We asked WLAPOM members to bring their best parenting hacks to the April Parents Chat N’ Sip. Amongst a lot of laughter, these were the insights they shared:
Snack Hacks:
Save time and effort with: freeze-dried blueberries, sweet potato fries, roasted cauliflower, avocado toast, banana popsicles, tortillas and hummus, steamed pear, turkey meatballs, cheese slices, cauliflower mash, Bamba (peanut puffs).
Remember that kids can fill up on snacks! If they’re not interested at mealtimes; they might simply not be hungry.
Don’t worry about:
Using reigns whilst travelling or being in public, if it makes you feel better.
Using your own playard at the park, if it makes life easier.
Only serving cold food (all the time!). It’s WAY easier.
Bathing the kids only every few days (or even once a week).
Your kids being malnourished if they miss a meal. They won’t be.
Screen time. Use your own best judgement and don’t worry about it.
Don’t forget to:
Make use of local enclosed parks.
Make use of getting a temporary parking placard for temporary disabilities from the DMV for your multiples pregnancy. You just need a doctors note - and it costs $6.
Make use of schedules, and keep your boundaries, to avoid being overwhelmed.
Try these food related ideas:
Join online groups that share easy meal ideas; e.g. Trader Joes has one.
Don’t give up on certain foods because they’re not interested in them. A little persistence will eventually pay off (and they may end up liking it!).
Use meal prep containers and pre-portion freezer/fridge meals to save time.
When transitioning away from warm milk, slowly reduce the temperature until you’re finally at fridge temp; then no more bottle warming needed.
Try these easy recipes:
Pre-chopped frozen veggies/peas are super easy to prep.
Try these products:
Disposable puppy pee pads to protect your changing mat in the early months.
Easy to clean floor mats for the awfulness under their highchairs at mealtimes.
Inflatable tub: saves time and water.
The Ikea highchair is basic, but is easier to clean than more complicated chairs.
Formula presses are great! There are fancy ones, and basic ones.
Bath fizzies can make everyone excited about getting in the bath (if the dye makes you nervous, just drain it away after a few mins).
Try these tricks:
Do bath time on alternate nights, so you don’t have to do double bathing each night.
When sitting upright in the bath for the first time; try your laundry basket for support.
If your partner can help, try washing your babies whilst you’re showing yourself. A partner can hand the babies in/out and cover the drying, while you do the washing.
Keep a cupboard of their ‘art’ with the last week of work stored visibly on top (anything older they usually forget about). You can then quietly keep, or trash, the older work.
If you and your partner need a break, discuss taking turns going away for the weekend, or even for just a few hours (i.e. to get some alone time).
Keep toys in sight when using them as part of discipline. e.g. Up on a high shelf, so you can remind your child why it’s up there (e.g. “because you hit your sister”).
Take crayons/notebooks to restaurants, and order ahead to avoid waiting at the table.
Use a countdown to get your kids to hurry up. E.g. “Let’s do that in ten seconds!”
Let them play independently (i.e. don’t always play with them).
Avoid interrupting their playtime - as they are practicing paying attention. Wait for them to come to you instead.
References/Recommends:
Follow: Joan Friedman.
Read: Nurture Shock.
Look into: The RIE method.
Listen: Janet Lansbury.
Can you think of more? Please post them to the comments section below!
