More seasoned homeschoolers had previously warned me that I would try to imitate school at home during my first year. I nodded politely while reassuring myself in my head that I knew better. After all, I knew the reasons I wanted to homeschool. Yet there I was, demanding my son sit and do worksheet after work-sheet, never making time for anything else. I felt like public school didn’t offer enough recess time for a kindergartener, yet I made my son a prisoner of our dining room table.

It was then that I took a step back, reminded myself why we chose home-school to begin with, and changed our homeschool routine. Adding life skills to your homeschool curriculum may seem like something that is just going to happen naturally, when in reality it’s something you have to be intentional about.

Planning ahead of time

I thought that I would effortlessly in-clude the kids in life skills throughout each day, but that wasn’t happening as I just tried to get through my chores as quickly as possible. I had to become much more intentional about what skills we were go-ing to cover and when. I started by mak-ing a list of things I would like the kids to learn, keeping in mind what is reasonable at their age. I keep the list in my weekly lesson plans book, so as I plan the week ahead I am reminded to work in time for life skills.

Just the simple task of seeing that list and adding to it often keeps it in the fore-front of my mind, and I find it easier to stop and include them in things I am doing throughout the day. I’ve been surprised to see how they have changed in a short time, proudly taking the initiative to do things they’ve learned need to be done around the house. I am starting to see myself become less of a control freak too, with practice.

Logging life skills

As a new homeschool parent, I felt paranoid about keeping a portfolio of our work. It felt like it didn’t happen, or didn’t matter, if it wasn’t somehow logged in the portfolio. To calm my nerves, I started making logs and certificates for life skills. I thought this step was more for me so I didn’t makes them want to learn and do more.

Being open to learning new skills: I never even learned to iron clothes when I was growing up and still don’t know how to sew. I mentioned building things and gardening, yet I’ve never actually done either. One thing I love about intentionally teaching life skills to our kids is that I get to learn along with them. I probably would never take the time to teach myself some of these things if it wasn’t for homeschooling. It’s fun to learn new things together. In doing so, we are teaching another life skill – to always be open to learning new things, and willing to jump in and figure things out!

As the kids get older the options for life skills they can learn obviously increase. Many of the homeschoolers I know do per-sonal finance and leadership classes in high school, among other things. Keep a list that you and your children can add to whenever new ideas come to mind, and be intention-al about making those things happen!

Here are some great resources for incorporating more life skills into your homeschool curriculum:

Skilltrekker.com. This site is all about teaching kids of all ages life skills.

 Study.com. For older kids, this site has tons of online courses.

Jam.com. Online courses for kids that range from cooking, music, animation, building machines, and more.

RaddishKids.com. A cooking club for kids.

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As we enter the third trimester of pregnancy, one of the biggest things on our mind is the coveted hospital bag. When do we pack it? What do we put in it? It can feel like a big task, but it really doesn’t have to be a stressful one. Take it from me, a 3rd time mom who has been the under-prepared and the over-prepared before.

3 weeks before I was due with my first baby, I became the under-prepared mom. I was heading out the door to buy a bassinet and some other items I still needed for baby when my water broke. I had researched what to pack, but that was as far as I had gone. Picture me, mid-contractions, trying to gather random things throughout my house to throw into a bag.

The second time around, I majorly over-compensated. I packed almost everything in the entire house over a month before baby was due. I felt so proud and prepared, until it was time to actually go to the hospital and they thought I was moving in for life.

Before we jump into our list, let me just reassure you: there is no perfect or right way. If you forget stuff, someone can bring it to you. If you pack too much, it’s no big deal. Do whatever makes you feel comfortable.

To help you feel less stressed and more prepared, I am sharing what is on my packing list for our third baby, due in March, and a printable version to make it even easier.

HOSPITAL BAG PACKING LIST: WHAT TO PACK FOR THE LABOR AND DELIVERY PART

Lip Balm / Chapstick:I was desperate for chapstick during my first 13 hour, unmedicated labor. Regardless of what type of delivery you have, this is a must, and earns it’s spot at the top of the list for a reason.

