\nAs incredible as being a parent is, sometimes it’s, well… hard. And although we’d all love to be the perfect parent who can do everything perfectly by ourselves – the truth is everyone could use some help. Luckily, thanks to social media parents are now sharing their own hacks and techniques, and we’ve collected the very best ones.
\n[post_page_title]Crib to table[\/post_page_title]
\nWhen babies grow into toddlers, it’s time to say goodbye to their crib and hello to their big kid bed. Don’t worry, though, there’s no need to sell the crib or put it away in the basement just yet. Why not reuse it and make it into something that your now big boy or girl can use and enjoy? Simply remove one side of the bed, add some chairs, and you have yourself a pretty nifty table, perfectly-sized for your toddler. Of course, when it comes to extras, the only limit is your imagination.
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![\"\"](\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/07111304\/parenting-hacks-tricks-tips-76-58380cbd6e0b7__605.jpg\")
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\n[post_page_title]Candy hideaway[\/post_page_title]
\nLet’s face it, we all have a secret bag of candy located somewhere in the house, stored away for a rainy day or just whenever your kids aren’t looking. However, as your little ones get older, storing sweets away in a high enough shelf just might not cut it anymore. Not to fret, there’s still hope – you can always just trick them. This parent deserves an award for this simple hack – just hide your secret stash of chocolate in an old bag of frozen vegetables in the freezer. Your kids probably won’t go anywhere near it.
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![\"\"](\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/07111304\/parenting-hacks-tricks-tips-10-582dc14989d56__605.jpg\")
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\n[post_page_title]After-school clock[\/post_page_title]
\nIf you’re a parent, chances are you’re familiar with the oh-so-dreaded “bedtime routine.” That sounds like it should be simple, but it often seems like the longest two hours of your life. Usually when kids get back from school, they’re either really tired, really hyper – or both. It can be difficult getting your children to do everything and still get to bed at a reasonable hour. However, this parent found a smart way to insert some order into the chaos, and still get the kids to bed no later than 8:30pm.
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![\"\"](\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/25150502\/1066508706160675.jpeg\")
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\n[post_page_title]Shoe stickers[\/post_page_title]
\nOne of the most common dilemmas when it comes to kids putting on their own shoes is knowing which is right and which is left. This mom or dad came up with a super adorable way to help your little ones put their shoe on the right foot. All you have to do is take a sticker, cut it in half, and place one in the sole of each shoe. This hack is both useful and fun!
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![\"\"](\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/07111305\/parenting-hacks-tricks-tips-56-583568fb03ed3__605.jpg\")
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\n[post_page_title]Monster spray[\/post_page_title]
\nDo you have a child who is afraid of a monster under their bed or in their closet? You can put their mind to rest by making your very own “monster spray.” It really is simple, just decorate an old spray bottle with some googly eyes, cute stickers of monsters, or whatever you can find in your kid’s craft drawer. Put some body or room fragrance inside and rid your kid’s bedroom from “monsters” before bedtime while also making their room smell really good!
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![\"\"](\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/07111306\/sub-buzz-27296-1471376222-10.jpg\")
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\n[post_page_title]Airplane toddler occupier[\/post_page_title]
\nThis hack won’t make only parents thrilled, but everybody else within hearing range as well! Any parent knows one of the most challenging tasks involved kids has to be air travel. You’re confined into a small, tight, and frankly boring space for hours, and have to keep them occupied so they don’t lose their minds. You could stick a screen in front of them, of course, but allow us to suggest an alternative. Just buy a pack of gel window clings and let your li’l-un go to town. It’s cheap, non-messy, and will keep them blissfully occupied.
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![\"\"](\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/28071633\/p2WeMl8.jpg\")
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\n[post_page_title]Hand soap saver[\/post_page_title]
\nGetting your rugrats into the habit of washing their hands after they’ve been doing something messy – which for little kids is pretty much everything – is super important. Here’s the thing, though. Kids tend to have a little trouble with delicate motor skills. In other words, they beat that soap dispenser like it owes them money, and get way more soap than they actually need. Solution? Stick a rubber band under the top part of the dispenser, to prevent it from going all the way down and just wasting suds.
