No matter how challenging your day job might be, we are positive that you won’t deny that it is at least a little easier than being a parent. Nothing on earth could possibly be more challenging and rewarding than the act of raising a human being. It is an important responsibility, and we know that a little help can go a long way! We have therefore compiled some of the best hacks and tips on parenthood that you will find on the Internet. A few might sound off-kilter, but they are all genius in their own right. Why do some parents glue pennies to their children’s shoes? Read on to find out!
Make-Shift Sweeper
As everyone already knows, babies like crawling all over your floor. Considering the fact that they do it happily, it might be a better idea to channel that energy and have them clean the house! All you need is to place dusters to their onesie. Sit back, relax, and enjoy a spotless floor!
Make-Shift Sweeper
Drink Up
Sometimes, it helps to be sneaky if you want your child to be rid of their illness. You can deliver the necessary dose with the use of a pacifier. How? Simply use scissors to snip off the tip and then place a medicine dropper in it!
Drink Up
No More Tears
The worst part of a bathing session is when your baby begins to tear up after getting bath water in their eyes. An umbrella band will fix this problem easily! Put it on them so that you and your baby will have a peaceful time in the tub.
No More Tears
DIY Play Pen
Whoever said you cannot go to the beach with a toddler is absolutely wrong. You just need to bring a fitted sheet that you can then convert into your very own playpen. Prop up the corners using your picnic basket, clothes bags, and the rest of your belongings. Voila!
DIY Play Pen
Bye-Bye Boogeyman
When you are a little kid, you might as well have the wildest imagination on the planet. We all know that children find themselves believing in the presence of a monster in their closet or under their bed. A little DIY project can keep these creatures away! A “monster spray” should do the trick.
Bye Bye Boogeyman
No Better Time
There is no better time to teach your children good habits than when they are young. Do they like playing with race cars and other small toys? If so, give them a bin and tell them to store each toy in its proper place. When they learn this, it will be something they carry into adulthood!
No Better Time
Divide and Conquer
Are you the parent of several small children? If so, you probably dread long road trips because of all the fighting. You can introduce personal space with the addition of dividers. When they don’t see each other, they will likely stop arguing. Hopefully, they will fall asleep in no time!
Divide and Conquer
Trojan Juice
Generally, lying to your kids is a bad idea. However, we are sure you will want to make this one an exception. Get your kids to drink their meds by handing them their favorite drink. The trick here is to actually plug the straw into the bottle of their meds!
Trojan Juice
Time to Clean
It will be a lot easier to convince your child to clean up their mess when you teach them that it can also be fun. You can do this by making a square out of tape and instructing them to sweep all the mess into it.
Time to Clean
Hands-On
Your child will usually have an easier time dozing off when you hold them. Unfortunately, we all know that it can take hours before they manage to finally fall asleep. When you have something else to attend to, you can use a glove and fill it up using dried beans or rice. Just place this makeshift hand on the baby’s back! They’ll be dreaming in absolutely no time.
Hands-On
Colored Clocks
As the parent of young children, it is your duty to assign them a schedule. This is not at all an easy task, especially if you are dealing with particularly unruly children. However, you can make this endeavor less difficult by getting a clock, coloring specific timeslots, and hoping your kids can follow the literal cues!
Colored Clocks
Not Just for the Shower
A shower caddy is useful even outside the bathroom setting. You can actually use it for your road trips and picnics as well! This way, your toddler is a lot less likely to create a mess when it is time to eat.
Not Just for the Shower
Toothspins
Always remember to keep your toothbrushes properly. It is not ideal to leave it in a drawer or cup since they will collect dirt and bacteria this way. Why don’t you get a clothespin and use it as a stand instead? Not only will it keep toothbrushes safe, but you can also let each kid choose their very own color!
Toothspins
Left and Right
We can all distinguish between our right and our left, but it was not always this way. Our parents had to teach us which is which! If it is your turn to teach your child, you can facilitate it by splitting a sticker into two and then affixing the two pieces into the respective shoe. We only wish we learned the lesson this way!
Left and Right
Goodbye Glitter
Glitter sure is pretty, though it can be a pain to clean up the mess they make. This is when a lint roller comes in handy! This nifty device will catch all the glitter in the area.
