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Invest in family memberships -

Consider investing in family memberships to places like zoos or museums, for rainy days and family outings.

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Car sick bag -

Line a plastic container with a plastic bag to create a portable car sick bag for road trips.

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Stain removal spray -

Keep a DIY stain removal spray (equal parts water, hydrogen peroxide, and dish soap) handy for quick stain treatment.

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Toothbrush timer -

Use a two-minute sand timer or just a digital timer to ensure kids brush their teeth in the recommended time.

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Shower cap as shoe cover -

Use a shower cap to cover dirty shoes when packing them in a suitcase.

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Double diaper at night -

Use two diapers for babies at night to prevent leaks. Avoid having to wash bed sheets every day this way!

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DIY toy hammock -

Hang a mesh bag in the corner of a room to store stuffed animals and toys. Adorable!

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Dance parties -

Use impromptu dance parties to boost moods and energy levels, turning even the gloomiest days around.

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Sensory bottles -

Create sensory bottles filled with glitter and water for calming kids down during tantrums.

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Lost and found tag -

Attach a tag with contact information inside your child's clothing in case they get lost in a crowded place.

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How-to videos -

Let older preschool or early elementary kids create fun 'how-to' videos on your phone or laptop.

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Change up dinner seating -

Add excitement to dinner by switching up the routine, such as eating dinner under the table or having a picnic blanket meal in the family room.

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Cosmic yoga and freeze dance -

To release energy, try cosmic yoga and freeze dance videos on YouTube to get kids moving.

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Friendly competition -

Organize block-building or coloring competitions to foster creativity and friendly sibling rivalry.

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Letter writing -

Encourage kids to write letters to loved ones or teachers, creating a stamp and envelope sealing station for added fun.

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Trunk supply kit -

Keep a supply kit in your car with extra clothes, socks, snacks, water, diapers, sunscreen, and first aid supplies for on-the-go emergencies.

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Lunchbox ice packs -

Freeze a damp sponge in a Ziplock bag to use as an ice pack in lunchboxes. It's reusable, and prevents sandwiches from getting soggy!

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Chore charts -

Implement chore charts to involve children in household tasks, and to teach responsibility.

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Restaurant entertainment kit -

Carry a small lunchbox filled with crayons, stickers, and small toys into restaurants to keep kids entertained without screens.

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Meal planning patterns -

Simplify meal planning with a predictable pattern, like having a pizza and movie night on Fridays or implementing Taco Tuesdays, reducing decision fatigue.

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Family calendar -

Maintain a shared digital calendar for scheduling family activities and appointments.

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Childproof outlets with band-aids -

Cover unused electrical outlets with band-aids to prevent toddlers from sticking objects in them.

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Bedtime routine playlist -

Create a bedtime playlist with calming music and stories to help kids wind down.

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Lego organizer -

Use a large box with dividers (or other smaller boxes) to organize Lego pieces by color or type.

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20-minute chores -

Set a timer for 20 minutes during nap time to tackle chores, allowing time for self-care without overworking.

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Highs and lows -

Share 'highs and lows' during mealtime to encourage open communication and bonding within the family.

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Family podcasts and audiobooks -

Listen to a family-friendly podcast or audiobook during lunchtime to make mealtime more engaging and educational.

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Homework station -

Create a designated homework station with supplies, making it easier for kids to complete their assignments.

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Sibling races -

Turn daily routines like brushing teeth, getting dressed, or buckling up in the car into sibling races for added fun and efficiency.

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Hide veggies in smoothies -

For picky eaters, hide various nutritious ingredients in smoothies to ensure they get essential nutrients.

Sources: (Parent Cue) (Newsweek) (Camille Styles)

See also: Are you teaching your children these essential life skills?

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