Credit: Ladbaby[/caption]
There's no denying that parenting is one of the most demanding jobs in the world. You might not get paid for popping out a few rugrats and then spending eighteen years raising and nurturing them to become decent, well-rounded members of society. But that doesn't make the work you put into taking care of them any less challenging!
That's why it's so important that we parents lend each other a helping hand every now and again. Whether it's by babysitting, or as is often the case, sharing hacks that have the potential to make our lives a lot easier!
[post_page_title]Handy Sleeping Hack[/post_page_title]
Get your baby to remain asleep even when you're not holding them with this handy hack - literally. After all, moms and dads need a little shut-eye too, and as much as we love our kids, we need energy for grownup duties too.
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Credit: Reddit / @FreddyJackson69[/caption]
If you fill a glove with beans and lay it on your infant's chest or back, they will be tricked into believing they are still being held. This is the perfect way to keep them drifting off to sleep (if they haven't already) while you slip out of the room.
[post_page_title]Medicine Lollipop Hack[/post_page_title]
A full-proof method of getting your kids to take their medicine. Because, as much as you can try to reason with a toddler, and tell them that the thing which tastes icky will make them feel better, it doesn't always work.
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Credit: Instagram / @billygoatbabygear[/caption]
Kids may be reluctant to take any medicine, but they're rarely reluctant to accept a yummy, little lollypop. This is a great hack to make what would be a very stressful experience easier on both you and your little sickly monster.
[post_page_title]No Tears Shampoo Hack[/post_page_title]
Prevent shampoo from getting in your little one's eyes with this trusty hat. We've all been there - even as grownups. As much as you try your best, sometimes the innocuous act of washing your hair can leave you in a bit of a pickle!
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Credit: Amazon[/caption]
Their delicate eyes will be stung no more. This is the perfect way to ensure that bathtime remains a pleasant experience - long before your kid becomes self-aware enough to realize that it's not socially acceptable to stink!
[post_page_title]Bathroom Door Hack[/post_page_title]
Use a rubber band to prevent your kids from getting locked in the bathroom - an occurrence which can be extremely traumatizing for both you and them. This is especially handy if they aren't tall to unlock the door themselves.
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Credit: Source Unknown[/caption]
Some kids (well, not just kids) freak out when locked in confined spaces. Well, now there's simply no need. Who'd have thought the solution to such a potentially disastrous problem would be so simple? The more you know!
[post_page_title]Lost Items Hack[/post_page_title]
Need to find some lost items in the house? Just turn it into a game. Because we parents sometimes need a little help, and if nothing else our kids are competitive. We need to be smart enough to use this to our advantage at all times.
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Credit: Instagram / @ruby1508[/caption]
You'd be killing two birds with one stone (or perhaps multiple birds, depending on how many items they manage to find)! This is a great opportunity to get your kids to work for their pocket money and have fun at the same time.
[post_page_title]Growing Up T-Shirt Hack[/post_page_title]
Take a photo of your kid wearing an oversized t-shirt every year to document their growth till college. It's a unique keepsake that they're guaranteed to love too. After all, they'll have great before and after photos for the Gram!
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Credit: Source Unknown[/caption]
Eventually, it should fit like a glove (or, well, a t-shirt). Plus, it'll be fun to explain to your little one when it's still big and baggy that one day, providing they eat their vegetables, they'll be big enough to fit in it properly.
[post_page_title]Tangled Barbie Hair Hack[/post_page_title]
Untangle Barbie's hair using nothing more than conditioner and washing up liquid. Your kid might be an aspiring hairdresser, but you don't want to have to replace their Barbies more than you need to as a result.
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Credit: makingitfeellikehome.blogspot.com[/caption]
It really works - Barbie's hair will be back to its glossy, flowing self in no time at all. Now, they can plait and style Barbie's hair till their heart's content - providing, of course, they don't do what my daughter did and chop it all off.
[post_page_title]No Mess Popsicle Hack[/post_page_title]
Prevent your kid's popsicle from making a mess by using a coffee cup lid. Kids might love popsicles on hot summer's days, but one thing they definitely don't like is having sticky hands afterward!
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Credit: Source Unknown[/caption]
That way, you won't have to spend what must feel like an age cleaning them up after they're done. Better still, reusing a coffee cup like this is a great way of saving the environment - it's that or invest in wet wipes if you're on the go.
