A1. If it’s not going to impact the goodness of their lives or who they are—consider it to be fun. Kids should have fun—let them get dirty, wet, etc.  If I don’t make a big deal of it, they won’t.  I don’t want them to think life is stressful.  I think there needs to be more fun.  I try to teach my children to “roll with the punches.” 

    A2. I had to get over worrying about people’s perceptions of me.  Sometimes we don’t have time to change clothes, etc.  My children won’t always look perfect.  I can’t worry about what people might think if my children pick out clothes that don’t look good or do their own hair.  If it’s really bad, I’ll send them back to “re-do,” but I try to let them make their own choices.

    A3. If it is illegal, immoral, or unsafe, I don’t allow it, otherwise I let them have some freedom to enjoy life.

    A4. If I set realistic expectations, and if I don’t expect everything to be easy and perfect, then I am generally happy with how things turn out.

    A5. It takes a lot of energy to “micromanage.”  By relaxing on the non-essentials, I am a happier mother.  My children do not always have to look like they stepped out of a catalog.  I need to be okay with that. 

    A6. I decided to let my kids be kids.