With three little ones all under the age of four at home, maintaining our family’s rhythm requires a great deal of time and energy. Between handling tantrums, dressing, bathing, meal preparation, and the constant upkeep of sixty tiny fingernails and toenails, I’ve come to depend heavily on certain tools to navigate each day. Reflecting on my own experiences as a mother, I realize how fortunate I am compared to my mom and my grandmother, who didn’t have the luxury of epidurals during childbirth or the convenience of disposable diapers. So, I embraced my trusty Swiffer Wet Jet and pondered the modern inventions that I simply can’t live without. Here’s my list:
1. Baby Wipes
You’ve probably heard the jokes about how versatile baby wipes are for cleaning everything from your home to yourself. Trust me, it’s all true. With kids (and let’s be honest, sometimes our husbands) around, there’s always something sticky on the walls, floors, or furniture. Baby wipes were my saviors during the infamous Soft Serve Incident of 2013, the Valentine’s Day Donut Massacre, and the Uh Oh! No Paper in the HESS Restroom! crisis just last month. They’re portable, plentiful, and absolutely essential. Never leave home without them.
2. DVR
Thanks to modern technology—and a hefty cable bill—my family has mastered the DVR. Can’t pry your child away from the latest episode of their favorite show for dinner? Just pause it! Movie running late into bedtime? Finish it in the morning! Kids making noise during an important weather update? No problem, just rewind it! If you can’t catch that 8 PM show because you’re too busy, set it to record! DVR is a game changer for families. Take advantage of it!
3. Squeeze Pouches
Have you ever witnessed the aftermath of yogurt time with your kids? The mess is unreal! Yogurt dries quickly and can be a nightmare to scrub off. The same goes for applesauce. That’s why single-serving squeeze pouches are a lifesaver. Initially, I was a bit put off by the idea of my kids sucking on a spout from a foil bag filled with fruit puree, but they absolutely love it. Plus, there’s no mess to clean up. It’s a win-win!
4. Magic Eraser
For those moments when your kids decide that your walls are their canvases, or when makeup ends up everywhere except your face, the Magic Eraser is invaluable. Made from melamine foam, it effortlessly wipes away crayon, ink, and paint from surfaces. These little wonders can erase your children’s artistic experiments and are a must-have for every parent. If only they could also erase some of the more questionable trends from the ’80s!
5. Smartphones
It’s hard to deny that smartphones have made parenting just a bit easier. Stuck in a long line with a whining child? Tweet about it! In the hairdresser’s chair with a restless kid? Queue up a cartoon. At the park and need to avoid small talk? Check your emails. From weather updates to coupon apps, smartphones help make outings with children more manageable. And when you finally find a moment of peace in your car, sipping on Honest Tea and munching on gummy worms, you can catch up on the news, watch trailers, or scroll through social media. Your smartphone is your ally in motherhood!
What modern invention can you not imagine living without?
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In summary, these five modern inventions significantly ease the challenges of motherhood, making daily life more manageable for parents everywhere.