Goodbye Glitter
Cover It Up
Does it grate on you when your children’s toys make a racket? Tone down the noise with the use of some tape. Simply put it over the speakers! This won’t interfere with the functionality of the toy, but your ears will definitely thank you.
Cover It Up
Sticker Fun
Many people, especially children, find plane rides nerve-wracking. This is the reason it is a good idea to bring removable stickers with you during trips like this one. Who knows, it might even work on adults with a fear of flying!
Sticker Fun
Drip and Catch
Popsicles might just be the best way to cool off on a hot day. Unfortunately, kids are prone to making messes when they enjoy one. A coffee lid should fix that problem in absolutely no time.
Drip and Catch
Treating Minor Burns
Playing with fire is not recommended, but you know what children are like. When disaster strikes, we recommend getting a paper towel or face cloth and then soaking it in vinegar. This will prevent blisters, make it feel cool, and ease the pain.
Treating Minor Burns
Stuck No More
Do you remember the time you locked yourself inside the bathroom when you were little? Well, your kid can avoid the same fate if you follow in the footsteps of this parent. A rubber band will be all you need!
Stuck No More
Spritz It Off
Hot days are already unpleasant on their own, but it is even worse when you have to be cooped up in a car. A spray bottle will come in handy when the seat belt buckles get too hot!
Spritz It Off
Pool Noodles
Pool noodles are not limited to the pool! As a matter of fact, they can be useful for your trampolines as well. Your kids will be safe and sound as they hop the day away.
Pool Noodles
Clip-Clop
Are you tired of finding toenail bits everywhere? If so, we recommend setting up pieces of tape before you start cutting. The clippings should get caught in the adhesive before they scatter!
Clip-Clop
Scavenger Hunt
Teens are notorious for rarely cleaning their room! We have all been there, right? Luckily, this parent found the trick that will convince any child to do some cleaning… How brilliant is this?
Scavenger Hunt
To Each His Own
We are all guilty of getting new cups from the cupboard when we were too lazy to wash the ones we just used, right? Get a magnetic cup for your children to keep the mess away! It will stick to the fridge, so they can’t say that they cannot find it.
To Each His Own
Painless Painting
It is never a bad idea to encourage creativity. Many parents do not approve of it, however, because they know all too well how messy an artsy kid can get. How about putting three drops of paint into a Ziploc? This is one way to encourage productivity and prevent messiness!
Painless Painting
Not Too Much
Rubber bands are highly versatile. Among other things, you can use them to secure the pump nozzle and effectively limit soap usage!
Not Too Much
Sticker Saves the Day
There is no doubt that you will begin to dread mornings. This is especially true if you have more than one child. Not only do you have to prepare yourself, but you will also have to shower, feed, and clothe every one of your kids. Make it easier for you and them by having them put on their own shoes by placing half of a fun sticker in each shoe.
Sticker Saves the Day
Fresh Apples
Apples might taste great, but it can be annoying when they brown quickly. Just chop ‘em up, put them in a bag, add salt, and then slosh with water! The salt won’t affect the taste, but it would keep the fruit fresh the whole day.
Fresh Apples
Easy Does It
Do you remember how painful it is to remove splinters? It does not have to be this way. Help your kid out by mixing together water and baking soda. Leave the splintered part submerged in the mixture for a couple of minutes to push out the splinter.
Easy Does It
Recycling Pizza Boxes
Recycling is a great way to reduce the amount of waste you produce. Pizza boxes actually make for awesome gigantic canvases for your children.
Recycling Pizza Boxes
Spray It On
If you don’t keep an eye on your artsy kids, there is a good chance they will use your walls as their canvases. When this happens, some WD-40 will help you get rid of the stains.
Spray It On
Wedge It In
You will be surprised to learn that Kleenex is useful outside of the bathroom as well. As a matter of fact, you can teach your child to write using some tissue paper. Wedge it behind the two fingers to ensure correct writing form.
Wedge It In
Grippy Socks
Use some puffy fabric paint if you wish to add some grip to socks! This is one way to avoid accidents. After all, this will prevent them from falling down.
Grippy Socks
Sneaky Shoes
It is not the end of the world when your child gets scratches on their shoes. Grab a crayon of the same color and they will hardly be noticeable!
