But sometimes we make them harder than they need to be.

This year, focus on letting go of some of these things that are making your life more difficult:

1. Your fears

Fear has a tendency of disrupting everyday life in a frustrating way. It takes away happiness. It takes away peace. And at times, it can be paralyzing.

It isn't always easy to do, but replacing fear with faith — with peace — will make life much more enjoyable.

Try

Find something that helps bring peace into your life. Whether it be meditation, yoga, therapy or connecting to your faith and spirituality, focus on it. Make it a point to spend more time on things that help you realize that fear is not in control.

2. Trying to please others

Constantly trying to make everyone else happy is exhausting. It is important to love and to help others; but if you are unhappy because you are trying to do what everyone else wants you to, it isn't healthy.

Try

Be more honest with yourself, and with others. Don't be afraid to stand up for yourself, and to explain how or what you really feel or think. Standing up for yourself isn't rude — it's important.

3. Comparing and putting yourself down

With all the picture-perfect social media posts out there, it is easy to get caught up in feeling like your life (or your home, your body, etc.) isn't as good as someone else's. But the truth is, the grass isn't always greener on the other side. The truth is that your life is beautiful; and every single person has difficulties and trials and messy days. The truth is, you have gifts and talents and so much to share with the world.

Try

Try being genuinely happy for other people. Consciously focus on replacing jealousy with happiness for them. Joy is a much better feeling than jealousy.

Instead of comparing, take inspiration from those you admire.

Take a break from social media if you notice it is affecting you negatively. Do a "cleanse" of profiles you follow if some of them aren't uplifting.

Take the time every day to realize what you are grateful for. Look at the people in your life who love you, and whom you love. Be grateful for what your body can do. Express your gratitude more openly to those around you.

There is only one of you in this world — and that's pretty cool. Develop your talents and find things that make you happy. Work on loving yourself.

4. Overscheduling

It's good to be busy. But if things get too busy, it can be stressful and unhealthy. It is difficult to do anything well if there are too many things demanding your time.

If you are so busy that you are constantly rushed and cranky, you don't have patience for those you love, and you feel it negatively affecting your health, you need to cut back.

Try

Take a hard look at everything that is demanding your time. Then prioritize those things, and cut out some that you can do without.

Maybe your kids have too many extracurricular activities going on. Or maybe those events you promised to help out with are adding too much stress to your already-hectic schedule.

Be realistic with yourself about what things are putting the most stress on you, and don't be afraid to take a break from them for a while — or permanently. Life is constantly changing; and your schedule can, too.

Be sure, however, to make a little time to do something for you that you enjoy. If your time is spent only on things you absolutely have to do, it will wear you down faster. You need some time to breathe. So pencil in play time with your kids (and try not to think about everything else you "need" to be doing), a little time for a workout, or dinner with a friend or family member.

5. Gossiping and judging others

Along with not putting yourself down, is not putting others down, either. Why waste time saying mean things about other people? What good does it do for anyone — including you?

Every person we come across is dealing with hard things in their life — ones that we know nothing about. You don't know everything any person is going through; so don't pretend to.

Try

If people are gossiping about someone, don't join in. Instead, say nice things about people. Don't be a bully. Try serving someone instead of judging them.

6. Taking things personally

It's easy to let hurtful things people have said or done linger, upset us and become stressful. Often, things weren't even meant the way we may take them. Or they were said because of something stressful the other person may be dealing with in their own life.

Try

It is easier said than done, but practice brushing things off more often. Don't let others determine your own happiness. Try not to be easily offended. And be forgiving. Holding grudges brings unwanted stress.

Letting go of each of these things takes practice and commitment. But the result will be a lighter, happier you. So why not give it a try?

The post 6 things you desperately need to let go of this year appeared first on FamilyToday.

Here are a few GIFs to prove it.

1. She knows exactly what makes you mad

2. She knows exactly what makes you happy

3. She sees your ugliest faces

4. You can pig out in front of her

5. She's always got your back

6. She gets you the best presents

7. You can brag to her and not even feel bad

8. She doesn't judge you

9. She'll always listen when you vent

Go call your sister and tell her how much you love her!

