Parenting is a full-time job, and it's not an easy one. You constantly have to be thinking about what your children are doing. You have to make sure that they're safe, clean, and happy. It can get exhausting! You need a few crafty ways to save time. These fun hacks will improve your life and your kid's lives, and won't break the bank either...
No Noise Toys
Jenga is a fun game, but it can certainly be a pain to play. The game involves a lot of high stress, clean-up, and of course, a big loud crash. If you have little kids, this balancing game could be a nightmare or a great way to bond, depending on how you play. By cutting up sponges or styrofoam, you and your kids can craft a noiseless version of it yourselves!
Stain Free
Kids can be such a handful, or in some cases, a full load of laundry! Prevent the vicious battle against stains by simply covering your child's clothes in cling wrap. This way, your child can gather all the fun grass stains and dirt stains from being outside while avoiding ruining their clothing. Your laundry basket will look cleaner than ever thanks to this neat hack.
Popsicle Parenting
Kids are known to be messy, but add in sugary sweet treats that melt in minutes and you're sure to be caught in a sticky situation. This little hack could save your cleanliness. Just slide the popsicle stick through the lid of a coffee cup and hold the bottom. Now, your child's melted mess has a landing pad and you have a clean pair of pants to wear throughout the day.
Bracelet Back-Up
Kids are always running around outside, but what happens if they go too far off? By putting a phone number on a bracelet, you can ensure that even if your precious little one gets lost, someone can help them find their way back. This is especially helpful if your child has trouble remembering numbers or addresses that could potentially help authorities when they get lost.
Seat Dividers
Siblings are born to fight with one another, especially when they can barely even form sentences yet. So, one clever dad came up with the idea to separate the little ones with cardboard dividers in the car. By keeping these dividers up and in place, the little kids forget all about their annoying siblings on the other side. This way, Dad can drive around town in peace.
Empty Canvas
There are few things more valuable to a little kid than a big box. If you need your little tike to pass the time, put him in an old shipping box with a collection of colorful crayons. They'll have a much bigger canvas to color and won't go running around anywhere. Even better, they won't accidentally color on the walls and floor. This is a parenting hack everyone can get behind.
Right Foot Left Foot
When you're a little kid, remembering right and left can be a huge waste of time. This clever hack will make your child quick on their feet (by having their feet in the correct shoe!) The easiest way to get them out the door is by putting a sticker, cut in half, into their shoes. The sides of the sticker can help them figure out which foot goes where. Getting ready just got so much easier.
Makeshift Baby Chair
Parenting supplies can get expensive, but they don't have to be. This guy managed to keep his baby safe and secure with only a shirt. By covering a normal chair with a tank top, this dad was able to finish his breakfast knowing that his precious child was safe from danger. The only thing he's in danger of is some seriously lame fashion choices, sorry dad!
Family Bonding
If you're worried about keeping kids away from heat, this hack is for you. By surrounding a hot surface like a grill with baby gates, you can comfortably start cooking with your little one nearby. This way, your kiddo can keep a close eye on you and your cooking while staying a safe distance away. Once they start eating though, that's when the real mess begins...
Bathtime
Talk about killing two birds with one stone. If you live in a unit that only has a shower, it might be pretty difficult to clean off your little one. Bathtubs make this way easier, so put a tall kiddie pool in the shower! The added bonus is while this makes your life easier, it can also be used in hot summer months. Your child will be squeaky clean and very happy, guaranteed...
Tin Foil River
Can't afford a big backyard or fancy pool during the summer? Don't worry, you can buy a few rolls of aluminum foil and spend hours splashing around in the sun anyway. By making a tin foil river, little kids will have a blast making their own streams, floating down paper boats, and filling the bottom with rocks, just like a real stream. Just plug in your hose and let it go!
