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In a world where only the strong survive… only the strong survive. And parents have no choice—they have to find their way around all of the challenges that their kids throw at them. And that means getting hella creative.

Today’s list features some of the freshest, most ingenious parenting hacks, tips, tricks and other forms of advice that helped them get through parenting easier.

#1

Here’s My Best Parenting Hack

Here’s My Best Parenting Hack

You know how kids always want PAW Patrol yogurt or Disney waffles or whatever? Bring your own stickers to the grocery store and start sticking. Today we’re having Winnie the Pooh brand spaghetti squash. It goes perfectly with Toy Story broccoli.

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Lara Verne
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1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It's clever, but ridiculous that kids would eat something they usually don't like as long as it's branded with fairytale characters.

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CK
Community Member
1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Sometimes when children don't like a food, they're actually just intimidated by an unfamiliar texture. Once they taste it, they often do like it.

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Tiny Dancer
Community Member
1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Cute and all, marvy if it works for you. I can honestly say I never bought my son any food that was branded by Disney or whoever. He's autistic, so I had other food issues to deal with. Branding wasn't even in our personal top ten, lol.

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Timbob
Community Member
1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

You make your own stickers ? Isn’t that expensive ?

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Mary Peace
Community Member
3 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I thought they bought the stickers and took them shopping, not made the stickers.

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#2

Added A Smiley Face To My Kid's Shoes So He Knows When They Are On The Right Feet

Added A Smiley Face To My Kid's Shoes So He Knows When They Are On The Right Feet

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#3

That's Clever

That's Clever

JaredTNelson Report

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Amanda Young
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1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Awesome paste really. Makes your mouth feel all fizzy like while cleaning. It's great

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Now, it goes without saying that parenting is definitely one of the harder challenges in life. A rewarding one, but a hard journey nonetheless.

With that said, the hacks you see in this listicle are a way to make things at least a tad bit easier, or maybe even the fruit of the hard work parents put into raising a good human being. A fruit that is creative parenting.

#4

How Cute

How Cute

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#5

I Get My Two Kids To Eat Extra Vegetables By Having A "Loudest Crunch Competition." It's Important That They Choose Their Own "Weapon". The Winner Is Determined After 10 Rounds

I Get My Two Kids To Eat Extra Vegetables By Having A "Loudest Crunch Competition." It's Important That They Choose Their Own "Weapon". The Winner Is Determined After 10 Rounds

Desidiosus Report

#6

I Took My 6-Year-Old Daughter’s Favorite Toy On A Work Trip With Me So She Wouldn’t Be Sad. Was A Lot Of Fun. She Loved It

I Took My 6-Year-Old Daughter’s Favorite Toy On A Work Trip With Me So She Wouldn’t Be Sad. Was A Lot Of Fun. She Loved It

LamesBrady Report

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But it doesn’t have to be hard. As long as you know what to do, that is half the battle.

One of the best things that you can do as a parent is to “feed your soul.” That means you have to find ways to rest, relax, and restore that which is in your core. You can call it “me time” in a sense—experience something for you every day.

#8

True Hell On Earth For A Teenager. This Is A Parenting Hack

True Hell On Earth For A Teenager. This Is A Parenting Hack

When my kids get in trouble, I remove their SIM card from their expensive phone and put it into a cheap unlocked Blackberry from the 2000s. This is a way to can still use a phone, but social media is almost non-existent.

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1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

well i used to have a nokia before i got a hand me down huawei. its not that bad u can play snake 😂

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By giving yourself a moment to not care about your parenting worries and instead doing something for you, you recharge. And with that, you can go on being a good parent.

If you cook, listen to what you want in the background. If you need to work, maybe do it in a cafe. If you just had lunch, take a walk around the neighborhood to fully use your lunch hour. Things like that.

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#10

Tip For Having A Fun Halloween At Home

Tip For Having A Fun Halloween At Home

Ready for Halloween this week!! Since we are not doing trick-or-treating this year, I decided to do a boo-hunt with my kids. I will hide these little candy ghosts all over the house, turn off the lights, and then give my kids flashlights so they can go on the hunt. 

