Author: momhacks

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A new and better way to share a parent hack: #parenthacks

As I talked about in my "What’s Next for Parent Hacks" post, parent hacks don’t just live here — they’re circulating all over the Internet. The trick is finding the good stuff. I’m moving the Parent Hacks submission process from email to social media.  When you include #parenthacks with the tips or links you post on your Facebook, Twitter, […]

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Let Amazon help you better navigate your local library

Summertime is my favorite time at the library. This hack originally appeared in 2011, but it’s the perfect time to bring it back to light. — Asha "I don’t have anything to read!" Such is the lament of a kid who speeds through books like I speed through magazines. I’ve got a quick reader, and […]

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AMAZON DEAL: Big Book of Boy Stuff for Kindle only $1.99

Bart King is on my mind for five reasons. I saved the best for last. 1. He’s the author of two of my kids’ favorite books. He’s written many books, but two of my kids’ longtime favorites are The Big Book of Boy Stuff and The Big Book of Gross Stuff. 2. He’s a local author, like really local. I […]

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Turn a binder + pencil pouches into a portable travel play kit

Jen of Mama Papa Bubba turned a binder and a set of pencil pouches into a sweet portable activity kit for little travelers. Click through to her post for the full how-to. Her homemade toys would take a fair amount of time to make yourself, but you can easily use this idea as a jumping off […]

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Should you force your kids into new activities?

When Christine and I launched Minimalist Parenting, interviewers inevitably asked us: But aren’t you afraid "minimalist parenting" will lead to lazy, unmotivated kids? It’s not a bad question. How can kids come to know their capabilities without a push (sometimes a firm one) out of their comfort zones? Kristen Howerton wrote a fantastic piece about why […]

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Summer fitness deal: structure + flexibility + $10 discount through Friday

Summer fitness! Easier in some ways (sun, warmth) but harder in others (lack of school year routine, vacation "breaks). If you’re looking for support, the next session of "Home Sweat Home" — my friend Alisa’s 8-week online strength training program — is about to begin. Alisa is a fabulous personal trainer and motivator extraordinaire, and […]

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Keep valuables hidden while at the beach by storing them in a rolled-up diaper “safe”

Not only is this a brilliant hack for keeping your valuables hidden, it’s the funny setup for a scene in which would-be petty thieves unwrap poop-filled decoys on beaches all over the world. Thanks for sharing, New Mom Thoughts! (She found this uncredited photo in a Facebook group. If anyone knows who created it, please […]

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Use a marble jar and a timer to manage screen time

I first became familiar with the Marble Jar when my daughter was in preschool. The teacher used this simple, tactile reward system to help the class literally see and feel the results of their responsible behavior. So much more immediate than a star chart! Cool Mom Tech upgrades the marble jar for use with older […]

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