Good Lazy Parenting

Tropez

Wow, you really are quite lazy.

It would take about thirty seconds to clear up any bath toys and bath toys are good because they encourage kids to associate cleanliness and hygiene with fun.

Still, come Christmas time, if you're the type to send lots of Xmas card or presents, have the kids do the wrapping and/or envelope sealing as a game. They get a sweet for every 10 or so they do.

carolan78

Alikay wrote: »

Housework is the area where I liked to save time and energy rather than dealing with the children.

Isn't that basically what the OP is asking too? The kind of things she has posted are more housekeeping type things and she has stated she isn't looking for ways entertain the kids while she sits on her backside.

fannyanna

Wow some harsh responses to the OP (which I think stem from the word lazy).

OP, I see nothing wrong in you looking to be more effective in your day to day tasks to free up some time.

Some things may only save you a few seconds here and there but like pennies it all adds up.

shortdog

Tea-and-Cake wrote: »

Giving the kids chalk to draw on the slabs in the back garden... hours of fun and the rain washes it away hooray!

Don't give them chalk. That means they run out of room eventually. A paintbrush and some water is much more fun, dries up quite quickly, and the space can then be reused. Saves the money on chalk too.

Painting should always be done in the garden. Playdough too, but not if it's too hot, as it dries out very quickly.

Grab a couple of 2 litre juice cartons (Morrisons value ones are good) then refill with squash. Shove in the fridge, and the kids always have a cool drink without too much hassle.

Water pistol in the bath is very effective for washing and rinsing boys hair - not good with girls long hair though.

Beans on toast is one of the healthiest meals you can feed your kids - add some grated cheese on top and a glass of fruit juice and they've got a full balanced meal (only recommended once a week or so).

Nicki

I have this book on my kindle which has lots of those kinds of tips in it. Well worth a read:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Amazing-When-Just-Dont-Have/dp/0745953751

I also don't think this thread is sad and haven't read it as though the OP is asking for advice on how to neglect her children as some posters seem to have done!

lippy1923

I like the idea of this thread. Ways to minimise the crap, such as washing dishes and cleaning to be able to spend more time doing the fun stuff with the kids.

Will be interesting to hear more ideas.

ognum

Tea-and-Cake wrote: »

I am a sahm with 3 children under 6 so life is really non stop from the moment my feet hit the floor, however, I am essentially quite lazy. So, I am looking for more ways to expand my lazy (but good) parenting. I do not mean stick the tv on all day and take the kids to mcdonalds for lunch type lazy parenting I mean things like the following....

Feed the baby a ripe avocado mashed on toast and a banana...instead of peeling, chopping, steaming and mashing veg and having to wash all the eqiupment and pots related to this (although I do do this)

Feed the kids cauliflower cheese with just cheese grated and melted on top.... instead of making a proper cheese sauce with all the mess that creates (see above)

Not having any bath toys in the bath for the kids (less to tidy up )....bubbles, a bar of soap, a sponge and a closed shampoo bottle are just as fun....so is a baby wipe to clean the bath yippee!

Giving the kids chalk to draw on the slabs in the back garden... hours of fun and the rain washes it away hooray!



That sort of lazy parenting Any more ideas???

I think I have a problem with this being termed as lazy parenting, maybe if it was described as low-pressure or time saving parenting it would not receive the negative press it is.

We all save time in many different ways, just because it's time saving it doesn't mean it's lazy!

glitter03

I don't think the OP meant lazy as a serious term....I took it as a light hearted comment.

I think some people are taking the thread too seriously and are halfway to calling social services lol

McKneff

Tea-and-Cake wrote: »

I take it you don't have kids!

I do. I have two, grown up, flown the nest.

Why would you presume from my post that I don't????

FBaby

Indeed, not a good idea to refer to your situation as lazy. Asking for advice to be a more educational efficient mum would have come out better!

In the end, it is almost impossible to respond as they are endless advice that could be provided, it all depends on your own situation, your children, the help you are getting, what you like to do, what you hate doing etc....