Toddlers are basically tiny tornadoes with sticky fingers and strong opinions.
If you’re deep in the “why” stage, the “mine!” stage, or the “scream at Target because they didn’t want the blue cup” stage — hi, welcome. 👋
Here are 12 real-life toddler parenting hacks that have saved my sanity more times than I can count.
(And trust me, when it comes to toddlers, every hack counts.)
🍼 1. Let Them Choose Between Two Options
Toddlers are tiny control freaks.
Give them a little power by offering choices you can live with:
- “Do you want the red shirt or the blue one?”
- “Banana or apple slices?”
👉 Either way, you win. They feel in charge. 🎯
🛒 2. Use a Laundry Basket in the Tub
Bathtime = slippery chaos. 🛁
Put a laundry basket in the tub and plop them inside.
Toys stay close, toddler stays seated, water stays mostly in the tub. Win-win.
📦 3. Create a “Busy Box” for Emergency Moments
Fill a box with:
- New coloring books
- Stickers
- Dollar store toys
- Special snacks
Only bust it out during meltdowns, doctor’s offices, or Zoom calls.
It’s the toddler equivalent of a magic wand. ✨
🎨 4. Tape Paper to the Table for Art Time
No more chasing runaway paper while your kid creates a Picasso masterpiece (and colors your table).
Painter’s tape + giant sheet of paper = stress-free craft time. 🎨
🚗 5. Keep an Extra Outfit (for YOU) in the Car
You already packed extra clothes for the toddler.
Now pack some for yourself, too.
Because toddlers are experts at ruining your clothes — usually before important events. 😂
🍽️ 6. Make Every Meal a Mini Buffet
Toddlers are weird about food.
One day they love strawberries, the next day they act like you poisoned them.
Solution:
Put 3–4 small options on a muffin tin or a divided plate.
Little bites = big success. 🍓🧀
🚪 7. Put Stickers on Shoes to Help Them Get Dressed
Cut a fun sticker in half.
Put one half inside the left shoe, the other inside the right.
When they match the stickers, the shoes are on the right feet! 👟 (Usually.)
🛋️ 8. Create a Couch Cushion Obstacle Course
When it’s raining and you’re trapped inside?
Toss couch cushions on the floor, add a few pillows, and say, “Don’t touch the lava!” 🌋
Hours (okay, at least 20 minutes) of energy-burning fun.
🔊 9. Narrate Everything Like a Sports Announcer
Toddlers LOVE attention.
Try this:
- “And here comes Ellie, charging into the kitchen! She reaches for the cereal… She grabs the box! It’s a victory!” 🏆
Instant smiles. Instant cooperation.
🛒 10. Turn Shopping Carts into Racecars
Clip a steering wheel toy onto the shopping cart.
BOOM: Target run without the drama.
(Pro tip: Stick a snack cup in there too for ultimate success.)
🎵 11. Sing Through Transitions
Toddlers hate being interrupted.
Make it a song and suddenly it’s magical:
- “Time to change your diaper, doo doo doo doo doo doo!” 🎶
(Yes, you’ll feel silly. No, you won’t care when it actually works.)
💤 12. Whisper When They Scream
Yelling over a tantrum = adding gas to a fire. 🔥
Try whispering instead.
Toddlers will often quiet down just to hear what you’re saying.
It feels like sorcery but it’s just calm beats chaos. 💬
🧡 Final Thoughts: Parenting Toddlers = Creative Survival
There’s no perfect way to parent a toddler.
There’s just the way that works today — and maybe not tomorrow.
And that’s okay.
If all else fails, there’s always snacks, hugs, and one more episode of Bluey. 🐶💙
You’re doing an amazing job, mama.
Messy hair, coffee breath, and all.
Created with love by www.parentvillage.blog
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