You'll love my new, exclusive . . .
Get Organized Now! BINGO! Organizing Printable!

It's a new, quick, easy, fun way to get organized. Each GON Bingo! card lists 24 easy organizing tasks you or your family can accomplish. Get five in a row horizontally, vertically or diagonally and you get to select a reward from the rewards list. Kids love to play too!

To access and print it, visit:
getorganizednow.com/free-resources.html

Happy organizing and enjoy some GON BINGO! organizing fun!

Maria Gracia

P.S. Please forward this newsletter to friends and family so they, too, can access this resource. Thank you for spreading the love!

A GON Reader Asked:

Hi Maria,

Thank you for your wonderful newsletters through which I've learned so much. I am wondering if you still remember the answer you gave your child, Amanda, when she asked you a question which you felt she could easily get the answer herself. This was some years back. I vaguely remember your insights. I am faced with this same situation quite frequently and I would be most grateful if you could share with me once again what the answer was. Many thanks and warm regards.

Jamalia

Maria Gracia Responded:

Hi Jamalia,

Thank you so much for asking. Kids often ask questions they either know the answers to...or that they can figure out quickly on their own. They may not want to do the work, are seeking attention, want a nudge in the right direction... sometimes they even want to gauge your smarts versus theirs and are looking for you to come up with the wrong answer so they can prove they're right.

Of course, sometimes, you might 'think' they know (or should know), but they really don't.

Whatever the reason, here's an example of how I 'led' my daughter to determine the answers when she was young.

Let's say your child or grandchild asks, 'In which continent is Peru located?' I might then ask...

1) 'Have you tried to narrow it down? Let's write down the names of the continents together and you can begin the process of elimination.'

2) If the child either doesn't know the continents, or pretends not to, get a visual aid...like a globe or a map. Have the child do the work. Just provide positive reinforcement.

'I'm going to set the timer for 5 minutes. See if you can find Peru before the timer runs out. I bet you can!' Allow them to earn stars or points for prizes...like a 'chore-free afternoon' or 'they get to pick tomorrow's dinner,' etc. once they reach 'x' number of points.

If it's a math problem...

3) Walk through ONE problem with the child, clearly writing everything out. Then, it's the child's turn to replicate that type of problem with different numbers.

If it's a spelling challenge...

4) Get your child to sound it out, one syllable at a time. Assist if needed, offering up explanations...'i before e' rule, etc.

If it's not for school, and just for fun...

4) You might...

a) Ask your child what he/she thinks the answer is. (Hmmmm...I'm not sure... what do you think the answer is?)

b) Answer it (sometimes a child just wants to talk with someone)

c) Answer it incorrectly...but with a silly answer. ('Mom, what's that thing that chugs along on a track?' Mom: 'Could it be an elephant?' 'Could it be a boat?' Sometimes a child just wants you to be goofy.

d) Of course, now and then, simply direct the child to Google it or to 'Ask Alexa.'

Sometimes (as long as it's not homework), you can just provide the answer, especially if you feel the questions are just being asked for bonding and conversation. For instance, maybe you're walking through a garden and tulips are sprouting. The child may ask you something about those flowers and this may open up a wonderful conversation with your child asking questions and you providing answers...or looking up the answers together on a smart phone.

Finally, if a child asks a question like, 'Should I brush my teeth tonight', you might say, 'Yes. You have to brush your teeth before bed, so your teeth stay clean and strong. Also, I know the tooth fairy would very much appreciate that.' Sometimes, they just want validation that they're doing the right thing.

Hope this helps a bit.

Just a very quick shout out to let you know that my latest issue of Anything and Everything is now available. It's the MARCH 2021 issue, 12-pages and all in full color. I know you're going to love it. Check it out:

https://www.getorganizednow.com/rd-ae.html

If you don't already receive it, it's a great time to get your hands on a full year of Anything and Everything because, when you do, we're giving away 10 Bonuses, AND ALL of the back issues...complimentary!

Here are the topics in the MARCH Issue...

The Wonders of Spring
There are so many reasons why we can all look forward to spring's arrival. Here are just a few of my favorites

12 Home Projects That You Can Do Outdoors
Get your tasks done without missing out on the nice weather

How to Earn Your Green Thumb Badge
You can have a green thumb, even if you haven't had gardening success in the past. Here's how

How to Invite More Good Luck into Your Life
12 ways anyone can feel, and be, lucky

Organizing in Minutes
Whether you have 2, 5, 10, 15, 20, or 30 minutes to spare, you can get organized

Tropical Salad with Pineapple Vinaigrette
Bring a taste of the tropics into your home

Easy and Useful Computer Tricks
Here are seven of my favorite simple ways that make time spent on the computer more productive

If you don't already subscribe to my 'Anything and Everything' resource, you can learn about how to do so here:

https://www.getorganizednow.com/rd-ae.html

We have thousands of readers who LOVE it...and I'm certain you will too!

Maria

P.S. BONUS SPECIAL...Only Until 11:59 p.m. on MARCH 5: When you sign up for your Anything and Everything Subscription, you will receive tons of bonuses, plus ALL the BACK ISSUES COMPLIMENTARY!

___ 1. I just published my brand new March Monthly Organizing Checklist! Do today's (Mar 1) Organizing TO DO focused on home lighting. Visit GetOrganizedNow.com to access my March Monthly Organizing Checklist.

___ 2. Organize your cleaning supplies. Do you have a cabinet filled with cleaning supplies? Safely dispose of any you never use, consolidate if applicable (example: combine two half-used containers of Windex into one, etc.), neatly store what you have so it's easily seen and accessed, and don't buy additional cleaning supplies until the ones you're using are finished.

___ 3. Discover this month's organizing and life challenges. I just published my March Organizing and Life Challenges for you to focus on this month. Visit GetOrganizedNow.com to access them.

"If nobody asked questions, then we would never learn anything."
(Brandon Sanderson)

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Warmly,

Maria Gracia
Get Organized Now!
getorganizednow.com

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