As summer rolls around, it’s a wonderful opportunity to unwind, spend quality time with family, and avoid the chaos of crowded school auditoriums filled with third-graders. However, for mothers, this season can also bring its own set of challenges. Kids are home all day, presenting a string of issues to address, messes to clean, and concerns that may seem trivial but require attention nonetheless. Don’t worry, though! Here are nine clever summer tips to help you regain your time and sanity:
- Soothe Those Bites. Let’s face it, your kids probably won’t brush their teeth until school starts again, so why not put that toothpaste to good use? Apply a dab of toothpaste onto itchy bug bites and let it dry. The eucalyptus oil in many toothpastes is believed to help, but as long as you can avoid the “Stop scratching or you’ll get a scar!” lecture, who cares?
- Cool Off in Style. If you’ve finally jumped into the pool with the kids but they want you to leave for drinks, fear not! Create a floating drink cooler by placing a plastic tub on pool noodles tied together with rope. Fill the tub with ice and beverages, and voilà—a perfect poolside refreshment station.
- Enhance the Playpen. Joining your little ones outside for gardening? Add some shade and bug protection by draping a fitted sheet over the top of the playpen. This way, your baby gets to enjoy the outdoors without the buzz of insects.
- Chill Out the Burns. Sunscreen reapplication is a given, but if your child ends up with a slight sunburn, aloe cubes can provide relief. Simply pour 100% aloe vera gel into an ice cube tray and freeze. This soothing remedy will help cool down their skin—and ease your mom guilt.
- Natural Bug Defense. While we all want to avoid slathering our kids in chemicals, you can create a natural bug repellent using limes and cloves. Poke about 10-15 cloves into each half of a lime for a safer option. If you’re having a fire outside, tossing dried sage into the flames can help keep pesky bugs away.
- Stay Hydrated. To ensure kids drink enough water while playing outside, freeze a water bottle filled one-quarter full of water on its side. This will keep their drinks cool without freezing the opening shut!
- Drip-Free Popsicles. Popsicles are a summer staple, but melted drips can ruin clothing. Slip a cupcake liner under the popsicle stick to catch drips, or use a coffee cup lid instead. Either way, it’s a simple solution to avoid messy stains.
- Sparkler Safety. Fireworks can be intimidating for kids. Make sparklers safer by sticking the handle through the bottom of a plastic cup. This way, children can hold the sparklers securely while minimizing their exposure to sparks.
- Creative Cooling for Drinks. When hosting kids’ gatherings, fill a cooler with frozen water balloons instead of ice. As the balloons melt, your kids can enjoy a water balloon fight, making cleanup a breeze.
For more insights, check out our related post on the benefits of using an artificial insemination kit. Also, for expectant mothers, Third Time’s the Charm is an excellent resource. Furthermore, for detailed information on fertility, visit WomensHealth.gov.
In summary, summer can be a delightful yet chaotic time for moms. By implementing these practical hacks, you can create a more enjoyable season for both you and your children. Embrace the fun and make the most of these sunny days!