26 hacks in May 2012

31 May 2012

Save on baggage fees: Use bedsheet packaging to organize a family suitcase

All Ages, Travel + Getting Out
Another great use for those thick plastic sleeves in which new sheets come packaged! Ladygoat used them to lower airline baggage fees by cleverly organizing her family's travel gear.

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COMMENTS: 10

30 May 2012

Pringles lid caps an IKEA cup -- making it practically spill-proof

All Ages, Mealtime, Travel + Getting Out
Good lidded cups are hard to find, and, with this hack, the price is definitely right.

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COMMENTS: 4

29 May 2012

A better way to borrow/swap/sell among friends: Have On Hand

All Ages, Getting Organized
When it comes to stuff, especially baby and kid stuff, Parent Hacks Question #1 is: do you really need it? If the answer is yes, Question #2 is: can you borrow it or buy it used? If the answer is yes, great. But this is where a lot of us...

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COMMENTS: 10

29 May 2012

Life lessons from kids' movies

All Ages, Fun Projects + Activities
Summer brain drain? Pfft.

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25 May 2012

Escaping the "someday" trap

All Ages, Getting Organized
Parents of babies and toddlers take note: it's later than you think.

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COMMENTS: 2

25 May 2012

Removing clothing size labels makes a small kid feel bigger

3-5 Years, 6+ Years, Behavior + Learning
Here's how Nicole dialed down the get-dressed standoffs with her preschooler.

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COMMENTS: 4

24 May 2012

Green food taste test makes trying new vegies fun

3-5 Years, 6+ Years, Fun Projects + Activities, Mealtime
So many times, the bigger hurdle isn't the food itself, but the trying of something new.

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COMMENTS: 5

22 May 2012

Repurpose wine bottle tote as a snack caddy

All Ages, Mealtime, Travel + Getting Out
Barbara picked up this smart idea for a snack caddy from a fellow folk dancer.

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COMMENTS: 9

21 May 2012

Stretch rubber band "grips" around slippery shampoo bottles

All Ages, Poop + Pee + Bath
This winning hack from Peanuts earns the FOREHEAD SMACK OF BRILLIANCE.

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COMMENTS: 3

17 May 2012

Tuck flimsy milk cartons into snug-fitting pitchers for easier handling

All Ages, Mealtime
Peanuts found a great solution to the age-old Parenthacker question of how to make a milk carton handle.

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COMMENTS: 3

16 May 2012

Minimalist decluttering: share your brilliance

All Ages, Getting Organized, Minimalist Parenting (the book!)
I'm combing through the Getting Organized hacks and am amazed by the wealth of wisdom and practical strategy there. But I'm sure there's more to talk about. Come on down to the Minimalist Parenting blog -- we're collecting even more brilliance for possible inclusion in the book.

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COMMENTS: 2

15 May 2012

Offer your kid a 'personal day' off after-school activities to prevent foot-dragging

3-5 Years, 6+ Years, Behavior + Learning
I so admire Natalie's willingness to respect her daughters' feelings while still holding the line about followthrough.

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COMMENTS: 3

14 May 2012

"Upgrade" your marble jar with rocks

1-3 Years, 3-5 Years, 6+ Years, Behavior + Learning
A marble jar is sort of like a tactile star chart. Dana's hack gives the marble jar even more motivational power.

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COMMENTS: 8

13 May 2012

Happy Mother's Day, heroes

All Ages
Happy Mother's Day. You are heroes, and I'm proud to stand with you.

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COMMENTS: 2

10 May 2012

Action starts with a dream

All Ages, Getting Organized
I've got stuff going on all over the place this week, and it's all pointing the same direction: dreams.

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MORE hacks in May 2012→

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