Parenting is teeming with rewards, but the endless cooking, cleaning and battles about everything from wearing a coat to getting a phone can also make it feel like a bit of a slog — so any and all hacks are welcome.
“Parenting hacks are those little genius tricks that make your day run smoother,” explains Kelleigh Beckett, a mom of six, founder of Imperfect Homemaking and who holds a certification from the International Institute of Home Management. “Whether it’s getting the household chores in order, keeping your kids on track with their routines or just finding creative ways to keep them entertained, hacks make things easier, cut down on stress and make the parenting journey more enjoyable.”
From pro tips on easy dinners to how to stop a meltdown, here are 26 parenting hacks to keep in your back pocket. And psst, most of these can come in handy for grandparents, babysitters and nannies too.
Organization and routine parent hacks
Whether you’re looking for ways to get the kids more involved in chores or just need a little more organization in your life, consider these hacks.
1. Weekly family meetings
Mary Ragazzo, a mom of two in Cranford, New Jersey, holds family meetings once a week. “My husband, kids and I sit down on Sunday mornings to review weekly expectations, responsibilities and plans,” she says. “It helps everyone get on the same page at the start of the week.
2. Routine charts
Beckett loves visual routine charts for kids. “They’re a game changer!” she says. “They help little ones understand and follow their daily activities without needing constant reminders. Plus, it fosters independence and means you don’t have to keep an eye on every single step they take.”
Where to buy: Visual routine chart ($13+, Koko Rose Designss/Etsy)
3. Command center
Another organization hack from Beckett? A command center. “Set up a family command center in a central spot in your home,” she says. “With a calendar, chore charts and important reminders, everyone will stay organized and on top of daily and weekly activities.” Note: This could be a small section of the kitchen or mudroom; you don’t need a whole room!
4. Always prep the night before
It’s a tried-and-true parenting hack because it works. “When you prep clothes, backpacks and lunches the night before, you’re getting ahead of the morning rush,” notes Beckett. “It makes getting out the door much smoother and stress-free.”
5. Involve little kids in chores
“Instead of trying to distract my kids while I’m trying to get chores done and cook, I try to involve them,” says Krista Desiderio, a mom of two from Cranford, New Jersey. “It may not get done as efficiently or the way I like it, but we’re spending time together and they’re learning life skills — plus, distraction rarely works!”
6. Create packing lists for kids
Ragazzo’s children are on the older side — 12 and 10 — so instead of packing for them when they travel, she has them do it on their own. However! She’s created packing lists they always consult, so nothing important gets left behind (and nothing extra gets packed).
Health and wellness parenting hacks
The five most common words a parent regularly hears may very well be “can I have a snack?” Check out these tips for making mealtimes and more easier.
7. Batch cook
It’s a timeless hack for a reason — it genuinely saves time and stress on the backend. “Save yourself some time by preparing meals in bulk and freezing them,” says Beckett. “This way, you’ll always have healthy, home-cooked meals ready to go, even on the busiest days.”
8. Keep grilled cheese hot at lunch
If you’ve ever packed your grilled-cheese-loving kiddo their favorite sandwich for lunch only to have them return it at the end of the day, behold this TikTok hack. (Bonus tip: Someone in the comments notes that a paper towel cuts out sogginess!)
9. Charcuterie dinners
Don’t know what to make the kids for dinner? (Or, better yet, don’t feel like making dinner?) Whip up a “charcuterie dinner,” per Reddit. Simply put a little of this, a little of that on a plate — or better yet, in a muffin tin — for what’s guaranteed to be a fun meal for kids and stress-free for you.
10. Chopsticks hack
Kids love using chopsticks, but not all are proficient. Instead of watching them struggle, try this super easy chopsticks hack from TikTok.
11. Snack station
It’s not a matter of if kids are going to look for snacks, but when. The simplest hack for this? A snack station, according to Beckett, that features healthy snacks that kids can easily grab themselves. “This promotes independence and means fewer snack prep requests throughout the day,” she adds.
12. Mini trampoline workouts
Want to get your kid moving, but they run (to their room) when you tell them to go play outside? Consider a mini trampoline! Little ones can either use for a trampoline-specific kids workout on YouTube, or they can freestyle bounce during their screen time.
Entertainment and developmental hacks
Keep these parenting hacks in the back of your mind the next time your kids say “I’m booooored.”
