Raising kids, as rewarding as it is, is full of challenges that you might not even see coming. As a parent, you might feel exhausted and overwhelmed, as if you have to juggle a hundred different tasks each day. So, it helps to know that you’re not alone in this. There’s a whole world of parents out there ready to support you.
Comedian Joe Dombrowski recently sparked an interesting viral discussion on Threads after inviting everyone to share their “oddly specific” parenting advice. These are the types of tips that feel fresh, unique, and bizarrely helpful, and we’re featuring some of the best ones with you today. Scroll down to check them out, and make sure that you’re taking notes! We’re pretty sure you’ll want to test a few of these out ASAP.
#1
Whenever you go to a store where you type in your phone number on a pad for rewards, have your toddler do it. Coach them through it.
They will memorize your phone number in no time.
Image source: speedymarie8, Greta Hoffman
#2
When your kids get to elementary age buy one kind of sock. No patterns. No colors. ONE Kind. Saves you hours and $ in trying to keep socks matches
Image source: ejtwritesandreads, khwaneigq
#3
When you are driving them around, do not play kiddie music. Play your music. It is a sanity saver.
You’ll hear enough little kid music and soundtracks in your house. In your car, you teach them about the time Stevie Nicks wrote “Silver Springs” about her ex and then made him play it on stage.
Image source: autismwithasideoffries, Getty Images
One of the most important things to know about becoming a parent is that you should set any ideas of ‘perfect parenting’ aside. You do the best that you can. You learn while ‘on the job.’ And if you ever need support, you can always rely on your partner, family, friends, and the internet for help. It is empowering to know that other people have been in your shoes and have faced and overcome the same challenges that you’re struggling with now.
As the BBC points out, new parents put a lot of pressure on themselves, so it’s important to learn to ease up. Being a parent doesn’t come easily to anyone (no matter how picture-perfect their parenting social media account might look). It’s also important that you take on other people’s advice and read up on parenting, but at the end of the day, trust your instincts and have faith in your own judgment.
#4
Use the real names for body parts
Image source: court0216, Getty Images
#5
Don’t let on to your kids that batteries in toys can be replaced. When the original batteries die, they become “quiet toys” and that’s that.
Image source: brievillain, Terry Disoloane
#6
When your kid is nervous about doing something, but does it anyway, tell them in the moment, “This is what bravery feels like. It feels like still being nervous.” This helps break the narrative that you’ll “feel brave” before doing something brave.
Image source: tiphandpoems, Getty Images
Furthermore, it’s vital that you constantly communicate and (re)connect with your significant other. You should find ways to share your parenting duties, plan things together, and let each other rest because you’re both exhausted. It’s important to remember here that nobody is a mind-reader and you need to get good at asking for help, instead of keeping your partner guessing about your wants, needs, and struggles.
Meanwhile, take some time to actively reach out to other parents who are in the same situation as you are. Connecting with other new parents helps you stay social and exchange parenting tips.
#7
If you’re going on a trip with multiple overnight stops, pack a suitcase by day, not by person. Then when you get to the hotel late at night, you haul one bag to the room with everybody’s stuff in it for the night+the next day. “Wednesday suitcase” “Thursday suitcase” etc. Same when flying, so if luggage gets lost, it’s one day’s worth, not one person now has nothing.
Image source: trailimeli, Getty Images
#8
Never be the one to let go of a hug first. Hug them until they let go
Image source: ohamymae, Getty Images
#9
If you have a baby or toddler keep a full change of clothes for the whole family in the trunk of your car. Just trust me.
Image source: ally_said_it, Charles Parker
Good sleep is a fundamental part of your physical and mental health. If it suffers, it has knock-on effects throughout your entire life.
The NHS suggests that new parents try to rest whenever their baby sleeps. “It might be tempting to use this time to catch up with housework or other chores, but sometimes getting rest is more important. Set an alarm if you’re worried about sleeping for too long.”
Moreover, try to go to bed earlier every night. And if you have a partner, share the night feeding between both of you.
#10
Take them to the places you want them to know how to behave in. Love fancy dinners? Bring them. Love travel? Bring them. People will tolerate a toddler learning how to behave in public but will not tolerate a 5yo learning the same.
