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Daily Baths for the Kids
It’s a common belief that children need a bath every single day. However, unless they’ve been playing in dirt, I now realize this isn’t necessary. In the summer, I wash off the sand and sweat almost daily, but in winter, frequent baths only lead to dry skin. A simple twice-a-week bath schedule will suffice, freeing me from the chaos of wrestling a screaming toddler and preschooler. -
Overly Complicated Bedtime Routines
Everyone advised us to establish a detailed bedtime routine, which ended up taking nearly an hour, with tasks like singing, reading multiple books, and playing elaborate games. With our 4-year-old, the list grew longer and more complex, leading to a marathon of rituals. So, I’ve decided to streamline this process. Tooth-brushing and a quick prayer will remain, spoken in a hurry as I move towards a well-deserved drink. -
Obsessing Over Organic Foods
For years, I’ve stood in grocery aisles, torn between buying an organic apple for $2 or a regular one for 50 cents, often leaving empty-handed. I’ve come to terms with the fact that it’s more important for my kids to eat fruits and vegetables than to stress over organic labels. We simply can’t afford to drop $200 a week on apples. -
Forcing Vegetable Consumption
With my first child, I made him eat a specific number of bites before he could enjoy dessert. This led to endless negotiations about what constituted a bite. Thankfully, with my second child, we adopted Ellyn Satter’s approach to mealtime, which has led to a much more peaceful dining experience. Sure, my son may declare my cooking resembles an “old head,” but at least we’re not arguing about how much broccoli counts as a bite. -
Endless Patience
While I strive for patience as a mother, I’m human. There are moments when my kids’ antics—like one child incessantly pressing a button on a toy while the other quietly asks questions—push me to my limits. Losing my temper from time to time is normal and beneficial for them, as it teaches them about handling emotions in real life. -
Maintaining a Spotless Home
A friend once remarked that motherhood often feels like being a full-time cleaning lady, which can feel overwhelmingly true. I’ve decided to ease up on cleaning. Instead of scrubbing everything constantly, I’m encouraging my kids to pick up after themselves—like putting their clothes in the hamper and returning bath toys to their basket. A slightly messy house is a small price to pay for teaching them responsibility. -
Spending Every Weekend Together
One of the things I miss most from my pre-motherhood days is having alone time to just relax. So, I’m implementing a half-day policy where each parent gets some time off once a week. This way, I can indulge in some personal time to unwind and recharge—certainly a refreshing change.
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In summary, I’ve decided to let go of certain expectations and routines that don’t serve me or my children any longer. Embracing a more relaxed approach to parenting allows me to focus on what truly matters: spending quality time with my kids and nurturing our family dynamic.