The post 9 GIFs that perfectly describe the relationship you only have with your sister appeared first on FamilyToday.

New Year's resolutions: wonderful and frustrating.

You know what that means; but we'll show you anyway.

1. You on January 1

2. You on January 2

3. You on January 3

4. You mid-January

5. You by the end of January

The upside: Each minute is a new one. So start now. It's never too late to become a better you.

For some inspiration, check out these tips for keeping your resolutions.

The post The actual stages of your New Year’s resolutions summed up in a few GIFs appeared first on FamilyToday.

It's a special bond, yours.

Here are a few GIFs that sum it up quite well.

1. You tell each other the truth

2. You have a mutual understanding of your awesomeness

3. When you haven't seen each other in two hours

4. When she's feeling sad you know just what pep talk to give

5. When you discover they hung out with someone else without telling you

6. You both just know (and you remind each other often)

7. Eight minutes after you had an argument

8. You're your realest when you're together

9. You've got each other's backs

10. You never let them forget how great they are

11. And ... you just really, really love each other

Go show your best friend some love (even though you already have like 30 times today).

The post 11 GIFs that describe you and your BFF perfectly appeared first on FamilyToday.

Christmas is almost here, and that nearly tangible feeling of light and peace is in the air.

To add to the warmth of the season, here are a few Christmas quotes to bring you some holiday cheer.

1. The spirit of Christmas

2. Love others

3. The true meaning of Christmas

4. Give

5. Pure love

6. The magic of Christmas

7. Love each other

8. In our hearts

9. Home

Now go spend time with those you love, and enjoy the season.

The post 9 Christmas quotes that’ll give you all the warm fuzzies appeared first on FamilyToday.

There is a special feeling of love and peace in the air this time of year — the spirit of Christmas.

If you are looking for a few ways to spread some love to others as Christmas gets closer, here are a few ideas that are simple, yet have a profound impact on those you serve.

1. Bring cookies to a neighbor

2. Donate to a coat drive

3. Surprise a friend or family member with something you know they'll love

4. Pay for someone else's meal

5. Give a sincere compliment

6. Bring a family member home their favorite snack

7. Cover a co-worker's shift

8. Write a heartfelt note to someone letting them know why you appreciate them

9. Make dinner for someone else

10. Call a family member or friend you haven't talked to in a while to let them know you're thinking of them

11. Donate to a fundraiser or charity

12. Pray for someone you know who is going through a rough time

13. Help someone put up Christmas lights (and then help them take them down if they need it!)

14. Buy some groceries for (or give grocery money to) someone who could use the help

15. Offer an apology where one is needed

16. If someone wants to repay you for something, ask them to pay it forward to someone else instead

17. Instead of gossiping, look for the good in others, and say nice things about them

18. Give extra coupons to other people shopping

19. Teach someone a skill you know

20. Forgive someone

21. Genuinely thank someone who has been kind to you

22. Help someone find the positive

23. Leave an extra tip for someone

This world can be a cruel place sometimes. Give some of these a try to help the good shine a little brighter. Merry Christmas!

The post 23 simple ways to make Christmas a little merrier for those around you appeared first on FamilyToday.

I don't remember exactly what the comment was on — a post or article about dealing with toddler tantrums. But I do remember the comment.

It changed me; it changed the way I think as a mother.

It went something like this: When adults have a bad day, we come home, kick our feet up and watch Netflix with our favorite snack to make ourselves feel better. The last thing we want is someone yelling at us.

It was a simple, yet profound comment for me. It made so much sense.

I'm not saying to use Netflix to cure your toddlers' fits. The point is, when we're having a tough time, there's a reason for it; and someone yelling at us only makes things (much) worse.

And as adults, we usually know why we are feeling a certain way.

We know it was an extra stressful day at work, so we're feeling overwhelmed. We know someone made a hurtful comment, so we're feeling upset. We know we're sick, and it's making us feel awful and extra tired and grumpy.

And, for the most part, we realize that throwing a tantrum on the floor isn't the best way to unwind and deal with the situation.

