As a first-time mom at the age of 34, I had grand plans about what I would or wouldn’t do as a parent. However, reality quickly taught me that for every rule I set, there were equally compelling reasons to throw them out the window.
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No Co-Sleeping
I once envisioned my baby peacefully sleeping in a bassinet all night—until the reality of a wide-awake infant hit me. Co-sleeping became a lifesaver when sleep was a distant memory. Honestly, when you’re running on two hours of sleep, you’d consider anything, even sleeping upright with the baby strapped to you. Over time, I came to cherish those co-sleeping moments, and even now, at age 6, Friday night family sleepovers are a tradition. -
No Formula
While an entire generation thrived on baby formula, my son was breastfed until he was 2. However, I soon discovered that a little formula on tough days made a world of difference. My husband pointed out that my struggles were unnecessary and, ultimately, we all enjoyed more restful nights. -
No Sugar
Growing up, my health-conscious dad kept sugary treats away from me, but I became a secret sugar addict, ending up with more cavities than any 10-year-old should have. I’ve since learned that moderation is key. My son enjoys the occasional gummy worm but is also indifferent to many sweets, so no hoarding candy in his room. -
Only Organic Food
Ideally, we’d all eat organic, but life has its ups and downs. Sometimes, convenience takes precedence over perfection. Besides, my parents thrived on instant Jell-O and canned Spam. -
No Television
As parents who didn’t watch much TV ourselves, it was easy to commit to the “No TV before age 2” rule. But as a work-from-home mom with an only child, I found that screen time became a necessity. Now in first grade, my son balances school and homework, so an hour of downtime with some Netflix is perfectly fine. Teaching him moderation, whether it’s with sugar or screen time, is a valuable life lesson. -
No Separate Meals
Not everyone shares the same palate, and my son’s tastes often mirror his dad’s more than mine. With my recent diagnosis of celiac disease, I need a gluten-free diet, while they enjoy their beloved French bread and donuts. I whip up a main dish we can all enjoy, then add sides that suit their preferences. -
No Time-Outs
Having experienced minimal discipline as a child, I initially viewed time-outs as a harsh form of punishment. However, I quickly found that time-outs often provided me the calm I needed, and soon it became part of our routine where I sometimes needed a “time-out” myself. -
No Bribery
After a challenging shopping trip or a dreaded doctor’s visit, if bribing my son with a piece of chocolate or promising an episode of his favorite show stops a meltdown, it’s a small price to pay for peace.
The one rule I steadfastly uphold is teaching my son that boys deserve affection—whether it’s tickles at bedtime or extra hugs and kisses whenever he needs them. He’s only little once, and those moments are irreplaceable.
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In summary, parenting isn’t about rigidly adhering to rules but rather embracing flexibility and adapting to what works best for your family.
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