Here are a few random tips I have picked up through the years: I will post at least one random tip once a week, so make sure to check back regularly! Who knows? One of these could save your sanity, but more likely they will just make your days a little easier
Invest in a good steamer for the microwave. Put veggies in it and voila! 5-8 minute perfection! Mine has paid for itself ten times over. My children eat broccoli and carrots.....oh my!
Convenience meals don't have to be unhealthy. There are some really good ones out there, like the veggie and meat stir-fry bags. Make sure you can pronounce the ingredient list though, and remember, the fewer ingredients there are, the healthier it is.
Make your own convenience foods. Chop veggies and keep them sealed in the freezer for up to a month to add to any meal you want to make.
Keep a box or bin of books on the floor (or even on a bookshelf) so your children have access all the time. Make it natural to be surrounded by books.
Here's one for the toothpaste buildup in your bathroom sink, because everyone who has kids knows about that! Use a wet face cloth to wipe the sink down every night before bed. Sanitize it as per your usual routine to keep the germs away, but at least it will look clean n the mornings.
Keep a broom very close to the eating area. Trust me.
Here's a good one: Tuna should be avoided by children who have asthma and or eczema. I read it in a recipe book for children with asthma and tested it. My five year old's eczema got much worse after a tuna sandwich. I didn't notice any asthmatic symptoms getting worse, but they could in another child.
Making your own Baby Wipes:
You'll need:
thick paper towels (I prefer Royale or Scott's)
1/4 cup baby oil (or vegetable oil if you want to avoid the chemical fragrances)
1/4 cup baby soap or shampoo
6 cups water
Cut the paper towel rolls in half. You can saw through them with a knife but I have found it saves a lot of time and mess to unroll them and cut with scissors. Mix water with oil and soap and place your paper towels in it, immersing for about 20 seconds to ensure saturation. Squeeze out gently (make sure they are not too dry) and store in zipper bags or an old wipe container.
*****in the interest of keeping a timeline, I am now going to date my useful tips.
Dec. 11/12:
When your toddler is learning to eat with a spoon, even those bibs with the scoops may not cut it. Put on a regular bib and tuck a rag or second bib onto their lap to catch all the sloppiness. Wait until there is a little spoon skill before you introduce chocolate pudding.
Jan. 7/13
So it's been a while, but here is another random tip. Hang onto the stroller when going downhill! Also, black bean brownies are an acceptable breakfast choice (if they are low sugar of course) because of all the fiber. Do NOT load your child up on fiber before bedtime. That will only lead to trouble.....
Jan. 13/13
Have a ready made list of chores that are age appropriate for your child. If he or she is bored, they can pick a chore to perform. This works wonders for creativity. Instead of hearing "I'm bored, what can I do?" I now hear "I'm going to colour a picture....." Wonderful technique!
March 9/13
Forget the wash cloth to start cleaning the high chair tray or table. If you have a messy eater, use a spatula to scoop everything into a dirty dish, then throw all the food bits and mush into the garbage (or compost for the environmentally conscious). Then use the cloth.
Designate a "stuff bucket." This is a bucket for everything that's not in its proper place. Put all those random toys and socks into the bucket, and have your children sort it an put it all away in the evening.
For those horrible coughs, use Stodal. It's a honey-based herbal cough syrup specifically for children over one. It works. Trust me.
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