All parents, whether they’d care to admit it or not, can always use a helping hand. That’s why awesomely helpful mommies like Asha Dornfest are–well, a godsend. She founded the website Parent Hacks that’s aimed towards helping moms and dads everywhere learn and share simple tips and tricks that can make life just the slightest bit easier.
She’s even penned a couple books based around simple, easy to implement parenting hacks. In fact, her newest publication, Parent Hacks: 134 Genius Shortcuts for Life with Kids, is sure to leave you saying, “Why didn’t I think of that?”
As mentioned, all parents can use a couple tips and tricks here or there. But, if there’s any group of parents who could use a helping hand…it’s toddler parents. Whether you’re a new parent, or an experienced mother of many, raising toddlers never gets any easier. That’s why we’re going to focus on some of Dornfest’s top 10 parenting hacks for making toddler care easy!
Let’s take a look at her top 10 tips and tricks for toddler parents straight out of the pages of her newest book:
1. Rolling out of bed
“Place a rolled-up towel or a pool noodle under the fitted sheet on the edge of the bed to keep your little one from rolling out.”
2. Screen Time
“Limit TV time by starting shows in the middle. Most toddlers aren’t really into the plotlines anyway!”
3. Mealtime
“Active toddlers need more mealtime coverage than a small bib provides. Slip a large T-shirt over your kid’s clothes as a washable smock. Peel it off when the meal’s over and wash it as usual, or if you’re on the go, seal it in a Ziploc bag to wash later.”
4. On the go
“When your tot begs to be carried short distances despite being capable of walking, try this game recommended by Parent Hacks reader Cyd: have her pretend to push you up the street. She’ll have so much fun she won’t mind walking.”
Check out more simple parenting hacks right out of the pages of Dornfest’s newest book! Visit the next page for more!
5. Dining out
“Keep your toddler entertained in the coffee shop by turning cardboard cup sleeves into ‘superhero arm cuffs’ or ‘spy goggles.'”
6. Chores
“Give your toddler a damp microfiber cloth and let him dust and wipe down surfaces. ‘Chore practice’ may not get things perfectly clean, but it makes him feel involved in household jobs and sets him up for more responsibilities as he grows.”
7. Potty Training
“Toilet paper rolls can be hard for toddlers to handle. Follow Parent Hacks reader Monique’s advice and keep a box of pop-up tissues near the potty so toddlers can grab one piece at a time.”
8. Shopping
“To minimize his kid’s repeated requests to buy a toy while shopping, Parent Hacks reader Darryl suggested they instead take a picture of it and ’email it to Santa.’ His daughter was happy; the items stayed on the shelves; and Darryl now has a phone full of future gift ideas.”
9. Toy maintenance
“If your toddler’s play has left her doll’s hair looking frizzy and messy, simply wet it, work in a small amount of regular hair conditioner, gently comb through it to detangle, rinse, and let it air dry.”
10. Organizing
“Keep toy cars and small stuffed animals visible but tidy by storing them in the clear pockets of a hanging shoe organizer on the back of your child’s bedroom door.”
Excerpted from Parent Hacks®:134 Genius Shortcuts for Life with Kids by Asha Dornfest (Workman Publishing). Copyright © 2016. Illustrations © Craighton Berman.
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