Moms and Dads
18 Life Hacks for Parenting Non-Schooling Toddlers
Parenting hacks certainly aren’t anything new, but the modern kind circulating amongst close friends and determined moms alike are the equivalent to virtual hugs for those who need a hand. No-one is quite as resourceful as a mother who needs to take on her to-do list AND keep everyone alive.
Here are some hacks for toddlers that we think are note-worthy, and if you have anything to add, please do send it our way. We all need to stick together and help each other out if we hope to continue the survival of the human race.
18 Hacks you need to know about:
- Always have snacks on hand for unforeseen bribery opportunities. This one works well into their tweens.
- Remove a onesie from top to bottom by splitting open the envelopes on the neckline (am I the only one who thought that was just to fit over the baby’s head easier?) Toddler blow-outs are no joke, but this hack comes in handy way before toddlerhood.
- Google image search: “Rotting Teeth Kids” to really get the point of brushing across. Works way better than Youtube tutorials.
- Stick your kid in a large, empty box. Fill it with crayons/markers/stickers, and call it an Art Box. Free time for you plus: #ReduceReuseRecycle
- Use an empty egg carton for paints and water. Clean up: the lazy kind.
- Freeze fruit, and purée for homemade ice cream. Works well with bananas, mangoes, avocado, berries, strawberries, and pineapple (or a combo!)
- Use chewable vitamins as a reward system- they think it’s candy, and you boost their immune system. Everyone is happy.
- Duplicate keys to every door in your house, and keep them in an easy-access place (out of toddler’s reach).
- Provide your child with their own makeup bag of brushes, mirrors, lip balm, etc. so they can leave the expensive stuff alone. (Also applicable for tool boxes)
- Switch out toys & books. Group a combination in separate containers. Have a rotation of at least three groups: Keep one out, hide the rest, and every week or so, they’ll feel like they have brand new stuff whenever you swap baskets.
- Fill up empty foam dispensers with bubble bath and water for some serious bath-time play. Kick back and relax.
- Rubber bands on soap pumps: Limiting the dispensed amount for trigger happy toddlers. Cost efficient and anti-waste.
- The next best thing to come out of Korea since K-drama? The use of scissors for cutting up food.
- Life is a game, and you invented it: make everything a challenge: pick up toys, wash up, toilet, first to fall asleep, the quiet game, etc.
- One-pot meals! Mix everything in a pan/skillet and throw it in the oven/InstaPot/Slow Cooker. Dinner practically makes itself.
- Order for take-out or delivery. If budget permits, this is a total sanity saver that prevents complete burn-out. We all need a break once in a while.
- Don’t underestimate your kid’s ability to help themselves. By placing stools in certain places or having their stuff accessible where they can reach it, you not only promote independence, but you also get to chill without having to get up. Winner.
- Ipad. Sorry, but we are talking survival, after all.
Cabin fever + toddlers can be a scary and stressful mix. But with these simple and easy hacks, we can get creative and take it one day at a time. Enjoy those toddlers because they do grow up so fast.
