Tell me all your best toddler life hacks! E.g. how to get them into the damn carseat without a power struggle, A+ snacks, activities for a rainy day, etc!

Question

Sarah · Answer

Photo wish list, I.e. getting your kid out of the store without a meltdown: This is how I get out of the store with my kids without a meltdown. If they see something they want, I take their picture with it and it does in the wishlist folder. Scratches their itch to get something the same way I add to and abandon online shopping carts. Then for gift giving events, you have a wishlist ready to go.

annelise niño L.Ac · Answer

𝑤ℎ𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑣𝑒𝑟 𝑦𝑜𝑢 𝑙𝑖𝑘𝑒 𝑡𝑜 𝑑𝑜: i am a very hands-on parent and spend a lot of time all day every day with kids but i rarely ever play with them. we are also screen-free. if they want to play, they can. i participate by simply watching them while i fold laundry or read my book. an occasional smile or nod or “i see you are having fun/frustrated/etc.” goes a very long way. if they want my full participation, we can do something i enjoy (read a children’s book i like or they can help me run errands in a leisurely way or assist chores even if it slows me down a ton— kids love to feel helpful! or take a nature walk or bake something together or listen to music i like and dance or water the plants or draw with beeswax crayons or have a picnic or simply talking can be so fun.) when an indoor activity is needed, homemade playdough or magic water painting are hits.

Lisa w · Answer

The gasp: For the car seat struggle (in that phase rn), I gasp and say “oh my goodness what is that!” Then point to something for them to look at while I buckle 😂 distracts enough that they stop planking. Also Cheerios.