Being a parent and raising children may be one of the most enjoyable jobs in the world, but it can also come with a relentless barrage of stresses, difficulties, and downright unpleasant duties.
However, if you find that certain parts of being a parent just aren't sparking joy anymore (thanks for that expression Marie Kondo), then you may want to make one of these changes in your life - they're guaranteed to make being a parent an even more enjoyable vocation. So, why not start...
Start: Carrying around an 'Out of Order' sign in your pocket
Credit: Reddit / ShootTheSound
"Sorry kids - you can't ride Thomas today, he's broken. *Back to the grocery shop*"
Start: Making naturally safe edible paints from yogurt and food coloring
Credit: Reddit / kacie_d
This will take any worry away from messy play.
Start: Challenging your kids to keep their hand on the car's "special spot"
Credit: Reddit / play.hooray
Unloading the family from the car can be a stressful task, so encourage your children
Start: Labelling the twins with these fab t-shirts
Credit: snugattack.com
Twins look alike, okay?! There's no shame in getting them mixed up.
Start: Enjoying videos games again using disconnected controllers for the kids
Credit: cheezburger.com
They'll think they're playing the game, whilst you can sit back and unwind.
Start: Preventing bathtime tantrums with this nifty shower cap
Credit: Amazon.com
It keeps the water out of their eyes, so bathtime can once again run smoothly.
Start: Encouraging kids to keep hold of your hand with these fantastic mittens!
Credit: oeufnyc.com
Credit: oeufnyc.com
Children have a tendency to let go of your hand and go wondering - but with these cute mittens, they'll love keeping hold of you.
Start: Making your kids their own "Get Along" t-shirt
Credit: sheridanfrench.blogspot.com
Siblings misbehaving? No problem! Just pop them in this t-shirt, take a photo they'll resent forever, and they'll never do it again.
Start: Using a fan when it comes to building a fort
Credit: Grosgrainfabulous.blogspot.com
Credit: Grosgrainfabulous.blogspot.com
Firstly, setting up a fort with a fan is SO much quicker than trying to hold up a sheet with a broom. Secondly, it's SO much fun!
Start: Replacing the stairs with a makeshift slide
Credit: Imgur
You'll be surprised just how long this will keep your little ones entertained for. Also, it's great for parents!
Start: Rolling with the stroller, instead of pushing it
Credit: Pixstudio
How can any parent look at this picture and NOT want to buy this?!
Start: Using the empty bath as a playpen whilst you use the shower/toilet
Credit: Reddit / cake_away_cancer
Children don't like being away from their parents. So if you need to shower or use the toilet, place some toys/stickers in the bath and use it as a makeshift playpen.
Start: Placing disposable gloves over your children's regular gloves when it's snowing
Credit: Boredpanda
This will keep their hands warm and dry, whilst still being able to make and throw snowballs.
Start: Using your suitcase as a travel cot
Credit: WheresPrinceNelson
If you've arrived at a hotel without a cot or just forgot to bring your own, your little one will be more than happy to sleep in a suitcase padded with blankets.
Start: Sprinkling cinnamon in your sandpit
Credit: RaddestMom.com
This may sound bizarre, but this is a great way to keep bugs out of the kids' sandbox.
Start: Taking the worry out of BBQs with these genius hack
Credit: LadBabyOfficial
Keep little ones safe by placing their playpen around the hot BBQ. Sometimes it is about keeping the kids out, not keeping them in.
Start: Tranforming shower time into bathtime with this ingenious hack
Credit: Reddit / fjordlilie
My young nephew HATES showers but loves baths. Fortunately, this hack had my back.
Start: Keeping the toilet seat warm with
Credit: BoredPanda
Toilet training can be a pain, and one of the issues my nephew has is the fact the toilet seat is always cold. To combat that, simply add a pair of socks to the seat. (PSA: Remove the socks when daddy is standing up to have a pee.)
Start: Letting your kids do SOME of the housework
Credit: DailyMail
Kids love to crawl around on the floor, and you like clean floors - so why not invest in this onesie/duster?!