Ten Lifehacks for Parenting

Regardless of how many children we have, the job never gets any easier. Of course, it’s a role we embrace and enjoy, but that doesn’t mean that we shouldn’t look to make life easier where possible. This is where the following lifehacks come into play. It’s the little things in life that can make the most difference, especially when it comes to parenting.

There’s no denying that children can be fussy eaters, and giving them ultimatums can often end in a tantrum. However, this doesn’t mean that children should miss out on the goodness vegetables offer, they just need to be introduced in a different way.

Mixing vegetables together when making a smoothie with fruit can mean that your child is getting their five-a-day, without the need for any dramatics or confrontation.

Telling your child “no” is very rarely a pleasurable experience, but there are times when refusal can be a little too much for a child. Of course, it would be completely normal to want to give in, but there is an alternative solution.

Rather than argue the point, simply distract your child with something they are allowed. This could be the favourite toy, or a book they enjoy. You’ll find that the looming tantrum is now long forgotten.

This may seem like something of a no-brainer, but it can be a very important hack in more ways than one. A vast amount of time immersed in any activity can be draining, and looking after children is no different.

Many of us will feel that we have to contend with the mounting stress, but the truth is that we’re better able to deal with the situation if we have a time-out. So, if you have pressing work issues, then why not employ the services of a nanny or babysitter to lighten the load and give yourself some well-earned ‘you time’.

Giving children chores allows them to feel a sense of pride and accomplishment, but it’s not always easy to get children in the right frame of mind, especially if the chores are getting in the way of fun. Turning chores into a game can make a world of difference when it comes to the child participating. Ideas include a blue square where children have to sweep debris, or even a monster mask over the vacuum nozzle to replicate their favourite monster eating up the mess.

Children are attracted to mess, and it only stands to reason that from time to time, you will come across some stains that are more stubborn than others. For many, it would often mean resorting to an expensive stain remover, but you can create your own for far less.

Simply mix one-part dishwashing detergent with two parts hydrogen peroxide for a stain remover that can deal with even the most ground in stains.

Being a parent is hard work, and keep on top of everything that needs to be done can be a challenge. However, having all tasks and days out recorded on a calendar not only helps you keep on track with chores and bill payments, but also allows children to view their own upcoming events, which allows them to have more involvement when it comes to preparation.

Being a parent can often mean that a series of tasks are left until the last minute. However, a slight change to a schedule can mean that the more demanding of tasks are taken care of sooner. If you find that preparing a child’s packed lunch in the morning is stressful, then why not prepare them in the evening? This can often give you more time to play with in the morning, allowing you to deal with the unforeseen events a busy morning can bring.

Children falling out of bed can be a constant worry for parents, especially if children are very young. The answer can lie in a simple swimming noodle. Simply place a noodle at each side of the mattress to ensure that your child can get a good night’s sleep without having to worry about falling out of bed.

It would be easy to assume that inflatable pools belong outside, but they also have a fantastic use for inside the home. Simply inflate the pool and place your child’s favourite toys inside and voila, you have a fun and safe playing environment.

Children can really struggle when it comes to putting their shoes on the right feet, and can become frustrated in the process. Simple use of stickers can help children ensure that they are putting their shoes on the right feet each time. Simply choose a sticker with a colourful design and cut it in half, and then place a section of the sticker inside each shoe.

Now a child can match up the picture to determine that they are putting their shoes on in the right way.

It’s true what they say, there is no guidebook when it comes to raising children. However, there are a series of hacks that can help save time, stop tantrums and make life easier overall. Check out some more of our super tips and hacks for parenting below.

Five tips to help your toddler sleep.

12 hacks for first time parents.