But toddlers don't know. They haven't learned how to properly understand and deal with their emotions. So they cry, scream and throw tantrums. And to be honest, kicking and screaming on the floor sounds like a good way of dealing with adulting sometimes. So cut them some slack.

So maybe they're kicking the wall because they wanted an orange Popsicle instead of a yellow one; or maybe they're bawling their eyes out because they wanted mac and cheese for dinner instead of chicken noodle soup; or maybe they're having a meltdown for no apparent reason at all.

What they need is comfort and understanding — not someone screaming back at them.

According to kidshealth.org, "Tantrums are a normal part of child development. They are the way young children show they're upset or frustrated."

So instead of getting angry and losing it, remember that whatever is bothering them is a real issue to them. And though it may seem irrational to you, it doesn't to them.

And it shouldn't have to, yet. They're little. They're learning.

Instead of yelling, offer them a hug. Ask them to come talk to you about why they're upset; tell them you understand, and then help them walk through their emotions.

Instead of sending them straight to their room, let them know you're there for them; allow them to sit by you and cry if they need to.

Help them know it's OK to be upset, to cry and to feel like everything is falling apart; because those feelings don't just disappear as they get older.

Be on their side. There will be enough people in this world who aren't.

The post The Facebook comment that changed me as a mom appeared first on FamilyToday.

Moving is so much work. But luckily, there are a few things you can do to make the process a little easier.

Here are some of them:

1. Go through your things

When you move, you literally move everything you own from one place to another. Before packing up everything, go through your belongings and get rid of things you don't use or want. You could donate them, or have a yard sale to earn some extra cash for your move.

Now you'll have less to pack (and unpack); and when you get to your new place, you'll feel good knowing that all your current belongings are things you actually use and enjoy.

2. Make lists

You'll have a thousand to-do's bouncing around your head - from having your mail forwarded and updating your address with family, friends and businesses you receive mail from, to re-registering vehicles and getting new drivers licenses (if moving out-of-state), among other things (like stopping and starting utilities) - and it can all get a little overwhelming.

Make lists of all the things you think of that you need to accomplish, then cross them off once they're completed.

It will also get everything out of your head and onto paper, so your stress level can lower a bit.

3. Pack your closet clothes in trash bags

Instead of taking your clothes off the hangers just to pack them, wrap up your wardrobe in trash bags - when you get to the new place, you can hang them right up, then remove the trash bags and you're done!

4. Hire or enlist help

Doing everything on your own is difficult.

If you can afford it, you can hire help, like movers or cleaners. Not having to worry about cleaning your old place or the new one (or both) will de-stress your life and save you a lot of time.

If you do hire movers, however, be sure to read the fine print beforehand. Some moving companies, for example, will only move items that are in boxes, not trash bags. You don't want to end up paying them more for something you didn't know about from the beginning.

If you don't want to spend the money on professional help, enlist family members and friends to help with packing and cleaning. It will make the process faster - and hopefully more fun.

You can also ask family members or close friends to watch your children (and maybe even pets) so you can get things done a little faster.

5. Label boxes specifically

As you pack, be sure to label your boxes well.

Write which items are in each box, but also label which room each box belongs in (kitchen, bedroom, bathroom, etc.) so it can be carried straight there. That way, as you unpack each room you aren't shuffling "bathroom" boxes out of the kitchen just to get to the "bedroom" boxes stacked next to the refrigerator.

Also make your life easier by putting essentials (like toilet paper and phone chargers) in clear plastic bins so they're easy to find right away.

6. Search for coupons

Before renting a moving truck or hiring help, search online for promo codes or coupons. Sometimes sites like Retailmenot.com, or other legitimate coupon sites, have discounts that can save you money.

Also take some time to compare pricing on moving or cleaning companies. Doing a little research before hiring can ensure you get the best deal.

7. Wrap fragile items in clothing and blankets

Dishes and other fragile items can be wrapped in clothing or blankets instead of bubble wrap, to help save some money. You can also use your own blankets or towels to help protect furniture in the moving truck, instead of renting moving blankets.

8. Rent a furniture dolly

These are worth the extra rental cost. They make moving heavy boxes and some furniture so much easier.

