Money Well Spent for Things That Work

One of the items we bought was a remote control that could control all our electronics. After opening the box and looking at all the buttons, we pulled out the instruction manual. Wow! In the end, we didn’t use it—because we couldn't remember how.

I want to share some of the things that have helped and that I would buy again:

Planner and/or Google Calendar

Most of us have lots of appointments for our children. I know we have phones that can do it all. But I have had all my dates stored in my phone and then dropped it in a sink full of water. I couldn’t remember all the dates! I spent hours calling all the doctors and therapies to get dates and times.

I keep the planner in my purse and either stick the cards in or write it down when I get to the car. I also use Google Calendar. I can pull it up on my computer, but when traveling, I don’t always take my computer.

Laminating Machine

This is the one thing I cannot live without. My son is on the autism spectrum and routine is key. I make schedules and laminate them and hang them where we need them. I also make medications sheets and laminate them to carry in my purse.

Slow Cooker or Instant-pot

On long days of doctor visits, it is nice to come home to dinner cooking. You can make or buy a cookbook full of recipes. I am absolutely in love with Pinterest and have printed off the recipes we enjoy and stick them in a notebook.

Steamer Mop

These can get expensive, but I got mine at on clearance and spent around $50. It is easy to use. In our home, we have lots of allergies and several with asthma, so this has been a wonderful investment. The pad can be put in the washing machine, and you do not need any cleaners. We keep water in ours and when needed, you plug it in for a minute and it is ready to use.

Electronics Docking Station

We purchased ours online for around $20. This helps us keep up with our vast array of electronics and the many cords that come with them. It has also helped us to not be on them all the time and spend more time together.

Use this search and find many other tips suggested by parents.