08 September 2006

Simplify battery replacement

Duane solved a problem I never even realized was a problem, but is:

I'm lousy at keeping the batteries in the kids' toys up to date.  Not so much the small, often-played-with toys where my 4 year-old can say "Daddy this needs new batteries," but more for the baby's bassinet and other toys that vibrate, which go through batteries like crazy but you can't just sit at the kitchen table and fix, you have to flip it over and take it apart.  "I don't know if I have batteries for that," I'll tell myself, since you never know until you open it whether you'll find C, D or the occasional AA.  Now I just put a piece of tape on the battery cover and write down what size batteries are in there.  Now I don't have to bother taking it apart just to realize that I need to go find 4 D's.

[This advice doesn't apply to those toys whose batteries you WANT to run out so you don't have to listen to their infernal noise. Before my son became wise to the ways of electronics, I had been known to say, "Sorry, sweetie...it's broken." -- Ed.]

Tags: ,

Buy Minimalist Parenting today

If you like Parent Hacks, you'll love Asha's book (with co-author Christine Koh), Minimalist Parenting: Enjoy Modern Family Life More By Doing Less.

Buy it today at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, or your favorite local bookstore.

Want to get started now? Sign up for MinCamp, our free, 14-day companion workshop. Find out more

TrackBack

TrackBack URL for this entry:
http://www.typepad.com/services/trackback/6a00d8341bf6d653ef0147e2b9860e970b

Listed below are links to weblogs that reference Simplify battery replacement:

Your comments

I had not thought of the tape. I had just resorted to writing on the battery cover in Sharpie, how many and what type of battery (i.e. "3 AA). I can never find tape when I need it, but I always have a sharpie around.

Dang, why didn't I think of that? Not the sharpie thing, but the telling her it was broken. My 26-month old tyrant already knows when stuff needs batteries.

We close comments after a month to guard against spam. Want to talk about this hack? Join us on Twitter and Facebook!

 

Get the Book

Free workshop

  • MinCamp is the free companion workshop to Minimalist Parenting. In 14 daily tasks, MinCamp jump-starts your progress toward less clutter in your schedule and home, relaxed mealtimes, and more time for yourself.

    Find out more and sign up now!

Start Amazon shopping here

  • Help support Parent Hacks with the shopping you're already doing!
    Do you buy diapers, gifts, or other items at Amazon? Every time, start your Amazon shopping by clicking this link (or any Amazon link at Parent Hacks).

    No matter what you buy, you'll be throwing some change into our tip jar without any extra steps or cost to you. Thank you!

Featured Posts

Elsewhere

The Accidental Expert

Read about my ONEMoms trip to Ethiopia in October 2012. Then become a member of ONE yourself! ONE will never ask for your money, only your voice. And one voice matters. I've seen it firsthand.