It does not matter how many books you read, nothing prepares you for parenthood. In fact, just when you think you are a pro at raising children, life throws you a curve ball with something new. As much as you love your kids, it can feel overwhelming to keep them busy and safe at all times.

Good thing: there are parents that have tried and true methods that make life a lot easier for the adults and the little ones. Take a look at 35 parenting hacks. #5 should be a must for every child.

#1. Make summer picnics more magical with these tents hanging from hula hoops.

#2. The most successful potty training method is with a sweet reward system.

#3. When siblings don’t get along, make them with this large t-shirt.

#4. A cookie baking sheet turned into a to-go magnet board.

#5. Make sure your kids can call you if they get lost.

#6. Turn the cookie baking sheet into a chore board.

#7. A magical way for your kids to communicate with their favourite Disney character.

#8. An endless supply of paper to keep your child busy for hours.

#9. Turn any t-shirt into a play board.

#10. Start this t-shirt tradition from kindergarten till they reach grade 12.

#11. Keep your morning routine hassle free by having the day’s clothes ready for them.

#12. Randomly tape the canvas your child will paint on for a one-of-a-kind creation.

#13. Insert a wooden box in the last sink drawer for a pull-out foot stand.

#14. Want to motivate your kids to do their chores? Let them earn it.

#15. Turn garden baskets into beautiful toy storage displays.

#16. Make it easy for the boys to learn to aim.

#17. Nothing gets by mom when this mirror let’s her see everything.

#18. Tape a long magnet board in your kid’s room. They will spend hours practicing their ABC’s.

#19. A soft and cuddly cold pack with frozen marshmallows.

#20. Time-out chairs with important messages.

#21. Don’t throw out the big cardboard boxes until your kid has had a chance to let their inner artist out.

#22. Keep them in bed safe all night.

#23. Cookie jars can store all the little knick knack toys and crayons.

#24. Keep those little hands away from the drawers by sticking a tall ruler through the handles.

#25. Let him eat all his ice cream with this messy-free plastic plate.

#26. Don’t throw out your old coffee creamers. Wash them and use them to store food.

#27. Don’t throw out your baby cribs when he grows out of it, turn it into a desk.

#28. Stick bandages to electric sockets to keep little fingers away from danger.

#29. An easy way to make fire.

#30. Have your toddler discover art through a mess-free plastic bag.

#31. Put all the Lego pieces in a laundry bag and wash them once a month.

#32. Keep them occupied during a road trip.

#33. Easiest way to pick up glitter is with a lint roller.

#34. Organize the toys by the type they belong to.

#35. Ensure no dose gets missed or given twice. Draw a ticking-off graph.