As a parent of 5, with 3 of  my children 14 and older, I have learned a few things.

Hopefully a few of these tips may help make your life with kids a little easier!

1. If you have a little one, say 4 years old or younger,

keep a  fully stocked bag by the door. If will make it so much easier when you're in a rush to just grab the bag and go, knowing that you have everything you need always in the bag. They'll need less as they get older, but for my almost 3 year old son, I still keep a nappy, snack, drink, extra outfit and a few small toys in his bag. This proves to be a lifesaver in long bank lines....   (I also keep an emergency snack and diaper in the car in case I forget to take the bag with me)

2. Make time for at least one story before bed every night. Experts recommend reading to your child from birth on, it helps them develop and lays a foundation for love of reading. It's also excellent, quality bonding time for you as a parent  AND it will help your child WANT to go to bed (especially helpful if your little one never wants to get ready for beddie bye time)

3. In the summer time, give icy poles and popsicles to your little ones in the tub. It will help get them into the tub if they dislike having a bath, plus NO MESS from drippy popsicles!

4. As soon as they are old enough, let your little ones have a job. Even if they can't do it properly, they are learning to contribute. My two year old LOVES helping me with laundry and he also tries to mop for me everyday. (Too bad my teens don't feel the same way....)

5. If you have more than one child, and they are old enough to watch television, give them a time slot every day to avoiding fighting over 'whose turn' it is. Plus, this cuts down on how much time they spend in front of the tv!

6. Teach your little ones charity. I never pass up a chance to let me little guy put change in a worthy collection jar, even if it's only 5 or 10 cents. When they get older, it will be a habit to share with those in need.

7. Take pictures of EVERY DAY things. I have found now that my teens are older, I only have photos of special occasions like birthdays and Christmas. I now take photos of my 2 year old son doing everything; bathtime, story time, eating dinner.... You'll want to remember those everyday things when your child is all grown up. Never pass up a photographic opportunity!!!

8. Try keeping toys in tubs, and up on shelves if you are able. We have block tubs, dinosaur tubs, car tubs, musical instrument tubs... and so on. We have almost all of our 2 year old's toys in clear tubs, so now he only has a few toys out at a time and if he wants something different, he has to put away what he currently has out.

9. If you find you just have TOO MANY toys, pack half of them in a box, store them in the garage or shed, and in a month, rotate those toys with the ones your child has currently. Kids even up to 5 or 6 years old will love this, because all the "OLD"  toys will seem brand new again!

10. Check your medicine cabinet once a month to clean out expired meds. Always make sure you have baby Panadol or Neurofen handy (baby Tylenol in the USA), you never know when you'll have a feverish little one in the middle of the night when everything is closed. If it's expired, make sure to toss it and get a new bottle on your next trip to the store.

I hope these tips help, even if you can only use one or two. They are just simple things that have made parenting a little easier for me. Good Luck!