Clearly there are some things in life that are just learned as you go. Although it is one of the most important aspects of life, parenting involves the most on-the-job training. The following tips offer a few suggestions from a mom who has been there and done that to help make your life with kids easier.
5 Parenting Tips
Just put a liner on it
No matter where you are put a waterproof pad under your child. This tip seems so basic, so completely unnecessary, but it will save you not only clean-up time, it can save you from embarrassment. Stock up on waterproof pads and then use them. Car seats, cribs, neighbors laps and couches wherever your child is there is the potential of a spill or an accident so use generously.
Have food, will travel
Do not leave home without snacks. I know that sounds ridiculous especially if you are simply running out for a few minutes and everyone just had lunch, but trust me, just bring the snacks. Tiny Rubbermaid containers are easy to slip in your purse or diaper bag along with a water bottle and go a long way to cure crankiness. Keep the snacks very simple, boring even, to prevent dependence. A truly hungry child will eat a handful of toasty O cereal or a few cut up grapes without question.
Toy box tricks of the trade
Do not be fooled, a large toy box is not handy. Pre-sort your child's toys and stash the rest out of sight. This prevents a toy explosion. Keep the cars in one small box, blocks in another, and all the dolls in yet another container. A novelty toy box is a great distraction and gives purpose to those cheap toys that seem to accumulate throughout childhood.
Soothe the savage beast
The song " California" by Phantom Planet had a hypnotic effect on my daughter. It was the theme song to the show "O.C." and even prompted this shy little girl to sing along. For this reason I bought the soundtrack to the O.C. and played it whenever she started fussing in the car. Maybe your child is soothed by Beethoven or Kids Bop 5, whatever it is keep it in your back pocket so to speak (or literally on your iPod in your back pocket!).
Variety is over-rated
If your child likes the blue sippy cup, don't even suggest Sesame Street. Instead make sure you have all blue sippy cups. Most kids really do not want variety. Let them cling to the same style for months without making any suggestions. Sure your intentions are to expand their world, but at what expense? The emotionally and financially frugal choice is to let them stick to their favorite even if they wear the same style of t-shirt for months on end. It is okay.
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