[post_page_title]Simple Hammock Hack[/post_page_title]
Create a hammock for your child with a table and a bed sheet. Proof that you don't have to spend to win at parenting - and your kid will thank you for it down the line. Who knows? They might even fall asleep in the hammock.
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Credit: joyfulabode.com[/caption]
Looks temptingly relaxing. I could probably do with one of those... It's just a shame that kid-friendly hammocks aren't suitable for us grownups. If your kids are young enough, you could even do this as a sleepover treat.
[post_page_title]Household Chores Hack[/post_page_title]
Turn chores into a fun game. See? With enough knowledge, you don't have to deliberately lose items around the house to keep kids busy for free. Admittedly, they'll catch onto this one eventually, so make the most of it while you can.
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Credit: Source Unknown[/caption]
It's easy - just ask Mary Poppins. "For every job that must be done," she said. "There is an element of fun. You find the fun and the job's a game." This hack is even more efficient if you get more than one kid involved - and include prizes!
[post_page_title]Left And Right Hack[/post_page_title]
Many kids have troubles with their "left and right". However, with a simple hack, they'll be impressing their classmates and teacher in no time. All you need to do is pop one of these brilliant stickers in their shoes...
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Credit: onecreativehousewife.com[/caption]
So help them out a little by putting stickers in as a signpost. This is a great way to teach your kid how to be more independent - and it means they'll be one of the first changed into their sportswear at gym class!
[post_page_title]Colour-Coded Clock Hack[/post_page_title]
Color-code the clock to give them a bit of routine. It'll encourage your little ones to hurry up with their homework so that they can get onto more fun activities like nomming on some delicious dinner and playing.
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Credit: Source Unknown[/caption]
If you want a household that is run efficiently, then meticulous planning is your best bet. Plus, it means that if you forget to do one activity with your kid (like bath time - it happens), then they'll likely remind you if they're in a routine.
[post_page_title]Cardboard Drawing Box Hack[/post_page_title]
Allow your kids to use their creativity without taking it out on the walls. Perfect for parents of budding artists who've had to shell out on a painter after they went to town on the living room - or worse, the sofa!
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Credit: berrysweetbaby.blogspot.com[/caption]
Who knows, they could end up being the next Da Vinci one day? And who would they have to thank for that? You! Better still, once they've finished drawing in a box, you can recycle it once again at your local facility.
[post_page_title]Green Peas And Candy Hack[/post_page_title]
The best way to hide candy from your sneaky kids. After all, they're only just starting to get their grownup teeth, and the last thing you want is to see them suffer the pain of having to get a dreaded filling.
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Credit: Source Unknown[/caption]
It's the last place they would check! Kids hate eating vegetables - especially green ones. So use this to your advantage and hide candy there - or, y'know, any other item that you'd rather stayed out of their tiny hands.
[post_page_title]Old Crib Hack[/post_page_title]
When you don't need your kid's old crib anymore, turn it into a cute, little desk. We do, after all, live in a world that's full of waste, and that's why it's so important that we recycle as much as possible to make a better future for our kids.
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Credit: alittlelearningfortwo.blogspot.lt[/caption]
Why bother throwing things away when you can use them for something else? Plus, in addition to the feel-good factor which comes from recycling an old crib, you'll also save yourself some cash to boot!
[post_page_title]Bedsheet Beach Hack[/post_page_title]
Use a bedsheet to stop your baby from getting covered in sand at the beach. It's the perfect way to let them enjoy the beach without putting them at risk of getting sand in unwanted places - and it's a simple clean-up operation.
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Credit: teamjohnson1.blogspot.com[/caption]
Because we all know how annoying it can be getting sand out of all your belongings, including your kids. The great thing about this hack is that, like so many others on this list, it's incredibly useful and won't cost you a dime.
[post_page_title]Fence "Painting" Hack[/post_page_title]
Is your toddler in need of entertainment? Get them to help out with the "painting". This is yet another hack that will cost you nothing and give you some much needed me time in that garden. Read the book that's been on your shelf for a year!
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Credit: Instagram / @macshona[/caption]
They'll have a fun activity to occupy themselves with and feel a sense of accomplishment to boot! Just hope that they aren't old enough to cotton onto the fact that their painting only lasts so long in the sun...
