If you’re a parent, then you’re extremely familiar with getting creative. Kids are a ton of work, and more often than not, we need to think way outside the box. Here are 18 genius hacks that only a creative parent could think up!
1. Tub Transition
When your kid is in the transition phase between a baby tub and the big tub, put them in a laundry basket! The water will still come through the holes, but the child will be somewhat contained (you still have to supervise them, though!).
2. Painting Activity
Want to keep your kids busy? Fill a bucket with water, give them a paintbrush, and have them “paint” the fence in the yard!
3. Backseat Peace
Sick of your kids fighting in their car seats? This genius dad put partitions between them. No more fighting!
4. Baby Pool Shower
Living somewhere with no bathtub and have a small child? Put a baby pool in the base of the shower for an instant baby tub!
5. Newborn Photo Shoot Hack
Newborn photo shoots can be pretty tricky. To keep a sleeping baby happy during the photos, have either you or your partner act as the surface for the photo shoot!
6. Sleeping Trick
Some small babies will only go to sleep when they’re being soothed by a parent. To stimulate having your hand on their stomach or back, fill a glove with sand (just ensure it’s not too heavy) and use it to comfort the baby.
7. DIY Igloo
Want to entertain your kids on a snowy day? Use a plastic container to make the blocks for an igloo!
8. Playpen Protection
Want to spend some time outside but need to be near your toddler? If your playpen has mesh sides, cover the top with a fitted sheet. That way, you can protect them from bugs and sun.
9. Sparkler Protection
To protect a child from the heat of a sparkler, use a plastic cup as a shield.
10. Fitted Sheet Hack
Use beach bags, coolers, etc. to hold up the four corners of a fitted sheet. You’ll have a safe, sand-free spot for your toddler or baby to hang out in!
11. Activity Sticks
When your kids complain of boredom, get them to choose an activity stick. Each stick will have an idea for a craft, game, etc. written on it.
12. Sick Day Hack
When your child is sick, use an elastic band to fasten a full Kleenex box to an empty one. When your child uses a tissue, they can then put it in the empty box.
13. Cardboard Box Hack
To deter your child from drawing all over your floors or walls, give them a cardboard box to decorate instead.
14. Makeshift Hammock
Use a bed sheet attached to a low table to make a safe, child-friendly “hammock.”
15. Wifi Privileges
Sick of your kids not picking up after themselves or helping with chores? Change the wifi password and list tasks that your children need to complete in order to receive that day’s wifi password.
16. Get Along Shirt
When your kids won’t stop fighting, stick them in a “get along” shirt until they decide to make up.
17. Protective Bracelet
If you’re going to be out in a busy place, have your child wear a bracelet with your phone number on it in the event they ever get separated from you.
18. Sweeping Hack
To teach your child to sweep, tape out a square on the floor so that they have an area to sweep everything into.
