Being a parent can be tough and stressful. But with a bit of creativity, sometimes things can be done in a way that’s less work-intensive for the parent, and more fun for the child. We call these ‘parenting hacks’, and some of them can work brilliantly.
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#1. Keep your hands warm and the kids by your side at all times.
![](https://pulptastic.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/parent-hacks-6.jpg)
#2. This little guy hates getting water in his eyes. Good thing he’s wearing this water shield.
#3. Kids fighting? Here’s something to inspire them to get along.
#4. Who said the whole family can’t have fun playing games? (sshh, don’t tell them the controllers aren’t connected)
#5. The fun doesn’t have to stop for her when you take a break.
#6. Scare away big, bad monsters with this monster spray.
#7. Secretly identify your twins so you can tell them apart.
#8. Make a safe, indoor hammock with a table and woven baby wrap.
#9. Use a box fan to make your kid’s bed fort a dome of fun.
![](https://pulptastic.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/parent-hacks-15.jpg)
![](https://pulptastic.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/parent-hacks-16.jpg)
#10. If they won’t brush their teeth, they probably will with these little guys.
![](https://pulptastic.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/parent-hacks-18.jpg)
#11. Now you can be a warrior and keep your head warm too!
![](https://pulptastic.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/parent-hacks-20.jpg)
#12. Creating the perfect environment to start dreaming about space.
#13. Use a muffin cup to protect their hands from sticky drippings.
#14. Use spare socks to help warm the toilet seat for night-time trips.
#15. Inspire your family to remember to turn off the lights.
![](https://pulptastic.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/parent-hacks-25.jpg)
#16. Making a slide has never been cheaper, and they love it.
#17. Traumatise your kids into never thinking about wearing short shorts again.
#18. Get a baby stroller/scooter to make walks through the park a little more fun. Don’t go too fast!
![](https://pulptastic.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/parent-hacks-2.jpg)
#19. Let your baby help you with the housework. Now he can clean up after himself without even realising.
![](https://pulptastic.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/parent-hacks-4.jpg)
#20. Make those nasty veggies pretty and appealing to get little ones to eat their greens.
![](https://pulptastic.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/68255-650-1453206702-d7f67255845d031d3e192c94552dbb84.jpg)
#21. Cut a sticker in half and put each half in each shoes so they know which is left and right.
![](https://pulptastic.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/67555-650-1453206702-557.jpg)
#22. Draw around their feet so you can buy shoes without them.
![](https://pulptastic.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/67655-650-1453206702-40.jpg)
#23. Use soap dispensers to make mess-free water balloons.
![](https://pulptastic.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/68055-650-1453206702-za-djecu-02.jpg)
#24. For kids too scared of monsters to sleep, create an anti-monster spray to keep them safe.
![](https://pulptastic.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/68305-650-1453206702-DSCF0595.jpg)
#25. Use old DVD cases for pencil and paper storage.
![](https://pulptastic.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/68455-650-1453206702-14-1.jpg)
#26. Create a marker so little ones know how much toilet paper they need.
![](https://pulptastic.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/67405-650-1453206702-778781_559916620699954_675071257_o.jpg)
#27. Use cut-up bottles to make sinks more accessible.
![](https://pulptastic.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/67455-650-1453206702-b793f305dc.jpg)
#28. Stop toys floating away at bath time by bathing kids in a washing basket.
![](https://pulptastic.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/67855-650-1453206702-brincando-na-agua.jpg)
#29. Combine laziness and good parenting by using string to “push” kids on a swing.
![](https://pulptastic.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/68155-650-1453206702-know-haw_02e74f10e0327ad868d138f2b4fdd6f0.jpg)
#30. Create a fun hammock with a bedsheet or blanket tied round a table.
![](https://pulptastic.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/68405-650-1453206702-467a.jpg)
#31. Kids will never get locked in a room if you wrap an elastic band around doorhandles.
![](https://pulptastic.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/68605-650-1453206702-0313.jpg)
#32. Put a swirly straw in a sippy cup upside-down, so kids can’t yank it out and spill their drink.
![](https://pulptastic.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/56e5d5ab335d69d3c7125f90bcf4ce22_650x.jpeg)
#33. Make a bracelet with your phone number on, just in case they ever get lost.
![](https://pulptastic.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/231.jpg)
#34. Protect little ones from bugs and hot sun with a bedsheet over an outdoor playpen.
![](https://pulptastic.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/67605-650-1453206702-3743.jpg)
#35. Turn an old crib into a fun workspace for kids.
![](https://pulptastic.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/67905-650-1453206702-P828009321.jpg)
#36. Use a pool noodle wrapped on the door’s edge as a door stopper.
![](https://pulptastic.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/5433_650.jpg)
#37. Pool noodles are also a great way to stop kids falling out of bed.
