When I was just 27 years old, I welcomed twins into my chaotic world. At the time, my oldest was only a few weeks shy of 4, and my middle child was just 19 months old. Fast forward to today: my twins are now 11, my middle child is 12, and my oldest is a teenager at 14. Emerging from what I like to call the “New Parent Fog” (which took about a decade), I’ve come to realize that some of my most innovative parenting hacks were, well, a bit unconventional.
Every parent finds their unique rhythm, often normalizing what others might deem odd. Here are a few of the quirky strategies that helped me stay afloat:
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Pre-Chewing Food for the Kids
Juggling the demands of multiple little ones? If one of them is struggling with their food, I’d step in. Yes, you read that right—I would pre-chew their food! Thankfully, my kids don’t remember my bird-like feeding method, but it was a memorable moment for me. -
Bathtub Tooth-Brushing Assembly Line
With one tiny bathroom for four lively kids, I devised a system. I lined them up along the tub to brush their teeth all at once. No step stools were necessary, and I could keep an eye on everyone without worrying about accidents. -
Bulk Sock Purchasing
In hindsight, I should have realized that my 10-year-olds deserved their own socks. Instead, I kept a bucket of one-size-fits-all socks near the door. They were all identical, which meant fewer matching arguments. Now that they have their own socks, they’re all hoarders who refuse to wear matching pairs. -
Singing About Vaccines
Kids typically dread shots, but a little creativity can go a long way. I wrote catchy songs about vaccines, turning dread into fun. My kids walked around singing about polio and other diseases, making the whole process a lot less stressful. -
Upset Stomach Protocol (USP)
Over the years, I’ve refined my Upset Stomach Protocol. By the time my kids were old enough to manage a bucket, they learned to deal with their own vomit. What started as a simple method evolved into a full-on training program. Let’s just say that they were trained to be “enforcers” of the protocol, and it was an interesting experience! -
No Clothes for Infants
I used to receive adorable outfits for my twins, but managing all those snaps quickly became overwhelming. My solution? No clothes for babies! They were free to be themselves without the hassle of getting dressed. -
Ditching the TV
I thought we’d be more productive and creative without a TV. When we finally got one, my son was baffled to find out that a McDonald’s commercial was not a movie about hamburgers. Looking back, I realize how valuable that giant babysitter could have been during those hectic days with two active twins. -
Bedtime at 7 p.m.
I’ve always been a fan of early bedtimes, but my kids never outgrew it. When my 12-year-old told me her friends stayed up until 9, I reluctantly moved bedtime to 8:30. While maintaining sleep hygiene is essential, I recognize now that family time could have been spent relaxing together in front of a TV—if I had one! -
Backyard Suburban Homesteading
Growing our own food was often easier than running to the grocery store, so I embraced suburban homesteading. I bought flour and butter in bulk and made our own bread and pasta. Who knew I was ahead of the carb craze?
I’m sharing this from my workplace, a refreshing change of pace! Yes, I took a shower and even managed to put on some makeup. I’m now remarried, and my family has grown to six kids ranging from 9 to 14. I can only imagine the wild parenting hacks I’ll come up with as they continue to grow.
Some parenting strategies may seem odd, but if they simplify your life, then they’re worth embracing. If you’re interested in exploring more about parenting, check out this interesting blog post. Additionally, if you’re considering home insemination, Make A Mom offers reliable kits. For more insights on fertility and insurance, be sure to visit UCSF’s excellent resource.
In summary, every parent develops their own unique set of hacks that work for them—embrace the quirky methods that make your life easier!
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