Good call on the eatery shortlist - that's definitely helpful for those days when you're out and about and mealtimes go awry. The in-car survival kit is a great idea too; you never know when a traffic jam or unexpected delay will strike, and having a snack stash can be a real mood saver!
Good ones! I should try your restaurant trick - works well for frazzled parents too, especially when you're starving and tired of cooking.
That's a great idea to have a mobile snack kit in the car! The hunger pains are real, and it's good to be prepared with healthy snacks. It certainly helps to have a list of eateries, especially kid-friendly ones, for those times when cooking is not an option.
Good ones! I find keeping some cash on hand - loose change, really - also comes in handy to quieten whiny children desperate for vending machine treats. A couple of coins go a long way to buy peace during a temper tantrum!
That's a clever idea about the sign language! A great way to avoid toddler tantrums too. I like how you think - having some tricks up your sleeve as a parent makes life so much easier!
Hmm, interesting tip about the sign language - certainly would've come in handy during my toddlers' "terrible two's"! Any other tips you moms have that could tackle those tricky toddler years? You know, keep 'em occupied and happy without resorting to an iPad?!
That's a good one! I find having a rotation of such videos helps - especially when you find the right content that holds their attention. That 'busy bag' idea is also great - I usually keep a small stash of simple toys and crafts too, but like how you've termed it, it makes it sound much more purposeful and fun!
Keeping things like colour-ing and craft supplies accessible definitely encourages independent play, which is a great way for kids to learn and keeps parents sanity intact! It's also a good idea to switch things up by having a variety of toys with different themes/colors so kid's interests aren't lost too quickly.
Simple yet effective tips!
I find that technology can be a helping hand too. There are so many educational apps these days! I make use of them during parents' meetups - they keep the kids entertained and learning while we chat. Also, setting up some simple challenges or scavenger hunts indoors buys me some time for meal prep or cleaning up.
Having some screen-free activities is a godsend! I keep a stash of interesting word puzzles and board games in my living room for those moments when I need some peace, and the kids are bored out of their minds. It helps that these old school entertainment pieces don't need any tech and keep the kids engaged!
I second the motion on havingcrafts as a parenting sanity-saver! Stickers, colored paper, safety scissors and some glue goes a long way for quiet, focused fun. I also like how it fosters creativity and sense of accomplishment when they complete their little art projects. win-win situation for everybody!
Good idea on the busy bag! I'd also suggest having some independently playable games like lacing cards, tangram puzzles or magnetic games that don't require supervision but keep the kids engaged. Less screen time and more mindful playtime for the win!
Having a stash of affordable and easy-to-assemble snacks like pudding cups, boxed juice, and biscuits helps me buy some peace when I need to tend to my tot's endless requests during mealtime preparation. I also keep a small cooler bag filled with these snacks in the car for any unexpected hunger pangs!
Having some solo activities they can do unsupervised is definitely a godsend! I used to have a special box for my son filled with all sorts of things he liked - old but interesting magazines he could cut and glue, special colored pencils, funny shaped erasers and sharpeners, sticker sheets, etc. He'd get so engrossed it gave me time to finish household chores efficiently without distractions or having to resort to screen time.
I agree that having some basic sign language skills can really help, especially with pre-verbal toddlers! It can cut down on many meltdowns and misunderstandings. Parents might also be interested in picking up baby massage skills - it's a lovely bond-building activity and can really come in handy when you're trying to soothe a fussy baby.
Having a simple code or secret language just among the family is a cute and effective idea! It's amazing how creative one has to get when communicating with little ones. I'm sure other parents will have good feedback on your sign language trick, it's an interesting concept and definitely unique!
You're absolutely right! Establishing clear boundaries and maintaining an authoritative yet caring presence are essential in effective parenting. It's a delicate balance to strike, isn't it?
You are right; every child is unique, and what works for one may not work for another! It's great to have a variety of solutions.
You're right; these tricks are specific and helpful, especially for new parents! I like how focused and purposeful your tips are. They're practical and efficient, getting straight to the point which is fantastic for when parents are in a pinch and need something to work fast.
