Now that summer break is here for many families across the country, kids are thrilled to be out of school, sleeping in and having fun. As much as parents love the family time and not having to pack lunch boxes and wash uniforms, summer can get stressful for the adults. These hacks from parents on social media can help with the inevitable cries of boredom, as well as the mess that comes with having kids home all day, every day.
Hacks to fight boredom:
- Create a summer routine chart - TikTok Mom @MrsBlinks suggests a chart with velcro labels and as kids do tasks, like making their bed, reading, and cleaning up, they move the label to the other side of the chart. And when kids finish the chart, they get rewarded.
- Use a clock to divide your kid’s day - This hack from TikToker @mdoesdiy uses an old-school clock to help kids know what’s coming up next in their day. It may keep them from asking “Is it lunchtime yet?” a dozen times, if you’re lucky.
Playtime hacks:
- Make a pool on the beach - For little kids who want to play in the water at the beach without getting knocked over by waves, try this hack from @athomewith.shannon. You dig a small hole, cover it with a cheap shower curtain, and pour water in to create a mini pool in the sand.
- Fun with bubbles - You don’t need fancy bubble wands, according to @thehouseofrealisticmom. This hack has you dip the end of a straw into a bubble solution and blow, which may be easier for young kids, as long as they don’t suck in by mistake.
Hacks to keep your house organized:
- Color code dishes for kids - Bianca, a mom on Facebook shares her hack of getting each child their own cup, plate, bowl and silverware in different colors. They can only use that and then wash it, so she doesn’t have a pile of dishes to do every day.
- How to get teens to clean their rooms - TikToker @krisreneeauthor uses this strategy with her own eight kids and it starts with giving them a grace period to clean up, then a 24-hour warning to get it done. If they don’t, then she cleans it up for them and gives them an itemized bill for her time and services.
On-the-go hacks:
- Use a makeup brush for sunscreen Mom @abbyluf shows how to use a makeup brush to apply sunscreen to little ones with ease.
- Bring popsicles to the park - A hack from a TikTok mom suggests keeping popsicles frozen by sticking them in a big insulated cup packed with ice, so you can enjoy them anywhere.
Source: Parents
Scott's Thoughts:
- I’m trusting any hack from a mom of eight kids, she surely knows what works and what doesn’t!
- I remember trying to balance outside and inside time. Barney or other videos helped to give everyone a break!
- Water is key! Pools and slippy slides helps!