Hair Ties:You probably have these in your purse anywhere you go, but you certainly don’t want to be mid-labor and unable to put your hair up. Make sure you have a few in your hospital bag, since they like to disappear!

Warm Socks: Hospitals are cold, and even nice birth centers can feel cool and uncomfortable. You’ll want comfy, warm socks to lounge in, and also walk the halls in if you can. Try to get non-slip socks in case you do the walking! I walked a lot during labor. Some hospitals, like The Birth Place at NCH, provide these, but bring yours just in case!

Big water bottle with straw:I have delivered both of my children at The Birth Place at NCH. Both times they gave me a really nice, large cup with a handle, lid, and straw. Those cups became my favorite even after I left the hospital. Unless you know for sure that you’ll be given one at your birth center, bring one!

Phone and phone charger:This may seem obvious, but it’s the obvious things that end up forgotten. Even if you’re not the one using your phone during labor, you will want to have this with you. Don’t forget the charger!

Headphones:Music helped me so much during labor! You can make yourself a playlist ahead of time if you want to be extra prepared. I also used my phone for this.

Camera:Should I add a charged battery with the camera? Unless you use your phone for pictures.

Snacks:I personally could not eat during labor, but my husband was starving the first time around and had no food. The second time around I packed lots of snacks. After my daughter was born I had a rice krispie treat. It was quite possibly the best snack I’ve ever had.

Mints:I liked to have these handy during and after labor.

THE “POST DELIVERY STUFF”

Comfortable PJs or clothes that you feel good in, easy for nursing:I recommend buying yourself a new set or two of PJs or comfortable clothes that are reserved for your hospital stay and after. You’ll feel better seeing tons of people in and out of your room if you’re in clothes that you feel good in. However, you will also want to feel comfortable and be able to nurse easily. Try to avoid white. Just in case.

Robe/Sweater:It gets chilly in the hospital and you’ll want that extra layer of comfort, I recommend bringing a comfy robe or a sweater. My husband gifted me a really nice robe before baby #2 was born. I loved having it in the hospital and still use it today!

Slippers/Flip-Flops:You may not want to stay in those comfy socks the entire time you’re there. Having a comfy “shoe” option to walk around the hall with baby is good!

Sleep Nursing Bra:Comfort is key in those first several days after labor. Bring a sleep nursing bra like this one.

A pack of these undies:.The hospital will provide mesh undies, but from what I remember, I didn’t like them and there are not enough of them for after you come home. Get something like these, but note that the sizing is a little off and you should choose bigger than you think you need.

Pillow and blanket:If you’re picky about your pillow and blanket, bring your own.

Favorite body wash, shampoo and conditioner:The first shower you get to take post-labor makes you feel like a new person, but not if you have to use the hospital body wash and shampoo.

Basic toiletries:You will want to feel human again for the remainder of your stay in the hospital, so be sure you have your toothbrush, toothpaste, makeup, hair brush, deodorant, and any other basic toiletries you use to get ready daily. I personally did not blowdry my hair in the hospital, but you may want a hair-dryer if you think you will use it.

Herbal Perineal spray:Trust me on this one, get the spray. (Unless you know you are having a c-section.)

Breast pads:If you plan to breastfeed, you’ll want these handy. I like these reusable ones, but you can also use disposable breast pads if you prefer. I have used these before and liked them.

Tablet, book, or some other form of entertainment:I used my computer both times after having babies because I was bored just sitting there. You may want a tablet, a book, or some other form of entertainment.

Clothes to go home in:You will want something comfortable that you feel good in, as you will most likely be taking a picture in this.

