent poll showed that 70 percent of Americans are stressed about money right now. The fact is, this isn’t some crisis happening elsewhere to “others” — we’re virtually all feeling the pinch directly.

The net result: stress. People report that their anxiety over bills, mortgage payments, late fees, interest rates and the depressingly low bank balances blinking back at them on ATM screens is mounting. That stress can affect your health, relationships and even your ability to get a decent night’s rest. For most, the worst stress comes from the feeling that you have limited control.

Fortunately, you can take a few simple steps that will help you save a bit, even in the midst of the upcoming holidays. In the spirit of helping you get back some semblance of control over your financial situation, we will show you how to save $500 by Dec. 31. The trick: Take the money you save on little things each week and put it away until the last day of the year.

Sarah on “Discipline”:

Just like weight loss, there is a certain, unequivocal math to saving: fewer dollars out than in. There’s no fudging the math; you just have to be disciplined. With temptation to spend everywhere, sticking to your plan is easier said than done. One of the most effective techniques for staying on track is to visualize the prize. Whether you will use the extra $500 toward paying off some debt, investing in a CD or in your 401(k), or toward a winter trip to Disney World with your kids, if you can keep your eye on the prize, it helps with discipline. So make a goal poster, hang it in a high-traffic area at home and track your progress every day or week. You’ll soon see how your daily choices make a difference. It also doesn’t hurt to get the whole family involved — especially your spouse.

Alicia on “Ditch Perfection”:

Being realistic, you will occasionally slip up — and that’s OK. It’s hard to change habits. Knowing this, it’s important to think ahead and develop tricks for getting back on track quickly if you have a moment of weakness. We recommend a healthy dose of forgiveness followed by one or two significant steps to help you recommit to your plan. If you don’t forgive yourself for slip-ups, you’re actually more likely to throw your hands up, call yourself a failure and keep on over-spending. Bad spending habits may not be easily broken overnight, but if you make room for imperfection, your chances of reaching your goal and developing positive, long-term habits are significantly better.

If you’re having trouble getting your budget in order, here are three tips to help you save up to $500.

1. Go Homemade

How often do you eat out? Even if you just buy coffee or lunch, it is amazing how quickly ordering out adds up. Making coffee at home instead of buying it every day will save you $90 by Dec. 31 — more if you order expensive lattes or other fancy drinks. Brown-bagging it can cut your daily lunch tab in half. Over eight weeks, you can save $160 to $250. Dinners out also add up. If a family of four eats out, it will cost around $50 at an average restaurant. If you can make a meal for four with around $15, you are saving $35 per week.

2. Go Generic

Buying generic instead of name-brand foods at the grocery store saves you anywhere from $75 to $100 per month. There’s another $150 to$200 you can save before 2009.

3. Shop Like It’s 1975

Remember layaway? Instead of paying 13 percent to 20 percent interest on the $1,000 worth of holiday gifts this year, use layaway — you can pay little by little up ahead of time instead of paying a lot extra in January. Money saved (on $1,000): $130 to $200.

We are the co-founders of Buttoned Up, inc., a company dedicated to helping stretched and stressed women get themselves organized and co-authors of “Everything (almost) In Its Place.”  We welcome your thoughts!  Please send ideas and questions to us at:  yourlife@getbuttonedup.com or visit us at www.getbuttonedup.com

Daily headlines, news reporters and breathless bloggers make it impossible to escape an all-too-gloomy reality: Financial crisis! Rising costs! Retail sales down! Recession!

It is enough to make you want to forget that the holidays, with all of the requisite spending that comes with them, are rapidly approaching. But just because belts are tightening doesn’t mean you have to turn into the Grinch. In fact, with just a little bit of organization and preparation in the next few weeks, you can make less go a lot further than you thought possible — and that holds for time as well as money.

Sarah on “Being honest with yourself”:

It’s hard not to lavish Christmas, Hanukkah and other holiday gifts on the people we love. But, unfortunately, spending beyond your means is a choice that will always come back to haunt you. This year, set a realistic budget and stick to it. If you find the thought depressing or feel the urge to splurge beyond what you can afford, remember that while the holidays are about giving, they aren’t about giving what you don’t have. What really matters is sharing time with friends and family, not the material gifts we give or receive. We have become too caught up in the consumerism of the holidays — and now, more than ever, is the perfect time to spare our wallets by giving more of our hearts.

