40 Game-Changing Parenting Hacks You’ll Wish You Knew Sooner

Here’s an important tip that should be taught in schools, parenting classes, and even driving school. Parents should write a note and attach it to their child’s car seat in case of an accident.

The note should include the child’s name, date of birth, blood type, health conditions, and any medications they are taking. It should also list emergency contact names and numbers.

Taking kids out of the house can be daunting. They’re full of energy and unpredictable, making it hard to keep them safe. Kudos to all the moms who manage outings solo—it’s tough.

Here’s a helpful hack: when parking, have your kids get out of the car and place their hand on the gas tank door. They must stay there until you give the next instruction. This keeps them in one spot and makes outings a bit easier.

Halloween can be a parent’s nightmare for many reasons. One parent came up with the idea of the “Switch Witch” to swap her daughters’ candy for a new Barbie doll. This is a fantastic idea—if explained well, the daughter might even think she got a better deal.

The Switch Witch is a Halloween witch who loves candy so much that she will exchange it for any toy the child wants. No more candy negotiations or sugar rushes. Enjoy the candies, and thank us later!

Toddlers are always on the move, full of energy and curiosity, which can sometimes lead to trouble and boo-boos.

Hosting a BBQ party with a toddler around can be risky, especially near the fire. Here’s a solution: baby-proof the BBQ with a baby fence, as shown in the picture above. While you should always keep an eye on your child around fire, this adds an extra layer of protection.

There’s nothing more aggravating than driving on the highway while your kid screams in the back because they dropped their sippy cup. If you’re a parent, you know the struggle: trying to soothe your child with one hand while keeping your eyes on the road.

But here’s a simple hack to avoid this situation. Use a thick rope or string to attach the sippy cup to the car seat. Teach your child how to retrieve their bottle using the string. Problem solved!

This might look like something a granny would do, but the doorknob cover pictured below is actually the invention of a desperate mom. She got tired of repeating herself to kids who just don’t listen.

Though it may seem a bit corny, it’s highly effective in keeping kids from opening doors they shouldn’t. A visual reminder can help deter children from entering forbidden spaces.

The hack below is so good that even Maria Montessori would likely approve. It offers many benefits: it’s a no-mess activity that saves moms time and helps develop kids’ sensory and fine motor skills.

You need four things: paper, paint, tape, and a Ziploc bag. Place the paper and some globs of paint into the Ziploc bag, seal it well, and tape it for extra protection. Tape the bag to the floor in an area where any mess is manageable. Now, your kids are entertained for an hour, giving you some much-needed relaxation time.

Seeing your child taste paint during an art activity can be terrifying, especially for first-time moms who imagine all the worst scenarios.

To avoid this, try using plain yogurt mixed with food coloring. This combo not only turns your little one into Picasso but also allows them to safely explore the taste of each paint color.

This trick is for moms who can’t find time to shower because there’s no one to watch their kids. All you need are some toys and an empty bathtub.

Transform your bathtub into a playpen for your little one. It’s safe and very entertaining for them. This way, you can shower in peace and take your time, all while keeping an eye on your child. They stay entertained, and you get your much-needed break.

Have you ever wondered how to keep your kid’s lunch fresh during summer? Here’s a simple trick that many overlook. All you need is a wet sponge and some freezer time.

Soak the sponge in water, place it in a plastic baggie, and freeze it. Once frozen, you have a cheap and effective ice pack. You can cut the sponge to fit your child’s lunchbox perfectly.

What should you do when the weather is hot? Play with cold water to cool down. Here’s a simple and entertaining activity: water painting. All you need is a bucket of water, a wall painting brush, and a big sidewalk or long wooden fence.

Your child will love giving the house a “new” look. Many of us remember outdoor water painting from our own childhoods, painting the wooden fence in the backyard. Once it dried, we would put on a second coat. This activity can keep kids entertained for hours.

Here’s a trick to keep little fingers dry and warm during cold weather play. Some cozy gloves aren’t waterproof, but if your child insists on wearing them, you can solve the problem by adding an extra layer.

Simply put rubber gloves over the regular gloves. Many people have extra rubber gloves lying around from the pandemic, so this is a great way to repurpose them. It will keep those hands warm and dry!

The “game” below is perfect for those with OCD tendencies. It’s all about organizing Lego pieces. Kids can sort them by color, shape, or size, offering endless possibilities for this activity.

Watching the pieces sorted by color is incredibly satisfying, and sorting helps with a child’s development. Start with larger blocks for younger kids and progress to smaller ones as they grow older.

One golden rule for children is to let them sleep until they wake up on their own. Naptime is crucial for development and gives mom some much-needed quiet time.

Here’s a cool idea for when you’re traveling and don’t have a crib: use a suitcase as a makeshift bed. It can carry your belongings and provide a spot for your baby to sleep. How amazing is that?

Bugs can be a real nuisance, especially when it comes to keeping them away from your kids. While natural bug repellents can help, there’s nothing quite like good ol’ cinnamon to do the trick. Its sweet smell effectively repels insects.

If you have a sandpit at home, you might find insects have made their home in the sand. Simply add some cinnamon, mix it in, and say “Buh bye” to the bugs!

Moms, we know you carry a lot in those shoulder totes and diaper bags, always prepared for anything. If you don’t already have crayons in there, make some space for them—they can be lifesavers.

