MomTips: In the Closet

Once they transition out of diapers, they often want to get dressed on their own. (And their mothers want the same thing!) But front and back can be awfully confusing. For my littlest one, I finally figured out how to help without actually helping. I ran to the craft store and got a package of tiny bows (often found in the wedding section for some reason) and sewed one to the front of each pair. My little girl was so pleased to be able to get dressed all by herself and have it done right!

For some I sewed on the store-bought rosettes; for others I took a short bit of narrow ribbon and tied a small bow to sew on. This takes no sewing skill: just knot the thread and sew it in and out of the rosette and waistline together a few times, then knot again. You could also use sew-on or iron-on decals if they were small enough - and find some that would be appropriate for boys as well.

FRUGALICIOUS TIP: Alternatively, just run a piece of colored yarn in and out two or three times, and tie it off. Or color on a dot with permanent marker! Anything to mark the front so the child has a visual to help put clothes on correctly.

Forget matching your socks before washing and clipping them together with some doohicky that you'll never be able to find! Instead try this handy tip for always having matched socks:

Buy only one style of sock. Maybe two. If you need a few special one-of-a-kind pairs, okay, but for your plain-jane everyday wear, get only one style. The more kids you have, the more you will appreciate this tip. Look at all the benefits:

1. You don't have to match and fold pairs together.
2. You don't have to match and fold pairs together.
3. You don't have to match and fold pairs together.
4. When you lose or get a hole in one, the one you have still matches the rest.
5. You don't have to match and fold pairs together.

My husband has two styles of sock: long black dress socks and short white sport socks. I never fold his socks! My two sons have long white socks and short white socks. I never fold their socks! (I make sure their socks are distinct from each other so they can just be sorted into piles before putting away.) My two girls also have short and long socks, in varying colors and patterns, but since they are color-coordinated and the girls like to mix and match their socks ... I never fold their socks!

FRUGALICIOUS TIP: Partnerless socks still have a mate!