Summer brings a sense of freedom, family time, and the joy of escaping the cacophony of school activities—at least until September rolls around. However, for moms, it can also mean a whirlwind of chaos with kids at home 24/7, presenting challenges that require your immediate attention. But don’t worry! Here are some clever hacks to help you regain your time and sanity this summer.
1. Soothe Those Itchy Bites
Let’s be honest; your kids might not be brushing their teeth until September anyway. So why not use that toothpaste for something useful? Apply a small amount of toothpaste onto those pesky bug bites and let it dry. The eucalyptus oil in it is said to help with itching, and you can finally stop repeating, “Don’t scratch that!” for the hundredth time.
2. Create a Floating Drink Station
If you’ve finally taken the plunge and jumped into the pool with the kids, you certainly don’t want to leave for drinks. Instead, take a plastic tub, cut pool noodles into four equal parts, and string them together into a rectangle. The tub will float right on top—fill it with ice and drinks, and you’ve got your very own floating bar, or a kid-friendly cooler!
3. Enhance the Playpen Experience
When you’re gardening or enjoying the outdoors with the little ones, add a fitted sheet over the playpen for extra shade and to keep the bugs at bay. Your baby will appreciate the shelter, and you’ll breathe easier knowing they’re protected.
4. Combat Sunburns Naturally
We all try to remember sunscreen every half hour, but just in case your little one ends up a bit sunburned, whip up some aloe vera ice cubes. Fill an ice cube tray with 100% aloe vera gel and freeze. Not only does it cool the burn, but it also soothes any mom guilt you may feel.
5. DIY Bug Repellent
If you’re wary of slathering your kids in chemical-laden repellents, try this natural alternative: poke about 10-15 cloves into each half of a lime. While it may not be as effective as DEET, it’s definitely less toxic. If you have a fire going outside, toss in some dried sage to help keep bugs away, and enjoy that delightful aroma!
6. Keep Drinks Cool
Kids are more likely to grab a drink if it’s cold. Fill a water bottle a quarter full and lay it sideways in the freezer. This way, it won’t freeze over the opening, and you’ll have a refreshing drink ready when you need it.
7. Mess-Free Popsicles
Summer wouldn’t be complete without popsicles, but who wants sticky hands and stained clothes? Use a cupcake liner to catch drips by pushing the popsicle stick through the bottom. You can also use a plastic coffee cup lid if you’re feeling fancy, but let’s not complicate things!
8. Safe Sparkler Fun
To make sparklers less scary for the kids, poke the handle of a sparkler through the bottom of a plastic cup. This way, they can hold it safely while enjoying the show without the fear of getting burned.
9. Cool Drinks Without the Mess
When hosting, use frozen water balloons instead of ice in your cooler. As they melt, your kids can enjoy an impromptu water balloon fight, keeping them entertained while you avoid the mess of soggy ice.
Summer is a time for relaxation and creativity, especially for moms navigating the joys and challenges of family life. With these tips, you can enjoy the season while keeping your sanity intact. For more insights on home insemination, check out our other article on terms and conditions, and for expert guidance, visit Make a Mom. Additionally, Genetics and IVF Institute serves as an excellent resource for pregnancy and home insemination.
Summary:
Summer can be overwhelming for moms, but with these nine clever hacks, you can have a more enjoyable and organized season. From soothing bug bites to creating a floating drink station, these tips are designed to help you navigate the chaos while making lasting memories with your family.