One mom brought a box of crayons to the doctor’s office, and her daughter colored on the examination table during the visit. No more crying in the doc’s office!

Keeping a home organized and clean can be a challenge, especially with messy kids and their toys everywhere. We’re not here to judge; instead, we have a revolutionary solution to clean and disinfect your kid’s toys with minimal effort.

Simply put all the toys into the dishwasher and let it do the work for you. It’s a hassle-free way to get them clean and disinfected!

Baby walkers are practical and adorable, helping develop your baby’s gross motor skills and keeping them entertained. However, they tend to bump into walls, doors, furniture, and sometimes even your legs, leaving marks and causing ouchies.

A life-saving solution? Tape pool noodles around the walker. This simple trick prevents bumps and bruises for both your child and your legs, and it also protects your walls and furniture. Voila!

Kids can be resilient and stubborn, and forcing them to do something they don’t want to can impact their confidence. Administering medicine to a child can be a challenging task, but using a bottle nipple as a medicine dispenser can make it easier. They might notice the taste, but you’ll likely have finished giving the medicine before they do.

Navigating crowded spaces can make any parent anxious, and understandably so. Kids are curious and adventurous, and they can vanish into a crowd in the blink of an eye.

Here’s a helpful hack: dress your kids in the same color. It makes spotting them in a crowd much easier. Just hope that other moms don’t have the same idea, or it might turn into a funny photo op where you have to find your own little one among a sea of matching outfits!

Having siblings is wonderful—it’s like having built-in friends who are bound to love you no matter what. It’s no surprise that kids often prefer to sleep in the same room as their siblings, especially when they’re young.

If you’re not keen on bunk beds or worried about your child rolling out of bed, consider creating or buying a cute side-by-side bed. This way, the kids can enjoy their perpetual slumber party while you rest easy knowing they’re safe and won’t fall from heights.

When it comes to parenting teens, there are two main approaches: some parents actively seek to know every detail of their teenagers’ lives, while others wait for their children to come to them. The former might be seen as nosy by the teens, while the latter is often viewed by other parents as caring and involved.

If you want to avoid being labeled as nosy but still stay informed, try this hack: walk past your teen’s room with headphones on that aren’t connected to anything. It’s a clever way to overhear what’s happening without seeming intrusive.

Let’s be honest—who doesn’t love fries? They’re the ultimate comfort food and even kids can’t resist them. However, we know they’re not always the healthiest choice.

But here’s a healthy alternative that looks like fries: apples! You can cut apples into fry shapes and give them to your little one without them realizing they’re not eating the real thing. This trick can be effective for kids up to around 2 years old.

Babies are adorable, but during mental leaps and growth spurts, they often need to be close to you for comfort. However, there are times when you need to put them down.

For some hands-free time, try using your washing machine. Babies love watching it spin, and the sound can act as soothing white noise. It’s a win-win!

Here’s a handy hack for parents managing their kids’ medication. If your child is sick and needs to take medicine, write the planned dosage schedule on the bottle or box. With everything going on, it’s easy to lose track of time.

Each time you give a dose, mark it down. It might not seem like a wow factor, but it’s incredibly helpful. Balancing life, work, and parenthood is challenging, and this simple trick helps ensure your child sticks to their treatment and gets better quickly.

Every new beginning is challenging, and learning a skill like writing is no exception. One common issue is teaching kids how to hold a pencil correctly. Proper pencil grip is crucial to avoid future hand and writing problems.

A Reddit user discovered a simple hack to help beginners: along with the pencil, you’ll need some tissue paper. Crumple the tissue and place it under your child’s pinkie and ring fingers. This will remind them to keep those fingers in place, holding the tissue instead of interfering with their pencil grip.

Here’s a fun way to keep your little one entertained when the weather is bad. All you need is painter’s tape and a large enough space (or even a hallway in a smaller home).

Create roads and lanes for toy cars using the tape. It’s easy to remove and set up, and your kids will love playing with their new “track.” Plus, if you’re up for it, you might enjoy joining in on the fun too!

If you don’t have a garage to store your child’s stroller, here’s a tidy solution to keep it clean inside your house. Use two shower caps to cover the wheels. This way, you won’t drag in dirt from outside!

It’s also a handy trick for when you’re putting the stroller in your car’s trunk. No one wants to spend time vacuuming the dirt from the trunk carpet, especially when you’re a busy parent.

Potty training can be challenging for both kids and parents, and leaving the house during this time can feel nearly impossible. To make things easier, keep a spare potty and a few nappies in your car. When your child needs to use the potty, place a diaper over it to catch any mess. This trick not only saves time but also makes clean-up a breeze.

Kids bring joy, but parenting is tough. While social media shows perfect moments, all kids have their challenges. Have your kids ever had a meltdown over sandals in winter or who served the ketchup? It takes a village to raise them. Here are 40+ practical hacks for keeping kids out of certain areas, encouraging healthy eating, and keeping them entertained.

No bathtub solution

Not all homes have bathtubs, which is better for the environment since we shouldn’t waste water, especially with drinkable water being scarce. However, it can be challenging with young children.

A shower cabin isn’t practical for kids, but here’s a lifesaver trick: go to a dollar store and buy the smallest pool that fits in your shower. Now your child can enjoy a bath whenever they want.