My favorite products are the ones that are the most simple, and can do more than one job.  Like most families, we are on a limited budget, with many evolving needs.   So when we do invest in something new, it needs to first be useful (there are way to many products out there that are not), and if possible be useful for more than one thing.   A place where this is especially true for us is in the kitchen.  We spend the vast majority of our time there.  Food is getting prepared or cleaned up, toys are flying around on the hard floor, homework or coloring is going on at the table, and three small girls are constantly running in and out at top speed.   The tools related to all these activities are strewn around everywhere.  Anything that can help organize and streamline the processes here are greatly appreciated.
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A great memory from childhood is standing with my back to the door frame, and my mom making tick marks with the year and my new height.   It was so exciting to see every inch of progress.  Keeping a growth chart is a great thing to do with your kids, but if you don’t own  your own home writing on the wall might not be the best option.  And if you move you can’t exactly take a chunk of drywall with you.   These over sized rulers are the perfect alternative to writing on kitchen walls and backs of bedroom doors.   The simple vintage style Ruler Height Chart is available through  Great Little Trading Co, or for something a little more colorful try the Measure Me Stick from Studio 1am.  Or there is always Amazon.  If you have the time and resources though, creating your own is a relatively simple undertaking and a great weekend project to do with kids.  You can pick up some birch or maple ply from a local hardware store, and they will typically be able to cut it to size for you.  Then all you need is some nice number stencils, finish, and you are off and running.  There are plenty of helpful tutorials out there, and I might end up doing one of my own here soon.   One important thing to consider is the height of the ceiling where you plan to put the ruler.  Our ruler is six feet tall ( the kids may get taller, but I doubt we will still be measuring them at that point).  Seven feet is also a good height, however not all older homes/apartments have bedroom ceilings that tall.    Be sure and plan a way to anchor it to the wall too, you don’t want a giant ruler falling on top of anyone!

If you are looking for some fun projects to do with your children, or help with a specific job you might have already started, pay a visit to Built by Kids.  Built by Kids is a wonderful resource for everything DIY as it relates to children.  You can browse weekend projects, sort by skill level, or select something for a certain age range.   It even gives suggestions for things you can build with your child, or that they can do by them self.  I know I am already planning our next weekend project in the very near future.  For ideas and inspiration visit the Built by Kids website.