• Attending birthday parties of children whose families we don’t know well.  It isn’t personal.  In fact, that’s the point: it isn’t personal.
  • Making sure my house is perfect before people come over.  If you think my house is too messy/small/poorly decorated, there is the door.  Don’t let it hit ya where God split ya.
  • Caring what others think about the educational decisions I make for my kids.
  • Caring what others think about our schedule in general.
  • Highly organized soccer for three year olds (WHY DO PEOPLE KEEP DOING THIS?)keep-calm-cause-ain-t-nobody-got-time-for-that-4
  • Making sure every meal is perfectly balanced in nutrition and color.
  • Hounding my kids about chores.  They help when they need to help.
  • Caring about what my kids wear.
  • Caring if their beds are made.
  • Asking the kids to give up certain toys.  I mostly find what isn’t being played with and get rid of it.
  • Putting myself last.
  • Going to events or functions that have no major relevance to my life and/or are not enjoyable.
  • Being overly serious
  • Trying to keep “work” hours, “family” hours, “friend” hours, and “husband” hours.
  • Thinking the TV is evil.  The TV is my friend on long car rides and when I am making dinner.
  • Worrying about princess stuff or toy guns.  Kids like this stuff, I know why and I am not concerned.
  • Getting kids to eat all their vegetables.
  • Saying no to all the fun stuff.
  • Believing that school is the end-all, be-all.
  • Lots of play dates and sleep-overs for little kids.  My kids are a mess after them…not worth it much of the time.
  • Caring if Mom or Dads work, stay at home, work part-time, etc.  I really don’t worry about what you are doing if it is working for you.
  • Thinking I need to look 25 again.  It ain’t gonna happen and more to the point, it shouldn’t happen!
  • Thinking my marriage will take care of itself if I ignore it.  It won’t.  It will wither and die.
  • Thinking I can do this all alone.  I cannot.  I need everyone.  Babysitters, neighbors, friends, family, mentors, teachers, religious folk…everyone.

One thought on “Things I have let go in my parenting and family life:”

  1. Pingback: Letting Go for Better Parenting « Parenting Abstracts

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