Parent Hacks

Make a heart stamp out of a toilet paper roll

via prudentbaby.com

That's a TOILET PAPER ROLL. With paint on it! I've seen this before but now I'm impressed all over again.

Get the how-to (and check out the nifty redesign) at Prudent Baby: Toilet Paper Roll Heart Stamps

More: So many more Valentine hacks!

Super Bowl Sunday: No crowds at the usual weekend family hot spots

I trot this Super Bowl hack out every year, but it's such a good one! From Jay:

I've noticed that a lot of people are into this whole "football" thing, which means they'll be at home (or a bar) watching the big game on Sunday. For us parents who aren't into sports, this provides a perfect opportunity to take the kids out for weekend activities, minus the weekend crowd. You'd be surprised how few people are at the zoo on a Super Bowl Sunday afternoon!

Related: How to keep your kids happy while you watch football

What? You don't have an NFL toaster?

A Non-Fan's Super Bowl Memories

If you've got a spot on the couch reserved for Super Bowl Sunday, grab another bag of chips and make extra room for the kids.

They're aren't into football? Who cares?

In my latest post at Babble Voices, I talk about why I'm so glad my Dad and I watched sports together, even though I'm not a sports fan.

Read the full post: The Accidental Expert: A Non-Fan's Super Bowl Memories

Valentine crafts, ideas, shortcuts: we've got you covered

VALENTINE'S DAY. We're here for you, Parenthackers.

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How to childproof the dishwasher? Talk amongst yourselves.

Nicole needs our help to keep her son out of the dishwasher! Ideas?

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Simple family ritual: Memory Jar

A lovely, simple way to capture and recall family memories.

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How to avoid hanging clothes while emptying the dryer

Emptying the dryer goes so much faster when you don't have to stop to hang wrinkle-prone clothes!

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Organize art supplies with dollar store bins + laminated labels

My overarching strategy for all organizing projects is "Simplify, Routinize, Delegate," and Jess of Tiny Leaf Studio did just that with her craft closet.

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Writer, mother, extrovert: a tricky balance

In my latest post at Babble Voices, I talk about how easy it can be to forget about your fundamental needs even as you walk down the path toward a full and happy life. And one easy thing you can do to adjust course.

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New favorite craft material: polymer clay

Polymer clay (such as Sculpey and Fimo) has everything going for it: it's inexpensive, widely-available, versatile, long-lasting, easy to use, easy to clean up, and open to endless interpretation.

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