As a parent, I often feel completely drained. Time, energy, and money seem to slip through my fingers like sand. I’m constantly shelling out cash for things like summer camps, dentist visits, and those pesky lost library books. And sleep? Forget it. I probably spend more time daydreaming about sleep than actually getting any shut-eye.
It’s clear that there’s never enough of anything—time, energy, funds, or even those precious “fucks” we have to give. As parents, we naturally allocate a significant portion of our emotional bandwidth to our kids, which means we must be selective with the rest. If we don’t manage them wisely, we might find ourselves feeling overwhelmed or even crying in a public restroom (maybe that’s just me).
Every now and then, it’s essential to reassess what we care about. Let’s clear out the unnecessary worries so we can focus on what truly matters. Here’s a list of 20 things I’m done caring about:
- My child eating three baby carrots for dinner and then declaring he’s ‘full’
After spending nearly an hour preparing a balanced meal of dinosaur-shaped chicken nuggets (which he insisted on), tater tots, and carrots, I refuse to waste another moment worrying about my kids’ eating habits. - My child asking for a snack just moments after dinner
Maybe you’d like another carrot, my sweet little munchkin? - Social media photos
I see the perfect family snapshots in my feed, but let’s be real—just seconds before, one kid was picking his nose, another was trying to bite his sibling, and you were probably thinking, “Can’t we just get one decent family photo?” I’ll still like your pictures though! #momlife - Nonsense of any kind
I try to give people the benefit of the doubt, but sometimes you just have to say, “Enough is enough.” Life is too short for nonsense. - Screen time binges
I know the “rules” about limiting screen time, but sometimes I just need some sanity—so I’m embracing those binge-watching sessions. - Always being nice
There’s a difference between being nice and being kind. At times, you need to let your assertive side shine because, let’s face it, assertiveness gets things done. - What my kids wear
As long as they’re dressed in something clean, I’m satisfied. These days, I’m reserving my energy for the nightly tooth-brushing battles. - My own wardrobe
Whether it’s trendy jeans or comfy sweats, I’m just trying to make it through the day without ketchup or kid snot on my clothes. - Missing out
Parents inevitably miss out on various events, but one of the perks of getting older is realizing that most people are in bed by 10 p.m. anyway. - Cellulite and wrinkles
At a certain age, these things come with the territory. - My home’s appearance
With kids and pets, my house will never look like a magazine spread. “This is why we can’t have nice things” is basically my motto. - Trends
I’m not one to keep up with the latest trends, whether in fashion or music. I recently had to look up what “bae” means—and I still don’t get it. But I do know what IDGAF stands for! - Skipping out on friends
Sometimes, a cozy night at home in my PJs is exactly what I need. - Going out without my kids
Every so often, I need a break and a night out dancing to loud music. - Overplanning my kids’ days
A little boredom can spark creativity. Didn’t someone famous say that? Well, they should have! - Completing every task on my list
Sometimes, it’s better to ignore the to-do list, take a nap, and indulge in some Oreos. - Different parenting styles
There are countless opinions on parenting, but just like opinions about food, they can be overwhelming. - Comparisons to others
I’ve wasted too much energy comparing myself to others, especially when perfection is a myth that doesn’t exist. - Worrying about my kids’ achievements
Being extraordinary requires immense effort, and I’d rather focus on raising kind-hearted individuals—because that’s truly remarkable. - Having everything figured out
I once thought adults had it all together, but it turns out, we’re all just navigating life as best we can.
In conclusion, it’s crucial to prioritize what truly matters, shedding the unnecessary stresses that come with parenting and life in general. For a deeper dive into topics like pregnancy and home insemination, check out resources like Cleveland Clinic. And if you want to explore more about fertility journeys, visit Make a Mom.