[post_page_title]Shoulder Ride Hack[/post_page_title]
If you're a parent with dreadlocks, then this one's for you because chances are, you're going to want your little one to learn all about the rock and roll lifestyle ASAP - while being responsible about it.
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Credit: Reddit / @Decestor[/caption]
While they're on your shoulders, secure them with your dreadlocks so they can see better at a concert. Not only will you have the piece of mind that your kid is securely fastened in place, but you'll also look like the most badass parent there.
[post_page_title]Soda Medicine Hack[/post_page_title]
Yet another way to trick your kid into taking their medicine. Because if there's one thing which kids love just as much as candy, it's sweet soft drinks - drinks that you repeatedly tell them will rot their teeth.
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Credit: Reddit / @bsurfn2day[/caption]
So simply tell them that they're tucking into a tasty can of soda and not taking their medicine. However, you'll need to be quick for this hack to work as they'll soon taste the difference. Anyway, it's not lying if it's for their own good...
[post_page_title]Car Seat Hack[/post_page_title]
If your kids won't stop messing around with each other at the back of the car, separate them with cardboard. This is great for parents who know that they're going to need all their attention for their road and not their kids!
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Credit: Facebook / Jake White[/caption]
And henceforth enjoy a relaxing, tranquil car journey. Now, you can relax without two grownups in the car, content in the knowledge that your kids can only cause a limited amount of trouble from the backseat.
[post_page_title]Color-Coded Clothes Hack[/post_page_title]
Dress your kids in exactly the same color so you won't lose them. This is great if you have a few little ones to look after and know that you're going to take them to a busy place like a zoo or a theme park.
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Credit: Instagram / @brandi.marie.e[/caption]
It'd be like them having their own uniform - kind of like the Von Trapp children. Then, should the worst happen, you can quickly scan the crowds, and providing they've stuck together, quickly spot your pack.
[post_page_title]Headphone Hack[/post_page_title]
You can anticipate all their little schemes, tricks, and pranks. Now, if you're kids are a little older, you'll know why they really need to borrow $10 for that last minute school trip - or, as is likely the case, to visit the arcade with their friends.
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Credit: Twitter / @RHairing[/caption]
They won't see what's coming! The only downside to this is that after getting caught out a few times, they will likely cotton on to what you're doing - so use it sparingly for parenting busts you know you have to make.
[post_page_title]Sorting Game Hack[/post_page_title]
A sorting game to keep the little ones occupied. Even if you're not in possession of multicolored pom poms and a baking tray, both can be easily purchased from a dollar store - or better still, a thrift store!
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Credit: Instagram / @texaflora[/caption]
Kids really are easily entertained, aren't they? As ever, it's a game that you can make more exciting for your little one, perhaps by offering them a reward - whether it's a bar of chocolate or half an hour of TV time.
[post_page_title]Healthy Fries Hack[/post_page_title]
By now, we've established that kids love sweets and soda, and do you know what they love accompanying them with? Fast food. Lots of fast food. But if they're young enough, you can trick them into thinking they're eating fries...
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Credit: Instagram / @eastcoastveganvibes[/caption]
... when really it's just an apple slice into thin pieces. But given that it's still shaped like fries chances are that your kid is likely to fall for it and not question the difference. You can even use mashed up strawberries as ketchup!
[post_page_title]Blue Tape Hack[/post_page_title]
Toy shops are expensive. Every parent knows it. Most of the time, the stuff they are selling, you can easily make yourself at home. So why not create a race track for your kid's toy cars with nothing more than blue tape and your imagination?
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Credit: Instagram / @tmccrum_mua[/caption]
They'll be glued to the floor for hours. Plus, unlike when you buy a race track from a store, you can create a new one each time - making it a continually engaging activity. Genius! You don't need to spend a fortune to entertain your kids!
[post_page_title]Medicine Dose Hack[/post_page_title]
Note down your dosages on your medicine to ensure you're taking the correct amount. This is great for kids and grownups and will give you peace of mind, ensuring that you never again panic about doses after administering them.
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Credit: Instagram / @alanacvalentine[/caption]
When you have your kids to tend to, mistakes are easy to make. Worse still, because of all of the pressure that exists around the nonexistent ideal of the "perfect parent", you can be left feeling terrible when they do.
