Parenting is a joy, but let’s face it – it comes with its fair share of headaches. Some days can feel like a never-ending obstacle course, from picky eaters to bedtime battles. Every parent has those moments when they wish they had a magic wand to solve their daily dilemmas.
These 15 tricks and tips are easy to try and could make a big difference in your day-to-day life with kids.
Picky Eater Fix
Turn mealtime battles into fun with food art. Use cookie cutters to shape sandwiches or arrange fruits and veggies into smiley faces. Let kids help prepare meals to get them excited about eating. Try the “one bite” rule – they only have to try one bite of new foods. Praise them for being brave when they do try something new.
Bedtime Routine Trick
Create a visual bedtime chart with pictures of each step (bath, pajamas, teeth brushing, story time). Let your child check off each task as they complete it. This gives them a sense of control and makes bedtime feel like a game. Stick to the same routine every night to build good sleep habits.
Toy Clutter Solution
Use clear, labeled bins to organize toys by type. Teach kids to put toys back in their “homes” after playtime. Make cleanup a race against a timer to add excitement. Rotate toys every few weeks, storing some away and bringing others out to keep playtime fresh and reduce clutter.
Sibling Rivalry Diffuser
Set up a “peace corner” with comfy pillows and calming activities like coloring books. Teach kids to use “I feel” statements to express their emotions. Praise cooperation and kind acts between siblings. Use a timer for fair turns with toys or activities to prevent arguments.
Screen Time Manager
Create a “tech ticket” system. Kids earn tickets for good behavior or chores, which they can trade for screen time. Set clear rules about when and where devices can be used. Use parental controls to set time limits on devices. Offer fun, screen-free alternatives like board games or outdoor activities.
Homework Helper
Set up a dedicated homework station with all necessary supplies. Break big tasks into smaller, manageable chunks. Use a timer for focused work sessions with short breaks in between. Offer praise for effort, not just results. Make it a family routine by doing your own “homework” (bills, reading) alongside them.
Morning Rush Smoother
Prep as much as possible the night before – lay out clothes, pack lunches, and set backpacks by the door. Use a visual morning routine chart similar to the one for bedtime. Have a special breakfast treat on rushed days, like a smoothie they can drink in the car. Set clocks 10 minutes fast to build in extra time.
Tantrum Tamer
Create a “calm down kit” with items like stress balls, glitter jars, or coloring books. Teach deep breathing exercises using a pinwheel or bubbles. Use a “feelings thermometer” to help kids express their emotions. Acknowledge their feelings before trying to solve the problem. Stay calm yourself – your mood is contagious.
Chore Chart Upgrade
Use a magnetic or velcro board with movable task cards. Let kids choose some of their chores each week for a sense of control. Offer rewards for completed charts, like a special outing or extra privileges. Make chores fun by turning them into games or challenges. Work alongside your kids to make chore time bonding time.
Car Ride Entertainer
Create a “car kit” with travel-friendly activities like magnetic games, audiobooks, or window clings. Play classic road trip games like “I Spy” or the license plate game. Use shower caddies as lap desks for coloring or snacking. Keep a special toy or book that only comes out during car rides to make them exciting.
Bathroom Battles Buster
Make a sticker chart for potty training success. Use fun toilet targets for boys learning to aim. Keep a basket of books or small toys near the toilet to encourage sitting. Use a timer for older kids who dawdle in the bathroom. Celebrate bathroom independence with a special “big kid” reward.
Healthy Eating Encourager
Plant a small vegetable garden together and let kids harvest their own produce. Have kids help create a weekly meal plan, giving them some choice. Use cookie cutters to make fruits and veggies into fun shapes. Create a “taste test challenge” for trying new foods. Teach kids to read food labels and make healthy choices at the grocery store.
Sharing Skills Builder
Use a sand timer to take turns with their favorite toys. Teach the concept of sharing through books or role-play with stuffed animals. Praise sharing behaviors when you see them. Create opportunities for cooperative play, like puzzles or building blocks. Explain how sharing can make playing more fun for everyone.
Mud Room Magic
Create a special “dirty zone” near your home’s entrance. Put a big mat, hooks for dirty clothes, and a basket for muddy shoes here. Teach kids to stop in this area before entering the house. Keep wipes, towels, and a spray bottle handy for quick clean-ups. Make it fun by adding a mirror where kids can see how messy they got.
Bedwetting Solution
Use waterproof mattress covers for easy cleanup. Limit fluids before bedtime but ensure proper hydration during the day. Wake your child for a “dream pee” before bed. Celebrate dry nights with a sticker chart or a small reward. Stay positive and reassure your child that bedwetting is common and they’ll outgrow it.
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