As we approach the New Year, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the excitement and chaos that comes with it. The countdowns, the celebrations, and the resolutions can all feel like just too much—especially when you’re still recovering from the holiday whirlwind. One thing that really gets to me each year is the pressure to improve myself and my parenting. With all the “do more” and “be better” chatter, it’s easy to pile on guilt, and let’s be honest, being a parent is already a guilt minefield.
So, this year, I’m flipping the script. Instead of setting lofty resolutions, I’m creating a list of things I refuse to let bother me. I’ve realized that if I don’t manage my energy wisely, I could run out of it faster than I’d like. It’s time to take a page from the KonMari method and declutter my emotional baggage. Here’s my list of 25 things I won’t stress about this year:
- My kids wearing shorts and no jacket in the dead of winter.
- Judgments from strangers who think my kids will catch a cold because of their attire.
- My son subsisting on nothing but sugary cereal and apples for days.
- Fashion trends. My wardrobe is proudly labeled, “sweatpants chic.”
- How other parents choose to feed their kids. Want to breastfeed in public? Go for it! Prefer formula? That’s great too! Snacks at the DMV? No judgment here.
- Social media drama. There’s an “unfollow” button for a reason, and I’m using it liberally.
- Celebrity parenting. Who cares if someone else is eating their placenta or looking runway-ready post-birth? Not me!
- Kids glued to the TV for hours. Sometimes, a binge-watch of their favorite shows is the ultimate sanity saver.
- What gifts your child received for the holidays.
- What gifts my child didn’t get.
- Rude kids. They’re just kids after all.
- Rude parents. Maybe they’re having a tough day—who knows?
- Unnecessary holidays. Sorry, no glitter trails on St. Patrick’s Day here!
- Raising my voice. I’m not an “Orange Rhino” mom, and I’m done feeling guilty about it.
- My son wearing the same superhero shirt for days on end.
- Cursing in front of my kids. A well-placed expletive can be quite effective!
- My older child teaching my younger one how to spell naughty words.
- The deep lines on my forehead that my kids love to count (and yes, there’s six of them!).
- Drinking more than a pot of coffee daily. Some days are about survival!
- My kids witnessing me shed a few tears. We’re all human, right?
- Crafting a flawless childhood. Messiness is part of the magic!
- Declining PTA invitations. Thanks, but no thanks.
- Skipping moms’ nights for reruns of my favorite shows. Sometimes, pajamas and relaxation are just what a mom needs.
- Pressuring my kids to be top athletes or scholars. I’m focusing on raising kind humans instead.
- Striving for perfection in any role—parent, wife, friend, or employee. This year, I’m embracing being my authentic self.
In conclusion, it’s about prioritizing what truly matters and letting go of the rest. Life is too short to stress over trivial things, so I’m taking my own advice: just be you—the best you possible. After all, that’s what really deserves my attention.
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