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SBocker78
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1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This would also be really cool with some glow-in-the-dark paint and handheld blacklights.

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#11

How I Eat Candy Around My Kids

How I Eat Candy Around My Kids

No_Brilliant_638 Report

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sunnxflowerr.zip
Community Member
1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

my mom did this when i was younger, and i didn't find out until a few years later :")

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#12

I'm Not The Only One To AirTag Their Kid, Right?

I'm Not The Only One To AirTag Their Kid, Right?

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The next thing to note is that you are not alone. So, don’t try to brave it alone—build a tribe. Surround yourself with people who would cheer you on when the going gets rough. Sometimes, it’s an issue of not being able to let someone in, and other times you don’t have anyone. But if you make the effort, someone is sure to respond sooner or later.

#13

Pro Tip: Zip-Tie The Bubble Wand Somewhere That The Kid Can't Dump It Out But Can Still Dip It. You're Welcome. Learned This After They Dumped The Third One Out On The Living Room Carpet

Pro Tip: Zip-Tie The Bubble Wand Somewhere That The Kid Can't Dump It Out But Can Still Dip It. You're Welcome. Learned This After They Dumped The Third One Out On The Living Room Carpet

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#14

When Making Ice Cream Cones For The Kids (Or Yourself) Put A Marshmallow At The Bottom Before Adding Ice Cream. It Stops Any Drips That May Leak Out From The Bottom Of The Cone

When Making Ice Cream Cones For The Kids (Or Yourself) Put A Marshmallow At The Bottom Before Adding Ice Cream. It Stops Any Drips That May Leak Out From The Bottom Of The Cone

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Another important thing to note is that you gotta stay you. Just because you have kids, that doesn’t mean you have to stop being yourself. Remember what you enjoy, who you were before kids and embrace it. Because nobody feels comfortable dancing to the tune of someone else’s song. Your song is the best fit for you. Incidentally, it can be the song you put on whilst cooking.

#16

My Dad Put An Example Of Each Band-Aid On The Outside Of The Zip-Lock Bags

My Dad Put An Example Of Each Band-Aid On The Outside Of The Zip-Lock Bags

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#17

Play Idea: Build After Me. I Build Something With Duplo And My 3-Year-Old Son Has To Build Exactly The Same. Then We Switch Roles

Play Idea: Build After Me. I Build Something With Duplo And My 3-Year-Old Son Has To Build Exactly The Same. Then We Switch Roles

ELderados Report

#18

$3 Worth Of Glow Sticks. Kids Went Nuts For It

$3 Worth Of Glow Sticks. Kids Went Nuts For It

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You’d be surprised to see how apt kids are at sensing discrepancies in parents—even more so, it would be horrible for them to see that their parents are letting their dreams and ambitions die. So, pursue them. Make them work.

The author discussing this, Sarah Bragg, elaborated on how she pursued her dream of launching a podcast. In it, she talks to people about survival as a parent, inspiring hope for those who need it.

#19

Parenting Hack: Buy Your Toddler A Dust Buster For Hours Of Entertainment And A Free House Cleaning

Parenting Hack: Buy Your Toddler A Dust Buster For Hours Of Entertainment And A Free House Cleaning

TurboKid513 Report

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#20

This Helps Not Only With Children, But Also With Spouses Who Are Hungry For Ice Cream. Excellent Idea

This Helps Not Only With Children, But Also With Spouses Who Are Hungry For Ice Cream. Excellent Idea

ettercat Report

Now, her daughter thinks it’s the coolest thing ever. Imagine seeing your mom being featured on iTunes alongside the likes of Taylor Swift. It’s as cool as having a Wikipedia page or having google auto-fill your name or something you’ve done but it is not yourself who’s googling you. Yeah, it’s that kind of rad.

