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Inflatable Pool Hack for Toddler Playtime

Author

Danielle Sexton
July 04, 2025

"The only person you are destined to become is the person you decide to be."

-Ralph Waldo Emerson

Good morning, Mommy! 🎇 Happy 4th of July, where the only thing louder than fireworks is your toddler yelling “MOOOOMMMM!” on repeat. We can't mute the neighbors’ illegal fireworks show, but we can give you some genius mom hacks.

Today’s Mommy scoop:

  • 🎈 Indoor play zone

  • 🍓 Healthy pops you’ll want to “sample” first

  • 🌵 Cactus handprints: cute, pokeless fun

Mom Hack

Inflatable Pool = Genius Indoor Play Zone 🛟

Source: momlovesbest

Mom Hack

Got a toddler on the move?

Try this game-changer: set up an inflatable pool as a soft, contained play space.

Perfect for days when you're stuck inside or need to keep your little one safely entertained while you finally drink that coffee hot.

🧸 Toss in some toys, books, or even a small activity table.
🧺 Lay down a cozy blanket or foam mat underneath for extra comfort.
🧼 Bonus: it’s super easy to clean—just wipe or hose it down!

No sharp corners. No escapes. Just peace of mind.

And when you're done? Deflate, fold, and stash it away. 🙌

Total win.

Mom's Mic: This Week’s Poll 🎤 

What is your biggest parenting challenge?

-> Vote to reveal what other moms think

Login or Subscribe to participate in polls.

Poll Results From 6/30

What is your go-to method for dealing with tantrums?

🟨🟨🟨🟨⬜️⬜️ Ignore until they calm down (28%)

🟨🟨🟨🟨⬜️⬜️ Distraction technique (30%)

🟨⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️ Time-outs (6%)

🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩 Discuss feelings and find solutions together (36%)

Featured Response 💬 

“I kind of rotate between ignoring it, talking it through, or offering a snack—depends on the meltdown 😅. We started using some stuff from Big Little Feelings and it’s actually helped a lot. Just having a plan makes me feel less thrown off when the big emotions hit.”

- Community Mom

Omg yes, Big Little Feelings is such a lifesaver—we use their tips too and it seriously helps me feel more in control when the chaos hits. - Danielle 😊 

Mom’s Menu

Red White and Blue Healthy Popsicles 🍓🫐 

superhealthykids

Looking for a fun, nutritious, and colorful way to bring the family together?

Meet the 3-ingredient Red, White, and Blue Popsicles.

💖 Why You’ll Love It

  • 🕒 Super simple prep – no need for freezing layers separately; just toss everything in and go!

  • 👶 Kid-friendly ingredients – Greek yogurt boosts protein with no added junk; perfect for growing tummies.

📝 Ingredients

  • 3 cups Greek yogurt (plain or vanilla)

  • 1½ cups strawberries (sliced or chopped)

  • 1 cup blueberries

👩‍🍳 Instructions

  1. Rinse and dry strawberries and blueberries.

  2. Slice or chop strawberries (your choice—whole look or layered).

  3. If using plain yogurt, mix in a splash of maple syrup (skip if vanilla).

  4. In popsicle molds:

    • Whole-fruit style: pour ~¼ mold yogurt, add berries, repeat until full.

    • Layered style: add strawberries, yogurt, blueberries, repeat layers.

  5. Insert sticks and freeze for ~6 hours (or overnight) until solid.

  6. To unmold: dip molds briefly in warm water, then gently pull out.

📌 Note

  • Full-fat Greek yogurt creates creamier pops; low-fat options yield icier texture.

  • Use in-season berries for the juiciest flavor.

  • If you’re using plain Greek yogurt, you can mix in a little maple syrup to sweeten up the popsicles

Full recipe here.

Daily DIY (Kids Edition)

Cactus Handprints

thebestideasforkids

This sweet handprint cactus card is a fun keepsake and an adorable craft your little one will love making!

  1. Trace and cut your child’s handprint from green paper.

  2. Fold brown paper into a flower pot shape and glue the handprint on top.

  3. Add a face with googly eyes and a marker smile.

  4. Decorate with white dashes for cactus spines.

  5. Glue on tiny flowers or pom-poms for a blooming look.

  6. Write a punny message inside like “I’m stuck on you!”

The tutorial is here.

Mom’s Choice

The other day, I had 15 minutes before dinner meltdown mode hit.

I opened Little Play Club, grabbed a sensory bin idea, and my toddler was so into it.

He was scooping, chatting, totally focused—and I knew this wasn’t just busywork.

It was real learning. 💡

Little Play Club gives me quick, purposeful play ideas that actually support his development.

It’s taken the stress out of playtime—and made it something we both love. 🤍

Little Play Club

  • Supports growth: designed by a teacher to help little brains thrive.

  • Zero overwhelm: quick, easy ideas with stuff you already own.

  • Guilt-free: feel confident you’re doing what’s best for your child.

Game

Parenting Pop Quiz

How often should a school-aged child engage in physical activity? (Answer below)

A) 30 minutes a day

B) 1 hour a day

C) 2 hours a day

D) 3 hours a day

E) Whenever they can pause the video game

Mom’s Meme 🤣

🎁 Share The Mommy

Share The Mommy with friends & family, get free stuff, and feel the joy of growing a community where every mom helps another.

It’s like swapping secrets over playdates, but better. 😊 

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Answer

B) 1 hour a day

Reply

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