Many of our best insights here at NCF are research-based. We often talk about the I-CANs or the 7 Secrets of Effective Fathers, and much of what you’ll see at fathers.com is based on those frameworks and the fathering practices associated with them. We also regularly feature more experience-based nuggets that have helped dads succeed with their kids, such as the How to Be a Better Dad series.

All of these are about building positive habits in our fathering and providing reminders about the high priority that our children and families should have in our lives. We all have room to grow as dads, and we all want deeper connections with our kids. It’s serious stuff.

And then sometimes dads just need tips and tricks that make it easier to stay on top of our demanding role. Think of them as dad hacks.

You’re probably familiar with some “life hacks.” They might involve bread clips, which can be used to keep earbud wires from tangling, organize charging cables, or as labels for random keys or cords in a power strip. There are all kinds of creative and useful ideas out there for empty toilet paper rolls, plastic water or soda bottles, binder clips, foam swimming pool noodles, and on and on.

Little things can make a difference in fathering, too.

Huckberry is a men’s online clothing & gear retailer that put out 50 “dad hacks” early this summer. (You can see them here and here.) Some of their “hacks” focus on specific products, and each suggestion may or may not fit with your approach to fathering, but there are a lot of useful tips. Such as:

• Have snacks available at all times. It’s worth it to avoid dealing with “hangry” kids.
• Conveniently “forget” to bring a charging cable for their devices, so they’re forced to find other ways to use their time, be creative, etc. (But make sure your phone is charged. In some situations, communication is everything.)
• Have some cash on you so your kids can see you make money decisions. (And it might bring about some teaching moments.)
• Keep emergency T-shirts in your cars and other strategic places. Kids are messy, and as involved dads, we often get to share in that.
• Pack a book for you (and 3 or 4 for them) so you’re ready for times when you’re out but waiting or in between activities.
• Get a cheap, portable Bluetooth speaker for your baby bag and/or car. Sometimes music can enrich your time together or help change a child’s bad mood.

Some of the “hacks” were more about starting some positive fathering habits:

• On a trip or outing, give each of your kids a specific role that will benefit everyone.
• Keep a journal to help you capture the daily joys and memories during this stage of your child’s life.
• If it works in your family’s routine, take over morning duties with the kids to give you more time with them and let Mom have a break.
• If possible, say “Yes” to every request your child makes of you—especially when he or she asks you to do something together.
• Learn basic first aid and be prepared to handle everyday scrapes and mishaps.

Here’s a bonus tip from a dad at fathers.com:

• Start a weekly routine of simple, one-on-one father-child outings where you get ice cream or some other treat, talk, possibly read something inspiring, and just be together for 30 minutes or an hour. It can be one child each week or, if you have a lot of kids, do it several nights each week.

Now it’s your turn.

What tips and insights have helped you be a better dad, or have simply made your fathering a little bit easier? It can be very practical and everyday or more serious and life-changing. Sometimes it’s unique to your personality, your kids’ interests, your family or your situation, but passing along your ideas can give other dads a new way to win with their kids or at least an idea they can adapt to their family.

What’s your best “dad hack” that makes your role easier? Share one and get more tips on our Facebook page.