#22

My 4-Year-Old Daughter Is Terrified Of Spiders, So I Put Some Body Spray And Water In This Bottle. She Sprays It Where She Doesn’t Want There To Be Spiders. My Whole House Smells Amazing

My 4-Year-Old Daughter Is Terrified Of Spiders, So I Put Some Body Spray And Water In This Bottle. She Sprays It Where She Doesn’t Want There To Be Spiders. My Whole House Smells Amazing

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Chrissie Anit
Community Member
1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

You could try this with lavender essential oil. Spiders apparently hate the smell, so that would turn it into an actual spider spray.

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#23

That Must Have Been A Great Day

That Must Have Been A Great Day

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Nick
Community Member
1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I did this. I bought a large commercial size bounce house. Sure it cost $1,500. But I used it for six birthdays and multiple random days. At a rental cost of $200, I've paid it off. Now it sits in the garage waiting for grandkids.

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#24

When Deflating Pool Toys, Use A Small Clamp To Pinch The Inflation Tube Perfectly While You Lay, Lean, Or Sit On It

When Deflating Pool Toys, Use A Small Clamp To Pinch The Inflation Tube Perfectly While You Lay, Lean, Or Sit On It

celticdude234 Report

Like with many other aspects of life, there is no shame in asking for help. Ever. Parenting isn’t a one man gig. Your significant other can and should always help. Grandparents and parents, brothers and sisters, uncles and aunts, nieces and nephews all have the potential for helping out when parenting gets tough—and their involvement will only strengthen the bond of the family.

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#26

"Hands On The Circle!" The Phrase We Say As We Jump Out Of The Car. The Circle Is The Gas Cap, And So Far, Has Kept All Kids Safe From Any Oncoming Traffic While I Unload The Trunk

"Hands On The Circle!" The Phrase We Say As We Jump Out Of The Car. The Circle Is The Gas Cap, And So Far, Has Kept All Kids Safe From Any Oncoming Traffic While I Unload The Trunk

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MacFrog
Community Member
1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Unfortunately, this doesn't work for e.g. Toyotas, which have their gas cap on the left side. At least if your country has right-hand traffic.

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#27

Cut Toilet Rolls Down And Use Them As Bridge Pillars For Your Kid's Train/Car Tracks

Cut Toilet Rolls Down And Use Them As Bridge Pillars For Your Kid's Train/Car Tracks

isymfs Report

Last, but certainly not least, stay positive. Being grumpy and negative never really amounts to anything, and especially not parenting. Be there for your kids, watch them grow as they explore and discover the world, encourage them and let them be a positive influence on you. Life is hard as it is—being salty about it all the time won’t help, so better not even start.

#28

Pro Tip: Pack A Squeegee In The Stroller Permanently, If You Live In A Rainy Climate & Visit Slides

Pro Tip: Pack A Squeegee In The Stroller Permanently, If You Live In A Rainy Climate & Visit Slides

alecmuffett Report

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PandaGoPanda
Community Member
1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This person clearly lives in the UK! An alternative wiper is an old flannel, which you can use fro cleaning little hands or other items too.

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#30

Parenting The Gaming Generation

Parenting The Gaming Generation

"Quests disappear when completed by Anyone.
Times are approximate, Rewards are not.
A clean room is its own reward."

"Quest: The Brown Horror - clean the toilet (time: 20 min, reward: $5)"
"WANTED: Centipedes (Dead - $0.25, Alive- $1)"
"Quest: Dirty Reflection - clean all windows and mirrors (time: 45 min, reward: $8)"
"Quest: It sucks! - vacuum the living room (time: 15 min, reward: $3)"
"Quest: Artistic condition - organize the art drawer (time: 10 min, reward: $2)"

justincrazyeyes Report

So, what are your thoughts on any of this? Have some parenting hacks that you found to be very helpful? Share them and any stories in the comment section below!

And if you want more parenting content, you don’t need to go anywhere, honestly.

