According to the vast sea of parenting advice online, I’m not winning any awards for mom of the year.
Now, don’t misunderstand me—I have two wonderfully happy kids who are thriving. But I seem to break quite a few of the so-called “rules” of parenting. Here’s a rundown of my daily missteps, in no particular order.
- Television Control
My kids, aged two and four, have mastered the art of the remote. They can find their favorite shows and even use the DVR to replay them. - Food Choices
When they ask, “Can I have a cookie?” My answer is always yes. “A lollipop?” Sure! “Goldfish?” Why not! - Juice Box Freedom
I have no clue how many ounces of juice they consume daily. Honestly, if someone asked, my answer would be, “I don’t really know.” - Naptime Realities
Only one of my kids still takes naps. The four-year-old has outgrown that phase, and I’m not about to spend hours coaxing him to stay in bed. - Co-Sleeping Habit
My two-year-old has recently taken to sleeping in my bed. It started one night when she climbed in and now has become the norm. I don’t mind it at all; it’s just the two of us. - Raising My Voice
I admit it—I sometimes yell. It’s not effective, but hey, I’m human. After saying “no” countless times, I occasionally lose my cool. - Hot Dog Enjoyment
My kids eat hot dogs, and you know what? I have zero regrets. They’re delicious, and I don’t care what’s in them. - Slide Climbing
Every single day, my child climbs up the slide. He’s learned to move aside if someone is at the top, so I see no harm in it. - Bedtime Flexibility
We don’t have a strict bedtime. Instead, there’s a time when the kids need to be out of the common areas so I can enjoy some peace. They often play in their rooms until they’re ready to sleep. The two-year-old usually settles down around 8:45, while the four-year-old takes a bit longer, often around 9:30. If anyone asks about school, I just say he’ll likely be tired and adjust his bedtime then.
There are probably countless other things I do that parenting experts would frown upon. But I’m not the type to take pride in being viewed as a “bad parent.” In fact, I believe I’m doing pretty well. My kids are sociable, polite, and enjoy being around others. They can even sit through a meal at a restaurant without a fuss.
Eventually, I stopped feeling guilty about not following every guideline. My mom did things differently (and let’s remember, it was the ‘70s), and I turned out just fine. I used to pretend my children didn’t eat hot dogs, that the TV was off all day, and that I never raised my voice. But really, who am I trying to impress? Parenting isn’t a competition; it’s about the love we share with our kids. Other parents might prioritize different things, and that’s perfectly fine. As for me, I’ve embraced my “failures” and no longer worry.
I’m a great mom… juice boxes and all.
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Summary:
In the world of parenting, breaking the rules can often lead to happiness and well-adjusted kids. Embracing a relaxed approach to parenting—like letting kids control the TV or enjoying hot dogs—doesn’t make someone a bad parent. Instead, it’s the love and joy shared with children that truly counts.