Porcelain Play Pen
It seems like you always have to be watching your kid, even in the shower. One easy way around this is by making your bathtub into a playpen. Cover the bottom and sides (if possible) with some cushioning and throw a few toys in there. They can keep themselves occupied while you take a shower, dry off, and take a little time for yourself. It's a winning solution for everybody.
Sliding Game
You might have hand something similar when you were growing up. Tubes with marbles were always a classic, and now you can DIY this nostalgia-filled game. Collect toilet paper rolls and paper towel rolls over the course of a few weeks. Use painters tape to attach them to the wall and let them create fun new designs. Buy pom balls to go through and watch the fun begin!
Around and Around
Kids can be pretty hard to entertain, especially when you've got chores to do. Handle both problems at once with this easy trick. If you've got a little one who enjoys watching you work, stick them in front of the washing machine and let them awe at the colors swirling around right in front of them. It'll buy you a few minutes of free time before they get bored with it.
Snow Bricks
Tupperware has more uses than just keeping old leftovers from going bad. You can make every day a snow day with your kids by filling a plastic tub up with snow. Pack it tightly so it can keep hold of its shape, then push it out of the other side. There you go, one full snow brick! Use these to make igloos or snowball fighting forts. Just be ready for the wreckage come springtime.
Shower Stroller
Going outside can mean letting everything inside. There's a quick and cheap method to fix this. Buy covering the wheels with shower caps, you can prevent dirt, mud, water, and everything else from tracking into your nice and clean house. When you get inside, simply remove the caps and wash them off for next time. Your home will stay spotless no matter what!
Stickers in the Sky
Do you worry your little one will be bored on a plane? Well, with this clever life hack, you can rest easy... even in the air. Just buy a few cheap window stickers at your local craft shop or department store. Hand it over to your kiddo and let him or her enjoy decorating the windows and creating a story. It's both imaginative and time-consuming, so everyone wins.
Sleep Tight
Imagine this scenario, you're out to eat when all of a sudden, you notice that your child has fallen asleep on your shoulder. What do you do? Well, this guy definitely figured it out. Just cover up that kid with a napkin and keep on chowing down. This way both you and your child stay stain-free throughout the meal, and they finally get some shut-eye.
Yogurt Paint
If you have a little one who wants to get creative but you don't want them inhaling paint fumes, there is an easy and cheap solution. Mixing yogurt with food coloring makes art time way less stressful. Put it in a few cups or muffin tin and grab a few paintbrushes. Now, there's no worry about them accidentally eating it or ruining your carpet floors. Everyone is safe!
Easy Organization
If you've got a house full of lego bricks, you certainly have a lot on your plate. You can easily clean up your playroom with this little hack. By using an over-the-door hanger for toys instead of shoes, you can make clean-up a breeze. Even better, this way you won't mix up different toys and colors in one big box. Now that's clean-up done right, every time!
Step To It
Do your kids get frustrated with times tables? Who doesn't! That's why this clever dad came up with an idea on how to subconsciously teach his kids about multiplication. By painting them on the stairs, his kids will unconsciously memorize the tables and learn without even realizing it! The best kind of learning is learning you don't notice...
Twin Trouble
Can you tell these two twins apart? Neither can their mom and dad, so they came up with a fun way to track which kids they had. By shaving numbers into their hair, they won't ever mix up these kid's identities. When they get older they might have more of an issue with this setup, but for now, it looks to be pretty easy and pretty convenient.
Monster Spray
If you have a little kid who is afraid of the dark, here's an easy way to get the fast asleep in no time. Simply decorate a little bottle of air freshener with pictures of monsters and creepy creatures. Tell them that it's "monster spray" to keep the nighttime terrors at bay. They will be able to get some shut-eye and you won't have to worry about any potential nightmares.
Clean-Up Crew
Picture this: you walk downstairs and find your basement floor covered in dangerous toy cars, ready for you to slip on. Little kids are terrible at cleaning up their toys, but when it comes to ones with wheels, all precautions should be taken. By filling a wooden crate with empty toilet paper rolls and some clever craftsmanship, you can make parking those cars the best part of playtime.
