Keeping Kids Alive and (Mostly) Happy: A Casual Guide to Parenting
Parenting is basically keeping tiny humans alive while trying not to lose your mind. Some days, it’s all cuddles and giggles. Other days, you’re negotiating with a three-year-old terrorist over why pants are not optional at the grocery store.
So, how do we do this without completely falling apart? Here are a few survival tips for taking care of kids while keeping your sanity (mostly) intact.
1. Food: Just Give Up Now
You can prepare a Pinterest-worthy meal, and they’ll still ask for mac and cheese. And if you give them mac and cheese? Suddenly, they "don’t like it anymore." Pro tip: Always have snacks. A well-timed granola bar can prevent a total meltdown (yours or theirs).
2. Sleep: The Ultimate Battle
Bedtime should be simple: put on pajamas, read a book, turn off the lights. But kids treat it like a hostage negotiation. "One more story!" "I need water!" "I’m scared of that shadow!" The trick? Stick to a routine, be firm, and accept that they will wake up at 6 AM no matter how late they go to bed.
3. Tantrums: Keep Calm and Pretend You’re in Control
Public tantrums are a rite of passage. The key is to remain calm, even when your child is screaming like you just canceled Christmas. Sometimes, distraction works. Other times, you just have to ride it out and hope the store clerk doesn’t call security.
4. Self-Care: Because You Deserve It
You can’t pour from an empty cup. Take breaks when you can. Even if it’s just hiding in the bathroom for five minutes with your phone, that counts as self-care.
5. Enjoy the Chaos
As exhausting as it is, parenting is also hilarious and heartwarming. One day, you’ll miss the sticky handprints and endless "why" questions. So soak it in—messy, loud, unpredictable, and all.
What’s your go-to survival tip for parenting? Share in the comments—I could always use more ideas!
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