10 Things Completely Acceptable For Parents To Do

Being a parent is the hardest job I have ever had- and that's saying a lot since I've had my fair share of difficult jobs. As your child reaches the ever-so-special toddler stage (full-on sarcasm here), mommies and daddies sort of transform into creative, deceitful and manipulative creatures. This, I truly believe, is a coping mechanism in order to stay sane. Otherwise, we would all be committed to the padded room where sharp objects are not allowed. 

Here is my top-ten list of perfectly acceptable parenting behaviors: 

1. Eating candy, cookies or any other treat while locked in the bathroom. I have done this on several occasions and I'm not ashamed to admit it either. 

2. Lying to your child. I lie to my darling little bundle of joy practically every day. The kid, "I want McDonalds!!!!" The parent, "Sorry Honey, McDonalds is close for the rest of the week." Completely acceptable.

3. Cooking your kid a kid meal for dinner. Listen, I was one of those parents who (before having my daughter) bragged about how MY kid was going to eat what I put in front of her. Guess who's the dummy now? 

Sometimes my husband and I want to eat super spicy Thai food, or lots of veggies or anything else I know my child would throw a complete fit about, not to mention I don't want to burn her face off. So instead of fighting, I simply make her a meal I know she will enjoy and save the tantrum for something truly important- You know, like leaving the playground or not being able to watch her favorite tv show. 

Side note: Hide healthy food in kid friendly meals. I do it all the time and she never notices! 

4. Laughing uncontrollably after putting your child in timeout. I do this almost every time and can't help myself. I try to wait until she can no longer see me as I don't want to send mixed signals. However, kids are funny. When my daughter is mad and tries to bargain with me then holds her breath while turning beet-red- it's pretty damn hilarious. 

5. Offer candy or a treat in order to get something done. Okay Mommy Nazi's, I don't want to hear it. A piece of chocolate in exchange for picking up toys- I'm all for that. Some gummy treats after behaving well in public- sign me up! It's perfectly acceptable to bargain your way through the twos.. and threes... and fours........ 

6. Put on a movie to get some frickin' peace! Yup, I'm THAT mom. Sometime I need to get stuff done, sometimes I just need some quiet time and other times I want to be left alone. The only way is to plop my kid in front of the tv with some snacks. In my book, this is perfectly acceptable. Especially after the much loved nap-time is no longer a part of the day. 

7. Scaring the living crap out of your child. I love doing this! Actually, I live for it. Sneaking up stairs in the morning when I hear her stirring and then jumping into her room with a loud, "Raaawwwrrrrr" makes my day. 

8. Making you kid do things simply for the sheer enjoyment you receive. Ask you child to dance and make silly faces. Turn them upside down and tickle them until they hiccup. Hold them down and let the dog lick their face. I love it and they actually love it too! A rare win-win situation. 

9. Get and cherish the scared-to-death Santa picture. Don't be the parent who needs the perfect shot every year. 

This is my daughter's 2014 Santa picture and it is the BEST one ever!

10. On a more serious note, take time for yourself. It is vitally important. I didn't do this for the first 2 years of my child's life and I was warn out, edgy and a bit resentful. The only alone time I received was grocery shopping and I cherished it. I think that is when I realized there was a problem. 

When I finally asked my husband for some me time, I became a better person. Read that book you've been meaning to open, go on a walk, spend some time at the mall- alone, go to the gym... anything that is completely about taking care of you and not your family. 

Remember to laugh and be silly. Remember to stay sane in a very insane environment.

Although parenting is tough, it is soooooo rewarding. 

Please feel free to comment. I love hearing from readers!