Sneaky Shoes
Not Permanent After All
First of all, you should store your permanent markers far away from your children. If they still manage to get ahold of them and make a mess, toothpaste will be all you need!
Not Permanent After All
Cleanup Time Quick
Kids love nothing more than playing games. You will find that they will be more eager to clean up when you turn it into a game. Just set an egg timer and the area will soon be spotless!
Cleanup Time Quick
Bye Back Pain
Even though you keep picking up your child’s toy, it will simply fall from the stroller or highchair again. Why not avoid the hassle of doing it all over again by connecting it using those toy links from the baby’s gym?
Bye Back Pain
Closet Coordination
When the whole family is going to the mall, get everyone to wear matching clothes. Not only will it be pleasant to look at, but it will also lower the chances of losing each other in a crowd.
Closet Coordination
Nipple No More
A baby must be separated from the pacifier eventually. When the time comes to do so, you can do it by cutting off from the nipple. Take out a piece whenever your child uses it. The feeling will soon become unpleasant and they might even stop asking for it without any prodding whatsoever!
Nipple No More
Versatile Baby Furniture
Take your kid’s play table outside and use it as an outdoor picnic table. Are you afraid of the rain? Wrapping it in oilcloth should do the trick.
Versatile Baby Furniture
Proper Storage
It is very important that pacifiers are clean. When you are perpetually on the move, we recommend storing them using sauce containers.
Proper Storage
Kiddie Bulletin Boards
Bulletin boards can go a long way when it comes to organization. Individual bulletin boards where you can put reminders, schedules, and chores will be very useful. Make sure to set it up by the shoe area or the bedrooms for high visibility!
Kiddie Bulletin Boards
Parking Problems
If you are a parent, you would know how much a nightmare the parking lot can be when you are with your kids. Parking Pal stickers will ensure that your kids stay rooted to the spot while you load the groceries into the truck!
Parking Problems
Pool Play Pen
As much as we all want to buy a play area for our kids, the price can be prohibitive. It is certainly a good thing that an inflatable pool can deliver the same amount of fun at a fraction of the cost.
Pool Play Pen
Tent Transformation
It is understandable when parents refuse to leave their babies alone. What should you do when you have to tend your yard? Turn the crib into a tent, of course!
Tent Transformation
Baby Food Prep
You will be surprised how much time you will save when you make a big batch of baby food every week. Make sure to freeze them using an ice tray.
Baby Food Prep
Not Just for Dishes
Interestingly, the dishwasher is also useful when it comes to cleaning your toys and shoes.
Not Just for Dishes
Lawn Art
Who said creative pursuits are limited to the indoors? All you need is a big sheet and your children will surely find a way to unleash their creativity.
Lawn Art
Makeshift Water Slide
A water slide is definitely out of most people’s budget ranges. However, you can create a makeshift one using a hose and a plastic sheet! This is a good way to reuse the plastic sheets from appliances and furniture.
Makeshift Water Slide
Fort Fun
We might be all grown-up, but we cannot deny that forts are fun. Use bedsheets and hula-hoops the next time your kid wants one.
Fort Fun
Organize ‘Em
You might be surprised to learn that your shoe organizer can also be used to store toys. What makes it so ideal is that you can hang it inside the car or simply behind the bedroom door!
Organize ‘Em
Daily Masterpiece
Keep your children busy by employing this technique! This is definitely one way to effectively keep your office clean since the kids will no longer have to rummage through your things to find some paper. Moreover, this ingenious method will let your kid change the featured drawing at any given moment.
Daily Masterpiece
Snow Blocks
When snow comes with winter, there is nothing to do but build your very own igloo with the kids. If you are a little competitive, we recommend bringing out your Tupperware containers. You can make bricks by first using the equipment as a mold of sorts.
Snow Blocks
No Mess
How do you put ketchup on your hot dog? If your answer is by putting ketchup on top of it, we would like to show you a more efficient way of going about it. Place it on the bun instead! This way, your child will avoid making a mess.
No Mess
Hide The Candy
Kids have an affinity for all things sweet, but make sure they don’t overdo it. You can lessen their sweets intake by hiding the candy stash! One way to do this is by grabbing an empty bag of healthy treats and then storing all the candies inside.
