It’s no secret that parenting is really hard work, pushing you to your limits both mentally and physically.
So huzzah for these 10 parenting hacks which will hopefully give you a spare second to do something you really want to do - like go to the toilet alone.
We’re not making any promises though.
1. Put a sticker in two pieces in your child’s shoes to help them remember which way round to put them on.
![](https://img.huffingtonpost.com/asset/583da55c1700002500e7cc7a.jpeg?ops=scalefit_720_noupscale)
httpimgurcomgallery3MxvI
2. But a marker on the wall to indicate when they have taken enough toilet paper.
![](https://img.huffingtonpost.com/asset/583da5631a00002500cca3ea.jpeg?ops=scalefit_720_noupscale)
httpimgurcomgallery3MxvI
3. If you are painting something in the garden, let them ‘stain’ the fence with you using a bucket of water.
![](https://img.huffingtonpost.com/asset/583da5641800009314310640.jpeg?ops=scalefit_720_noupscale)
httpimgurcomgallery3MxvI
4. If your children constantly fight in the back of the car, use cardboard as dividers.
![](https://img.huffingtonpost.com/asset/583da5651800007b14310641.jpeg?ops=scalefit_720_noupscale)
httpimgurcomgallery3MxvI
5. Store your favourite chocolates or sweets in a bag of vegetables that the children would never dream of opening.
![](https://img.huffingtonpost.com/asset/583da55f1700002600e7cc7b.jpeg?ops=scalefit_720_noupscale)
httpimgurcomgallery3MxvI
6. Push your child on the swing from the comfort of a chair.
![](https://img.huffingtonpost.com/asset/583da5691800007b14310644.png?ops=scalefit_720_noupscale)
httpimgurcomgalleryXpL1Ems
7. Use part of a pool noodle on door frames to stop little fingers getting caught (and it stops the noise of doors being slammed).
![](https://img.huffingtonpost.com/asset/583da5661700002600e7cc7d.jpeg?ops=scalefit_720_noupscale)
httpimgurcomgallery3MxvI
8. Mark sections on the clock to teach your child their evening or morning routine and let them easily know if they are falling behind.
![](https://img.huffingtonpost.com/asset/583da5621800007b1431063f.jpeg?ops=scalefit_720_noupscale)
httpimgurcomgallery3MxvI
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9. Fill a glove with beans so that when your child falls asleep with you rubbing their back you can leave the room without waking them up.
![](https://img.huffingtonpost.com/asset/583da5601700002600e7cc7c.jpeg?ops=scalefit_720_noupscale)
httpimgurcomgallery3MxvI
10. Make a small hole in the bottom of a Kinder egg and use it as a storage device for all those unfinished lollipops.
![](https://img.huffingtonpost.com/asset/583da55e1800007b1431063e.jpeg?ops=scalefit_720_noupscale)
httpimgurcomgallery3MxvI