There are many parenting tools out there … but how do you know you’re picking the right ones?
The trouble is – overwhelm! It hits us all.
We’re overwhelmed with the choice available.
With all the options, it’s easy to make mistakes, ending up with a wasted tool that costs you time, money and your sanity.
So how do you shop parenting tools with confidence?
The trick is to shop based on what problem you’re looking to solve.
Are your kids bored at home? Check out the Albert learning tool if so.
Are they wanting to be more creative and learn a new skill? Try the Happy Craft Box subscription.
It’s not about what’s in fashion right now. It’s what you need to solve something in your parenting journey.
So without further delay, I’ve compiled a list of my absolute favourite parenting tools that I can’t live without, so you don’t have to go through trial and error as I did.
Let’s do this!
This post contains affiliate links which means I may earn a commission if you purchase. I only ever recommend products I love and believe in myself, to help my readers. Please see my affiliate disclaimer for more information.
Albert Learning Tool
Our little B (3 year old) loves counting, taking after his daddy. The Albert learning app claims it’s suitable for all ages, from 3-9 years and 10-16 years.
I’m strict about screen time personally, but I’d much rather allow a learning environment that stimulates the child rather than zoning them out in front of Paw Patrol.
I feel the Albert app is a good option if you’re looking for an educational tool for children, covering topics such as Maths, English, Biology, Physics and more to help children learn and develop from home.
Right now, you can try Albert for free until the Summer so why not give it a go? You’ve nothing to lose. Check it out here.
The Happy Craft Box
If you’ve never experienced a craft box in the post before, you’re in for a treat.
I openly declare that I love it more than my kids – but then again – that happens a lot with me and kids stuff.
Every month, you get a box that focuses on a specific mindset skill.
Building up on these skills helps your child develop their creative side, express themselves freely, and learn valuable mind tools to overcome life’s challenges with strength and resilience.
Covering topics such as mindfulness, art therapy, yoga and positive psychology, there’s something different in each box that gets posted straight through your letterbox.
You can learn more about the Happy Craft Box here.
Safety First Magnetic Door Locks
I tend to be the one who goes for the cheapest possible item every time and it drives my husband mad.
That is, until we had kids.
Now, everything cheap breaks within 2 hours within our house. But not these bad boys! Oh ho no.
These door safety locks are amazing for preventing trapped little fingers and keeping your plates in one piece.
I’ve tried many other designs of safety locks, from the sticky backed ones (rubbish) to the latch ones (which didn’t work) and finally I’m set on magnetic ones for ease of use and reliability.
Natural, Hand-bag sized Surface & Toy Sanitiser
Had it not been for Covid, maybe I’d be a bit more relaxed about germs.
But I’m kinda recovering from the effects of over sanitising my hands and wiping tables in restaurants with baby wipes (aren’t we all?).
Then I came across this stuff while browsing for something I could squeeze into the nappy bag.
Something designed to use on children’s items, toys, surfaces etc.
I’m also fully anti chemicals or nastiness in our house.
It’s just not healthy for any of us to breathe in toxic fumes, bleach and so forth.
So this little dude of a bottle ticks all the boxes, being free of parabens and petrochemicals, and small in size too. Perfect for travelling! Bye bye stomach bugs.
Working Hands Hand Cream
It’s the ONLY hand cream that works.
Sorry to all the other brands, but I’ve tried you all, and this is the one.
Finally, an answer to cracked fingers from endless washing up.
The end.
Kindercraft Trike
I brought this trike for our eldest baby when he’d just turned 2.
It was so good for zipping around our Warwickshire village on!
There’s very low risk of injury as the parents keep the control, plus the little ones can’t escape (mamas, you know what I’m talking about)
We took it shopping a few times too. Got a few odd glances, but otherwise OK.
What’s great about it is the option for the child to pedal (a great start for cycling!) Plus, it teaches kids how to steer, great for their hand-eye coordination.
I found it perfect at the time and now we’ve got a 3 year old on a balance bike who just can’t stay still!
He’s a pro (in my eyes) and I credit this trike to starting him off well while allowing me to keep some kinda control over him.
Speaking of balance bikes…
Kindercraft Balance Bike
Genunely one of the BEST parent tools on the planet.
Easily an hour can be spent spinning wheels in the garden, or a trip to the play park can be that much more exciting with a balance bike.
Now, I have (somehow) managed several trips to the park with my 3 year old on said balance bike, my 1-year-old in the pram and my 4-year-old cockapoo attached via a lead to the pram.
And… I run with the pram to keep up with the 3-year-old on the balance bike.
Call me insane (I know) but it is doable! Just choose the least busy-ist roads and ideally stay on the pavement at all times for safety.
There are moments, don’t get me wrong, where neighbours hear my shrieks of, “Slow down!” and “STOP!!!”, but it truly is an adventure like no other.
Balance bikes are fantastic for kids’ confidence and self-esteem, as well as starting them off well with cycling.
Clothing To Keep You Strong
Sometimes, we ALL need a mood lift, and the tool could be a motivational t-shirt. Or a new coffee mug maybe?
Turns out that motherhood made me a feminist a lil bit lol, though I still love men equally so. Maybe I’m a hippie? Who knows.
I don’t tend to follow labels.
But I do know that I love most of these t-shirts from the Spark Company. Take your pick!
Stroll to the mirror. Don your “I’m a badass” vibe and get back to being a sh*t hot mum.
A Buz Changing Robe
Dare I say it. They sound too simple? But they’re ultra awesome.
Bathtime. Toddlers. Towels. It just doesn’t work, does it?
Instead, why not pop one of these over their little heads and ta dah! Instant cohesion when it comes to being warm and getting dry in a flash.
Both my boys love these outdoor robes from Buz. Note they say outdoor, but they’re fantastic for indoor use too. (Handy for the beach and the bathroom.)
For Parents: Stop drips all over the carpet.
For Parents: Quick dry. And super warm.
For Parents: Don’t fall off.
For Kids: They’re cool.
Enough said.
A Good Book aka Anything by Julia Donaldson
I am addicted to reading anything by Julia D to my boys. She deserves the credit and the fuss she gets. The kids love them equally as much.
Did you know that reading to your child can improve their cognitive function, offer them greater and wider imagination, increased focus and concentration, better problem-solving skills and much more?
Let me know whether you love any of these parenting tools? Pop a comment below on this post. And please share this post if you love it!
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