[post_page_title]Washing Machine Hack[/post_page_title]
If you've got chores to be getting on with then, just entertain your baby with the washing machine. You don't need to monitor the content like you do with TV, and if you're lucky, they'll fall asleep while watching.
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Credit: Instagram / @smartytots[/caption]
Like I said, babies are very easily entertained. Pro tip: make this hack even better by making sure that there are lots of differently colored clothes in the wash. Your baby will love watching them swirl into one.
[post_page_title]Vest Chair Hack[/post_page_title]
When you haven't got the right tools, you have to be practical. In the absence of a high chair, you can get on with your grownup duties by securing your baby safely in place with a vest. Parenting genius level: maxed out.
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Credit: Reddit / @malleeman[/caption]
This dad didn't have a highchair for his baby so he improvised. The only thing we'd like to add is that this is a hack which should be used with caution. If your baby is on the wriggly side, they could easily escape the vest.
[post_page_title]Potty Training Hack[/post_page_title]
When you've spent your whole life in diapers, it can be difficult to get used to the potty life. But with this simple hack, the transition will be as smooth as possible - ensuring that "accidents" are a thing of the past.
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Credit: ahavenofchaos.com[/caption]
Kids can't easily control their bladders like adults can so your best bet is to take a potty and diapers with you everywhere. That way, any accidents that they might have won't put them off trying to use the potty in the future.
[post_page_title]Pushchair WheelHack[/post_page_title]
Every parent knows just how dirty pushchairs can get. One minute, they are new and pristine, the next, they look like they've been dragged through a music festival. But you can keep your floors clean afterward with this simple hack.
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Credit: YouTube[/caption]
Place shower caps on the wheels of your stroller to keep them as clean as possible. I mean, you're going to be schlepping that thing around for a while, so you may as well cherish it - and your interior furnishings to boot!
[post_page_title]Plane Boredom Hack[/post_page_title]
Anyone who has ever traveled on a plane with kids knows how challenging it can be. You have an assigned seat, and you don't want your little one acting up and annoying all of the strangers around me. But as ever, there's a solution...
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Credit: Instagram / @teachermama1138[/caption]
Flights can be tedious for little kids, so a few little stickers can go a long way. "My toddler was busy for over 30 minutes playing with these window stickers on the plane. Easy to pack, fun for them, and cheap!" wrote one mom.
[post_page_title]Parking Lot Hack[/post_page_title]
There are certain times when we parents need our kids to be quiet and stay in the one place - like when we're loading groceries into our cars. That's why this handy "hand" sticker was invented - to do that very thing.
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Credit: Instagram / @raleighmomscare[/caption]
"Although we tell our daughter to not run into parking lots, it doesn't mean she is going to listen. I bought this car magnet and it has been a miracle worker," wrote one mom. "She loves keeping her hand on the bright colors while waiting for mom and will try so hard to match her fingers to the magnets."
[post_page_title]DIY Igloo Hack[/post_page_title]
Kids love playing in the snow, but there's only so much that they can make with their bare hands - and an igloo isn't in this category. However, with this mom's ingenious hack, they can be regular little Eskimos in no time.
Credit: Instagram / @michelle_ssb1[/caption]
If the weather's freezing out, you might as well have fun with it. "I took a rectangle-shaped Tupperware and we made 'snow blocks' for an 'igloo'. My boys absolutely loved it," explained one creative mom.
[post_page_title]Car Seat Safety Hack[/post_page_title]
This one's not so much useful as it is a potential lifesaver. If your child is unlucky enough to be in a car accident, their age and other important details could be life-saving. That's why this hack really is a must know.
Credit: Instagram / @mommyhacksofficial[/caption]
Sometimes being overprotective really does pay. Simply write down all important information about your kid on a piece of paper and attach it to their car seat, then, should the worst happen, they'll have the best possible chance.
[post_page_title]Sandpit Hack[/post_page_title]
Any parent of a kid who's owned a sandpit will know just how easily it gets dirty. No matter how careful you are, bad weather can easily destroy a sandpit for good. But with this simple hack, it'll never happen again.
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Credit: YouTube / The Goonberry Tales[/caption]
It's like their own little den. Turn your tent into a sandpit to protect it from bad weather. Plus, it means your kid can enjoy their own little private beach all year round. What's not to love?!