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![\"\"](\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/28071633\/4wrJgZZ.jpg\")
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\n[post_page_title]Toy noise reducer[\/post_page_title]
\nThese days, it seems like every toy your kids have makes some kind of godawful racket. Everything’s electronic nowadays, and emits beeps and bloops and heaven knows what else, and all that cacophony of sounds will slowly drive you insane if you let it. Luckily, you don’t have to slowly go all Jack Nicholson in The Shining on your family, with a super simple hack. If you stick tape over the offending toy’s speakers, it’ll muffle the sound just enough for you to not want to throw it out the window.
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![\"\"](\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/28071633\/fuAt2zF.jpg\")
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\n[post_page_title]Blow-up blanket fort[\/post_page_title]
\nWhen we were kids, we’d spend whole nights in a pillow fort we’d construct for ourselves, pulling all-nighters with siblings or friends and having a great old time. Just because we’re now in the digital 21st century doesn’t mean that this little playtime classic has to go the way of the dodo, but we do have a way to make it better than it was when you were a kid. Using a fan, blow up a duvet cover or a blanket as seen in the photo, creating a makeshift castle for your little knights.
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![\"\"](\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/28071634\/pwvEoy9.jpg\")
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\n[post_page_title]Aqua fence painting[\/post_page_title]
\nThe nice thing about kids is that they often want to pitch in when they see a grownup doing something interesting. The less nice thing is that they’ll do it poorly, and make a mess while they’re at it too. Fear not, though. This hack’s just for you, and it’s perfect for both keeping them occupied AND making sure no messes are made. Give them a task of painting the fence, but fill their little buckets with water. They won’t damage the fence – or their clothes – and it’ll keep them busy for hours.
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![\"\"](\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/28071634\/4mPHrNa.jpg\")
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\n[post_page_title]Make cleanup a game[\/post_page_title]
\nThere comes a time in any child’s life where they’ll have to start pitching in with chores around the house. The children would dread it if they knew it was coming, and the parents definitely dread the endless arguments and tantrums they know are in their future. It doesn’t necessarily have to be that way, though. If you ease your rugrats into household chores, making games out of them, they wouldn’t mind as much. For example, sweeping stuff into a designated floor tile marked with sticky tape. Whoever misses the least junk, wins!
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![\"\"](\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/28071634\/9OfWNAO.jpg\")
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\n[post_page_title]Weighted glove comforter[\/post_page_title]
\nAs a parent, you know that your touch carries healing powers. Just hugging your child will make them feel better, even if a second ago they were bawling their eyes out. Putting a hand on their backs will help them fall asleep quicker as well, but let’s be honest, sometimes you’re just exhausted. You love your kids, but they’ve just made your life miserable that day and you need a break. Well, this hack will give it to you. Fill a glove with rice or something similar, and the weight of it will lull your tyke to sleep.
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![\"\"](\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/28071634\/QNmgWAi.jpg\")
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\n[post_page_title]Bathroom door anti-lock[\/post_page_title]
\nWhen your little ones aren’t so little anymore, and they get to the point of going to the bathroom by themselves, it’s a mixed blessing for parents. On the one hand, you’re happy for their newly-found independence, but on the other you’re still concerned. One of the bigger risks is of course, your child inadvertently locking themselves in. Thankfully, your peace of mind is only as expensive as a rubber band. If you twist it around both doorknobs as seen here, the door won’t ever lock and you won’t need to sweat solo potty time.
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![\"\"](\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/28071634\/nR8CGsM.jpg\")
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\n[post_page_title]Medicine giving hack[\/post_page_title]
\nThere are many, so many, challenges to raising kids that new parents don’t think about before they actually have kids. One of those sneaky little pitfalls is giving them medicine. When they’re under the weather, you’ll do anything to help. When that means giving them medicine, you sometimes encounter staunch, tantrum-filled resistance. Now, if you don’t mind tricking them just a tiny bit, there’s a hack for that. If you disguise the medicine bottle behind a soda can or juice box, they’ll happily gulp it down, none the wiser. Hey, it’s for their own good!
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![\"\"](\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/28071634\/n6R5hrd.jpg\")
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\n[post_page_title]Bathtime funtime[\/post_page_title]
\nGiving your kids a bath can sometimes be so much trouble that we seriously and strongly consider just letting them go to bed dirty. Honestly, feels like they put up a fight just for the sake of putting up a fight, doesn’t it? Well, here’s a hack that’ll make bath time something that they’ll actually look forward to. For the price of a few glowsticks, you can make your tub an exciting party. Just turn off the lights, and watch your kid’s eyes grow two sizes.