#31

I Will Repeat My Best Dad Hack. It’ll Make Light Fluffy Hollandaise And Then Take Bubble Baths To The Next Level

 I Will Repeat My Best Dad Hack. It’ll Make Light Fluffy Hollandaise And Then Take Bubble Baths To The Next Level

manaboutcowtown Report

#32

If Anyone Else Out There Has Crazy Wasteful Children And Wants To Keep Them From Pumping Giant Globs Of Soap, Tie A Ponytail Holder Or A Rubber Band On The "Pump" Part Of The Dispenser

If Anyone Else Out There Has Crazy Wasteful Children And Wants To Keep Them From Pumping Giant Globs Of Soap, Tie A Ponytail Holder Or A Rubber Band On The "Pump" Part Of The Dispenser

thefalconsflock Report

#33

DIY Child's Wheelchair. Child Almost Severed His Toe, Couldn't Crawl/Walk, And Too Small For Wheelchair

DIY Child's Wheelchair. Child Almost Severed His Toe, Couldn't Crawl/Walk, And Too Small For Wheelchair

velofille Report

#34

Clothing Hack: Big Girl Shirts Can Make Cute Toddler Dresses. It Doesn't Work With Everything, But With The Right Garment Sewing A Simple Pintuck On The Back Catches Things Up Nicely

Clothing Hack: Big Girl Shirts Can Make Cute Toddler Dresses. It Doesn't Work With Everything, But With The Right Garment Sewing A Simple Pintuck On The Back Catches Things Up Nicely

Likewise, baby dresses can sometimes be repurposed as shirts for toddlers.

StrangeInTheStars Report

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DRMAGDN
Community Member
1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My mom took my brown small checkered blanket from my crib as a baby and made a horse head on a stick when I was older. I thought that was really cool repurposing.

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#35

We Drive Past McDonald's On The Way To Daycare, And She Always Wants To Stop And Get Hash Browns. I Started Saving The Wrappers And Cooking Frozen Ones From Aldi's Before We Leave

We Drive Past McDonald's On The Way To Daycare, And She Always Wants To Stop And Get Hash Browns. I Started Saving The Wrappers And Cooking Frozen Ones From Aldi's Before We Leave

Bobbaman77 Report

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Puck
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1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Or you can just say no.... Perhaps an unpopulair opinion but i don't see why she should get something everytime you go to daycare or whenever she says she wants something. I suppose she goes to daycare right after breakfast, so she just ate and probably isn't hungry. When she really is hungry there are better alternatives like a banana, apple, grapes, cherrytomatoes, cucumber or a sandwich from home.

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#36

They Look Gross But They Actually Taste Great

They Look Gross But They Actually Taste Great

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Jason
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1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My son still asks for broccoli over fries. He loves veggies. Got lucky, only thing I could say is I would make it for dinner with the rest of the food. We all eat the same thing and he could ask for more food if he ate what he had on his plate. Never made a big deal of it other the commenting occasionally how much I loved mine.

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#37

Keep Fingers Sticky-Free With This Fancy Ice Lolly Accessory (Cupcake Wrapper)

Keep Fingers Sticky-Free With This Fancy Ice Lolly Accessory (Cupcake Wrapper)

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#38

Playing Tattoo Parlor. This Got Me 10 Minutes Of Laying Down Time

Playing Tattoo Parlor. This Got Me 10 Minutes Of Laying Down Time

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PandaGoPanda
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1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Can't help feeling he'll need more than 10 minutes to wash this off later ...

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#39

Cut Foam Pool Noodles And Use As Door Bumpers To Prevent Little Fingers From Getting Caught In Doors

Cut Foam Pool Noodles And Use As Door Bumpers To Prevent Little Fingers From Getting Caught In Doors

MoJeffreys Report

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TheDarkestRaven
Community Member
1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Also useful on the sides of beds to keep from rolling off. It’s a fun house, trust me.

