I was pregnant with my daughter when we took my son (2 years old) to Disney. The leash was a lifesaver in keeping him from running off into a crowd.

When my kids were in preschool I'd choose for them, which rarely was an issue. Now that they are older, as long as it's clean and school/ weather appropriate they're generally welcome to wear whatever they choose.

We started talking about it when my daughter was 6 and my son 9. If kids express a curiosity about it, I don't think it's ever too early to start discussing it.

If I don't meal plan before shopping, we inevitably end up eating out throughout the week. I find that meal planning makes grocery shopping easier (and cheaper) and gives me a good foundation for our weekly meals.

We've done this the past couple of years, and my kids really love it. They get to pick out the charity they want to support, and we make it a fun excursion to drop of their donations. It saves me from bringing home a bunch of stuff they don't need and likely won't play with, and they get to use their birthday as an occasion to give back.

Do we consider lipgloss makeup? My 7 year old wears it occasionally, but everything else will wait until Jr. High.

We're done with Santa, and I have to say, I'm actually relieved! My crafty kids notice everything. So we had to use different wrapping paper, bows & gift tags.

We handed out snack bags of Pirate's Booty & Muddy Buddy's last year, and were surprised by how excited the kids were to get non-candy treats. We used the leftovers in the kids' school lunches.

This is a tradition we never adopted, and I have no regrets! December is sooo hectic as is. I don't know how you mammas remember to move that elf every night.

I envisioned myself babywearing, bought multiple carriers, and then had giant-sized babies. My few attempts ended in back and neck strain. So, I had to throw in the towel. I love the concept. It just didn't work for me.

My 10 year old hasn't needed it yet, but I know the day will be coming soon!

We get a small picture package each fall with the class pic, but I draw the line at spring pictures!

I hate to make them do homework right after school, but the evening seems to get away from us if we wait.

While I'd say the best age is 1-2 years; full disclosure - my oldest was nearly 3 when he said goodbye to his.

This looks to be our kids' last year in public school. We love our district, but we need more travel and nature in our lives. So, it looks like we'll be homeschooling (roadschooling) next year.

We started handing out snacks a few years ago (mini bags of pirate's bootie, muddy buddies, etc.) I was shocked at how excited kids were to get something other than candy. Plus, if we have leftovers, they go in the kids' lunch, and I'm not tempted to eat everything myself!

Great suggestion! I haven't considered using it the night before, but I'm going to try it. I have dark hair, so it can look kinda dusty when i first use it. I bet this would help with that.

Can we an an 'all of the above' option?! I feel like they are good about rotating the excuses!

I realize this probably makes me sound like a scrooge, but if I had it to do over again, I'd probably not do the Santa thing.

I wake up early and make lunches before the kids are up. We do a lot of hot foods (quesadillas, mac n cheese, mini pizza, etc.) otherwise I'd probably do more nighttime prep.