Image source: elemenobe, cottonbro studio
#11
TURN CLOSED CAPTIONING ON ✅
Your kid will be reading 3 grades ahead, just trust me.
Image source: hayhixx, Ksenia Chernaya
#12
If they poo their pants, just throw the underwear away. Don’t torture yourself by trying to rinse them out and clean them
Image source: kellygriffith05, Getty Images
It’s also not a sign of weakness to ask for help. You can ask a family member or friend to temporarily babysit while you catch up on some sleep.
In the meantime, sleep aside, remember to take care of the other aspects of your health, like getting enough exercise, eating nutritious food, staying hydrated, and having (some sort of) a social life.
“When you’re feeling tired, doing more exercise may be the last thing you feel like doing. But regular exercise can help you feel less tired. Walking is one of the easiest forms of exercise. Try to get out for a walk every day with your baby, even if it’s just to the shops.
#13
Keep a running note of all the insane and funny stuff your kids say, with ages. I have a list almost 8 years long and I love going back a reading it
Image source: micahdl, Vitor Monthay
#14
When your toddler is losing their mind, put your hand in front of their mouth and tell them to blow your hand away. Theatrically move your hand a little bit and tell them they have to take a bigger breath to blow it away. This forces them to take deep breaths and allows them to calm their body down so you can eventually talk to them about their big feelings.
Image source: susieelias, Getty Images
#15
When they say a word wrong please record them because you’ll miss it when it’s gone.
Image source: vanessasafie, Getty Images
In your personal experience, what are the biggest challenges that you’ve had to overcome in raising your kids? On the flip side, what are the best parts of being a parent?
What advice would you give anyone who’s a new parent and feels completely exhausted and utterly overwhelmed? What do you wish your partner would ‘get’ to help you get on the same page?
Feel free to vent and share your parenting hacks in the comments down below!
#16
Oh! When your kid starts kindergarten, go to the thrift store and buy an adult-size Hawaiian shirt. You’re going to need a Hawaiian shirt at least three or four times a year for the next thirteen years, just buy one they can grow into.
Image source: evinschmevin, Hoi An and Da Nang Photographer
#17
I taught my daughter to drive in the cemetery. Slow winding roads & everyone is already dead.
Image source: _ashleysellers, R. du Plessis
#18
I had all my close relatives and friends write a letter to my kid on their 1st birthday, to be opened on their 18th. By that time, 4 of the elders had passed. When we opened them, it was incredible and now my kid has them forever.
Image source: greeblehaus, Bernd 📷 Dittrich
#19
Make a distinction between “plans” and “promises”. And do not break your promises.
Image source: loisgroat, Getty Images
#20
Keep a bag of craft supplies (with googly eyes) and construction paper/poster board. So when your kid tells you at 7:45pm they have a project due the next day, you’re not doing a late evening craft run. I say this as a mom of boys.
Image source: lilybondi, Getty Images
#21
It could be chocolate or poop, but always clean it up as if it’s poop.
Image source: claffey.m, Kateryna Hliznitsova
#22
Give your kid a weirdly specific job at family gatherings like “official olive distributor.” My 5 yerra old can already salt a margarita glass like a pro
Image source: mikeganino, Getty Images
#23
frozen peas are a perfectly acceptable snack, toddlers love em. Frozen waffles, same
thing. We just caled everything “Elsa ___” and the kids requested it constantly.
Image source: bellacassidy
#24
If they’re under 5 and quiet, you will probably need some paper towels soon.
Image source: themomnoms, David Smith
#25
For as long as you’re able, if you’re in situation where your kid is going to order an icee or a popsicle or a shave ice, order the clear (white raspberry or birthday cake) option. No food dye, and much easier on your laundry.
Image source: ulia_s_monts, Drazen Nesic
#26
Make hard transitions in the summer. Drop the paci, potty train, big kid bed… daylight helps on hard days. Summer has more daylight.
Image source: allierampley, John
#27
If you see your toddler walking by with a step stool do NOT ignore it. Nothing good can come from that scenario.
Image source: allie_ritt, Paulina Herpel
#28
Stick to a ROUTINE vs SCHEDULE! Schedules are bound by a clock. Routines are formed by knowing what to expect next no matter what time the clock says.
