11 Readers Share How They ‘Just Add Water’

Eight years ago, a reader named Chloe wrote a comment that became a parenting motto for the whole Cup of Jo community:

“My favorite parenting advice is, ‘If they are crabby, add water.’ This has served me well over the years and believe it or not, with a 14, 10 and eight-year-old, I still use it. Run a bath, take a shower, water the garden, wash the dog, have a hot drink, have a cold drink… just add water. It works 99% of the time.”

Since then, the phrase has helped so many parents, including myself. I think of it every night, as I bathe my baby Evelynn in our kitchen sink, soothing away her witching hour mood. Photo evidence above! Here, 11 more readers share how “just add water” saved the day…

“This picture was not taken at the height of summer, but rather in early March when it was technically too cold for car washing. But it was the end of the day, and I was desperate for an activity that would last until my husband got home and I could finally take a break. Adding water did the trick!” — Claire

“My son and I are lucky to live five minutes from a jetty, so we often walk over for ‘a few quick flicks’, as he says. I read my book or work on a knitting project between requests to untangle his fishing line. He likes to change his rig every couple of minutes if he’s not getting any bites, so he’s always busily chopping up a selection of stinky baits and rummaging around in his tackle box. We rarely catch anything, but it’s a lovely, peaceful way to spend time together outdoors after a busy day.” — Lauren

“Whenever the cooped up-ness of rainy days gets to me, I announce a rain walk. Lately, my kids have insisted on abandoning umbrellas and raincoats to see who gets the most soaked!” — Jessica

“I have come back to this bit of Cup of Jo wisdom so many times over the years (both as parenting advice and for myself!). In the midst of my divorce, whenever things got too serious, my daughter and I would head to the beach. This beach photo was taken right in the middle of my separation. We started every day with a dip in the sea. What a dream.” — Christa

“When my kids were little, sensory bins were all the rage. Rice, beans, and a few toys never failed to give me a moment of peace. One morning, on a whim, I decided to let my toddler ‘water’ my fading floral arrangement. What started as a simple outdoor activity turned into a fully immersive rose-petal bath for one very exploratory toddler.” — Miranda

“My two-year-old, Beau, running merrily towards the biggest puddle after a morning of rain. Tongue out, zero inhibitions, slap happy after a visit from his favorite garbage truck. Levity — in every sense of the word.” — Ginelle

“Every summer, my kids and I do an ‘Open to Close Day’ at the science center, the library, and the public pool. We arrive when the place opens and stay until we’re kicked out — and pool day is always the longest challenge and greatest fun. We tell our friends they can meet us when they want (‘Don’t worry, we’ll be there all day!’). We read books and play games and have pizza delivered for dinner. But honestly, we don’t have to do much because the kids love the water and never get bored!” — Emily O.

“When my eight-year-old is wiped out and grumpy after school (as she often is), I have her take a bath and water ‘the garden’ (mostly weeds). She feels great afterward!” — Katherine

“Most days, I ask myself why we ever moved out of the city and back to my childhood home, in a rural town outside of Oslo. The commute wears you down, and the big garden is constant work. But then, summer finally arrives in Norway, and everything is green and the sun never sets. You just turn the hose on and the kids and dogs and plants come alive — with zero effort on my part.” — Helle

“‘Just add water’ has remained one of my most consistent parenting mottos over the years. When our boys were younger, they often disagreed, and this led to hurt feelings and harsh words. But the bath always brought them back to themselves and each other. Sometimes they needed a little extra enticement (seen here: an egg cream and a favorite hat), but by the time the bubbles subsided and the water turned tepid, they were both giggling and ready to take on the world together. They’re older now, so bubble baths aren’t common anymore. But just last night, my teenager was getting overwhelmed with school tasks. I walked him to the shower, and no further instructions were needed. Thanks, Joanna, this one truly never fails.” — Purnima

“My son has been sick constantly since we put him in daycare, and this last bout really had him down — fevers, cough, the whole shebang. None of us have been sleeping well and even though he seemed to be getting better, he was still grumpy (uncommon for our smiley guy!). We went out and bought this little splash pad, and he was thrilled to pieces while playing on it! He slept through the night again that evening, and is back to his cheerful self.” — Rebekah

When have you used the CoJ parenting advice “just add water” with the kids in your life? We’d love to know xoxo.

P.S. Some of our favorite advice for new parents and how to inspire kids to play on their own.