Alicia on “Adapting to a New Kind of Holiday”:

So how do you still have a great holiday without spending a fortune? Get creative! Instead of giving all of your office friends $20 Starbucks gift cards (which definitely adds up quickly), throw a company potluck drinks-and-dessert party. If you’ve got kids, think small. They’d rather have fewer little gifts than one big gift. This year, separately wrap up a box of crayons, coloring books and a yo-yo rather than one fancy, expensive gadget. Another tactic: Shift the focus from gifts to the people around you. You’ve probably forgotten about 95 percent of the gifts you’ve ever received on holidays, but I bet you remember, very vividly, experiences or other special moments you shared with your family members. Make memories again this year — go caroling, have Grandpa tell the story of Hanukkah by the fireside or play charades after dinner.

More tips:

No. 1: Don’t Be Wrap-Happy

Instead of buying and using rolls and rolls of wrapping paper at $4 a roll, try using newspapers or recycled wrapping paper instead. You can dress it up by painting or coloring on the paper, or using inexpensive raffia ribbons. If you have multiple gifts for one person, get a box or solid-colored “Santa” sack for each person, and wrap only the large box in decorative wrapping paper. The large box will look pretty under the tree, but your use of old newspaper will reduce the amount of expensive paper that will be ripped open and tossed 30 seconds after opening anyhow.

No. 2: Carpool

If you live in an area where you have to drive to get your presents, coordinate with family or good friends to go shopping on the same day, and carpool. You’ll save money on gas by sharing the cost, plus you’ll get the added benefit of more quality time with people you love.

No. 3: Point to It

One of the best ways to give gifts without breaking the budget is to use credit-card points you have accumulated all year long. Credit-card companies have so many great point programs that you should have lots of interesting things to choose from.

We are the co-founders of Buttoned Up, inc., a company dedicated to helping stretched and stressed women get themselves organized and co-authors of “Everything (almost) In Its Place.”  We welcome your thoughts!  Please send ideas and questions to us at:  yourlife@getbuttonedup.com or visit us at www.getbuttonedup.com 

Pets have become more than just companions; they are a part of the family. In fact more and more pet owners are taking the love for their pet to the next level and dressing them up for Halloween. This practice is fun and adorable but it’s also important to think about your pet’s safety to protect them from things that go bump in the night.

Alicia on “The Importance of Registration.”

Animal shelters often get a lot of animals around Halloween that escape from their owner’s homes or yards in the midst of all the commotion of the parties, guests, and trick-or-treaters. Before the big day, have your pet registered or even better, microchipped. If you can’t make that happen, be extra vigilant and keep an eye on your pet whenever the door opens or closes. Ideally, keep your pet in a closed off area for any parties or when you’re expecting trick-or-treaters. If you take your dog along with you on Halloween night with the kids, keep it on a reflective leash and collar or harness. This will not only keep the dog safe from cars and running off, but will allow you to control it around other children. Even the world’s best dog can snap at a child with a frightening mask and an antagonizing attitude. If you have an indoor/outdoor cat, keep it inside for the night as the extra cars in the neighborhood will be a hazard. Also- Don’t forget to have your Pet.doc filled out, just in case!

Sarah on “Leaving them Home Alone”

If you and your little goblins are going to be out all evening collecting treats, think ahead and make a plan for your pet. Does the sound of voices outside make the dog anxious or prone to fits of barking? If so, you might want to keep it in a room toward the back of the house and consider setting up a gentle noisemaker or playing the radio. In addition, you’ll want to eliminate needless doorbell ringing, which can agitate Fluffy and Fido. That means setting up a treat station by your front door. Instead of putting out loose candy for kids to pick and choose, purchase small paper loot bags, place two or three pieces of candy inside, and tie the bags closed with ribbon. Then place the bags in a bowl or plastic cauldron and cover the top with a few faux cobwebs. All kids will enjoy this trick to get to those treats — and they’ll be quick too, which means they’ll be less likely to disturb your pet.

