When I was 27, I welcomed twins into my family, while my oldest child was still under four and my middle child was just 19 months old. Now that the twins are 11, my middle child is 12, and my oldest is 14, I can finally reflect on my parenting journey, albeit it took nearly a decade to emerge from what I like to call the “New Parent Fog.” Along the way, I stumbled upon some unconventional yet effective strategies. Here are nine of the more eccentric parenting approaches that made a difference in my life:
1. Pre-Chewing Food for My Kids
During the baby stage, nursing twins while tending to a toddler was a challenge. When my children complained about tough food, I took it upon myself to pre-chew it for them. While this might sound odd, it was my makeshift solution to ensure their meals were manageable. Thankfully, they don’t recall my bird-like feeding methods.
2. Utilizing the Bathtub for Dental Care
With a single bathroom shared among four kids, I devised a system where they lined up at the bathtub to brush their teeth all at once. This eliminated the need for step stools and prevented any little ones from making a dangerous dash down the stairs while I assisted another child.
3. Bulk-Buying Socks
In my early days of motherhood, I failed to realize that my growing kids deserved their own unique socks. Instead, I kept a bin filled with identical socks at the front door. If a few disappeared in the wash, there were still plenty available, and I avoided the endless nagging about matching pairs. Now that they have their own sock collections, however, they all refuse to wear matching socks.
4. Singing About Vaccines
Convincing kids to get their vaccinations can be a struggle. So, I created catchy songs about the importance of vaccines, explaining how they protect against diseases like polio. The result? My children would sing, “Polio! No, no Polio! A shot hurts less than polio, oh, oh!” This approach helped them understand the necessity of shots while lightening the mood.
5. Developing an Upset Stomach Protocol
My Upset Stomach Protocol (USP) has gone through multiple iterations, but it has been invaluable. Once my kids could handle a bucket, they learned to use it for vomiting, dispose of the contents, and clean it afterward. By the time I reached USP 3.2, they were even trained to help enforce the protocol, a role I jokingly labeled as “enforcers.”
6. Going Clothes-Free for Babies
When preparing for the arrival of twins, I received numerous adorable outfits, but dressing babies became a daunting task. To ease the burden, I opted to forgo clothing for my little ones altogether. They thrived without the hassle of snaps and buttons, making my life significantly simpler.
7. Ditching the Television
In an effort to cultivate a more enriching environment, I initially chose not to have a television. When we finally acquired one, my son mistook a McDonald’s commercial for a movie about hamburgers. In hindsight, I realize that the TV could have served as a helpful distraction for my busy household, particularly with two active twins and a curious firstborn.
8. Implementing an Early Bedtime
I have always been an advocate for early bedtimes, but my children seemed to have outgrown the idea. When my 12-year-old mentioned that her friends stayed up later, I reluctantly adjusted our bedtime to 8:30 PM. Establishing good sleep habits is crucial, yet I can’t help but wonder what alternative family activities we might have enjoyed during those evenings.
9. Homemade Food Production
I found it easier to grow my own food and make yogurt at home than to shop at the grocery store. I went all in by purchasing flour in bulk and making our bread and pasta from scratch. My commitment to home-cooked meals made me an early proponent of carbs before low-carb diets became trendy.
Throughout my parenting journey, I’ve had my share of wild ideas, including shaving my head to avoid haircuts and learning to grocery shop while managing multiple kids. Now, as I navigate life with my new spouse and a combined family of six (ages 9, 11, 11, 11, 12, and 14), I’m sure I’ll look back in five years and chuckle at the strategies I’ve implemented during this phase of parenting.
Ultimately, whether quirky or unconventional, if your parenting hacks simplify your life, they’re worth considering. For more insights on home insemination, check out this useful article. If you’re exploring fertility options, ACOG provides excellent resources for treating infertility.
Summary:
Navigating the complexities of parenting four children has led to the development of numerous unconventional strategies, from pre-chewing food to creating catchy songs about vaccines. While some methods may seem odd, they ultimately ease the demands of parenting. As families evolve, embracing unique solutions can make a significant impact.