hannah help me! By Hannah Keeley

How to Watch Paint Dry (And Still have Time for Kids)

Q. I need tips on getting big home projects, like painting, done with kids around. I have a three-year-old and cannot get help from my husband because of his work obligations. I need to get the painting done. Hannah, help me!

A. Been there; done that. The best way to do big projects around the house, like painting, is to do it in chunks. Usually, I wait until the kids are all asleep, pour a cup of coffee and spend the evening with some great playlists and a roller brush.
However, if that is not an option, then try to get it accomplished in little bits and pieces. Get a large roller brush (good quality—it will save you from going back over it later), give your child some toys or books, or maybe even a movie on TV, and get painting.
Most people suggest taping things off, but I never have the time to do that. I just edge it later with a small slanted brush. Put down a drop cloth or old sheet and roll the room as much as you can.
If you have to stop (as all moms do), pour the paint back into the bucket and wrap the roller in plastic wrap until you can get back to it. After you have put a couple of coats on, then you can go back over it and edge it with a brush. If you don’t have a steady hand, then you may want to use tape.
I know it can be hard to do those big home projects with little ones in tow. A 10-minute task takes an hour, and an hour task takes all day. Just keep in mind that this chapter of your life is short, indeed. Give yourself more time and a lot of love. You are doing the most important task, raising your kids. The house has a lot more patience than they do.

Q. I admire your energy and determination to keep your family healthy. But how do you keep them from getting sick? I am constantly worried about them getting a stomach virus, the flu, or something worse. How do you manage? Hannah, help me!

A. Fortunately, we stay pretty healthy. The occasional virus sweeps through the family, and, honey, it’s not a pretty sight.
We live in a world that is full of germs and viruses; even if we wanted to, we could not keep our environment completely sterile no matter how many bulk packages of hand sanitizer we buy. That’s why it is vitally important to keep immune systems strong.
Nutrition plays a huge part in our immune system functioning. The key word here is “green,” as in the vegetables. Make sure that your family is getting enough raw fruits and vegetables that are full of enzymes. If you have a difficult time pushing the nutrition, you may want to purchase some green food powder (such as Green Foods’ Magma Plus) and mixing it into their juice. And avoid chemicals and overly processed foods, which can stress the immune system.
Also keep in mind that their environment needs to stay healthy. The key word here, again, is “green.” Don’t use a lot of chemicals to clean your home or your body.
Beneficial bacteria also play a big role in staying healthy, and when you use harsh chemicals like bleach or super-strong cleaner, you are killing off the good stuff as well as the bad. Usually castile soap, baking soda and vinegar can clean up practically anything.
Finally, remember that illness is 90 percent mindset. Instead of focusing on your kids not getting sick, focus on them staying healthy. Your thoughts create your environment, so think HEALTH!

Keep a red washcloth with your first-aid kit. Kids usually panic when they see blood. If you clean their boo-boos with a red washcloth, the blood will be hidden and their spirits will be calm.

Hannah Keeley is an author, television personality and founder of the website, TotalMom.com. She lives with her husband and seven children in Chesterfield County.

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