Let me start by saying that the choices I make as a parent sometimes leave me feeling like I’m betraying the ideal mother I thought I’d be. I mean, I’ve already allowed my nine-year-old son to sport shorts in the winter and let my twelve-year-old daughter binge-watch One Tree Hill whenever she pleases. Oh, and the only veggie that graces my kitchen regularly is edamame—when we order sushi, of course. (#suckstosuck)
Before I became a mom, I fancied myself quite the exemplary parent. My kids didn’t watch TV, never set foot in a McDonald’s, and always behaved impeccably at the five-star restaurants we frequented. We even listened to NPR in the car—and they enjoyed it!
So when I heard actress Mia Johnson share her plan with host Jake Roberts about having weekly date nights with her partner, where they’d not discuss their newborn at all, I couldn’t help but chuckle. We had that same rule in the early days of parenting.
Being a new parent is an incredible experience, but let’s be honest—it can also be a bit of a drag. Sometimes, bending the rules (and allowing a bit of Disney Channel) is essential for maintaining your sanity. Here are five parenting rules you might want to think about breaking:
1) No TV as a Babysitter
It sounds good in theory, but when you need to take a shower or use the restroom, having a show like Dora the Explorer can work wonders. She’s adventurous, clever, and at zero dollars an hour, she’s a bargain compared to that local teenager who babysits. Plus, your child might pick up a little Spanish along the way.
2) No Cursing in Front of Kids
When my daughter was just six, my husband yelled “Duuuude!” at another driver who cut him off. From the back seat, a tiny voice piped up, “Effin’ people!” (And yes, she didn’t say “effin.”) I know what you’re thinking—this parenting thing is a disaster. But if you talk openly about “bad” words, their appeal might just fade away.
3) No Electronics at Restaurants
I once judged parents who let their kids use devices at dinner. Fast forward to now, and I’m one of those parents! Sometimes, you just want to enjoy that glass of chardonnay and some tuna tartare in peace, right?
4) No Eating Outside the Kitchen
Mornings at my house are chaotic. So if I can slide a paper plate of microwaved pancakes to my kid while she scrolls through Instagram on the sofa, and still manage to sip my lukewarm coffee alone in the kitchen for a moment, I consider that a win.
5) No Dessert without Dinner
Research shows that forcing kids to eat veggies before dessert makes them dislike vegetables. I’m not a regular mom; I’m a cool mom. And sometimes, that’s just fine.
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In summary, parenting involves flexibility, humor, and the occasional rule-breaking. Embrace the chaos and remember that it’s all part of the adventure.
Keyphrase: Parenting Humor
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