Image source: acottrell72
#29
Ignore untrained busybodies who tell you that vaccines are poison, or ineffective or cause autism. They are safe and effective.
Image source: wadepthealth
#30
Whenever you go to a store where you type in your phone number on a pad for rewards, have your toddler do it. Coach them through it.
They will memorize your phone number in no time.
Image source: speedymarie8
#31
Don’t try to make a happy child happier. If they’re content playing in a cardboard box, don’t try to make a trip to the zoo happen.
Image source: limerrill
#32
If your toddler is arching their back while you’re trying to put them in the car seat, say, “Hiya!” as you lightly karate chop them at the waistline. They fold right in half.
Image source: peevedmichelle
#33
If you don’t want your child to be gay, trans, et al – don’t have kids. This isn’t Build-A-Bear. You don’t get to pick and choose anything about your child. Parents love their children unconditionally and accept who they know themselves to be.
Image source: kdenver5280
#34
Santa brings one special gift for each kid. The rest are from Mom and Dad.
Image source: amyhegel
#35
Buy all the healthy snacks and say they can’t have any because they’re yours. Now they will be eating healthy snacks. You’re welcome.
Image source: ms.cindi
#36
Until they go to school they have no concept of what is popular. You can make them like your bad old shows and music.
Image source: caseymclaincomedy
#37
A friend whose kids started hitting each other during disagreements were limited to “one sibling smack per day”. They ended up negotiating with each other about how strongly they felt about said argument and collectively deciding whether it was “worth the hit.”
Image source: pixiewithcoffee
#38
Avoid Caillou at all costs
Image source: willgraves_ap
#39
Skip the kids’ menus. Feed them what you’re eating.
Image source: snozzkerri
#40
Tell them that your favorite part of the parent-teacher conference was when the teacher said you were a good friend.
Image source: lleighton71
#41
Do not EVER assume they want you to peel their bananas
Image source: carohasfrecks
#42
Kids have a double life. Monitor it but respect it.
Image source: kindredthewife
#43
When they need to split something, like the last cookie- Have one of them cut it in half, and the other one picks which half they want. I promise you, this stops so many “it’s not fair” fights.
Image source: dihollywood
#44
Teach your tiny children to play Marco Polo as soon as they are verbal. If you lose them (in the house, in the store, in the library, at church), just yell out “MARCO!” and they’ll yell “POLO”, even if they’re hiding. I found mine in the foot well of the church pipe organ.
Image source: momontheverge
#45
Two sets of sheets on the bed- waterproof sheet, fitted sheet, waterproof sheet, fitted sheet.
Image source: a.azzone
#46
Your missing forks are in your couch.
Image source: cassadayheather
#47
Prevention of the most common cause of mortality in toddlers is literally sitting next to them and watching them when they are in Any amount of water.
Image source: darthdrpete
#48
Don’t send them to school in ‘tie shoes” until they can reliably tie them, themselves.
Always empty the littlest one’s pockets OUTSIDE. Trust me on this
Image source: mamagaffick
#49
Do not equate food with emotions.
“You won the big game! Lets get pizza!”
“You’re sad, lets get chocolate and ice cream.”
“It hurts grandma’s feelings if you don’t eat seconds.”
Image source: jarrahg
#50
When you threaten to “turn this car around and go home” make sure to act like you’re about to press this button.
Image source: michaelbeatricedad
#51
Practice opening lunch containers by using them at home before they take them to school, etc. Opening AND closing.
Image source: sargent_mom
#52
“Do you want advice or do you want me to listen?”
Image source: edmistol
#53
Never go to bed without gas in the car. You never know what the night may bring.
Image source: lmalloy007
#54
Your kid is new at being a person. Remember that this is their first time doing so many things and it’s unfair to be impatient with them that they don’t get it right away. Remind yourself that they are new people.
Image source: samanthareiofficial
#55
I have three: 1) Make thrift stores the coolest places to buy clothes & household decor, 2) cook w/ them often & encourage safe kitchen behaviors, & 3) encourage 1 long term skill like baking, sewing, or repairing things. – Signed a mom of 4
Image source: ladyjgisele
#56
If you can, buy a house as close as you can to the high school. No matter what extra curricular activities your teen does, you will be at that school for drop offs and pickups ALL.THE.TIME and at ALL HOURS.
