10 Small Parenting Hacks That Can Make a Huge Difference

1. Making Time for Daily Check-ins

I always remember seeing moms do daily check-ins in kids movies from the 90’s. But, they are a good thing! In fact, studies suggest that an increase in positive interactions with our kids is very beneficial to them.

This can be easy as asking questions after school or at the dinner table. Having these little check-ins are the perfect way to create a safe space for your kiddos to share with you their wins and things that are bothering them.

Try to stay consistent though! If you can’t check in daily then aim for every other day. The point is making time to have good family communication.

2. Replace Yelling With Calm

When you feel like you’re about to lose it take a deep breath! One of the biggest steps of becoming a more positive parent is to stop the yelling.

I’ve lost my cool before, even though being a positive mom is very important to me. None of us are perfect and even the calmest of moms can be pushed to the edge.

But, try to learn the signs you are about to lose it and see if you can implement one of these strategies:

• Deep breathing and meditation
• Getting a break from a grandparent or partner. (I hand it off to my husband all the time when I’m about to lose it.)
• Trying to explain to your kids how they are making you feel. Age appropriate communication goes a long way.
• Taking everyone for a walk or drive for a change of scenery.
• Positive reinforcement for good behavior instead of focusing on the bad.

3. Practicing Mindful Listening

Ever found yourself only half-listening to your child? Trust us, they notice! Mindful listening can strengthen your bond a ton.

When your child speaks, get down on their level. If you have a toddler, that means literally kneel down to their eye level. Research confirms that mindful listening builds better communication, trust, and understanding.

Challenge yourself to listen actively without distractions, it’s especially important to put down your phone. Not only will you be more connected, but you’ll model the skill of active listening for your kids.

4. Prioritize Outdoor Time

When I was a kid we were always outside. Times have definitely changed with increased dangers and more exposure to screen time.

Since it isn’t always safe for our kids to explore the neighborhood until it gets dark. It’s good to create opportunities to get outside.

For our family that’s watching our kids ride bikes outside in the evenings and getting out for family hikes and walks outside on the weekend.

We’ve also transformed our backyard into a space everyone likes to be and hangout. Our kids love jumping on the trampoline, gathering around the firepit, and helping dad grill on the weekends.

There are lots of outdoor family activities you can plan too for a weekly family night.

• Nature scavenger hunt – Create a simple list of things to find (a pinecone, a bird, a yellow flower) and explore a park or your neighborhood together.
• Family Game Night Outdoors – Get your favorite board games out and play on a table outside with the kids. Here are our favorite Preschool Age Appropriate Board Games.
• Sidewalk Chalk Art – Let the kids go wild with chalk drawings, hopscotch, or a creative mural in the driveway.
• Bike Ride or Walk – Take a family walk or bike ride around the neighborhood, a park, or a nature trail.
• Backyard Camping – Set up a tent, bring flashlights, and tell stories—no need to leave home for a little adventure!

5. Practicing Daily Gratitude

Anxiety and depression is something I deal with daily as a mom. A few of our kids have mental health struggles as well.

Daily gratitude is something we’ve incorporated into our routine and it is really helpful. For us this is part of our daily check-in with our kids. Going around and sharing what we are each grateful for.

Have your kids share 1-2 things they are grateful for daily. This helps to put things into perspective and bring some positivity in the day, focusing on things that are GOOD!

6. The Importance of Consistent Routines

Routines are so huge in our home that when we don’t follow them I can tell a difference in the way my kids are behaving.

Having a daily routine doesn’t mean you have to follow a strict schedule. It’s just good to have a general plan to the way you do things.

Whether that’s having dinner at a general time every day, having a consistent bedtime, your kids knowing they need to have their backpacks ready before school every night.

For example, every night I read stories with my youngest at bedtime and he expects that. He will have his books ready to go for me and if I ever get sick or can’t read to him that disrupts his routine. He has a hard time letting go of that routine to let dad take over. ;)

7. Practicing Empathy and Understanding

Showing empathy is an important trait we need to pass on to our kids. One of the best ways to model this to them is practicing it in our conversations with them.

We need to listen actively when they are telling us they are hurting or sad. Encouraging them to listen to their siblings when they have a disagreement is also important.

If you have a disagreement with your husband or partner it’s important to show them that you listen and have empathy with them as well.

When our kids disagree with each other we have them sit down and listen to how the other feels, so they can have empathy for them and come to an understanding.

8. Positive Affirmations

Just like practicing gratitude teaching our kids positive affirmations is a good thing to grow their confidence in themselves.

Model this to them by saying good things about yourself daily “I am strong” “I am such a good mom”.

You can even say positive affirmations to them “You are so brave” “You are talented”.

This is just a good daily practice that they need to carry into adulthood, so they don’t fall into negative self talk that can really drag you down.

9. Opportunities for Independence

Independence isn’t just for teens! All kids can benefit from having some age appropriate independence that helps them build valuable life skills for adulthood.

Backed by research, giving children opportunities to tackle tasks independently builds confidence and problem-solving skills.

Hand over small responsibilities gradually. From tying their shoes to helping with chores, you’re not only lessening the burden on you as a mom, but teaching them the value of responsibility.

10. Set Screen Time Limits

Screens can’t really be avoided these days, but we can manage them and teach our kids to have a healthy relationship with their devices.

It’s not just about the time they are spending on screens, but also about the quality of what they are watching on screens. I have plenty of articles on Youtube and Internet Safety.

Having an app like Bark Parental Controls can be a game changer in not only monitoring their screen time ,but blocking dangerous apps and keeping them safe from online predators.

Not only that, but once you have screen time rules in place it really does change your kids’ behavior from how they interact with the family to the new hobbies and things they come up with when they aren’t on a screen.

Tiny Changes Have a Big Impact

Parenting is a challenge. I never want to sugar coat it for the moms that read my blog. It is hard with beautiful moments in between.

But just like losing weight, making small changes can have a really big impact on the quality of your family life.

Just trying out one of these parenting hacks might change things for the better, whether that’s your kids having more confidence from implementing daily affirmations or you feeling safer as a mom having a screen time plan and parental controls app to help.

What are some parenting habits you’re trying to change? Let me know about it in the comments below!