Hide The Candy
Yogurt Pops
If you have yogurt and popsicle sticks, your kids are in for a delicious treat. Combat the summer heat by poking a hole in the yogurt lid and then sticking it in the freezer. You have no excuse not to do this since it is not a complicated process at all!
Yogurt Pops
Bib Hanger
Avoid misplacing bibs in different parts of the house by using a command hook. Set it up behind the high chair and remember to keep the bibs there. It’s very convenient since they will always be within your reach during feeding time.
Bib Hanger
Baby Socks
Are you tired of losing baby socks in the wash? Don’t worry, there is a simple but ingenious solution to this problem. Simply grab your mesh laundry bag and place the socks inside before you load it in the wash! We guarantee that it will still be there by the time you are done.
Baby Socks
All That Sparkles
Craft-making is definitely a productive way to spend your afternoon, but it can be a pain to clean up all the sparkles, glitter, and sequins you used. Any wide tape will be all you need. Wrap it around your hand, sticky side on the outside, and use it to collect the sparkles, glitter, and other materials you used. Don’t worry – your house will be sparkling clean soon enough.
All That Sparkles
Medicine Chart
We do not blame you if you are having a difficult time tracking your baby’s medicine. It is a good thing to know that there are things you can do to avoid delivering the wrong dose! Grab a sharpie and write down the schedule on the bottle itself.
Medicine Chart
Snack Bins
Kids normally hungry not long after you last fed them. Oftentimes, this will result in running to the kitchen every couple of hours. You might be surprised by how much time you spend making them food! Organize ready-to-eat snack portions so the kids can retrieve them without asking for your help.
Snack Bins
Childproof Cabinets
If you are the parent of toddlers, you have probably experienced the curious tots opening the drawers and taking out their contents! You can prevent this from happening again by wrapping hair ties around the cabinet handles. They will function as a lock of sorts!
Childproof Cabinets
Race Track
It can be challenging to constantly keep your children entertained. Few things will keep the attention of your kid, so you should always have backup activities in mind. We have a simple, elegant, and cheap hack for you! Simply get some masking tape and use it to create a racing track for their toy cars.
Race Track
Babyproof Coffee Table
As much as we adore babies, we cannot say that it is easy to raise one. To be a responsible parent, you must take care of anything that might harm your child. This includes coffee tables that have sharp corners. Luckily for you, an old pool noodle will help soften the edges and make it childproof!
Babyproof Coffee Table
Jar Burrito
We have never met anyone who does not have a fondness for burritos. They are fun and delicious, though there is a good chance the dinner table will be a mess afterward. Use mason jars as serving dishes to save yourself the trouble!
Jar Burrito
Bath Toys
Have you noticed how moldy and gross most bath toys get? Avoid this by first sealing the hole in your new bath toy with the help of hot glue. Do this before you use it since this stops water from entering the toy.
Bath Toys
Band-Aids
If your busy schedule is preventing you from dropping by the hardware store, band-aids will provide you with a temporary means of sealing the plugs in your home. These makeshift plug protectors will surely prevent your kids from messing with the sockets.
Band-Aids
Shoe Shopping
Many little kids hate the idea of going shopping since there are many other things they would rather spend their time on. Did you know that you don’t actually need their presence when shoe-shopping? You only need to trace their feet and jot down their measurements!
Shoe Shopping
Babysitting Template
Are you leaving your children alone with a babysitter for the night? If so, you should consider printing this template and then placing it in a picture frame. New or old, your babysitter will have a good idea of what to do after you fill it in with an erasable marker.
Babysitting Template
Safety First
Yikes, do you remember that painful moment when the door slammed shut while your finger was in the doorway? Obviously, you do not want your kid to go through the same thing. Leave a pool noodle on the side of the door to avoid this!
Safety First
Fence Painting
It would be a shame to waste a warm summer day with your kids. This is why you should try and do something fun. Perhaps you can “paint” the fence using paint brushes and some water!
Fence Painting
Keep Them Entertained
Like we said earlier, children do not have the best attention spans. You should not expect them to stay focused on getting ready for school first thing in the morning! Glue some pennies to the bottom of their shoes. They will like the sound it makes and keep moving.
Keep Them Entertained