It’s hard to admit, but my current parenting choices sometimes make me feel like I’m straying from the ideal mom I envisioned myself being. This feeling is perplexing, especially considering I’ve given my nine-year-old son the green light to wear shorts to school in the dead of winter and allowed my 12-year-old daughter to binge-watch various shows on streaming services. Let’s not even start on the fact that the only veggie making regular appearances in our kitchen is edamame, and that’s only when we’re ordering sushi! (#lifechoices)
Interestingly, before I became a parent, I prided myself on being a stellar mom. My kids weren’t allowed to watch TV, eat fast food, or misbehave at the fancy restaurants we frequented. They even listened to NPR in the car—and enjoyed it!
So, when I heard Ava Lee share her plan with a talk show host about establishing weekly date nights with Ashton, where they’d vow to not mention their newborn, I couldn’t help but chuckle. We tried that same approach in the early days of parenthood, too.
Being a new parent is incredibly fulfilling, but let’s be honest—it can also be overwhelming. Sometimes, a little compromise (and a dash of Disney Channel) is necessary for maintaining your sanity. Here are five other parenting rules you might find worth bending:
- I will never use the TV as a babysitter.
That’s a noble thought—until you find yourself needing a moment to use the restroom or take a quick shower. The good news? Shows like “Dora the Explorer” make for surprisingly effective babysitters. With her endless adventures and problem-solving skills, she’s a great deal at zero dollars an hour—far cheaper than hiring neighborhood teens! - I will never curse in front of my kids.
When my daughter was six, my husband found himself in a road rage situation and exclaimed, “Dude!” The next thing we heard from the backseat was her tiny voice saying, “Damn people!” (And yes, she didn’t say “damn.”) I’m sure you’re judging me, but hear me out. When you talk openly with your kids about swearing, it can diminish the appeal of those “bad” words. - I will never allow my kids to use electronics in restaurants.
I used to judge parents who let their kids use tablets or phones while dining out. Now? I’ve become one of them. Because sometimes, all you want is to enjoy a glass of wine and a nice meal without interruptions! - No eating outside the kitchen.
Mornings in my house resemble a chaotic race against time. If I can slide a plate of microwaved pancakes to my kid while she scrolls through her social media, and in doing so, enjoy a quiet cup of coffee, I’d call that a victory. - No dessert without dinner.
Research suggests that forcing kids to finish their vegetables leads to a lifelong aversion to them. I prefer to think of myself as a “cool mom,” so sometimes, dessert is on the table—no strings attached.
Originally published on March 25, 2015, this article highlights the realities of modern parenting and the flexibility we often need to embrace. For more insights on home insemination, check out our post about an artificial insemination kit. Additionally, for advice on when to apply lotion on infants, visit Intracervical Insemination. If you’re looking for reliable information on pregnancy, the NICHD offers an excellent resource!
Summary:
Parenting often involves bending the rules we once thought we’d never break. From using TV as a babysitter to allowing dessert before dinner, it’s all part of the journey. As new parents navigate their roles, a little flexibility is sometimes necessary for maintaining sanity and enjoying family life.