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#40

The Sticker Wall. My Kid's Reward For Using The Potty Is He Can Pick A Sticker And Place It On The Wall

The Sticker Wall. My Kid's Reward For Using The Potty Is He Can Pick A Sticker And Place It On The Wall

It worked very well when we first started potty training. Now after a few months, he mostly forgets he can grab a sticker after going.

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Jason
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1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I made surprise eggs with small things in them he would get to pick out. Stickers, a couple mnms, small play doh, mini figures. Would reuse the eggs and the contents ended up being about a quarter or less each. He loved the surprise. Though he ended up where he would go and sit in the bathroom repeatedly trying to get the eggs lol. Worked though and eventually convinced him it only counted when he really had to go.

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#41

Tummy Time Hack! Christmas Lights. You Don’t Even Have To Unravel Them! My Baby Screamed During Every Tummy Time, And My Friend Suggested This. It Works

Tummy Time Hack! Christmas Lights. You Don’t Even Have To Unravel Them! My Baby Screamed During Every Tummy Time, And My Friend Suggested This. It Works

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Cathy
Community Member
1 month ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

You should unravel Christmas lights at all times! Due to electricity heat.. Edit: indeed led lights use way less electricity so it is less important. Furthermore it is not about the light itself but when you roll them up the electric wire acts like a coil (?) that amplifies the electricity. Source: husband is an electrician

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#42

Daughter Wants To Work In The Garage With Her Dad And Needs Her Hair Pulled Back

Daughter Wants To Work In The Garage With Her Dad And Needs Her Hair Pulled Back

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#43

My Mother Made A Framed Sheet To Help Me Do Laundry More

My Mother Made A Framed Sheet To Help Me Do Laundry More

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Dreaming Spirit
Community Member
1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

And here I am separating my laundry into just three categories: light colors, dark colors, bedding and towels. If something does not survive this proces, it was clearly not meant to be.

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#44

Reusable Water Balloons Are The Toy That I Wish Existed When I Was A Kid

Reusable Water Balloons Are The Toy That I Wish Existed When I Was A Kid

I had no idea these existed until we were gifted them last week. So cool... No mess, easy to fill, super fun to pop, 18-month-old, 5-year-old, mom, & dad are all obsessed. Has anyone else discovered these recently? 

famous_mockingbirds Report

#45

I Appreciate The Kid Limiting Himself To The Space Provided

I Appreciate The Kid Limiting Himself To The Space Provided

PanickarS Report

#46

Kids Got A Noisy Toy? Put Some Tape Over The Speaker To Cut The Volume. Best Part Is, If You Use Clear Tape They Won't See It

Kids Got A Noisy Toy? Put Some Tape Over The Speaker To Cut The Volume. Best Part Is, If You Use Clear Tape They Won't See It

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The Original Bruno
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1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My kid had a toy that would talk for several seconds, then sort of turn off, but if you didn't turn off the switch. it would wake up when jostled and wake everyone else up. We fiinally threw it out. Down the trash chute in our apartment building. Where it landed at the very bottom. And apparently the trash men didn't always empty the trash chite down to the very bottom, so it would wake up when we (or probably anyone else in the building) threw their trash out. For weeks. And, given that context, just about ANYTHING can sound creepy as hell. "That was fun. Can we play again?" "You won't forget about me, will you?" "I'm going to be a good train from now on!"

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#47

The One-Year-Old Will Quickly Develop Throwing Skills

The One-Year-Old Will Quickly Develop Throwing Skills

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#48

Especially Helpful If Your Husband Is Like Mine And Looks For Things With His Eyes Closed

Especially Helpful If Your Husband Is Like Mine And Looks For Things With His Eyes Closed

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#49

The Toddler Didn't Want To Take Syrup. Adapt. Improvise. Overcome

The Toddler Didn't Want To Take Syrup. Adapt. Improvise. Overcome

batata2020514 Report

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#50

Keep Toddlers Out Of Kitchen Drawers By Inserting A Yardstick Into The Handles

Keep Toddlers Out Of Kitchen Drawers By Inserting A Yardstick Into The Handles

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