Navigating parenthood can sometimes feel like a betrayal to the parent you envisioned yourself becoming. I mean, I’ve already allowed my ten-year-old son to wear shorts in the dead of winter and my thirteen-year-old daughter to binge-watch her favorite shows on streaming services. And let’s be real, the only vegetable I can consistently get on our dinner table is edamame when we indulge in sushi. Talk about a parenting fail!
Before I had kids, I was the epitome of the perfect parent. My little ones never touched a screen, never set foot in fast food joints, and certainly didn’t dare to misbehave at the upscale restaurants we frequented. And, of course, our car was a sanctuary for NPR, which my kids loved.
So, when I heard Mia Thompson share her amusing plan with a talk show host about how she and Ashton would embark on weekly date nights with a strict “no baby talk” rule, I couldn’t help but chuckle. We attempted that too in our early days of parenthood!
Let’s be honest—being a new parent is incredibly rewarding but can also be a bit overwhelming. A little compromise here and there (and a lot of Disney Channel) can be essential for maintaining your sanity. Here are five parenting rules you might want to think about breaking:
1) I will never use the TV as a babysitter.
This rule sounds great until you desperately need to shower or have a moment to yourself. Enter Dora the Explorer, who might just be the best babysitter you never knew you needed—especially at zero dollars an hour!
2) I will never curse in front of my kids.
I still remember the day my daughter, then six, echoed my husband’s frustrated horn honking with a little too much flair. We all have our slip-ups, but if you engage your kids in conversation about language use, it might just take the thrill out of those so-called “bad” words.
3) I will never let my kids use electronics in restaurants.
Once upon a time, I looked down on parents who allowed devices at the dinner table. Now? Guilty as charged. Sometimes, you just want to enjoy that glass of wine while your child is occupied with a game on a tablet.
4) No eating outside the kitchen.
Mornings at my house resemble a chaotic race against the clock. If I can manage to serve breakfast in the living room while sneaking in a moment of solitude with my coffee, I’ll take it as a parenting win.
5) No dessert without dinner.
Research suggests that forcing kids to eat their veggies may lead to a lifelong disdain for them. I’m not your typical mom; I’m a cool mom. And sometimes, that’s perfectly fine!
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In summary, parenting is a journey filled with unexpected twists and turns, and sometimes, it’s okay to let go of the rules you once held dear. Embrace the chaos, enjoy those fleeting moments, and remember that every parent is just winging it in their own way.