10 Clever Hacks to Save Busy Parents Time and Money

As a mum-of-four, Casey Major-Bunce knows firsthand the challenges of balancing family life with the demands of work and social commitments. But what if you could save time, money, and sanity in the process? With her new book, The Big Book of Major Mum Hacks, Major-Bunce shares 10 clever hacks that have transformed her own life as a busy parent.

Hack #1: Color-Coded Routine Clock

Major-Bunce suggests using a cheap clock and coloring sections to indicate different parts of the daily routine. Simply color-code each section, such as homework, playtime, dinner, bath time, and bedtime, and write a key to each color on a piece of paper. Stick this next to the clock, and your kids will know exactly what's happening at any given time.

"Now your kids only need to look at the clock to find out what they're doing when," says Major-Bunce. "No more 'What time's dinner?' on repeat."

Hack #2: Window Toys for Car Journeys

For long car journeys, try packing window toys like stickers, spinners, or suction toys in a small bag. Get a window seat with a table if possible, and bring out different toys every few minutes to keep your kids entertained. Major-Bunce calls this "Tiny hands stay busy, tiny voices stay happy."

Hack #3: Wardrobe Cube Packing Hack

Packing for holiday with small children can be a nightmare, but Major-Bunce suggests using wardrobe cubes or over-the-door shoe racks to keep outfits organized. Simply use each compartment for an outfit, and you'll have more time for cocktails on the beach.

Hack #4: Watermelon Ice Lolly Hack

Major-Bunce recommends cutting up watermelon in a food processor and turning it into ice lollies. Add some favorite fruits or veggies to create "magic unicorn bananas" or "Bluey's special green veg." Kids will love eating healthy, fun food!

Hack #5: Art Caddy for Fast Food

When getting takeout in the car, use an art caddy to keep everything organized. Slot burgers, chips, and drinks into the compartments, and avoid the chaos of "juggling the chips" while driving.

Hack #6: Bed Sock Floor Mop Hack

Need a quick clean-up? Use bed socks as mop pads! Simply place a sock over the floor mount at the end of a mop handle, and wash it when you're done. Who needs fancy mop pads when you've got a cozy bed sock?

Hack #7: Character Stickers for Healthy Food

Make healthy fruit and veggies more appealing to kids by secretly adding character stickers from their favorite shows or movies. Ask them to find the "magic unicorn bananas" or "Bluey's special green veg." They'll love eating nutritious food!

Hack #8: Phone Case Storage Hack

Use your mobile phone case as a storage container for essentials like cash, colorful plasters, and sunscreen. Major-Bunce calls it "Mum's phone: part wallet, part first-aid kit, part life-saver."

Hack #9: Fake Tan Mitt for Sun Cream

Wrangling kids to apply sun cream can be a challenge. Try using a fake tan mitt to make the process easier and less sticky. Major-Bunce says it's a "game-changer"!

Hack #10: Make-Up Sponge for Face Sun Cream

Another hack from Major-Bunce is using a make-up sponge to apply sun cream to your child's face. It makes the process much easier and less messy.

The Big Book of Major Mum Hacks by Casey Major-Bunce

If you're tired of feeling like you're juggling too many balls at once, check out The Big Book of Major Mum Hacks. This comprehensive guide is packed with 10 clever hacks that will transform your life as a busy parent.

The book is published by Sphere and priced £18.99. Available March 13.