![](https://pulptastic.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/67955-650-1453206702-pool-noodle.jpg)
#38. Nail shelves to a dresser to create handy storage for books and comics.
![](https://pulptastic.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/68005-500-1453206702-wohnideen-aufbewahrung-kinderzimmer-weier-schrank.jpg)
#39. Trick them into cleaning the house (sort of) by making it a fun game.
![](https://pulptastic.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/68555-500-1453206702-12427.jpg)
#40. And say goodbye to sticky lolly drips by using a plastic cup cover as a drip-catcher.
![](https://pulptastic.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/bc05980abddd45e2fd188fe9228a0814_650x.jpg)
Rising temperatures and rising tempers don’t make for a good combination. Thankfully, a little ingenuity will go a long way to take the edge off summer parenting.
#41. Behold, the secret to drip-free ice popsicles: GELATIN.
![](https://pulptastic.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/559c7c04bd045.jpg)
#42. Keep snacks organized with a bead container.
![](https://pulptastic.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/559c7c05299e7.jpg)
#43. Don’t throw out those containers of baby wipes. Use them to carry toys, craft supplies, and snacks, instead.
![](https://pulptastic.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/559c7c058c59d.jpg)
#44. Use Press ‘n Seal to make a spill-proof cup. Perfect for road trips!
![](https://pulptastic.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/559c7c05e65db.jpg)
#45. Glue magnets to drinking cups to keep hot and thirsty kids hydrated.
![](https://pulptastic.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/559c7c065c440.jpg)
#46. Turn a large sheet into a huge art canvas.
![](https://pulptastic.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/559c7fa245625.jpg)
#47. Soothe itchy mosquito bites with apple cider vinegar or lemon juice.
![](https://pulptastic.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/559c7fa4147fd.jpg)
#48. Create your own magnetic travel games using old candy tins.
![](https://pulptastic.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/559c7fa459a2d.jpg)
#49. Serve condiments in muffin tins.
![](https://pulptastic.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/559c7fa506a36.jpg)
#50. Label popsicle sticks with activities for inspiration when boredom strikes.
![](https://pulptastic.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/559c7fa562a2f.jpg)
#51. Create a giant game board right on your deck.
![](https://pulptastic.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/559c849e20934.jpg)
#52. Use cupcake liners to keep popsicle drips in check.
![](https://pulptastic.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/559c849e60c29.jpg)
#53. Traveling? Use ziplock bags to organize your kids’ clothing by day.
![](https://pulptastic.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/559c849e99cf0.jpg)
#54. Make your own bubble station for easy refills.
![](https://pulptastic.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/559c849ed6572.jpg)
#55. Another use for cupcake liners? Keeping juice bug-free.
![](https://pulptastic.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/559c849f15ec8.jpg)
#56. Freeze aloe vera in ice-cube trays for a more convenient way to soothe sunburn.
![](https://pulptastic.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/559c87231399f.jpg)
#57. Create an old-fashioned sundial to give kids a fun way to tell time.
![](https://pulptastic.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/559c872358adf.jpg)
#58. Keep fruits that bruise easily in egg cartons.
![](https://pulptastic.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/559c8723a4b0d.jpg)
#59. Make your own track for fun soap-boat races.
![](https://pulptastic.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/559c8723dfe27.jpg)
#60. Make your own drying rack with PVC pipes and keep it by the poolside.
![](https://pulptastic.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/559c87243175a.jpg)
#61. Get kids to prepare their own cereal breakfast by making your own cereal breakfast station.
![](https://pulptastic.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/559c89cf34f12.jpg)
#62. Say goodbye to sandy blankets by using fitted sheets. Genius!
![](https://pulptastic.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/559c89cf9c608.jpg)
#63. Keep off the damp grass while stargazing by putting blankets inside a blown-up pool.
![](https://pulptastic.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/559c89cfef0f7.jpg)
#64. Remove damp sand from hands and feet with baby powder.
![](https://pulptastic.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/559c89d04fa08.jpg)
#65. Wash toys and shoes in the dishwasher.
![](https://pulptastic.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/559c8e07bf736.jpg)
#66. Keep your trunk organized by storing summer essentials in shoe sorters.
![](https://pulptastic.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/559c8b4312459.jpg)
#67. Use this recipe to create giant bubbles.
![](https://pulptastic.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/559c8b4374214.jpg)
#68. The best way to keep your valuables safe at the beach (or any public area).
![](https://pulptastic.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/559c8b44299de.jpg)
#69. Fill a cooler or bucket with frozen balloons to keep drinks cold.
![](https://pulptastic.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/559c8b46be199.jpg)
#70. Keep pesky mosquitoes at bay by making your own bug-repellent bracelets.
![](https://pulptastic.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/559c8bbb07cd9.jpg)