A Parent's Tip Sheet For Finding Lost Items

Mothers have the innate ability to find things that other people have lost — and we're especially good at this in high-pressure situations (late for work, late for school, child is crying, etc). While I'm not exactly thrilled that it seems as though 50 percent of parenthood is spent searching for misplaced items (sure, sometimes it's due to my own mommy brain), this skill happens to come in pretty handy when things come up missing. So from the good, to the bad, to the downright dirty, here are a few tips for parents when beginning your search for a lost item. Source: Shutterstock

First, be sure you're energized.

First, be sure you're energized.

OK, stop crying, we'll find your horse. Just let mommy reheat her coffee first . . . Source: Instagram user mielabelo

Always get a visual on what it is you're hunting down.

Always get a visual on what it is you're hunting down.

Sure, I'll help find your doll's other shoe. What does it look like? No. No. No. No. No. No. Photo: Denise Stirk

Did you check his insides?

Did you check his insides?

When a coin goes missing, and a toddler is within arm's reach, you might need a little help from the radiologist on this one. Source: Instagram user coffmanjg

Always (always, always) look up noses.

Always (always, always) look up noses.

Why are you pointing at your nose? Why are you sneezing? Oh for the love . . . I'll get the tweezers. Source: Instagram user juggalettewithissues

What about his poop? Did you check his poop?

What about his poop? Did you check his poop?

A mom's gotta do, what a mom's gotta do. Source: Instagram user anaankeny

What about the freezer?

What about the freezer?

Always check the freezer. Source: Instagram user juggalettewithissues

Look for clues.

Look for clues.

Why is there only one post-it note left on my desk? And why is it so dark in here? Source: Instagram user cherylann_19

Empty all toy bins.

Empty all toy bins.

Where did you put daddy's wallet? Think really hard sweetie . . . Source: Instagram user jess_the_wmf

And check out all toy cars.

And check out all toy cars.

This game is so not fun anymore. Source: Instagram user fernysgrl

Don't forget about the bathroom.

Don't forget about the bathroom.

What do you mean there's no more cereal? I swore I bought a new box just yesterday. Source: Instagram user misswhitney11

Don't leave without looking in the toilet.

Don't leave without looking in the toilet.

If you're child is under 2, this really should be the first place you should look. For everyone else, just add it to your repertoire. Source: Instagram user adventuresoflucaberryfinn

And the bathtub.

And the bathtub.

Has anyone seen my hair clips? Source: Instagram user losgrays

No seriously, check your doorknobs.

No seriously, check your doorknobs.

Honey, try not leaving it on the door knob tomorrow. Source: Instagram user jawncorbett

Next up, search all cabinets.

Next up, search all cabinets.

And while you're at it, might want to order that backup lamby. Source: Instagram user tinkerellen

Scour the pantry.

Scour the pantry.

What about the oven?

What about the oven?

Ah, there's my dustpan. In the oven. Right where my dear sweet child left it. Source: Instagram user j_mehl

One last thing, did you check the Christmas tree?

One last thing, did you check the Christmas tree?

Is it just me, or do sippy cups have legs? Source: Instagram user catzinelis