I'm Not Sweating, Are You?

A wise man once said, "Don't sweat the small stuff." More sage advice has never been given. However, many don't really stop to think about what the "small stuff" is in their lives.

How many times in your days as a parent have you felt as if you are being pulled in so many directions at once that you might just start to rip apart? Have you ever stopped to think how many of these things we force ourselves to do in a day are really that important? Does everything have to be done perfectly, by the book, to get the desired results?

Yes, the dishes have to be done and the laundry needs to be put away, but will the world fall apart if it doesn't happen tonight? No, but your kids will soon outgrow that Memory game that they have been begging you to play all day.

Is it really going to ruin your day if your son sleeps in his new shoes? No, and the newness will wear off, likely before he's outgrown them. The sheets will wash with less effort than that wasted in the argument.

Not to say that we should let our kids rule our lives, sometimes we should allow the things that are more important to take priority. Choosing our battles and giving in can help us to keep a happier and more harmonious household. Considering our actions every day will make us more aware of what is really important to us.

Though there are things that are extremely necessary, not everything has to be done right now. Giving in to whims on occasion is not going to teach your kids to walk all over you. For the sake of your kids, yourself, and your sanity, stop every now and then and prioritize your time and rethink your actions. Someday, looking back on things, you will be very glad you did!