It's often said that it takes a village to raise a child - and it's true. Kids have a lot of needs, and meeting them all can be overwhelming. There may only be a few literal octomoms in existence, but most parents can attest to the fact that they wish they had a few more arms when running after their children, especially in their earlier and more dependent years.
Thankfully, we humans have been around for such a long time that, collectively, we've got parenting town to a tee. And now that we're living in the age of technology, with nothing more than few clicks you can find a solution or hack to solve whatever dilemma you're facing.
So, without further ado, here are 20 parenting hacks that'll make you wonder why you didn't think of them yourself...
1. How to get the kids to unknowingly help with housework
Credit: Twitter / @AnnieMcCarren
Can someone give this mom a medal?!
2. The perfect solution to telling your identical twins apart
Credit: Bored Panda
Sure, they'll hate you for it when they're older, but right now, it's a godsend.
3. Teach your kids their times tables on the stairs
Credit: Reddit / @1ItalianLurker
They'll be a math whizz before their classmates can even count to 100.
4. The ultimate BBQ safety hack
Credit: Instagram / @ladbabyofficial
Because curiosity can all too often get the better of kids.
5. No bathtub? No problem!
Credit: Instagram / @fjordliebe
With a little pool in your shower, your kids will be able to splash around to their heart's content without making a mess!
6. Make a sandpit in a tent and protect it from the elements
Credit: YouTube / The Goonberry Tales
Oh, and cats. No one wants their feline friend to go anywhere near their kid's sandpit.
7. The car seat hack that could save a life
Credit: Instagram / @mommyhacksofficial
Put important details at the back of your kid's car seat. Should the worst happen, it'll save the emergency services time.
8. "I took a rectangle-shaped Tupperware and we made 'snow blocks' for an 'igloo'. My boys absolutely loved it."
Credit: Instagram / @michelle_ssb1
I did this as a kid too. My only recommendation is this: always observe your children playing inside your igloo, in case it collapses on them!
9. "Although we tell our daughter to not run into parking lots, it doesn't mean she is going to listen. I bought this car magnet 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 magnets."
Credit: Instagram / @raleighmomscare
This is the perfect way to keep your kid safe while you unload your shopping cart.
10. "My toddler was busy for over 30 minutes playing with these window stickers on the plane. Easy to pack, fun for them, and cheap!"
Credit: Instagram / @teachermama1138
Let's face it, keeping a kid entertained and quiet on a flight is no mean feat.
11. Put shower caps on the wheels of your stroller to keep your floors clean
Credit: YouTube
Mind = blown.
12. This diaper potty hack is a lifesaver
Credit: ahavenofchaos.com
Kids need to go when they need to go and there's not always a bathroom around. But if you keep a potty chair and some diapers in your car, they can easily relieve themselves and you can clean up after them with no mess.
13. What an inventive dad
Credit: Reddit / @malleeman
This is the perfect solution to keeping your kids safe while you cook if you've not got a highchair to hand.
14. Busy cleaning up and need some hands free time? Entertain your kid with the washing machine
Credit: Instagram / @smartytots
Don't have a washing machine? This hack also works great with a mirror.
15. Write out your dosages on medicine bottles to avoid taking the wrong amount
Credit: Instagram / @alanacvalentine
Because when your kids have you run off your feet, it's easy to make mistakes.
16. Masking tape can turn any carpet or floor into a racetrack
Credit: Instagram / @tmccrum_mua
Hours of entertainment for only a few dollars.
17. Apple French fries anyone?
Credit: Instagram / @eastcoastveganvibes
Sometimes it can be challenging to get your kid to eat fruit. So why not tell them they're eating apple French fries instead of apple?
18. A fun sorting game for rainy days
Credit: Instagram / @texaflora
All you need are colored felt balls and a baking tin - then simply ask your kid to help you sort them.
19. How to politely ignore your kids
Credit: Twitter / @RHairing
Grown-ups might be caregivers, but we also need some me time too.
20. Color code your kids so you don't lose them
Credit: Instagram / @brandi.marie.e
This hack will make a trip to the zoo a lot less stressful.
So there you have it - 20 parenting hacks which, if I do say so myself, are total game changers. Parents have a stressful job, but at least they can take comfort in the knowledge that with some clever knowledge and planning, it can be made that bit easier.