BABY HOSPITAL BAG PACKING LIST

The hospital will supply diapers and wipes, so unless you plan to use special diapers from the beginning, save what you have at home. Here is my hospital bag packing list for baby:

Nursing pillow:A good nursing pillow was one of my favorite things to have with a newborn. I had one similar to this for my first two babies. I personally don’t like the ones that strap around your back. That seemed inconvenient and uncomfortable to me, but it’s all about personal preference.

Baby Blanket:The hospital will provide a baby blanket (or possibly a few) for your little one, but it’s likely that you’ll have a cute new favorite you want your babe pictured in.

Sleeper/PJs:The hospital also provides a onesie/basic outfit for the baby, but we all know we have those cute newborn PJs and outfits waiting for our new babes. Bring 1-3, not 10 of them. There will be plenty of time to dress them in every single outfit later. For now think warmth and comfort for you and baby.

The coming home outfit:This is one of the things I did not forget the first time around, because it’s something all new moms seem to plan for and pick out ahead of time.

Burp Cloths:You should be fine with 2-3 burp clothes for your hospital stay, just in case.

Pacifier: The Birth Place gave the babies their first pacifiers. My son never used, and my daughter loved hers. Regardless, you can bring this if you have something special, but most likely the hospital will provide one and it’s better not to lose the ones you have.

Installed car seat: Do yourself, or have your husband do himself, a favor ahead of time and get this installed and ready before it’s go-time for baby.

HOSPITAL BAG PACKING LIST FOR DAD

Clothes:Mostly comfortable, but if you will be doing pictures keep that in mind.

Pillow and blanket:The hospital will provide a pillow and blanket for Dad, but they aren’t great. If he’s picky at all, bring him his own so he’s a little bit more comfortable.

Toiletries:Dad will want to be able to freshen up too!

Snacks:This is already on the list for you, but don’t forget to bring enough for Dad!

Money for food:Dad will probably also want to do some food runs, so make sure he’s prepared!

Entertainment:Just like you, Dad may want a tablet, computer, book, or whatever else he can use for entertainment.

Bottled Drinks:Be prepared with at least a few bottled drinks for Dad in case he can’t get out to get something for a while.

OTHER ESSENTIALS FOR YOUR HOSPITAL BAG PACKING LIST

There are a few other important things you’ll want to be sure you have handy for all of the logistic stuff.

Insurance Card/Information

Birth Plan (if you have one)

Driver’s License

Pediatrician Contact Info

Social Security Card (or just having your # memorized should suffice)

OLDER SIBLINGS WILL NEED A FEW THINGS!

Even if they aren’t there for the birth, chances are the older siblings will be visiting the hospital. Here are a few recommendations of what to put on your hospital bag packing list for older siblings:

Big Brother/Big Sister Gift:When Alana was born, we gave Kaiper this adorable book called The Super, Incredible Big Brother from iseeme.com. They have lots of cute options!

Snacks:If the older siblings will be hanging out for a while, or if they are like my kids and they’ll be there for more than 5 minutes, make sure you have some snacks around for them!

Entertainment:The new sibling gift, and the new sibling, may be enough to entertain them. However, if they are younger they may need an extra toy or activity to entertain them within the confines of a hospital room. This doesn’t necessarily have to come with you when you go into labor, but make sure whoever brings them to visit later brings something along!

That’s it! You may need some additional items that are important to you, like glasses or contact solution, essential oils, or medicines you need to take regularly. You can fill these specific items in on the printable hospital bag packing list in the “Other” section.

WHEN YOU PACK YOUR HOSPITAL BAG

From my experience, I would suggest having your hospital bag packed about 4 weeks before baby’s due date. Any time after that could be “go time”, as I found out, and you won’t need anything more to think about or do in those last few weeks. The most important thing to remember is that either way, it’s all going to work out just fine!

GRAB THE FREE PRINTABLE HOSPITAL BAG PACKING LIST HERE!

Read Jessica LeBrun’s blog, On Moxie and Motherhood for more posts about parenting, family, homeschooling and other topics at https://www.onmoxieandmotherhood.com.

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