Parenting Hacks: 12 Tricks For Mums And Dads That Will Blow Your Mind

Genius shortcuts.

Parents often spend their day juggling six things at once, especially when there are little ones running around. 

So without a doubt, if there were hacks to save time, money or effort and occupy kids for that little bit longer, mums and dads will be all ears.

We've scoured Instagram for some of the most inventive (and entertaining) #parenthacks to give you that mini fist pump feeling when you use them. 

Have any more to add? Let us know in the comments, below!

1. Turning a playpen into a den when they grow out of it using a fitted sheet

2. Never being short of wet wipes at dinner time

3. Using carabiners for wandering hair ties

4. Making paint time mess-free

5. Recycling bottles so kids can reach the taps

6. Creating healthy ice pops for summer

7. Turning paddling pools into play pens in the winter

8. Finding fun ways to get chores done

9. Making water bombs without getting wet

10. Stopping any child getting locked in the bathroom

11. Making recyclable card holders for card games

12. Hiding sweets without them realising

19 Hacks To Make Kids' Craft Time Less Messy
Scrap Paper(01 of19)
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Organize materials in different plastic bins and label them. Be sure to have a bin for scrap paper to keep those little bits of paper that can come in handy.Also, only put lids on materials for older kids. Keep everything else easily accessible for little hands.Get the instructions here: My Small Potatoes (credit:My Small Potatoes)
Carboard Easel(02 of19)
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Who needs an expensive easel when you can make your own with cardboard?Get the instructions here: Art Bar Blog (credit:Art Bar Blog)
Chalkboard Labels(03 of19)
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Kids quickly change interests... and that also applies to craft supplies. Using chalkboard labels allows you to easily change the contents.Get the idea here: Eclectically Vintage (credit:Eclectically Vintage)
Mess-Free Sidewalk Chalk(04 of19)
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No more chalk-covered hands with this DIY recipe.Get the instructions here: De tout et de rien Caroline (credit:De tout et de rien Caroline)
Glitter Hack(05 of19)
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Glitter is notoriously impossible to clean up, but not anymore with this simple hack!Watch the video here: AOL On (credit:AOL On)
Ikea LATT Table(06 of19)
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Ikea's inexpensive LATT table and chair set is perfect for hacking. With a few additions, your kids will have a great art centre.Get the instructions here: Style Our SensesAnother LATT hack is here: Freckle's Chick (credit:Style Our Senses)
PVC Tape Dispenser(07 of19)
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Older kids love to craft with washi and Duct tape, but finding a way to contain all the rolls is nearly impossible. Until now. This DIY dispenser using PVC pipe is brilliant!Get the instructions here: Left Brain Craft Brain (credit:Left Brain Craft Brain)
Craft Turntable(08 of19)
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This genius craft holder keeps everything your kids need within reach.Get the instructions here: Mom On Time Out (credit:Mom On Time Out)
Ikea Dignitet Curtain Wire(09 of19)
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This inexpensive curtain wire is the perfect solution for displaying kids' artwork.Get the instructions here: I Meesh U (credit:I Meesh U)
Press N Seal(10 of19)
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Use Press N Seal to cover your kids' work surface... and your kid... while working on messy crafts.Get the instructions here: Unoriginal Mom (credit:Unoriginal Mom)
Art Cart(11 of19)
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How great is this mobile Ikea Raskog cart? Perfect for holding your kids' art supplies.Source: Making Lemonade (credit:Making Lemonade)
DIY Art Wall(12 of19)
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What to do with all your kids' artwork? Hang it up in their play space with string and clothespins. This is an easy way to put up new pieces (and secretly stash away or recycle old ones.)Get the instructions here: Danielle Oakey Interiors (credit:Danielle Oakey Interiors)
Marker Caddy(13 of19)
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This shoe box/paper roll combo makes for a perfect DIY marker caddy.Get the instructions here: Aunt Peaches (credit:Aunt Peaches)
Milk Carton Pencil Holder(14 of19)
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Another caddy idea are milk or juice jugs!Source: Tracy Ville (credit:Tracy Ville)
DIY Kid's Paint(15 of19)
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Paint is really easy to make. And if you store it in Dollar Store condiment containers, you reduce all the mess!Get the instructions here: Happy Money Saver (credit:Happy Money Saver)
Shoe Organizer(16 of19)
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Use a hanging shoe organizer to store craft supplies.Source: My Love For Words (credit:My Love For Words)
Ribbon Organizer(17 of19)
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A Dollar Store basket and two sticks serve as a perfect way to organize ribbon, string, gimp, etc.Get the instructions here: Spunky Junky (credit:Spunky Junky)
LACK Table Hack(18 of19)
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Turn an Ikea LACK coffee table into the perfect crafting table for kids!Get the instructions here: Miss Lady Fingers (credit:Miss Lady Fingers)
Washi Tape Dispenser(19 of19)
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A wax paper box makes for a perfect washi tape dispenser.Get the instructions here: Carolyn's Homework (credit:Carolyn's Homework)

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