Why I Feel Absolutely No Guilt About Being a Chill Mom

Hey there! I’m just a laid-back mom navigating this wild parenting journey without any apologies. If you’re keeping score by today’s unrealistic standards of motherhood, I might just seem like a total slacker. But here’s the scoop: I adore my daughter and cherish our moments together, yet at my core, I embrace a relaxed approach to parenting.

Picture this: our outings to the playground often find me comfortably settled on a bench while my daughter happily plays. You won’t catch me chasing after her, and I certainly won’t be forcing snacks down her throat. I don’t interrupt her fun to engage with every random adult who thinks my 3-year-old is ready for a deep philosophical conversation. Is she sometimes hungry, hurt, or a bit selfish? Sure. But does it bother me? Not at all!

While my daughter is around, I often multitask—reading, tidying up, working, and engaging with social media. I’ve made it my mission to enjoy being as laid-back as possible when it comes to parenting. After all, laziness can be chic, right? Think of it as my version of yoga pants in contrast to the more intense Tiger Mom look.

So, let’s dive into my 7 (totally made-up) secrets for mastering the art of relaxed parenting without ruining your kids in the process!

Secret #1: Let Them Be

Embrace a little independence! Allow your kids to play on their own. It’s called “Free Play” for a reason. Do we really want to raise another generation that’s as needy as we are? Nope! Give them some space; they don’t need you as much as you might think.

Secret #2: Keep it Short

Seriously, let’s cut to the chase. Kids don’t need a detailed explanation for everything—especially not for broccoli! Just serve it up and let them decide if they want to eat it or not. No need for a super long pitch about its benefits!

Secret #3: Hunger is Okay

When did being hungry become a crisis? I grew up going outside and coming back ready to eat anything in sight. If your kids are hungry enough, trust me—they’ll eat. Simple as that.

Secret #4: Screen Time is Fine

As long as you steer clear of inappropriate shows, a little TV time can be perfectly fine. Pop on a PBS episode, enjoy the peace it brings, and savor a glass of wine while you’re at it. Quiet time is a win-win!

Secret #5: Embrace the Floor

My kid has slept on the floor for a while now—yes, really! A simple mattress on the ground can be safe and freeing. Plus, every time she entertains herself or completes a task independently, it lightens my load (and my guilt).

Secret #6: Treats are Treats

Let’s face it: trying to keep sweets away from kids is nearly impossible. Instead, I choose to limit junk food in our home. When treats do come around, it’s a simple choice: a few chocolate chips or none at all!

Secret #7: Set Some Ground Rules

No, I don’t mean an actual cage! I’m talking about establishing boundaries. Kids can help around the house, and honestly, it’s a great way for you to kick back. You get the chance to be a bit lazy and still keep everything in check.

In the end, while quality interaction with our kids is essential, it doesn’t have to consume every moment of our day. So, go ahead and embrace your inner chill mom—your family will appreciate it!

If you’re interested in exploring more about parenting, check out this post from our blog! And for those on the journey of conception, Make a Mom offers fantastic resources for couples. For more insights on pregnancy, you can also visit this site.

Summary

: Embracing a relaxed approach to parenting can be refreshing and beneficial for both you and your child. By letting them play independently, simplifying mealtime discussions, allowing hunger, managing screen time, and setting boundaries, you can create a nurturing environment without feeling overwhelmed. Remember, it’s perfectly fine to enjoy your own time while being a loving parent.