Parenthood is one of the most fulfilling and worthwhile life experiences that we can have in life. That said, it is also an absurd amount of work that generally goes completely unrecognized. At the end of the day, parenting is amazing. During the day, we are often looking around for any way to make parent life easier.
From our most sleep-deprived moments to those incredible days when we got upwards of six hours the night before, we could all use some help. This is why parenting hacks are so valuable.
After all, there seem to be new life hacks or DIY projects trending constantly. Why can’t they also help out our kiddos? From mealtime to bedtime to bath time to playtime, there is a hack for so many different parts of parenting.
Without further ado, here are some of the best parenting hacks for parents and their little ones.
1. Understand That Nobody Is Perfect
This sentiment can take a long time to internalize, but it is crucial. Whether you expect perfection out of yourself, your partner, or your kids, humans aren’t meant to be perfect. Instead, we are meant to learn and grow, making mistakes along the way.
Anyone and everyone is bound to have tough moments. And, yes, that is including that one mommy blogger who seems to have it all figured out. Do not expect yourself to be perfect, and do not expect perfection around you either. Rather than expecting perfection, just expect people to try their best.
In the end, trying our best is all we can do. This is also a great lesson to teach our kids, and we have the perfect opportunity to lead by example.
Enjoy life’s brief moments of perfection as they happen, and appreciate how rare they are. In the meantime, revel in the messiness that even sippy cups can’t prevent.
2. Know What Helps Your Child Calm Down, and Keep It With You
Whether they are chasing each other through the house with a wet pool noodle or throwing food off their highchair, kids’ wild energy can be enviable. This is especially true when we are sleep-deprived, feeling more like tired zombies than people.
There are occasions when that excitement is not as welcome, though. A formal event, sitting in class, or just when you need a moment to concentrate are all times that some peace and quiet go a long way.
If your child is a little artist, keep crayons and paper ready. Otherwise, maybe their favorite toy cars will calm them down.
For some extra help, the ZenPatch can help calm both you and your little one. Powered by atlas cedarwood, sweet orange, and lavender, these patches can help your little one power down.
3. Make Bedtime Less of a Battle
There are several ways to make bedtime less of a struggle for everyone involved. For one, kids absolutely thrive when given a routine to stick to.
A routine creates a sense of stability and security that children crave. By establishing a bedtime routine that you always stick to, your child is more likely to be amenable to the whole process.
Maybe that will help with not getting toothpaste all over the bathroom when it’s time to brush your kid’s teeth, but what about falling asleep? Sometimes bedtime stories and lullabies can only take your child part of the way. Thankfully, the SleepyPatch is here to help.
Simply put this natural sticker onto your child’s shirt at bedtime. Then, watch as they are brought to sleep by a soothing blend of essential oils. The best part? Once your child is asleep, you can use a SleepyPatch for you too.
4. Rubber Bands Have More Uses Than We Ever Thought Possible
Many of us have a bunch of rubber bands sitting around the house, but it is possible that we have been limiting their use until now.
A rubber band is a wonderful baby-proofing tactic. To avoid your child locking themselves in a room, you can put a rubber band over the locking mechanism and the knob or handle. This way, even if a kid accidentally engages the lock, it will not work.
Rubber bands can help teach kids how to hold a pencil or help adults turn a pair of non-maternity pants into a properly fitting garment while pregnant.
5. It Is Never Too Early for Your Child To Help Clean Up
Oftentimes, parents can feel overwhelmed because there is too much to do and not enough time to do it. Raising a kid is incredibly time-consuming.
When you possibly add work into the mix, it is no wonder why we would be overwhelmed. After a long day of work, the last thing you want is to return to see a plethora of toys scattered on the ground. Even worse, you might end up stepping on them rather than seeing them.
A day of frustrating meetings followed by stepping on legos that were not put away in the living room the night before? No, thank you.
This can be largely remedied by making cleaning up a part of playtime. After you play together, both of you can put the toys away.
Make sure to keep this time fun and joyful however possible, as that will make your child more likely to form positive habits. If there are a bunch of toys to put away or your child is prone to daydreaming, you might require a method to help them focus.
The FocusPatch uses a special blend of essential oils that have been designed to help people focus. This sticker is infused with lemon, atlas cedarwood, bergamot, and peppermint. Each of these oils has been studied for years for their ability to boost energy and focus.
6. Have Mosquito Repellent at the Ready
This is perhaps the single most important parenting tip for any new parent out there: expect the unexpected. A pacifier might make its way from firmly in your baby’s mouth to multiple feet away in the blink of an eye.
Perhaps your little kids decided to open their own makeshift hair salon, and they are now covered in their favorite doll’s hair. These situations can take us by surprise, so it is best to be as prepared as we can be.
Playing outside is one of the best parts of being a kid. The backyard can turn into a magical jungle in front of their very eyes, as their imaginations seem to have no limits. However, even the most imaginative child will agree that mosquitoes can ruin an otherwise wonderful time.
Nobody likes these itch-causing pests, but they often come with the territory of spending time outdoors. Understandably, more and more parents are leaning away from repellents stuffed with possibly irritating harsh chemicals.
Instead, there is the BuzzPatch, a sticker that actively repels mosquitoes by harnessing the powers of essential oils.
By keeping a packet of BuzzPatches in your car, purse, or bag, you are ensuring you and your family can have a comfortable time no matter where you are. If you do end up with some bug bites, both children and adults can use MagicPatch Itch Relief Patches to feel more comfortable.
Toss your stickers and patches in your diaper bag, purse, or backpack — the sealed patch will keep them fresh and ready to go for two years.
Hack and Hack Again
In this day and age, there is a hack for nearly everything from potty training to folding a fitted sheet.
Parenting is a journey that looks different for everyone, so you might find certain hacks more or less helpful for you. As long as you use these hacks from a place of love, they are sure to be a hit.
Sources:
The Importance of Schedules and Routines | ECLKC
Essential Oils for Energy: Boost Your Mood, Motivation, and Focus | Healthline
Tips for Building a Child’s Imagination | First Five Years
How to Potty Train Your Child in Just 3 Days | VeryWell Family