Clock Counter
In the digital age, kids might find it difficult to read an analog clock. Help them figure out what time it is by coloring in your clock with helpful modifiers. This person used their clock to notify kids when they would be going to do homework, playtime, bath time, dinner time, bedtime, and even extended bedtime. Be warned though, your kids might not know how to tell time after this.
Medical Miracles
Getting kids to sit down and take their medicine is no simple task. Usually, you can expect kids to throw a fit and refuse the liquid. However, this mom had an idea to get past all of that complaining. She let the little boy think he was drinking out of a Pepsi can, but he was really sipping the medicine. He might not have noticed the difference, but he sure feels better.
Cleaning Games
No kid enjoys cleaning up their mess, but they all enjoy playing fun games. Help your kid out with the cleaning by making it into a fun game for them. See who can sweep more dirt and dust into their square first. The winner gets a big celebration! Up the stakes by offering a prize like candy or ice cream, or maybe even an extended bedtime. Everyone wins!
Helping Hand
Nothing compares to the warm touch of a loving parent...but sometimes that parent needs to go to bed. This person filled the glove with dry beans and placed it on the back of their baby. The pressure of the hand puts them right to sleep. It's not quite the same thing, but it works well enough to let you get some rest just like your little one. Sweet dreams are guaranteed.
Car Organizer
If you're signing up for a long car ride, you better bring some distractions. By slinging a closet organizer over the back of a car seat, you can keep your car floor clean and keep your kids entertained for hours on end. Bring along some toys, maps, games, coloring materials, stickers, and snacks to get your child to sit still and silent while you keep your eyes on the road.
Meal To Go
Whether you're running between sports practices or on a long road trip, sometimes meals have to take a backseat...literally. Pack your child's meal in a shower caddy to keep things mess-free while on the go. It also makes everything easy to access and much more organized than takeout meals usually are. Cleaning it out is easy too, just rinse when done!
Letter Learning
For most little kids, learning how to read and write is a monumental task, and it can take a lot of time and effort. Help your child get over the hurdle of letters with this clever and easy way to practice. Fill a box with sand and make them some letter flashcards. When they've correctly drawn the letter, they can erase by shaking the box around. What a fun take on learning.
Toothbrush Safety
No one wants a dirty toothbrush, especially not little kids. Did you know you can make an easy toothbrush holder with just a few chip bag clips? These can be attached to the middle of the brush so that it's propped up like this. Get some colorful selections so that your kids don't forget. Alternatively, a cup usually works pretty well, but this is a new alternative.
Inside Camping
If you have a little one who wants to go camping when you don't, this is a perfect compromise. Get a battery-powered candle, a big tent set up, and rainy night. You can enjoy the great outdoors from the comfort of your own living room. For a little added fun, try to make a campfire with construction paper around the candle. Now, it's like you're really living outside!
Tiny Bowling
Mom won't let you play ball in the house, but what about if you made it really, really small? This creative kiddo had the bright idea to swap out bowling pins for pencil erasers and a bowling ball for a marble. Set up everything like a regular bowling lane and get to playing! Flick, roll, or throw to knock down those pins. If you manage a strike with these pieces, that's impressive.
Spy HQ
If you need to slow your kids down, this is a fun and cheap way to get the full secret-spy experience. Cover a room or hallway in a string, taped to walls, and strung through railings. Have your kids try their best to get from one end to another without touching the string. It'll be nearly impossible, but a lot of fun to watch. Plus, they might just find a passion for yoga.
Fidget Toys
Fidgeting toys are all the rage with middle school kids who have trouble focusing. Here are some that you can make yourself! Fill water balloons with playdough or something similar and tie at the top to keep them closed. As the balloon stays sealed, the moldable inside will continue to be soft. It's fun for everyone, not just easily distracted kids. Make one for yourself too!
