Summer is a glorious time meant for unwinding, enjoying family time, and thankfully escaping the cacophony of a room full of third-graders attempting to master the recorder. However, for moms, it can also be a season of chaos, with kids home around the clock and endless demands for attention. Fear not! Here are some clever summer tips to help you reclaim your time and sanity.
1. Soothe Those Bites
Let’s be honest—your kids probably won’t be brushing their teeth until school starts again, so why not use that toothpaste to your advantage? Dab some onto itchy bug bites and let it dry. People say it works due to the eucalyptus oil in most toothpaste, but who cares? As long as we can avoid repeating, “Stop scratching or you’ll get a scar!” for the millionth time, we’re all good.
2. Chill Out in the Pool
If you finally decided to join the kids in the water but they want drinks, here’s a solution: Take a plastic tub, cut pool noodles into four sections, and thread them together with rope to create a rectangle. Place the tub inside, fill it with ice and drinks, and voilà! You now have a floating bar—uh, I mean, a floating kid-friendly cooler.
3. Enhance the Playpen
Want to take the baby outside while you garden? Create some shade and bug protection by draping a fitted sheet over the top of the playpen. It’s a simple way to keep them comfy while you enjoy the outdoors and hear your older kids scream about worms.
4. Prevent Sunburn
We all know sunscreen is essential, but sometimes kids end up with sunburn despite our best efforts. Instead of worrying, freeze some aloe vera gel in an ice cube tray (not the one for margaritas, please!). Aloe cubes provide soothing relief for sunburned skin, and the cold will ease your guilt.
5. Natural Bug Repellent
Rather than spraying your kids with chemicals all summer, try this natural bug solution: Stick 10-15 cloves into each half of a lime. It’s a safer alternative to DEET, and if you have a fire going, toss in some dried sage to keep bugs away while giving your yard a lovely aroma.
6. Stay Hydrated
Keep drinks refreshing by partially filling a water bottle and laying it on its side in the freezer. This way, it’ll stay cold longer. Just be careful not to let the water cover the neck or you’ll end up with a frozen bottle that’s impossible to drink from until it thaws.
7. Drip-Free Popsicles
Summer means popsicles, but no one wants sticky hands and stained clothes. To catch drips, poke a cupcake liner through the stick, or get creative with a plastic coffee cup lid. Your child can enjoy their treat without the mess—unless, of course, they throw it all over the floor.
8. Safe Sparkler Fun
Fireworks can be intimidating for kids and parents alike. Make sparklers safer by inserting the handle through the bottom of a plastic cup. This way, kids can hold the cup for protection while enjoying the sparkle without fear.
9. Cool Down with Balloons
If you’re hosting a gathering, keep drinks cold without a soggy mess by using frozen water balloons instead of ice. Once they melt, your kids will have a blast with a water balloon fight—cleanup was never so fun!
In summary, summer can be a wild ride for moms, but with these handy hacks, you can navigate the chaos more easily. Plus, if you’re interested in starting your own family journey, check out this guide on couples’ fertility journey and learn more about the at-home insemination kit that can support your aspirations. For any pregnancy-related questions, visit March of Dimes for excellent resources.
Keyphrase: Summer tips for moms
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