9. Take pictures

If you are renting, it's a good idea to take photos of your old place before you leave, and your new place before you unpack. That way, you don't get blamed for anything that wasn't your fault; and hopefully get your deposit back.

It's also smart to save conversations between you and your landlord in writing, in case there is ever an issue.

10. Use up the food you have instead of grocery shopping

Leading up to the move, try to make meals from the food you already have in your home. If you have less food come moving time, it's less that goes to waste if you have to throw it out.

11. Use Press'n Seal

This stuff works wonders at keeping things in place. Use it over jewelry organizers to keep jewelry from tangling and getting lost. You could also wrap dresser drawers in it once they're removed from a dresser so you don't have to unpack all their contents. It's great to use over laundry baskets or toy bins as well, to keep items from falling out.

Moving isn't easy. But putting these tips to good use will make it a little more doable. You can do it!

The post 11 genius packing and moving tips that’ll make your life a WHOLE lot easier appeared first on FamilyToday.

You love your children. And they love you. But sometimes, you're good at testing each other's limits.

Here are a few ideas for those days when you realize it has been too long since you've both gotten a bit of fresh air:

1. Go on a walk or to the park

Even better — go on a walk to the park (if it's close by). Being cooped up all day can be hard sometimes (for you and for your little ones). Fresh air will be good for everyone.

Bonus — if you take a walk, you'll be squeezing in a workout; and if you head to the park, they'll be getting their exercise, too.

2. Go to the library

Local libraries often have story times and activities (like music or art classes) for young children and their parents. Ask about it next time you're there to find out dates and times of the activities your library offers.

These are often great ways for both you and your little ones to make new friends.

Before you leave, pick out some books together to read at home.

3. Visit a splash pad in the summer

Splash pads are rising in popularity in many areas. Ask around or search online to see if there is one near you.

If not, a sprinkler in the backyard (followed by a Popsicle) is usually just as fun.

4. Have a picnic

Pack a yummy lunch, a comfy blanket and a few favorite toys, and head outside or to the park for a picnic.

5. Have a photo shoot

You don't have to be a professional photographer to get cute photos of your kids. Dress them in something adorable, and snap away. You'll be happy to have those pictures to look back on down the road.

Tip: Don't expect them to sit perfectly still and pose. Sometimes candid shots are the cutest ones anyway.

Another tip: Dollar stores sometimes have cute, cheap items — think banners or holiday decorations — to use for backgrounds or props. And fences or outside walls work wonderfully as easy backdrops.

6. Build a snowman in the winter

Summer isn't the only time of year you can get outside. When it's cold and snowy, go out and build a snowman together.

Just be sure to bundle up. But, don't be surprised if your toddler gets tired of all the layers quickly and wants to head back inside; that's totally normal. Just follow it up with a snack and some yummy hot cocoa.

7. Have play dates

This could be with other family members, church friends or your newfound library story time friends. Make time occasionally to get together with other moms and kids for play dates. This could include going to each other's homes, or going to any of the places or activities mentioned above together.

It doesn't matter how young your child is; the social aspect of play dates is as much for you as it is for them.

And don't be afraid to reach out to others and invite them along. It's likely they are looking for activities like these as well.

Visiting a family member, like a grandparent you don't see often enough, is also a good way to spend a day when you're feeling lonely. Maybe they are as well.

Days inside with nothing to do (but so much to do) don't have to become the norm. Even if it takes stepping outside of your comfort zone, give a few of these things a try. You may just end up being really glad you did.

Also, check out this article for some really great, creative (and easy) toddler activities.

The post 7 FREE things to get out and do as a stay-at-home mom with young children appeared first on FamilyToday.

Fred Rogers said, "When I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me, 'Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.'"

When difficult things are happening, it is important to look for the good. It is always there; we just have to look.

Sometimes a little inspiration is all we need to set us on the right path.

So, here's a little bit.

1. A change of mindset

2. Thank goodness

3. Serve

4. One small thought

5. It's not up to fear

6. Help is such a beautiful thing

7. It's never too late

8. Uplift others

9. Hope

10. Always

11. Love generously

12. Be still

13. Beauty in darkness

The post 13 quotes you need to read because sometimes the world is pretty awful appeared first on FamilyToday.