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![\"\"](\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/28071634\/8sTBIIu.jpg\")
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\n[post_page_title]Marshmallow ice pack[\/post_page_title]
\nRoughhousing is an inherent part of childhood. If your children are playing outside, or inside, or anywhere really, they WILL eventually get a boo-boo. There’s nothing to get excited about – it just happens, and is a perfectly normal part of playtime. But icing down an ouchie might be worse than incurring that ouchie in the first place. So just skip it! Instead, always have a package of marshmallows in the freezer for just such an instance. They’ll be softer than ice, and not as cold either. Then, when they feel better, you can go halfsies on the contents!
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![\"\"](\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/28071635\/pFEDQik.jpg\")
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\n[post_page_title]Lost item scavenger hunt[\/post_page_title]
\nThere are many wonderful upsides to having kids. Keeping all your stuff exactly where you left it definitely isn’t one of them. Hey, it might not even be the kids’ fault. Maybe you had a senior moment, and forgot where you put your glasses. Now, you could scour the house yourself, grumpy and alone, or you could make a game of it. Simply draw up the items you want to find and hand them out to the kids, making a scavenger hunt. You could even throw in a small prize for whoever finds the most items.
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![\"\"](\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/28071635\/XrlpJxO.jpg\")
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\n[post_page_title]Creating a future graduation collage[\/post_page_title]
\nYou know those viral videos you sometimes see of a parent taking a photo of their kid every day, from the moment they’re born until they go off to college or whatever? While they sure are impressive, ain’t nobody got time for that. We don’t know about you, but we’re not ready for that kind of commitment. Still, it doesn’t mean that you can’t create something cool your child will be able to look back on fondly. Simply print the year of their graduation – college or high shcool – on a T-shirt and snap a photo once a year.
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![\"\"](\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/28071635\/2QGisk6.jpg\")
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\n[post_page_title]Simple and easy toy car garage[\/post_page_title]
\nToy cars are the ultimate toy as far as we’re concerned. They’re relatively inexpensive, they don’t take up too much room, and kids will be able to get hours and hours of fun out of them. There’s really only one problem – if you let them, they’ll get everywhere and you’ll step on them in the middle of the night and get sent flying down the stairs. Doesn’t have to be that way, though. Using a simple wooden crate and some paper towel rolls, create a toy car garage that’ll keep all the Hot Wheels in one place.
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![\"\"](\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/28071635\/nzPUtcS.jpg\")
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\n[post_page_title]Medicine bottle itinerary[\/post_page_title]
\nIf mommy and daddy are absent-minded, it’s easy to get wires crossed. While that isn’t terrible most of the time, when it comes to remembering to give medication things become serious. So, we’ve got just the hack for you, to make sure no one gets confused or forgets again. Simply use a marker to create a table on the bottle with the days of the week on one side and the designated giving times (morning and evening in this case) on the other. Then, mark with an X every time you give it to them.
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![\"\"](\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/28071635\/T1JBwoa.jpg\")
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\n[post_page_title]Doll hair detangler[\/post_page_title]
\nIf you have a kid at home who likes to play with dolls, then chances are you know what it is like trying to get the knots out of their hair only to make it look worse. This parent found a perfect solution to get Barbie’s hair back to its original state. Make a doll hair detangler at home with just some dish soap and a dab of hair conditioner and Barbie will be looking like her old self in no time.
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![\"\"](\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/07131111\/Screen-Shot-2019-01-07-at-15.10.48.jpg\")
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\n[post_page_title]Mess-free popsicle[\/post_page_title]
\nWhoever thought of this amazing trick definitely deserves some praise. If you have kids who enjoy eating popsicles on warm summer days, then chances are you are familiar with the annoying mess that comes along with it. However, this parent has finally thought of the perfect solution to this common problem. All you have to do is place a cupcake wrapper through the bottom of the stick to create a little catcher that will keep the sugary water from getting all over your kid’s hands and clothes. Perfection!
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![\"\"](\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/07111309\/Use-cupcake-liner-catch-popsicle-juice.jpg\")
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\n[post_page_title]Backseat barrier[\/post_page_title]
\nAny parent who has more than one kid knows how difficult long – or even short – road trips can be. All it takes is one small disagreement and things can turn ugly quickly. While the occasional backseat feud is bound to happen, it can actually be extremely dangerous, causing the driver to turn around and get distracted. This dad of triplets had enough with these car fights and found a clever way to end them. If they can’t see their sibling next to them, there’s nothing for them to fight about, right?