Image source: jsmith0809
#57
If you are exhausted at bedtime and reading aloud to a non-reader, most Bernstain Bears books still make sense if you only read the first sentence on each page.
Image source: bex.obst
#58
Ignore untrained busybodies who tell you that vaccines are poison, or ineffective or cause autism. They are safe and effective.
Image source: wadepthealth
#59
Get good at being silly when you’re mad, or sad, or exhausted. Turning what could be a snappy response into a silly game will save you a lot of drama
Image source: smashleyhamer
#60
Don’t lie to your kids about “trivial” things. Not only are you setting yourself up to be mistrusted, but you’re skipping all of the little opportunities to help your kid practice boundaries and emotional regulation. I.e. The park isn’t “closed,” you just don’t want to go, and sometimes we don’t go because I don’t want to and that’s okay.
Image source: figgytater
#61
don’t lose yourself in motherhood. you’re raising someone else’s husband, father, friend, business partner, colleague, etc. they’re not yours. they will leave you one day. make sure you don’t forget to pour into the woman you were before motherhood.
Image source: shesbrittny
#62
If you have to take a little kid on a flight, have one or two surprise presents (like an action figure or a car) that you don’t reveal to them until they start to get restless.
Image source: robison_wells
#63
When you are driving t(w)eens around, fade the music to the back and then turn up the volume… They will think you can’t hear them and will speak more loudly.
The intel is STAGGERING.
Image source: dougchapinforcongress
#64
If you plan to do something with them (zoo, trip somewhere, even ice cream shop) and you want to surprise them, tell them about it ON THE DAY OF. They’ll still be surprised, but you’ll avoid being asked every day “how many days left”, “ how many hours?” Etc
Image source: marypil21
#65
Don’t get an Elf.
Image source: tania_kimball
#66
Do not let the children apply magnetiles to their braces
Image source: authorlaineydavis
#67
Park next to the cart return
Image source: adrshro
#68
Never trust a “mommy smell my finger”
Image source: 7crickets7
#69
Boost your child’s confidence every chance you get. Not just when they do something big, but in the small moments too… because how you speak to them is how they’ll learn to speak to themselves.
Image source: pbnjamilah
#70
Use a pool noodle under the fitted sheet along the edge of a bed to help with roll-offs when learning to sleep in a big-kid bed. Low enough they can get out if they need to, but usually enough of a bump that they don’t roll onto the floor.
Image source: fireman_jakes_girl
#71
Santa brings 2-3 presents per kid and game and art project for kids to share, and parents do everything else including any big ticket items. Wrap it all in Santa paper that you hide from kids.
Image source: jennyvonhelms
#72
Of your kids won’t eat “broken food” tell them the only way to put it back together is to put all the pieces in their tummy.
Image source: storymaster_dm
#73
Once in a while, It’s ok to allow your child to eat leftover pizza as breakfast.
Image source: deb.ross_e
#74
1. When your kids are little play your music in the car your sanity will thank you later.
2. ALWAYS carry an extra outfit, diapers, wipes, and cream in the car. You just never know even with a diaper bag.
3. Silence when everyone is awake means someone is up to no good. I promise you.
4. Routines are better than schedules, we know the order of what comes next rather than exact times to do them= less stress
5. You can make most healthy foods look like junk food while keeping it healthy.
Image source: lovelyreviewswithm
#75
Do NOT avoid goodbyes. DONT “sneak away” when leaving them with a baby sitter so they won’t notice and “be happier”
Always say goodbye and do it happily, goodbye to the TV, goodbye to the toy they have to leave home, goodbye to the store you’re leaving, etc.
then goodbyes aren’t anxious!
For all 3 of my kids worked like a charm vs other toddlers/littles their age
Image source: corinnemecham
#76
There will be a time when life will be lifeing for your kid, you’ll know they need a “win” and that’s when you break a BIG rule. For us it was icecream or cake for breakfast.
Yes, it’s unhealthy and no you can’t do it all the time, the point is the feeling of “breaking a rule” is going to overshadow the losses. We can teach our children how to bend and not break. But I don’t know, pray about it.
Image source: jalina_monclus
#77
Turn vegetables into a food race. “Who can eat their asparagus the fastest??? Ready, go!”
Image source: msjen141
Follow Us
