Parenting is the hardest jobs there is. Unlike other jobs, parenting is 24/7 commitment that lasts the rest of your life. But even though parenting is difficult, there are still plenty of ways to make it just a bit easier. Below are 15 clever hacks that make parenting easier, all using objects that you either already own or that you can buy for cheap. And they aren’t just time savers–they’re also fun for you and your kid! (via Bored Panda)

 

1. How to distract your child on an airplane.

Photo Credit: teachermama1138

2. Never worry about finding a public bathroom again.

Photo Credit: A Haven of Chaos

From A Haven of Chaos: “Keep a cheap potty chair in your car along with a few diapers. If your child needs to go to the bathroom, and there isn’t one, open a diaper and put in the bottom of the potty chair. When he is done, wrap up the diaper and done. No mess.”

3. Toys getting filthy? Don’t waste time hand washing them.

Photo Credit: raddest mommy

4. How to stop your kiddo from running through the parking lot.

Photo Credit: raleighmomscare

From raleighmomscare: “Every morning, as I unload my crew at preschool, I typically have a two year old, a baby in a carrier, 4 bags, 2 lunch boxes, a water bottle and possibly a shoe or two. Although we tell our daughter to not run into parking lots, it doesn’t mean she’s going to listen! So I bought this car magnet from @parkingpalmagnet and it has been a miracle worker. She loves keeping her hand on the bright colors while waiting for mom and will try so hard to match her fingers to the magnet’s! I found it on @amazon for $8 and worth every penny!”

5. Put this on your car seat in case of emergency.

Photo Credit: mommyhacksofficial

From mommyhacksofficial: “Write out child’s name, DOB, parents names, DOB, emergency contacts, any medical conditions, any meds your child is on and even child’s doctor, then stick it to the child’s car seat. In the event of an accident and the parents are unconscious, this information will be extremely helpful to EMS.”

6. Hate when your stroller brings dirt in the house? Try a couple shower caps.

Photo Credit: Bored Panda

7. How to have bath time if you don’t have a bath tub.

Photo Credit: fjordliebe

From fjordliebe: “It’s also handy when travelling. The best part is that the little ones can splash all they want and the floor stays dry.”

8. Got twins? Here’s an easy way to tell them apart. (At least while they’re babies.)

Photo Credit: Bored Panda

9. Does your kid treat their walker like a demolition derby? Try a pool noodle.

Photo Credit: Reddit

From rosswellc: “Use pool noodles as bumpers to save your walls and ankles.”

10. How to keep a curious toddler away from a hot grill.

Photo Credit: ladbabyofficial

11. Keep Legos organized by color with a shoe organizer.

Photo Credit: Family Maven

12. Why bother with a high chair when all you need is an undershirt.

Photo Credit: Reddit

13. Make snow forts or igloos with Tupperware.

Photo Credit: michelle_ssb1

14. Can’t make it to the playground? Try a DIY sandbox.

Photo Credit: The Goonberry Tales

15. Finally, this one might be a joke, but if you can pull it off, you get in the Parenting Hall of Fame.

Photo Credit: @anniemccarren

 

 

h/t: Bored Panda