Soap Suds
If your kid loves science, you'll be the coolest parent in the world for showing them this neat trick. Simply microwave a bar of regular ivory soap for a few seconds. After a while, it will begin to bubble and expand into a strange blob shape. The finished product should look like the one in this photo, but after it cools, it will return to dust and crumble in your hands.
Shirt Designer
You can make your child a handmade, custom printed t-shirts with only a few simple additions. Buy some sandpaper, crayons, and cheap tees. Using the crayon, have your children color on the tough side of the sandpaper. Place the drawing design side down on a tee. Iron the back, peel it off, and the drawing will be on their clothing! Now that's a design done right.
Balloon Rockets
Balloon rockets are one of the most creative ways to have fun on a budget. The plan is simple. Blow up a balloon and tape a straw to the top. String some yarn in the straw and tie it taut to two different chairs so that it crosses the room. Your child will enjoy blowing the light balloon from one side of the room to another. For added fun, try adding in a hairdryer.
Clean Toys
Sick of dirty toys? Well, say goodbye to the germs living in your child's playpen. Did you know most of your child's toys are dishwasher safe? Simply load up the drawers with drool soaked games and wait for the timer to be up. Once it is, you and your child will be safe from all those gross diseases. They won't even notice the absence, but you certainly will!
Easy Play Pen
Can't justify shelling out loads of cash for a playpen that your little one will grow out of in a few years? Well, how about a gift that keeps on giving? An inflatable pool works great to keep your child in one safe space. Even better? Once they get old enough, you can use it as a backyard playtime. Fill it with toys and inflatable balls to make sure it stays safe and fun.
Tap Shoes
Do you have a child who loves to dance? Stimulate their creativity with this easy (and less than a dollar!) crafting hack. Glue pennies to the bottom of their shoes so that they can enjoy the glories of tap dance without shelling out the major dough. You might get a headache from all the incessant tapping, but the smile on their faces will make the whole experience worth it.
Baby Mop
Babies are only crawling for a short period of time, so you only have a few months to utilize this clever trick. You can purchase a baby mop onesie online that will turn your crazy crawler into a helpful household member. They might get pretty dirty in the process, but your house will never be cleaner. Watch out though, once they start walking, the chores stop!
Bubble Blower
Does your child like blowing bubbles? Well, how would they like blowing the biggest bubbles in the neighborhood? You can make some giant bubble wands with just long string, two sticks, and a whole lot of patience. Create a triangle shape between the two sticks and dip in some bubble solution. Run with the sticks and watch the giant bubbles fly away!
Creepy Cobwebs
If Halloween is around the corner, you might be in dire need of some decorations. Get your kids involved by crafting some easy cobwebs. You can put up some normal painters tape and then add on some paper spiders or captured insects. Your kids will enjoy making the craft, and you'll enjoy the ease of your bank account. Happy Halloween to all of us!
Play Ball
You need to keep it simple with kids, and nothing is simpler than a paddle made out of popsicle sticks and paper plates. Make these easy toys and then blow up a balloon. Your kids will have a blast playing this wonky version of tennis (or maybe ping pongs?). Just don't let the balloon touch the floor, and get ready to play tiebreaker when things get heated.
Hopping Hopscotch
When you're trapped inside on a rainy day, it can be a nightmare trying to think of a way to entertain your kids. One easy way to make the magic happen indoors is to create a hopscotch game on tile floors! Just use some colorful tape to mark the numbers and see who can get the farthest the fastest. It will keep your heart rate up and keep your kids happy!
Racetrack
Another great way to spend time inside it to create your own racetrack around your room, or even an entire house! Use some masking tape or painters tape to line the floor with the roads. Then gather all the toy cars you need for the most epic race around the room ever. Your little one will be so grateful that they get to live out their Fast and the Furious dreams!
