Just Chill

In a single 24 hour period I read a Facebook post from a guilt-ridden mom who implored parents to pay more attention to their children, and one from a teacher who begged parents to stop spoiling their children. I read a rant about how under-involved parents are in their children’s education and one about helicopter parents and their intense over-involvement. Honestly, if I didn’t have 23 years of non-stop parenting experience under my belt, I would be confused, overwhelmed, and crying in the corner.

Here’s the truth as I hope you will hear it parents. Here are the rules:

Rule #1: Love your children with every bit of yourself and make sure they know it.

Rule #2: There are no other rules.  They are your children for a reason. Share with them the best you have to give.

Maybe you are a Pinterest mom who glues smiley faces on tiny oranges for lunch. That is super fun. Be that.

Maybe you are a store bought cookies kind of mom because you just went back to college to show your daughter how to follow her dreams. That takes determination. Be that.

Maybe birthday parties stress you out so your kids get big hugs and a birthday cake over family dinner.  Own that and do it.

Maybe you are obsessed with themed birthdays and you love nothing more than donning costumes and writing elaborate scripts for birthday parties with themed decorations and treats. Don’t be ashamed of that. Just have fun and do it.

Maybe you and your child have a homework routine and you know that is what is best for him. Awesome.

Maybe you just don’t have time to help your kid go through the dreaded spelling packet. He is going to be just fine.

Maybe you love watching soccer games on Saturdays.

Maybe you can’t spend another minute in a lawn chair wondering if today was your snack day.

Maybe your house is spotless because that’s how you show love.

Maybe your house is a mess because you are busy reading stories to three kids and a cat.

Maybe your toddler can ask for more milk using sign language.

Maybe your kid is the one screaming for a ring pop using words no one has heard before.

Maybe you drive your child to school in a spotless minivan and send them off with a kiss and a blessing.

Maybe you make them ride the school bus because it builds character.

Maybe you work fulltime outside the home.

Maybe you work fulltime inside the home as a mom.

The thing is, YOU are your kid’s mom. You should parent like you and stop worrying if you are doing it wrong. Use the talents, interests, values, and beliefs you have and don’t listen to what anyone else tells you is right. There are interesting thinking points to consider in every parenting post. They all provide insight to some mom somewhere, but the message I want moms to hear is to relax and love your kids with everything you’ve got to give and they will be ok.

Be soccer mom, dance mom, schedule master mom, or “I forgot another birthday party” mom. Be craft mom, or game mom, or snack mom. Be fast food mom, or organic mom, prayer mom, or hippie mom. Be first aid kit mom or “no blood, no bone, no problem” mom. Just be YOUR KID’S MOM and be that to the very best of YOUR ability in the very best way YOU know how.