Dads: they’re the masters of dad jokes, grill-flipping, and, apparently, some seriously genius parenting hacks. Move over, moms, because the dads of Reddit are here to share their wisdom and prove that they’ve got this whole parenting thing down (well, mostly).
From diaper-changing shortcuts to tantrum-taming techniques, these dads have figured out a few tricks to navigate the wild world of parenthood with a little more ease and a lot more laughs. So, grab a beer, sit back, and get ready to learn from the masters of dad-itude.
#1 “Always carry a multitool and a hank of paracord.” – rekstout
“I have used them for clothing repair, emergency hair ties, stroller repair, bag repair, opening packaging when out and about, entertainment (cats cradle/zipline for barbies), punching a straw hole in a milk carton rather than opening the spout (less spillage) and a multitude of other things….”
This sounds like one handy dad! We can think of a few times that a multitool would have come in handy, so get yourself one and be known as the McGyver dad!
Image source: amazon.com, G.Kuske
#2 “Mine is mowing the grass.” – panicreved
“I installed front and rear lights on my zero turn. After the kids are down, I go outside, out my headphones on, get on the mower, and cut the grass till I’m ready to come in. My wife hates it, but it’s only occasionally. It decompresses me. Keeps me level-headed.”
If your wife gets mad, just imagine what the neighbors are feeling. Either way, getting behind the lawnmower seems like a pretty constructive way to unwind!
Image source: amazon.com, Esther R. Scott
#3 “Get magic water painting books .” – JTLadsuh
“These have been far and away the best things for keeping our 2 and 5 year olds occupied in cafes, in the car etc. If you don’t want to use screens or anything that takes up a load of space, these are great. reusable, dried out by the time you come to use them again clean, use small quantities of water. you’re probably carrying water anyway, or the cafe has it. compact.”
Fun, check. Reusable, check. No mess, triple check! Water painting books might just be our new favorite thing. Can we get an adult version?
Image source: amazon.com, Ruth
#4 “For me it’s asking who wants to use “the black toothbrush ” and he comes running “me!” And that’s what initiates the bedtime routine” – JesusFetus818
If you just speak their language, kids are pretty easy! Make something a little exclusive or weird and they are hooked. Even something as simple as a black toothbrush get them interested!
Image source: amazon.com, Solomiya
#5 “Walking the dog in the morning before everyone is awake and walking him in the evening when everyone is in bed.” – nwjckcty
“I’ve Always Done And Never Thought I Could Appreciate More Then I Already Do.”
So, grab your TUG retractable leash, and enjoy some much-needed dad time without suffering the consequences.
Image source: amazon.com, Heather
#6 “Kid hates taking baths. If you pick any random toy and suggest we have to find out if it floats or sinks, though – boom! Straight to the bath.” – usr000nm
This dad has obviously cracked the code! Level up this gave even more with some flashing and floating toys that will make bathtime a disco.
Image source: amazon.com, Crystal
#7 ” Puppy Pads are also Baby Pads.” – eosha
“The puppy training piddle pads are basically diapers in sheet form. Set one on top of your changing table and leave it there until there’s an incident, then throw it away and replace it. Haven’t had to clean our changing table yet.”
Who can argue with this logic? Something tells us this dad has had more than his fair share of “accidents” to figure out this puppy pad hack.
Image source: amazon.com, Visa Gift Card
#8 “Take videos!! You’ll forget all the adorable squeaks, hums, and the unique way they pronounce words.” – muthaclucker
Get yourself a good old-fashioned camcorder, dad-style. This way you are still capturing the moment without being distracted by whatever pops up on your phone.
Image source: amazon.com, Andrea Huckel
#9 “A leaf blower is just a vacuum in reverse.” – Anillop
“It’s the best way to clean under the seats of the car. Blow out all the crap and then use a vacuum to clean up the mess. It also works great to get a light dusting of snow off a car or walkway.”
Having a sturdy leaf blower is a right of passage, just like New Balance sneakers and a pair of tongs that are extra clicky.
Image source: amazon.com, Blue goldfish
#10 “Use kitchen shears for cutting up food for your infant/toddler.” – tenderbranson301
“It’s quicker and less messy than doing it with a foek/knife/cutting board.”
Honestly, who has time for perfect cuts when a screaming toddler wants their nuggets? So keep your scissors clean and close by!
Image source: amazon.com, Jake
#11 “Wife and I were out and about today. Her lady time started unexpectedly and she wasn’t prepared. I was able to run to my truck and grab this small bag I keep stocked with hygiene products and midol.” – yeaahh_no
“Needless to say, I felt pretty amazing for coming in to save the day (or at least that’s how I felt) Daughter isn’t yet that age but nice to know I’m somewhat prepared.”
Can we hear it for all the dads who aren’t weirded out by the female body?! A feminine product bag should come standard issue to every dad and husband.
Image source: amazon.com, Doris
#12 “Bone conduction headphones.” – calhoon2005
“I can listen to music/podcasts/audio books and still be present. Having some chill music going whilst I do dinner, washing, bed etc is the jam… 100% would recommend.”
This dad knows that bone-conduction headphones give you the best of both worlds. Drown out the noise but still be in the moment.
Image source: amazon.com, David
#13 “Timers!” – met1culous
“For example, with screen time. My kids respond so much better to a timer/alarm going off rather than me saying “ok, time to turn it off”. Like the timer is some unchangeable deity, they never argue with the timer. If I say it, there’s definitely some moans and groans.”
It’s a little annoying that an inanimate timer has more power than you, but hey, if it works, who are we to argue?
Image source: amazon.com, Danaaa
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