Just add water.

I really wish I could remember who said those three magic words to me, back when I was a new mum over a decade ago. It’s the advice I pass to everyone, it’s the advice I try to follow as much as possible, even now.

The basic idea is that with pretty much every minor parenting problem, water can make it better. Grumpy? Just add water. Under the weather? Just add water. Hyper? Just add water. Bored? Just add water.

Basically, whenever I need to pull my kids out of a moment, water is almost the solution.

It might be a big glass of water. It might be a middle of the day bubble bath or shower. It might be a spur of the moment water fight. It might be a bowl of water with some plastic cups. It might be taking them to the swimming pool or beach for a splash about, or going puddle jumping. There just seems to be something about water that chills most kids out. I remember back to when Harrison was a baby. Quite often he would have an afternoon bath because if he started getting whingey, I knew it would keep him happy for half an hour. Nowadays, if they are grumpy, I send them upstairs for a shower and nine times out of ten they come down in a better mood. I know when I need some peace and quiet to finish some work, a washing up bowl of water and some plastic cups (with a towel to hand) will keep Elizabeth occupied. It goes without saying that water play should always be supervised.

It doesn’t seem to matter how old they are either, it just works. As I write this, Elizabeth and Benjamin are playing with a new water toy that Elizabeth had for Christmas. I know if Harrison and Alex were here (they are currently at their friends), they’d be angling for a turn in it as well.

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If you think about it, it works for many adults too. When we are upset or feeling unwell, we tend to reach for a glass of water. A long soak in the bath can relax us and lift our moods, while a hot shower at any time of the day can refresh us. And, let’s face it, how many of us can hand on heart say we don’t enjoy puddle jumping or a paddle in the sea once in a while?

So, if in doubt, just add water.