There are some things I do with my kids that my mom raises her eyebrows at. She certainly would have “never.” However, many of the habits that are labeled as “bad” work for our family. When you’re in the trenches of parenthood, sometimes you’ve got to do what you’ve got to do to survive. So, let’s jump into seven things I do with my kids that are often seen as bad.
1. Screen Time as a Sanity Saver
For many parents, there is a lot of pressure to limit screen time, but for us, it’s been a lifesaver many times. My husband and I both work from home and when we are on deadlines or need to get something done, the screen is our best friend. They can watch educational shows or their favorite movie while we are getting things done. Obviously, moderation is key here, but balanced screen time hasn’t harmed their development. In fact, my kids have learned quite a bit from shows focused on reading, counting, and problem-solving.
2. Skipping Bath Time Occasionally
We don’t take baths every night. While many people dote on this as a must-have for a good bedtime routine, it’s not essential for us. In fact, it has kept my children’s skin healthy. At the end of a really long day, if they aren’t visibly dirty, we can skip the bath. It saves time and allows for a more relaxed evening overall. More importantly, skipping a bath here and there doesn’t negatively impact their hygiene or health.
3. Bribing for Good Behavior
I’m not above bribing my kids and I don’t care who knows it. I’ll always reward good behavior with a sticker, treat, or extra playtime. These incentives help motivate my kids to listen and cooperate. It makes my life a little easier and theirs a little sweeter. The key is to keep the rewards simple and not overpromise.
4. Letting Them Choose Their Clothes (Even When It’s Wild)
Look, if I don’t have to pick the clothes out of the clean laundry pile, it’s a win. My toddler might look a little funky sometimes, but it gives her a sense of independence and she feels confident in her mismatched outfit and light-up shoes. Go girl! This habit has also sped up our morning routine, as there are fewer arguments over what they should wear.
5. Using Food as a Distraction
So many people say not to use food as a distraction. I get it. It can foster negative relationships with food, but if we are in the car for a long time or waiting in line at the store, snacks can be a lifesaver. Obviously, I don’t solve every problem with food, but in a pinch, it can help prevent meltdowns and make outings with the kiddos more manageable.
6. Skipping the “Perfect” Homemade Meals
In the age of Pinterest-perfect meals for your kids, it’s easy to feel guilty about not cooking every meal. However, we often eat simple meals like sandwiches, pasta, and heck, even cereal for dinner. My kids are fine. They are growing well and, most of all, they are fed. We balance nutrition throughout the week and I consider that a win.
7. Letting the House Be Messy Sometimes
My house is rarely put together throughout the week. We clean the entire house on Saturday or Sunday and then we live in it the rest of the week. Having two small kids means that my house is never spotless and, honestly, I’ve learned to embrace that. I’d rather spend time with them than obsess over cleaning every nook and cranny. It’s okay to let the house be a little messy sometimes. It’s a trade-off that allows us to enjoy more relaxed and fun-filled days.
Every Family Has Its Own Style
All of that said, every family is going to do what works best for them. There is no one-size-fits-all manual to parenting. What works for us might not work for you, but don’t let someone guilt you over the “bad” habits that work for you and your kids. Ultimately, the goal is to raise happy, well-adjusted kids, and sometimes that means bending the rules a little.