13. Rotate toys
You needn’t make a trip to Target every few weeks to keep kids engaged with toys — just switch them out. “Keep the kids engaged and beat boredom by rotating their toys every few weeks,” says Krista Dykes, founder of Secret Mom Hacks. “It’ll feel like they have new toys without you having to buy more. Win-win!”
14. Have “out to dinner” toys
Want to go out to dinner with the kids and have a civilized time (without giving them a screen)? Consider “new/newish” toys. Whether they’re colored pencils and pads they only see once in a while or fidget toys that always stay in your bag, dinner at a restaurant is the time to whip them out. Trust.
15. Create a boredom jar
Get ahead of boredom by creating a boredom jar kids can dip into when boredom strikes. Aren’t sure what to put in it? Check out “31 things to do when kids say ‘I’m bored’“
16. Have educational apps at the ready
If your kids enjoy screen time now and again (or, heck, everyday), be mindful about it by downloading educational apps before you hand over the tablet. “Make screen time productive by using educational apps and websites,” says Dykes. “There are so many apps out there that teach kids new skills in a fun and interactive way.”
17. DIY craft kits
When you’ve had a busy day and want the kids to do something open-ended and without your help, Dykes suggests having makeshift craft kids on hand. “Keep a box of craft supplies handy for quick and easy DIY projects,” she says. “This is a lifesaver on rainy days or when you need to keep the kids busy for a while.”
18. Minimize your Googling
Google is great for many things, but when it comes to fun, don’t get too reliant on it. “Let Google be your friend, but not your bestie,” Dykes says. “The world is at our fingertips when it comes to kid-friendly recipes and activities and craft ideas for children; and while it’s helpful and great in a number of ways, don’t rely on it for everything. I want my daughter to see me as resourceful, not tech-dependent.”
Social-emotional hacks
From self-regulation to tips to advice on changing perspective, check out these social-emotional parenting hacks.
19. Keep it in the car
“If you feel like you are having trouble getting your tween or teen to talk to you, try having conversations in the car while you are driving,” suggests Jeanne Sager, a mom of one in Callicoon, New York. “Not having to make eye contact or even have the other person look at you can do wonders in terms of making kids feel at ease. It can help them to open up.”
20. Focus on fun
Yes, parenting is stressful, but it’s also fun — try giving the latter more of your attention. “You don’t have to look far to find something to complain about or be disappointed with, so I make it a priority to find the fun in things,” notes Dykes. “Even when we’re doing chores or mundane household tasks, I think: How can we make it fun?”
21. The Popsicle Trick
Have you heard of THE Popsicle Trick? Parents swear it helps overwhelmed kids (and adults) calm down by getting them to focus on their senses. Simply have them eat a Popsicle (or even drink ice water) in the shower, and their attention will shift from their mind to their body.
22. Give a deep pressure hug
You’ve likely heard that offering a hug when your child is dysregulated can help them settle down, but more specifically, research has shown that a “deep pressure hug,” with one hand on their back and the other on the back of their head, can activate their vagus nerve, which in turn, will rev up their parasympathetic nervous system (which helps them calm down!).
Other parenting hacks
23. Don’t parent alone
Perhaps the most important parenting hack of all? Find your mom/dad community and get involved. “There are hundreds, if not thousands, of groups across the U.S. that support all stages of #parentlife,” notes Dykes. “Whether you’re expecting, breastfeeding, homeschooling, sending a teenager off to college or somewhere in-between, building community and doing life with other parents can be a tremendous asset.”
24. Road trip hacks
This TikTok video is rife with parenting hacks for road trips with kids. From the DIY iPad setup to the chocolate milk holder, pick and choose which ones you want to use.
25. Assign kids a day
If you have multiple kids who fight over things like who sits where in the car, this hack may save you some headaches. Mom of four Kellie Henry assigns each of her kids a day to get preferential treatment — i.e. they can choose where they sit in the car, etc. However, they also have extra chores that day, too. Good idea!
26. Ice cream truck hack
Don’t want your kid begging for ice cream every time the ice cream truck comes around? Try this trick from Amy C., a mom of two in Cranford, New Jersey: “Before my son could read, we told him the ice cream truck only plays music when they’re out of ice cream.” Boom. Tantrum averted.
The bottom line
Parenting is tough, but with parenting hacks, it can feel a little more manageable. “Parenting is the most difficult, yet happiest and rewarding, thing many of us will ever do,” notes Dykes. “Raising a child is the job you’ll never fully be prepared for and it’s arguably the most important role you’ll ever have — and parenting hacks can make everything a bit easier.”
