This is a fairly recent development at our house, but it’s working out so well, I had to share.
It came about because I realized that while my kids do let me know when they need something from me, they often ask at a time when I can’t really fulfill their request.
And then later on, I just forget what they asked me for in the first place.
I do want to take care of the stuff they ask me for, but apparently I am rather forgetful.
For instance, Sonia needed some neutral sandals (the only pair she had were these $4 hot pink ones). But I kept forgetting to actually take her out to buy a pair!
So.
I made a plain Jane Word document titled, “I need Mom to…”, printed it out, and stuck it on the fridge.
My kids have been good about remembering to write down the things they need, and since I like to cross things off of lists, I’ve been pretty good about getting around to their written requests.
Sonia has neutral sandals now, for instance. 
It’s such a simple idea, but it’s been super helpful for me, and I hope it is for you too.
____________________________
The document I made is nothing fancy, but in case you want to snag it, I uploaded it as a PDF.
Click here to access the printable “I need Mom to….” list
Alyssa says
So smart!! I love how it goes from “schedule a haircut” to “give me a haircut,” like they just gave up waiting LOL! I’m assuming not the same kiddo, but still funny!
Kristen says
Ha, yes, it’s a different kid! But still funny.
Angela says
What a great idea! Our fridge isn’t magnetic, but I have a message board I could do this with.
Carrie Willard says
This is pure genius Kristen… I printed it out and shared it on Facebook. And you’re so right.. my kids will tell me what they need but at the most inconvenient times… for instance when we’ve just left the store they’ll tell me something that I should have bought them while we were in the store. !?!?!?
Shawn D. says
“It came about because… they often ask at a time when I can’t really fulfill their request.” Oh, boy, I can sure relate to this, and not only with kids — adults do that plenty! I like your solution! It seems as if it will work well if they are at home when they think of the need (or can remember when they do get home).
Jamie says
What a great idea! This is a common issue in my house as well. I am printing this off and sticking it on my fridge. Thanks!!
Molly says
From the title in my email box, I thought this would be a whiny-kid-need-advice post. I’m so glad it wasn’t.
Kris says
Brilliant! Yes, I think it’s an older kid thing … and sometimes I think my kids don’t like to ask (or wait until the last minute). And like you, sometimes I forget. I see us implementing this in our home in the very near future. Thanks for the idea.
Kathy says
Fantastic idea! I need this for my husband. He is really bad about last minute requests. Gifts, service for the autos, need to buy something, call airlines for work, book hotel for work and so on. It never ends. Then I have to scramble like mad to try and make them happen at the very last minute on top of my own work schedule. The only thing consistent about our lives and work schedules is that they are inconsistent, changing multiple times a day. This should help to help me avoid most of the daily last minute scramble and stress. Now I just need to make sure to keep checking the list. Thank you for this brilliant solution.
Julia says
This is brilliant! And seeing as how, with six kids, I’ve streamlined all kinds of other communication between me and my kids with written lists, I don’t know why I’ve never thought of doing THIS before. Definitely will be printing and instituting right away. Thank you!
Gladys Starkey says
This is sooo cute!!! We have two daughters (7 & 6) and I’m worried they would fill the list with buy me “trolls” or go to “Dollar General store.”
amanda says
Agreed. My six year old would write “build Louie a custom submarine that looks like a shark,” and then his three year old brother would ask him to write “trucks.”
But it is a great idea for when they get older!
Kristen says
Yes! I didn’t even feel the need for a list like this when my kids were littler…it might be an older kid thing.
Angela says
I have a blank pad on the fridge where the kids write things they need. It has helped me a lot! I’m just like you. The kids always ask me for something when I can’t do it right then.
Lisa S says
I do the same sort of thing already. We have a white board in our kitchen, and when someone asks about something I just tell them to write it on the board. We erase it when it’s done. It’s surprisingly effective. And as an added bonus, I sometimes get sweet little messages and drawings left for me, too! From my kids and their friends both!
Mrs. Picky Pincher says
Thiiiiiis is genius! I don’t have kiddos myself but I remember all the times I begged my parents for things at inconvenient times. This streamlines the process so well!
BJS says
Love it, Kristen!
JD says
This is a great idea, and I wish I’d thought of it when my kids were home. However, one of my kids was really good about writing and posting a gift wish list on the frig close to birthdays and Christmas. What I tried to do (note I said, “tried”) was keep a notebook in my purse to jot things down in, such as remembering to get a solid white blouse for this one’s chorus night at school, or be sure to pay the fee for a field trip for that one. It helped, when I remembered to do it.
Kristie says
Love this! My kids do the same thing. Printing this out today. Thanks!
kristin @ going country says
I feel like if this were a thing in my house, the whole list would be things like “Buy ice cream” and “Take us somewhere not boring.”
Perhaps it works better with older children.
Kristen says
Haha, I’m waiting for some smart-alecky items to hit my list, but it hasn’t happened yet.
Ms. Frugal Asian Finance says
Wow this is such a brilliant ideas! Our son is only two, so he doesn’t have a lot of requests yet. But it also means I need to keep in mind what I need to do for you. There’s no one there to remind me.
Your to-do list looks long, but I’m sure you can plow through it.
Jessica S says
Genius! I printed it! I have a large magnetic whiteboard on the fridge that is great for leaving chores for kids when I go to work.. or for listing groceries… but this is nice to keep separate!!
Esther says
What a wonderful idea! With six kids someone is always asking for something. Thanks for the printable.
Live and Learn says
Great idea. So simple, but so effective.
Mrs. Adventure Rich says
Great idea! Our son is only 2, but I can see this coming in handy in the future!
Jenelle says
same here….must set a reminder for myself to do this in a few years….cause you know i”m going to forget. My mom and I actually do something similar. we call each other daily and when we remember something to tell one another we write a list.