Mumsnet users tell Disney Junior their best parenting hacks

[EllieMumsnet]

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No matter your child’s age, if you have tips for encouraging them to help around the house, how to overcome fear of the doctor or dentist or knowing the little things to remember every time you step out with the family, Disney Junior UK wants to hear them.

Here’s what Disney Junior UK has to say: “A child is the greatest gift you can have but we know being a parent can be stressful at times. Our shows like Vampirina and PJ Masks, aim to spark little conversations around everyday problems that can sometimes be difficult for parents and children, and provide fun solutions for them. Disney Junior UK has now launched a new Parenting Hacks podcast with Helen Skelton to bring together parents, experts and special guests to explore tips, tricks and ways to provide more support to busy parents.”

Have you found the best ways to turn household chores into games? What’s your best trick to stop a supermarket tantrum? Do you have a life-changing laundry hack that has been passed down through generations? Perhaps you have tips that will help other busy parents at meal times? Or what about the little tricks that you’ve learnt to encourage your child to use their imagination?

Whatever your best parenting hacks are, share them on the thread below. Everyone who comments will be entered into a prize draw, and one MNer will win a £300 voucher of their choice (from a list).

Thanks and good luck
MNHQ

Standard Insight T&Cs Apply

Being as open as possible so that they feel that they can always come and talk to you about anything.

To always take a deep breath and look beyond the action and find the reason they've done it.
And once calm talk it through. Reward good behaviour and pick your battles carefully as not everything is worth a reaction

I am encouraging when DD does something helpful, and she responds well. So for tidying up, doing homework promptly and cleaning teeth, I give little rewards and say how happy she makes me

Playing games in the car like eye spy to keep them amused or practising times tables lol as there’s no escape! 😂

we get all clothes ready the night before, it saves loads of time. Also teach young children how to put socks and shoes on as it really helps if you have babies to get ready if your toddlers can help do this

I bought my youngest a child size broom for her to help tidy the kitchen! I also ask her to help with putting things on the table for dinner, putting the washing out etc - hopefully won't be a big surprise when she's asked to do it all herself!

I try to make tidying up fun by throwing wooden blocks etc in to the tub or walking teddies to the toy box

Always sticking to my word.

If your child isn't a fan of trying on shoes, save yourself a headache and trace their feet so you can shop without them.

Make household chores into a game so they'll want to be a part of it

Their grandparents will love to look after them.

Teach them that above everything else, be kind.

I found the only way to get them to tidy up at the end of the day was to turn it into competition. To see who could put the most toys away the quickest.

I don't think i know any 'hacks'. I do try and explain to them 'why' they should not do something, rather than just saying 'don't' do it.'

We all have tips and tricks to get us through our days. Mine include several songs and dances - it tends to train them well, and even works with the primary school children I work with too (The tuck your shirt in dance works well, as does the putting your shoes on song!)

Stick to your bedtime routine!! Makes life so much easier in the long run

cook with the fussy ones to get them exploring foods

I have two different ones :)

Firstly supper time can be a crazy time with grumpy kids and one stressed out mummy. Then supper would be a fight to get the kids to eat to eat their veg. Now I always prepare the vegetables first :) now when the kids come and ask if the food is almost ready I let them sit at the table and eat vegetables! They love it, there happy, I’m happy. Then when we eat our food I don’t have to nag them to eat their veg, we can talk and have fun instead. On the really hard days I even let them help cut the veg too, with kids friendly knifes, they are 2,4 and 6

Secondly, every time I fold the laundry, I sort their clothes into outfits, I then slot them into storage pockets hanging in their room. That makes our morning routine much faster. I let them choose which outfit the want on. (They have six pockets) then they feel like it’s thier choice and I know thier clothes look decent.

Otherwise just taking time to talk and listen is always a plus. Thanks for trying to create opportunities for conversations :)

Always be firm but fair and don't give in too easily. Little ones aren't stupid and soon learn how to behave to get there own way!

Whatever my son is doing...getting ready for bed, about to leave a friends or getting out of the bath, I make sure I give a 5 minute warning so he has time to finish off what he’s doing and is ready for what I want him to do next.

I give my kids lists for when we go shopping. They have to tick off every item on their list. Keeps them entertained as well as getting the shopping done!

My 5 year old DD puts her own clothes washing away, I leave it on her bed and she puts it in the right drawer. Now she can read I put stickers on every draw or door with what is in it e.g. pyjamas, jumpers, dresses. Makes it easy for her and she loves having a bit of responsibility! And I know she is keeping everything where it should be.

try to be honest at all times and treat them as little grown ups.

Reverse physcology worked well - bet you can't manage to eat all that dinner I gave you, or you can't get your shoes on faster than me

I can see a few others have the same approach, which is comforting to read and that is giving them options that you have determined, but by allowing them a choice they think they are in control because they are choosing!