Parenting can often feel like a balancing act, and while there are many things that well-meaning mothers do, I’ve decided to let go of some practices that just aren’t working for me anymore. Here’s what I’m leaving behind:
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Daily Baths for the Kids
Unless they’ve been frolicking in a mud puddle, my children don’t need a bath every single day. In the summer, I rinse off the sand and sunscreen, but in winter, frequent baths just dry out their skin. Now, I’m sticking to baths twice a week, which not only saves me from wrestling a screaming toddler but also keeps their skin happy. -
Complicated Bedtime Routines
Everyone insisted on a bedtime routine, which initially included a lengthy sequence of activities like baths, massages, and dim lights. With my 4-year-old, it ballooned into an epic saga of songs, stories, and elaborate games that would take hours. To reclaim my evenings, I’m now streamlining this to just tooth-brushing and a quick prayer, delivered at lightning speed while I eye the cocktail cabinet. -
Stressing Over Organic Food
For five years, I’ve debated whether to spend an extra two dollars on organic apples. Honestly, it’s more important that they eat fruits and veggies, so I’m done worrying about organic versus conventional. I’ll save my money for something more important, like fun family activities. -
Forcing Vegetable Consumption
With my first child, I used to insist he eat a certain number of bites to earn dessert, leading to endless negotiations. Now, with my second, I’ve embraced a more relaxed approach thanks to Ellyn Satter’s division of responsibility. Meals are still a work in progress—like when my son recently declared dinner looked like “an old head”—but at least I’m not getting into ridiculous arguments about broccoli counts. -
Endless Patience
I strive to keep my cool, but there are moments when chaos reigns: one child is blasting music, another is talking in whispers, and dinner is burning. It’s perfectly normal to lose your temper sometimes—kids need to see how to handle frustration. It teaches them that life isn’t always calm and collected. -
Obsessing Over a Clean House
Cleaning has become a part-time job, and I was feeling like a maid. Rather than picking up after everyone, I’m now implementing gentle reminders for my kids to help out. They’ve started putting their clothes in the hamper and returning toys to their rightful places. A slightly messy house is much better than feeling like a servant, and it teaches them responsibility. -
Spending All Weekend with the Kids
One thing I miss from my pre-parenting days is solo time at home. So, I’m instituting a half-day-off policy. Just like the staff in Downton Abbey, each of us will get time away from the kids once a week. It’s going to be glorious to finally catch up on things like organizing my desk or just relaxing in silence.
Summary
In the quest for a more relaxed parenting approach, I’ve decided to simplify my routines and priorities. By reducing the frequency of baths, streamlining bedtime rituals, not stressing over organic food, and encouraging independence in my kids, I’m aiming for a more enjoyable family life. After all, parenting doesn’t have to be a race against the clock or a never-ending chore list. For more insights on family planning, check out this excellent resource on in vitro fertilization and discover more about home insemination kits for those considering alternative paths to parenthood. Plus, check out this BabyMaker kit for more options.
Keyphrase: relaxed parenting style
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