8 Reasons Parents Today Should Chill Out

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So, I was scrolling through social media (you know, “working”) when I stumbled upon a story about a mom who crafts a unique Disney princess dress for her daughter every time they hit up a Disney park. Seriously? Who has the time for that? I can’t recall my mom ever doing something like that for me, and neither do I remember any of my friends’ parents doing the same.

Here are a few more things I don’t remember from my childhood:

1. My parents were not at every sports game, play, or practice. I was usually dropped off at the curb with a quick “be back in two hours.” No big fuss.
2. I don’t recall my mom attending every single school event. Sure, they made it to important milestones, but teachers spent more time with me than my parents did, hands down.
3. I went to Disney twice as a kid, and I didn’t have a custom outfit for the occasion. My travel wardrobe consisted of a turquoise one-piece from the clearance rack at Sears!
4. Words like “issues,” “play dates,” and “conscious uncoupling” were nonexistent. People dealt with struggles, kids played outside, and divorce was just that—divorce. No fancy terminology involved.
5. My parents didn’t track my every move or try to be my friends on social media. I had my own phone line (I know, so spoiled), and they let me hang out with friends without constant check-ins.
6. My parents were, well, just that—my parents. They weren’t part of my friend group, and I never thought of them that way. I rolled my eyes at them, asked for cash, and didn’t care what they did when I was busy with my friends.
7. Birthday parties didn’t involve catering or elaborate themes. Costumes were bought from the grocery store, and Christmas gifts came from places like Kmart. And you know what? We were totally fine with it.
8. I didn’t have an overwhelming schedule filled with activities at eight years old. My siblings and I participated in whatever we liked, and we didn’t have parents fretting over our exposure to every single new experience. If we enjoyed something, we did it. No elaborate planning or thousands spent on costumes or camps.

Now, I’m not judging anyone—I’m guilty of trying to keep up with the so-called “Mommy Joneses” myself. My kids are sometimes overscheduled, they’ve been to Disney twice, and yeah, I might have gotten a little carried away with their Easter baskets this year. I mean, who can resist those $25 organic chocolate bunnies? And yes, I’ve made their Halloween costumes by hand. I’m sure my mom is shaking her head at my choices.

What I’m really saying is, let’s take a step back and examine the culture we’re shaping for our kids. The idea that custom-made Disney princess dresses are a must for a trip to see Mickey Mouse is a bit absurd. We’re teaching our children that more is better, leading them to never be satisfied with the simple joys of life, like a Duncan Hines cake mix.

So, when does this cycle end? Because I know if my mom caught me sewing dresses for my daughter’s Disney trip, I’d be grounded and probably lose my car privileges for the weekend. And I’d listen—because that car was important to me!

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In conclusion, let’s remember that parenting doesn’t have to be a competition. Sometimes, a little less can be a lot more.