Summer is a wonderful time for relaxation, family bonding, and enjoying a break from the usual school-year hustle. However, for moms, it can also bring a unique set of challenges, as kids are home all day with their needs, messes, and summer activities. To help you navigate this season more smoothly, here are nine practical summer hacks designed to ease your workload and reclaim your sanity.
1. Soothe Bug Bites with Toothpaste
Since it’s unlikely your children will remember to brush their teeth frequently, why not repurpose that toothpaste? Dab it onto itchy bug bites and allow it to dry. The eucalyptus oil in many toothpastes helps alleviate itching, saving you from the repetitive reminder, “Stop scratching; you’ll get a scar!”
2. Create a Floating Cooler
If your kids have persuaded you to join them in the pool, they’ll inevitably ask for drinks. Avoid leaving the water by creating a floating cooler. Take a plastic tub, cut pool noodles into four equal lengths, and thread them together with rope to form a rectangle. Place the tub on top, fill it with ice and beverages, and enjoy your time in the water!
3. Enhance the Playpen
When taking your little one outdoors while gardening or supervising older siblings, improve the playpen’s comfort by draping a fitted sheet over it. This will provide protection from pesky bugs and offer some much-needed shade.
4. Cool Down Sunburns
Despite your best efforts to apply sunscreen, sunburns can happen. To ease the pain, fill an ice cube tray with 100% aloe vera gel and freeze it. These aloe cubes will soothe your child’s sunburn while also helping you feel a little less guilty.
5. Natural Bug Repellent
If you prefer to keep chemicals to a minimum, consider a natural approach to repel insects. Insert 10-15 cloves into halves of a lime for a less toxic alternative. You can also add dried sage to your outdoor fire for added protection against bugs.
6. Keep Drinks Chilled
To ensure that your kids stay hydrated without resorting to warm beverages, fill a water bottle a quarter full and place it sideways in the freezer. This way, it will remain cool for much longer, just make sure the neck doesn’t freeze shut!
7. Avoid Popsicle Messes
Popsicles are a summer staple, but they often leave sticky stains. To prevent this, poke a cupcake liner through the stick to catch drips. Alternatively, use a plastic coffee cup lid with a hole to catch the mess—though that might involve an extra trip to Starbucks, which we know no one wants.
8. Safe Sparkler Use
Fireworks can be intimidating for kids, so make sparklers safer by inserting the handle through the bottom of a plastic cup. This allows children to hold the handle securely while keeping their hands safe from sparks.
9. Use Frozen Balloons for Drinks
If you’re hosting a gathering, fill your cooler with frozen water balloons instead of ice to keep drinks cold without the mess of melting ice. Once they thaw, your kids can enjoy a water balloon fight, taking care of the cleanup in a fun way.
By implementing these simple hacks, you can make summer enjoyable for both you and your children. For more tips on family planning and related topics, check out our other posts, such as the comprehensive guide on artificial insemination kits here. Additionally, for expert information on IVF and pregnancy, visit this resource.
In summary, these summer hacks can help streamline your daily routines, making the season less stressful and more enjoyable for you and your family. With a little creativity and preparation, you can navigate the challenges of summer with ease.
Keyphrase: summer hacks for moms
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