There are 181 National Days in the month of October alone. That’s the length of an entire school year, which makes for an average of 6 things to celebrate every day! Now, I’m your typical over-planner, under-achiever. (Why, no, I can’t get 5 things done on a preschool morning after all…). And I’m sadly watching our fall weekends fill up with things other than apple-picking and fall festivals, but I still want to make some fun memories this season. So I put together a Busy Mom’s October Bucket List that can be accomplished in 30 minutes or less each day, inspired by a few of those 181 National Days.
Hang it on your fridge, make some quick family memories, and spread a little kindness this month! (Special thanks to Ginny for inspiring me with Sneak Zucchini onto your Neighbor’s Porch Day!)
October 1st: Bake some homemade cookies. (Try this super quick and easy chocolate chip cookie recipe!) Share some with a friend over a cup of coffee.
October 2nd: Name your car.
October 3rd: In honor of Mean Girls Day, send a “just because” text to your friends. Memes encouraged.
October 4th: Tacos for dinner!
October 5th: It’s National Be Nice Day! Do something kind for someone else.
October 6th: Noodle Day!
Clear out the partial boxes of pasta for an old-school art project, or break out the box of mac & cheese for dinner.
October 7th: National Child Health Day
Go for a family walk or try a new vegetable.
October 8th: Play a game of tag!
October 9th: Stop Bullying Day
Check yourself (and ask your kids to do the same)–spend a few minutes thinking about your most recent social media interactions, or how you’ve spoken to or about others in the past few days.
October 10th: World Mental Health Day
Read up on Mental Health and children. This is a great place to start.
October 11th: National Coming Out Day
Build trust with your child by affirming your child, especially about something they may feel insecure about.
October 12th: Costume Swap
Reach out to see if friends and neighbors might want to trade costumes for this Halloween. Save money and recycle? Yes, please!
October 13th: No-Bra Day
Embrace the casual vibe by spending this Sunday in super-comfy clothes.
October 14th: National Kick-Butt Day
Tackle a project that’s been nagging at you.
October 15th: National Grouch Day
Have fun being grouchy today, and maybe banish some of those bad attitudes with the silliness. Thank you, Sesame Street!
October 16th: Learn a new word for Dictionary Day!
October 17th: Read a poem by a Black poet for Black Poetry Day
October 18th: Bake or buy chocolate cupcakes to share.
October 19th: Do some random acts of kindness today!
October 20th: Boost your kid’s confidence today!
Let them do something independently, compliment them on something they’re doing well, or help them solve a problem that they’re facing.
October 21st: Eat an apple!
October 22nd: Wear your favorite color, or add some extra color to your living space for National Color Day.
October 23rd: Do a quick science experiment to celebrate Mole Day
October 24th: For United Nations Day, learn about a new country or try to resolve a conflict in your family.
October 25th: Sourest Day
Pour a glass of lemonade and let your kids vent about something that’s making them feel sour. Just listen, then help them fix it or let it go.
October 26th: Make a Difference Day
Do something as a family that helps the community. Then go pick a pumpkin, because it’s Pumpkin Day, too!
October 27th: Mother-In-Law Day
Send a friendly message with some silly kid pictures or give your mother-in-law a call. If your MIL is no longer with you, look at pictures or share some stories as a family.
October 28th: Chocolate Day–sneak into the Halloween candy for a favorite piece a few days early.
October 29th: Have a bowl of oatmeal.
October 30th: Candy Corn Day
Have a candy corn snack, or try one of these super cute crafts for kids.
October 31st: Happy Halloween!
It’s also Knock-Knock Joke Day, so have a little extra fun!
