I love anything that makes my life a little easier and a big bonus if it can save me money! Let's admit, as parents, we are on task 24/7—this is not just a "full-time" job! So I wanted to share with you some of my favorite Mom Hacks (you will love these too, dad and grandma)!

1. Monster Spray

Is your child afraid of the dark or sleeping on his or her own? Let's do something about it and get them involved and empowered! Using any spare spray bottle (or visit the travel section of your drug store), fill the spray bottle with water--bonus if you add lavender scented oil. Call the bottle "Monster Spray" and let your little ones spray it around their room before bedtime. Smell you later, monsters!

2. The Non-Emergency Emergency Kit

Okay, you may not carry a big ole' diaper bag around anymore. Still, whether it is for a bandaid, chapstick, Kleenex, granola bar, rubber band, or hand-sanitizer, you want to have these items on hand at any given time. Use a small pouch-like a pencil case, or one of those free make-up bags with purchase we all have hanging around and fill it with all those small necessary items! No more digging around in your purse or feeling unprepared! You got it, Mom! 

3. Cleaning Toys

We hope that our preschools clean their toys often, but now how often do we really get to cleaning the toys in our own home!? I am afraid to answer this question! Between laundry, cooking dinner, and all the other tasks, cleaning toys gets overlooked in my house. Here's a super-easy way to get it done: take a mesh laundry/bra bag and place the toys inside. Pop that bag inside your washing machine and head out to run errands (this isn't a quiet load). Waaala, you have clean toys!

4. Getting Children Excited About Chores

My children LOVE a treasure hunt, and I have found it's the perfect tool to get them excited about doing chores! This is no regular treasure hunt--each clue will lead them to a new chore (think making the bed, organizing their shoes, really wherever you need help in your home)! Write down specific chores on post-its then place them throughout your home. Remember, you need to place the post-it on the location of the previous chore. The last post-it leads them to where they can find their prize (cookie, stickers, $1, etc.)!

5. Frozen Rice (You read that correctly!)

About once a week in my household, someone gets a boo-boo. I rush to the freezer, looking for something to cool their injury. The problem with ice packs is that they're too hard and cold...and a bag of ice leaks. So, what's a mom to do? Freeze a bag of rice! Place 2-3 cups of rice in a Ziploc bag and freeze. Next time your child hurts him or herself, grab the bag of frozen rice!

6. Ultimate Snack Pack

We all love variety, don't we? Especially when it comes to food! This fun snack hack makes eating fun and a perfect airplane or waiting room activity! Using a

vitamin organizer or similar container, fill each compartment with a different snack. Your child will love discovering each new snack and will end this activity full! 

I hope you enjoyed these Mom Hacks! Wishing you a peaceful, healthy, happy week! 

Natalie