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![\"\"](\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/07111303\/parenting-hacks-tricks-tips-40-583564d0bcdb1__605.jpg\")
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\n[post_page_title]Beach play mat[\/post_page_title]
\nGoing to the beach should be relaxing… right? Well, going to the beach with kids – while definitely tons of fun – tends to be a bit less relaxing. This is especially true when you have little ones who want to not only play in the sand, but also eat it. This parent seemed to find a great solution to this problem by using a fitted bed sheet, some beach bags, and a cooler to create a great, safe environment for baby. Add a sun umbrella, bring some toys and voila – it’s a perfect, well-shaded play area.
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![\"\"](\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/07111303\/parenting-hacks-tricks-tips-58-583571d2aabdf__605.jpg\")
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\n[post_page_title]Sponge cooler[\/post_page_title]
\nThis affordable and super easy lunch cooler is a great way to keep your kid’s lunch fresh all day. Just put an ordinary dish sponge inside a plastic baggie and then store it in the freezer overnight. When it comes time to pack your child’s lunch box just put it right on top. It is guaranteed to keep the food nice and cool until it is time to eat. Use bright colored sponges to make it even more fun.
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![\"\"](\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/07111307\/sub-buzz-31318-1471381750-1.png\")
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\n[post_page_title]No-slip socks[\/post_page_title]
\nNot only is this hack useful, it can also be a fun activity for kids. These DIY no-slip socks are adorable, and super easy to make. Just buy some different colored puffy paint and make all sorts of cute designs on the bottom of your kid’s socks. This is a great craft activity to keep kids busy on a rainy day in – and also a great way to keep your little ones from slipping in the house.
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![\"\"](\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/07131222\/Screen-Shot-2019-01-07-at-15.12.02.jpg\")
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\n[post_page_title]Coloring case[\/post_page_title]
\nDo you still have some old DVD’s hanging around the house? Why not turn them into fun coloring cases for your kids? Glue some cloth together to create a nice holder for pencils, pens, markers, or crayons and put a few pieces of paper inside –\u00a0 and just like that you have a nifty and compact coloring station. The best part about these cases is that you can take them pretty much anywhere, and they are especially great for keeping your children occupied on long car rides.
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![\"\"](\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/07111308\/parenting-hacks-tricks-tips-27-582dc1750df3f__605.jpg\")
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\n[post_page_title]Baby proof door[\/post_page_title]
\nNo need to spend a ton of money on expensive baby proof items when you can just make them with objects you already have at home! For example, this old pool noodle makes a wonderful door stopper. Just cut it in half and place it on the top of the door out of your children’s reach. This is a super easy and convenient hack guaranteed to keep those little fingers safe from accidentally getting slammed.
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![\"\"](\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/07111308\/parenting-hacks-tricks-tips-25-582dc170ce785__605.jpg\")
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\n[post_page_title]Toilet paper reminder[\/post_page_title]
\nWhat is it with kids and the desire to use a whole roll of toilet paper every time they go to the bathroom? If you are sick of buying mega packs of toilet paper only to find it disappear within days – why not try this clever technique? This parent put a nice friendly reminder of how much is too much with a little piece of paper that reads: “You shall not pass!” We just wonder if their children actually follow this rule or not…
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![\"\"](\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/07111309\/parenting-hacks-tricks-tips-9-582dc147254b5__605.jpg\")
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\n[post_page_title]Box of fun[\/post_page_title]
\nSometimes something as simple as a cardboard box can keep kids entertained for much longer than any of their expensive toys, tablets, or video games. Keep your creative little ones busy by letting them color on – and inside – a large cardboard box. All you need is a box, some crayons or markers, and an energetic kid. Sit back, and watch as your children spend hours covering each section of cardboard with cute colorful drawings and scribbles.
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![\"\"](\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/07111309\/sub-buzz-9652-1485708644-1.jpg\")
As incredible as being a parent is, sometimes it’s, well… hard. And although we’d all love to be the perfect parent who can do everything perfectly by ourselves – the truth is everyone could use some help. Luckily, thanks to social media parents are now sharing their own hacks and techniques, and we’ve collected the […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":73,"featured_media":91761,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[39],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-91757","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-stories"],"yoast_head":"\n