As a father of three for over nine years, I’ve come to realize that many parenting advice lists are filled with fluff. It’s clear that some were penned by those without kids or parents who might be in denial about the chaos that comes with raising little humans. Honestly, reading those tips often makes me feel like I’m failing at this whole parenting gig, especially when they suggest that parenting is a walk in the park. So, let’s get real. Here are some genuine parenting tips that might actually help you.
- Stashing candy in the laundry room can keep your kids healthier and you a bit more sane.
- Stock up on mac and cheese. Seriously. Don’t fight it; just embrace it.
- Daily baths? Not necessary. A simple wipe-down will do. Parents who wash their kids every day must really enjoy torturing themselves.
- Forget about jeans with a proper waistband. You don’t need that kind of discomfort in your life, especially after sleepless nights.
- Use screen time as a bargaining chip. It can motivate your kids to tackle homework or even clean their rooms.
- You’re allowed to call a toddler an idiot (at least in your head).
- If you discover a forgotten sippy cup, don’t open it—just toss it. Trust me, some mysteries are better left unsolved.
- Sometimes, it feels good to give your kids a cheeky gesture when they aren’t looking.
- If your child has an accident at night, just change them and lay down a towel. Trust me, washing sheets at 3 a.m. can make you feel a bit wild.
- Telling your child they need to eat a fruit or veggie before dessert can help you feel justified in serving them mac and cheese.
- Wet wipes are like a parent’s Swiss Army knife; they can clean everything from messy faces to sticky hands.
- After a long day, parents often find solace in ice cream. Those who don’t might just be reaching for a drink (or both).
- Don’t stress about your child always looking adorable. Sometimes, just keeping their pants on is a win.
- Using a crayon instead of a pen may feel shameful, but it’s less painful than searching for a pen while wrangling a toddler.
- Hiring a babysitter just to run errands without kids is money well spent.
- McDonald’s is like a kids’ version of Starbucks—unhealthy and pricey, but it makes life easier.
- A single popsicle can entertain a toddler for just a few minutes. Stocking up can help you finish chores without interruption.
- Kids will clean their rooms much faster if you dangle the promise of treats like McDonald’s or candy as motivation.
- Visiting the park is a great way to sneak in some social media time while the kids play.
- Life jackets make pool outings manageable, while goggles turn swimming into a full-time job of adjustments.
- Caffeine is your best friend 😉
Of course, there are many more tips out there. This list should give you a solid starting point, and if you have any nuggets of wisdom to share, feel free to leave a comment. After all, it takes a village to raise a child. For more information on parenting and home insemination, check out our terms and conditions here. If you’re looking for quality home insemination products, visit Make a Mom for the best options. Also, March of Dimes offers an excellent resource for understanding pregnancy week by week.
Summary
Parenting is a wild ride, filled with challenges and humorous moments. Instead of following overly polished advice, embrace the chaos and try these real-life tips to make your journey a little easier and more enjoyable.