Navigating the world of parenting can feel like being bombarded with endless advice. As Sarah Watts pointed out in The New York Times, every parenting dilemma—breast milk or formula? SAT prep or music lessons?—is met with an avalanche of opinions, studies, and guides, each trying to shape your decisions. As parents, there’s this pressure to define ourselves through labels like Attachment Parent or Tiger Parent. But honestly, those labels can wear thin over time. Here are seven parenting styles I’ve decided to ditch.
1. Adorable Bento Box Parenting
With my first child, I splurged on all the charming accessories—everything from whimsical snack containers shaped like animals to luxurious picnic blankets. However, by the time my second child arrived, I found myself sending my older one off to school with a lunch squished into a dented yogurt cup and an ancient mint tin.
2. Polished Attire Parenting
Pre-parenthood, I took pride in curating the ideal wardrobe, but after my second, I’m fighting hard against the pull of full-on sweatpants. As my friend Jamie wisely said, “Don’t ease into that Eileen Fisher.” Instead, I’ve landed somewhere in the realm of comfy black pants and stylish, draped tops—a happy medium between trendy and totally casual.
3. Zombie Frog Parenting
Remember in biology class when you could poke a dead frog with a pin to make it twitch? That’s how I feel when my son cries in the middle of the night—like a lifeless creature being prodded. Now, instead of rushing in, I give myself a moment to breathe. Most of the time, he settles back down without my intervention, the initial cry merely a test of the waters.
4. Negotiation Expert Parenting
In the early days, I would kneel at my child’s eye level, earnestly explaining the need to leave the park. “Hey, buddy, it’s almost dinner time, and Daddy will be home soon, mmmmkay?” But my preverbal child, who’s busy with a dirty diaper, has no idea what I’m saying. Now, I’ve simplified things to just saying, “We’re going!” and we go, no lengthy discussions. They may still protest, but at least I’m not trying to broker a peace deal.
5. Happy Hour Parenting
With my first child, I enjoyed sipping a cocktail while preparing dinner and catching the news. But with two kids, I need all my wits about me; otherwise, they team up against me like a duo of tiny bandits. Now, I reserve my drinks for after bedtime, when I can finally unwind.
6. Intense Eye Contact Parenting
Initially, I was all about attachment parenting, closely observing every little move my child made. I’d hover like a concerned guardian during playtime. But as time has passed, I’ve realized that kids grow just fine without that level of scrutiny. Now, when my second child suddenly appears in the kitchen, I often think, “Oh, look, it’s that child again!”
7. Obsessive Cleaning Parenting
Why is there always a mysterious mess lurking beneath my feet? I used to scrub every surface daily, armed with rubber gloves and an arsenal of cleaning supplies. These days, I just give the floor a quick swipe with a Clorox wipe and call it good enough.
In conclusion, parenting is a journey of evolution. As I adapt to life with two kids, my priorities and approaches have shifted significantly. If you’re looking for more insights on parenting and home insemination, check out this resource on intrauterine insemination and explore home insemination kits for more guidance.
Keyphrase: Parenting styles I’ve abandoned
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