Parenting statement that really stuck with me

[lolobeth802]

I hear you. I think for scenario A or something similar, I would sit with her each night. They're only little once and the time she wants you by her side will be fleeting. I think that's how I look at the parenting choices I have to make. If it's something that will affect their future negativity, then we discontinue it. But if it provides them comfort and the behavior is in a stage that will not be relevant later in life, I will give in to it.

[Deleted]

There are times I second guess myself, don't get me wrong, but I'm finding parenting is way less stressful when I own my decisions. Jake and I talk things through a LOT while also giving each other autonomy.

I like that phrasing though. We try to parent for the years and I think on the whole we do a good job, but there are times we definitely don't hit that mark.

[Deleted]

Oh along with letting my own doubts roll, I have learned/am learning to let the boys' complaints roll too. Food fights don't bother me - you eat or you don't, but no MO CRACKAH!

[Deleted]

I have a feeling I'll get to teenagers and just stand there with my hands up like "i don't know wtf is going on"

[thebuddhagouda]

I generally try to look at things like that in a "will a few sucky moments now make it easier for all of us later" vein. If you don't care about taking the few extra minutes, enjoy it. But if you want to stop it in the near future, sooner is better than later.

[ECB]

I really think that parents that even think about this are doing a good job. Because even the times you feel you've made the wrong choice - big picture, you're very actively working on creating a well-rounded child. And most of the time, that's what you strive for, even if here and there you fall back.

It's the people who ALWAYS make the easy, in the moment choice and say, w/a shrug "it works for us" that don't care and aren't thinking about 5, 10, 25 years from now.