Busy Parent? These Ten Clever Hacks Will Help You Save Time and Money
As a busy parent, saving time and money becomes even more crucial after having children. Influencer Casey Major-Bunce, a mum of four with over 726k followers on Instagram, has compiled 150 of her best hacks into her new book, The Big Book of Major Mum Hacks. In this article, we'll delve into ten of her favorite hacks that can make a significant difference in your daily life.
A Colorful Clock for Kids
Major-Bunce suggests buying a cheap clock and coloring sections of it in different colors to indicate when it's time for parts of their daily routine, such as homework, play, dinner, bath, story time, and bedtime. Then, write a key to each color on a piece of paper and stick it next to the clock. This simple hack helps kids develop a sense of structure and timing, making it easier for parents to manage their day.
Window Toys for Long Car and Rail Journeys
For long car and rail journeys, Major-Bunce recommends buying cheap window activity toys like stickers, spinners, or suction toys. Pack them in a small bag and bring out different ones every few minutes to keep your kids occupied and happy. This hack is especially useful if you're traveling with young children who get restless during long trips.
Packing Cubes for Stress-Free Travel
Trying to pack for small children as well as yourself before a holiday can be overwhelming, but Major-Bunce's solution is a wardrobe cube or an over-the-door shoe rack. Use each compartment to separate outfits, and then roll the whole thing into a suitcase for a stress-free packing experience.
A Refreshing Summer Breakfast Hack
For a summer breakfast alternative or a cooling after-school snack, Major-Bunce suggests cutting up watermelon in a food processor and putting it in ice lolly moulds. Add some blueberries, yogurt, and kiwi fruits to create a healthy and refreshing treat that's perfect for warm weather.
Mud-Swabbing with Bed Socks
When kids get muddy, Major-Bunce recommends using bed socks to mop up the mess instead of a traditional mop pad. Simply place a bed sock over the floor mount at the end of a mop handle and clean as usual. This hack is eco-friendly and cost-effective.
An Art Caddy for Fast Food
When ordering takeout with kids, Major-Bunce suggests using an art caddy to keep everything organized. Slot burgers, chips, and drinks into the compartments, and you'll avoid the chaos of juggling food while driving.
Magic Unicorn Fruit and Veggies
To make healthy fruit and veggies more appealing to young children, Major-Bunce recommends secretly popping a character sticker on them when shopping with your kids. This trick helps them develop a positive association with healthy foods and makes mealtime more enjoyable.
A Phone Case for Essentials
Major-Bunce's phone case hack is a game-changer for parents who always carry essentials like cash, colorful plasters, and other miscellaneous items. Simply store these in your phone case when you don't want to carry a bag.
Sun Cream Hacks for Wriggly Kids
Getting wriggly kids to submit to sun cream application can be challenging, but Major-Bunce has three hacks up her sleeve. Firstly, use a fake tan mitt to apply sun cream onto their bodies. Secondly, use a make-up sponge for their faces, which is a "game-changer" for easier application. Finally, sprinkle SPF powder along the edge of your child's hairline to avoid stickiness in their hair.
The Big Book of Major Mum Hacks
Casey Major-Bunce's book, The Big Book of Major Mum Hacks, is now available on March 13. Priced at £18.99, it's a must-have for any busy parent looking to simplify their life and make parenting easier.