Glitter Cleaning
Anyone who has ever used glitter can attest to the fact that once you open the bottle, your space will never be glitter-free again. One way to track a lot of those specs of sparkle is to use a lint roller. If it's used for picking up hidden pieces of lint, it will also work for finding hidden pieces of glitter. You don't have to fear craft time anymore with this nifty life hack.
Noise Duller
We've all been there. After a long day, you want to come home a relax to some peace and quiet. Unfortunately, your kid has a toy with a voicebox, terrible! You can make your evenings a little more pleasant by placing a piece of tape over the speaker. Your child will still be able to hear the noise coming out, but it won't be as loud and jarring to your ears. Easy listening...
Beach Bums
Got a problem with sticky sand at the beach? A secret way to keep clean is something you might not expect...a fitted sheet! Use an old fitted sheet and place tall weights, like bags and coolers, in the four corners. Bring along some toys from home and place your toddler inside. They won't get sand everywhere and won't cry from the discomfort, but you can all enjoy the ocean weather.
Bathtime Blues
If your little one hates bathtime, it might be because they keep getting water in their eyes. This handy creation allows you to wash them without the worry of getting water in their face. It acts like a hat or an umbrella, giving you space to get them clean with ease. Though this little kiddo's face says they're annoyed, at least they're not shrieking or crying. It sounds like a win!
Car Seat Safety
We all know the importance of seatbelt safety, but what about kids who aren't old enough to do it themselves? In case of an emergency, duct tape some vital information on the back of their car seat. Anything that a first responder might need to know should be included, like their names, medications, birthdays, important contacts, and more. It will streamline the process in life-saving ways.
Sandbox Tent
If you've got a backyard fit for backyard fun, you might want to include a sandbox tent. Pitch a tent-like you would for camping, but fill it with sand, toys, buckets, and rakes to mimic all the fun of playing in the sand. Even better, your child will be protected from the sun when they're inside the tent. Even enjoy the fun spread at night by grabbing a flashlight...
Charger Changer
Parenting younger kids is easy. Parenting teenagers is a whole different ballgame. Once they get old enough to enjoy electronics like handheld games and cellphones, those become their whole world. Instead of plotting to take the fun games and phones away, just hide their chargers. They'll panic as they begin to watch it die out, and will only use it for necessities.
Lego Lifts
Stepping on toy bricks can be very painful, but they're so tiny? How do you pick them all up? Well, one crafty creative had this idea: wrap your hand in duct tape? They'll be able to pick up all the super tiny pieces quickly and easily. This also works for beads, messy cooking, and even glitter explosions. Cleaning has never been so easy!
Sprinkles Everywhere
Do you have a picky eater on your hands? Who doesn't! One way that a lot of parents trick their kids into eating healthy is to put sprinkles on everything. They add a fun and colorful flair onto the meal and can distract or trick your kids into taking that first bite. Once they finally dig in, they'll realize that broccoli isn't too bad after all! Easy and sweet every time.
Bathtub Box
If you have a little kid who can't bathe on their own yet, an easy way to prop them up in the tub is to use a laundry basket. Fill it with toys and bubbles while you wash their head. It's kind of like putting a mini bathtub inside your bathtub. It might sound crazy, but it certainly works well. Their rubber ducky will really be experiencing a five-star treatment!
Cookie Crafts
If you enjoy baking with your kids, you probably don't enjoy the clean-up that it causes. You can cut down on the mess by using old, empty condiment bottles to squirt out icing. It will make it easier to control for their tiny hands. Even better, this is a hack you can use yourself too! Everyone can find a use for this creative hack, and it will likely taste delicious!
Cold Hands
Gloves might be able to keep you warm in the winter, but with a little creativity, you can really have some fun. When going out in the snow, cover your gloves with a disposable plastic version. The knit ones typically become cold and clammy after being exposed to snow, but by covering them in plastic, they will never get gross and soggy. Keep those hands warm!