Favorite “Mom Hacks” from Our Writing Team

1. Clutter Hacks:

• Place a basket near the stairs for items that belong on another level. Then when it’s full, you just have the carry the basket instead of 800 individual items. Just don’t forget to replace the basket!
• Keep a rolling cart or basket of art supplies by the area the kids are likely to use them for easier clean up.
• Have a “paperwork” backpack of bills, calendars, letters, etc. that can easily move around the house and to the car when needed.
• Use clear plastic on the dining table to store maps, photos, place settings diagrams or lined paper for handwriting practice with washable markers.

2. Think Ahead Hacks:

• Put out everyone’s clothes (including your own) the night before, pack lunches, snacks and backpacks for a smoother morning. *For older kids, create a “night before check list” that they’re in charge of completing before bed.
• Pre-fill water bottles the night before and leave them in the fridge to avoid the inevitable, “Mom, where’s my water bottle?” as you’re trying to rush out the door.
• Freeze a wet sponge to use in their lunchbox; they can also use this to wipe up after lunch!
• On weekends, put out a bowl of cereal and place a small cup of milk on a low shelf in the fridge so the kids can get their own breakfast and buy you some extra Z’s. For even younger kids, invite them into bed for TV or iPad time while you sneak in some extra precious minutes.
• Keep wipes, plastic baggies, and plastic grocery bags in the car in case of sickness and spills.
• Shop the end of season clothing sales for the next year. This can be tricky to gauge sizes ahead of time if they’re still growing like weeds, but it’s better to get something too big — they’ll grow into it!
• Use a bin to dump their school supplies in in May, then “shop the tote” in August before rebuying all the back to school supplies.

3. Avoid a Fight Hacks:

• Put initials on clothes, stuffies, or any item you foresee siblings fighting over. This is especially helpful for twins and kids close in age.
• Use a toddler cot by your bed to help transition your co-sleeping kid to their own room. This way they feel close to you, but aren’t literally on top of you.
• Put a baby gate in your toddler’s doorway to encourage quiet or nap time. The openness makes them feel less shut off from everything while they’re in their room.
• Create a daily chore chart or make a paper bracelet of tasks to earn screen time. This can be individual or a rotation for household chores everyone can do.
• Never leave home without a snack bag. There’s (almost) nothing that can’t be fixed with food.

What are some of your favorite “mom hacks”? Let us know in the comments!