Practical Tips for Everyday Parenting

As I have said time and time again, no one, even those with extensive experience or degrees, would I ever consider a parenting "expert." I think that there are those of us that have been doing it long enough and have good enough kids a majority of the time to share what works for us on some things. What works in my house with my feral hoard of five may not work for your one calm little angel or three terrors. Every single child is different. Every single parent and family dynamic is different. Even siblings growing up in the same household tend to have different childhood experiences.

Parenting is messy, unpredictable, and sometimes simply exhausting. Guess what though? You do not have to be a perfect parent to be a good parent. Here are some random tips and tricks that help me get through most days. Some days, even I can't use these tips, but when they work, they work well.

Tip #1: Embrace the mess. Literally. Kids spill, break, and scatter their stuff everywhere. Instead of fighting it, set up easy cleanup routines. I keep a small basket in the living room for toys left out after bedtime. It is there for a quick pick up whenever the clutter gets to be too much and I can then take the basket and sort the toys into their corresponding kid's rooms, usually while they are at school.

Tip #2: Set simple, clear boundaries. Kids thrive on consistency. When you say “no,” mean it. But also explain why. For example, “No hitting because it hurts.” Short, sweet, and to the point. Repeat as needed. (Spoiler: you will repeat it a lot.) We (George more so) are big on being able to tell our kids the why of things. He enjoys answering those questions and I just like to be able to back up our rules with reasons better than 'Because I said so." They respect our rules much more when they understand why they are in place.

Tip #3: Take care of yourself. This one I struggle with. My therapist and others are always saying that you can't pour from an empty cup, but moms, including myself, do it every single day. Why I have it listed here though, is because this counts even in the most basic way for you and your kids. What do I mean? When you are overwhelmed and overstimulated, WALK AWAY. Seriously, put your baby, toddler, or clinging child in a safe place and go outside or into another room where you can not see or hear them. This reset for both of you can often make a world of difference before you yell or worse, and then are racked with the follow-up guilt and an even more upset kid.

A cozy living room with a toy basket for easy cleanup

Why Real-World Parenting Tips Matter More Than Ever

We live in a world full of parenting advice. Books, blogs, podcasts, and social media influencers all shouting their “best” methods. But here’s the thing - what works for one family might not work for another. That’s why I’m all about real-world parenting tips that you can actually use without feeling like you’re failing.

I am a fan of focusing on what’s practical. I am also big on changing things up if they do not work. Trial and error, remember. For example, instead of trying to get your toddler to sit still for an hour-long craft project, try a quick 10-minute activity that fits their attention span. Or, if bedtime routines feel impossible, simplify them. Maybe it’s just brushing teeth and reading one book instead of five. Our girls shower, brush teeth, say goodnight to everyone else, then choose what color their nightlight is going to be. Done. We simply do not have the time for four kids to bathe and each be read to at bedtime, so we work reading to them in afterschool. We had to streamline the bedtime routines to get everyone down on time. Addison has a knack for choosing books as long as she can when we read to her, that's way more doable at three in the afternoon than eight at night.

A young child engrossed in a book, sitting comfortably on a cozy bunk bed in a bright, neatly organized bedroom.

Simple Strategies to Make Mornings Less Crazy

Mornings can feel like a battlefield, right? Between getting everyone dressed, fed, and out the door, it’s easy to lose your cool. Here’s what’s helped me survive and even sometimes enjoy the morning chaos.

• Prepare the night before. Lay out clothes, plan lunches, and have backpacks ready near the door. This saves so much time and stress.

• Keep to the routine. Especially for younger kids, a simple routine of morning tasks can be a lifesaver. It gives them a sense of control and helps them know what’s next. Mine is wake them, serve breakfast, send them to brush their teeth then get dressed, do their hair, shoes on, and out the door.

• Keep breakfast simple. Don’t try to make a gourmet meal every morning. Cereal, fruit, or even a poptart works just fine. If they have a big day ahead of them, sometimes I will try to get up before it's time for them to and fix a more involved breakfast. The trick there though is that it is still ready to eat at the same time they need to be eating every other day.

  
  

And if you’re running late? Breathe. It happens. Kids are resilient, and so are you.

Messy kitchen table after a hectic morning

Find Your Village

Parenting can feel lonely, even when you’re surrounded by people. That’s why finding your village - a group of people who get it - is so important. Whether it’s a local playgroup, an online community, or just a few close friends, having people to share your wins and struggles with makes a huge difference. Often just a person to vent to helps lighten the mental load of parenthood.

I’ve found that sharing honest stories often results in similar stories shared and helps me feel less alone. I am aiming for this site to be a go-to place for relatable stories and tips that don’t sugarcoat the reality.

Remember, no one has all the answers, but together, we can figure it out one day at a time.

Parenting is a journey full of ups and downs, laughter and tears, messes and miracles. If you take away one thing from this, let it be this: you’re doing better than you think. Keep embracing the chaos, learning as you go, and don’t forget to enjoy the cuddles along the way.