Here are three additional ways to get your furry friend Buttoned Up for Halloween.

1. Watch the Candles:

Curiosity killed the … well, literally, cats and dogs are exploratory species, so even if they feel the heat from a candle they may still try to touch it. Keep candles away from your pets.

2. Check Costumes for Safety Hazards:

If you’re dressing up Fido, be sure the costume doesn’t have any loose parts he can eat! Loose parts can also cause your pet to trip or become tangled in the costume, resulting in injury or a future dislike of the holiday (yes pets will remember!). Also be sure that the costume is properly ventilated as your pet can overheat if the costume is too hot or heavy. Be sure to check your pet often to see if it is panting or uncomfortable. It’s also good to practice and listen to your pet: Try the costume on and have the pet wear it several times before Halloween. If the pet hates the costume, forcing him to wear it can cause bad behaviors, so be courteous to your four-legged friend- no matter how cute he may look in it.

3. Be a Good Gatekeeper:

No matter how tempting, don’t give your pets people candy or treats. Chocolate is toxic to dogs and cats and the amount of sugar in other treats will make them sick. Keep your children’s loot out of reach so pets don’t dig into it when you’re sleeping. If you’re worried they’re feeling left out, give them their own doggie or kitty friendly goodies when they are behaving nicely to guests or wearing their costume proudly.

We are the co-founders of Buttoned Up, inc., a company dedicated to helping stretched and stressed women get themselves organized and co-authors of “Everything (almost) In Its Place.”  We welcome your thoughts!  Please send ideas and questions to us at:  yourlife@getbuttonedup.com or visit us at www.getbuttonedup.com 

Just because teenagers look more like adults, doesn’t necessarily mean that they think or function like adults! A new Web site by the Partnership for a Drug Free America (www.drugfree.org/teenbrain) explains how the human brain takes 25 years to fully develop, with the prefrontal cortex, responsible for complex judgment and decision-making, maturing last. Ironically, at a time when a teen’s need for guidance and oversight is at its highest, parents’ confidence in their ability to influence and guide their teens begins to wane. But perseverance and a little structure can pay dividends. Work with them now to help them learn to get and stay organized and follow routines.

Sarah on “The Communication Center”

Teens are highly social, but at home, they’re more likely to go mute and expect family members to be able to read their minds. A family communication center is an excellent non-verbal tool that will help keep everyone in the loop on the most important things like special events and scheduling. To make a successful family communication center, you’ll need to compile a few simple things. First, make a family appointment book or hang a wall calendar or whiteboard. It can be simple but should include enough spaces to fill in social, work, and other appointments for the entire family. Next, use three folders for each individual child kept in a central place like the kitchen, labeled “In, Out, & Read.” This way you can keep track of all school newsletters, permission slips and other school correspondence. Also, put in place a family note taking system.

Alicia on “The Study Center”

Today’s teens are facing tougher academics and more rigorous schedules than ever, especially with the college entrance qualifications getting more selective. Have a desk area for them with adequate lighting to promote proper focus. Be sure the computer is in a visible area to keep track of Internet usage (like the kitchen). As much as we would like to trust that our children are being responsible online, proactive monitoring is the best tactic for keeping teens safe on the Web. In addition, help them make a file system to keep ongoing projects, old homework, and important papers like college admissions help guides or prospective university information. Keep it simple and this will set them on the right track once they get to college.

Here are three additional ways to help your teenager get Buttoned Up.

1. Student Planner

A planner will teach your student how to set priorities and decide what’s most important. Teach them the 80/20 Rule, and work with them every afternoon or at the beginning of each week to identify the most important 20 percent of tasks on their list. Assess what kind of student they are and figure out what kind of priority system works best. Some teens only need a weekly planner, while others need a daily reminder supplement, like a homework pad, as well as a planner. Most teen students need both.

2. College Prep

This starts really early these days as colleges are more and more competitive. Be sure your teens are active in any clubs, sports, or associations that interest them. It’s also very important to be active in the community. Yes, this is great for the admissions, but more importantly it’s helpful to the greater good of your region. Check out your local paper for service events, or get creative. For example, if your children love animals, have them walk dogs at the animal shelter or the Leader Dog for the Blind campaign. If the type of service contains something they are passionate about, they will be more apt to stick with the charity throughout high school and life.

