As a parent, my energy tank often feels empty, and I find myself juggling time, money, and sleep like it’s an Olympic sport. Summer camps, dentist visits, and those mysteriously lost library books seem to drain the budget, leaving me questioning where it all goes. Honestly, I think about sleep more than I actually sleep.
With limited resources—time, energy, and yes, even the number of cares I can give—I’ve realized that I need to be strategic about where I invest my emotional energy. After all, if I don’t prioritize, I might end up sobbing in a bathroom stall at Target (or maybe that’s just a personal experience). So, it’s time to reevaluate and let go of the trivial cares that drain me. Here are 20 things I’m no longer investing my energy in:
- My child’s picky eating: If my kid manages to eat a few carrots before declaring they’re “full,” I won’t stress any longer over dinner.
- Post-dinner snack requests: If the request comes just moments after a meal, I’ll likely offer them another carrot and move on.
- Social media snapshots: I see your perfectly curated family photos, but I know the chaos that preceded them. I’ll keep liking them, though. #momlife
- Any kind of nonsense: Life is too short for drama. I’m all about cutting out the BS and focusing on what truly matters.
- Guilty screen time: Sometimes, I need to embrace the screen time for a moment of sanity. Sorry, not sorry!
- Constantly being polite: Kindness and niceness aren’t the same; sometimes, I have to channel my inner assertive self to get things done.
- My kids’ fashion choices: As long as they’re dressed reasonably, I’m happy. I’m saving my energy for more important battles, like brushing teeth.
- What I wear: Some days it’s high fashion, other days it’s pajamas. Regardless, ketchup is bound to make an appearance on whatever I choose.
- Fear of missing out (FOMO): Parents miss out on events, and that’s okay. Most of my friends are asleep by 10 PM anyway, and I’d probably prefer that too.
- Body image worries: I embrace my age, complete with wrinkles and cellulite. It’s all part of the journey.
- A perfect home: With kids and pets, my house will never be a magazine cover. “This is why we can’t have nice things” rings true in my home.
- Keeping up with trends: Whether it’s fashion or lingo, I’m not concerned. I still don’t fully grasp what “bae” means, but I do know what IDGAF stands for.
- Canceling plans with friends: Sometimes, I just need a cozy night in with my favorite comfy attire.
- Ditching the kids: A night out? Yes, please! Sometimes I need to dance like nobody’s watching.
- Over-planning my kids’ activities: A little boredom can spark creativity. Albert Einstein would agree—boredom often leads to inspiration.
- Finishing everything on my to-do list: Naps and Oreos sometimes take precedence over chores, and that’s perfectly fine.
- Debating parenting styles: Everyone has an opinion on parenting, and frankly, I’m over it.
- Comparing myself to others: I’ve wasted too much energy wondering how I measure up. Spoiler alert: perfection is a myth!
- Expecting my kids to be exceptional: I’d rather nurture kind-hearted individuals than push them into the spotlight of excellence.
- Pretending to have it all together: The truth is, no one has all the answers. We’re all just navigating this crazy journey called life.
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In summary, as parents, we often carry too much on our shoulders. It’s time to lighten the load and focus on what truly matters, letting go of the small stuff. Whether it’s the way our kids dress or the chaos of our homes, we can choose to prioritize our sanity over societal expectations.