“No Fussing At Bedtime!”: 30 Genius Parenting Tricks That Make Life Less Stressful

You can trust the internet, especially supportive Reddit groups like Mommit, to serve up valuable parenting hacks when you really need them. To get even more helpful advice, Bored Panda reached out to mom coach Anne-Marie Ferraro and Laura, the creator of the blog Worn Out Working Mum.

It’s no secret that kids can be a whirlwind, making it a struggle for many parents to find effective ways to get them to settle down. According to Anne-Marie, a professional nanny for over 20 years and now an expert mom coach, establishing structure and routine is key to managing their behavior.

“It makes them feel safe and loved,” she says. “When you create rules for your family, stick to them! Your child will respect and trust you. Setting clear expectations and following through goes a long way!” You can find more of her insights on her website and Instagram.

Laura, a mom of two, understands the excitement and exhaustion that come with parenting. She shares her honest journey on TikTok and Instagram, openly discussing the challenges of balancing motherhood, work, and household tasks. One of her best survival tips? “Always have snacks in the car!” Kids can turn cranky when hunger strikes. And if you’re racing through the school run without enough time to pull yourself together, she advises, “Buy two hats, one beanie, and one cap—and you’ll never have to brush your hair again!”

Laura also suggests a simple yet brilliant idea: buy two of your child’s favorite soft toys and rotate them. This way, you’ll always have one ready, which is a lifesaver if one gets dirty and needs a wash or if they forget it at home.

Although life hacks can be fun, unsolicited comments can often feel burdensome. Laura is particularly weary of the saying, “They’re only little once.” “It needs to stop,” she says. “It’s the most unhelpful thing I see online. So while you might feel guilty for giving them fish fingers for the fourth day in a row or being the last parent at pick-up, remember that you’re doing your best.”

In addition to these frustrations, Anne-Marie believes that one approach that doesn’t work well with children is redirection, which involves distracting them from problematic behavior by suggesting a more positive one.

“In my opinion, redirection is actually a form of avoidance. It is our responsibility to correct inappropriate behavior," she says. "If the child doesn't know that what they are doing is not okay, they’ll repeat it again. This is where parenting comes in: lovingly but firmly saying no, getting down on the child's level to make eye contact, connecting so they understand, and asking them to make a better choice.”

Anne-Marie also cautions against treating your child as a close friend instead of a parent. “It’s important to engage and have fun with your child, but when we call them our best friends, we blur boundaries and create power struggles,” she notes. “True friendship with your child develops when they become an adult!”

Despite the invaluable tips and tricks shared, the exhaustion of motherhood is inevitable and can be overwhelming. Laura, for example, never anticipated how difficult it would be to return to work after having kids. “Everyone talks about newborns, toddler tantrums, and teenage years,” she reflects. “But no one warned me about the hurdles of navigating career advancements or juggling drop-offs and pick-ups.”

She also points out that many moms today face their own unique pressures. “We are one of the first generations of mothers working in such high numbers—moms in paid work in the UK rose from 50% in 1975 to 75% in 2019,” Laura explains. “Our mothers didn’t experience these struggles, so they couldn’t sound the alarm.”

That’s why both Laura and Anne-Marie passionately advocate for moms to prioritize their own well-being. “Often, moms put themselves last, leading to burnout and even depression,” Anne-Marie warns. “Creating self-care routines is essential for their health and happiness.”

So, perhaps this is the ultimate life hack every mom should remember: you can’t pour from an empty cup. Prioritizing your own needs isn’t just good for you; it creates a more positive atmosphere for the whole family.