3. Emergency Prep

Most auto accidents are caused by drivers between the ages of 16 and 25. If your teen has a car, it absolutely, positively should be equipped with a kit that tells your young driver what information to collect in the event of an accident. You will also want a first aid kit in the car for those just-in-case moments. Educational tools are important too so sign them up for an AAA or insurance company roadside help class (how to change a tire, and what to do in other emergencies while in the car, like if you spot a tornado, or come across flood waters). You might think your teens are smart enough to have common sense, but in a panic, they may not be thinking clearly. The more prepared they are the better they will be able to handle the situation and the more assured you’ll be.

We are the co-founders of Buttoned Up, inc., a company dedicated to helping stretched and stressed women get themselves organized and co-authors of “Everything (almost) In Its Place.”  We welcome your thoughts!  Please send ideas and questions to us at:  yourlife@getbuttonedup.com or visit us at www.getbuttonedup.com 

It’s officially election season, and all of America is watching as the candidates sprint to the Nov. 4 deadline. In this historic race, it is important to be an organized and well-informed citizen. That means knowing the issues, understanding the candidates’ backgrounds and their voting records.However, if you have children, you should also use this opportunity to explain the importance of voting, the election process and the positions of each candidate. Your children are the future of the country, so what better time to start teaching them about the role that normal individuals play in this vibrant democracy than right now. Plus, taking part in an adult activity, even though their vote doesn’t count yet, will make them feel older and important.

Alicia on “Do Your Election Homework”:

There are a whole lot of media sites out there to consider. But it’s also critical to get a feel for each party and candidate directly. Check out the Democratic Party’s and Republican Party’s Web sites as well as Barack Obama’s and John McCain’s Web sites. When you see the viewpoints directly from the candidates and political parties, the information will not be influenced by media commentary. The opinions they post on their Web sites will be directly from them: www.barackobama.com and www.johnmccain.com. Also www.rnc.org and www.dnc.org.

Sarah on “Be Fair and Balanced”:

One of the greatest liberties we in the United States have is the freedom to choose. As much as we would like our children to follow in our footsteps in many ways, political choice is a freedom in this nation that we must instill in our children. That’s why it’s more than important to give our children facts about the candidates without trying to sway their opinions. Instead, present your future voter with the candidates and issues, do your best to let them ask their questions and be sure to answer them without a skewed opinion. Freedom of opinion is a core to democracy, so encourage with the logic that as long as they make a well-informed decision about the candidates, you support their opinions, even if they are different from your own.

Here a three ways to get your children involved and engaged in the upcoming elections.

1. Make a Chart

Get some simple poster board and list out two sides — one for each party. Then list the issues and each candidate’s stance on each issue. Next, go through each issue and have your child help decide the pros and cons of each candidate’s opinion on each issue (of course, the child will need help coming up with these, but do your best not to slant the information you give). After you list all the information, allow him or her to make a decision based on the issues that he or she considers most significant.

2. See the Candidates Live

If you can’t make it to a live event, at least go to a local party event. Candidate Web sites list when they will be speaking in or near your city. If there are no events in the next month near you, check out your local community’s Republican or Democratic party events. It is crunch time, so there should be plenty to see and interact with. Also, take your children with you on Election Day so they can see how the process works.

3. Get Involved!

Alicia’s daughter Lucy (age 6) feels very strongly about the environment, so we’ve volunteered with her at local community-beautification projects. This teaches her about nonprofit politics and lets her make a difference in our area. Our marketing associate, Ashleigh, used to volunteer with the Voter News Service in her community and call in the local voting results to the media on Election Day. “It made me feel like I was a part of the election even though I wasn’t old enough to vote,” she said. No matter how you choose to get involved with your kids and politics, any little bit makes a difference.

We are the co-founders of Buttoned Up, inc., a company dedicated to helping stretched and stressed women get themselves organized and co-authors of “Everything (almost) In Its Place.”  We welcome your thoughts!  Please send ideas and questions to us at:  yourlife@getbuttonedup.com or visit us at www.getbuttonedup.com