Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff

As a parent, I learned early on that I could either spend my days yelling at my children for everything they did, or I could spend them having fun, making messes, and worrying about the big things. When my first child turned 2, there were a LOT of little things. He loved to touch things, and make messes. Every morning he HAD to pull every single book off the bookshelf and look at the words. I can’t tell you how many times we woke up to an entire refrigerator displayed on my living room floor. The control-freak side of me, started to freak out.

Then, one morning, I read an article in our local newspaper about not sweating the small things. If it wasn’t going to kill, hurt, or maim them, let it go. Let them explore. It’s how they learn their independence.

While some things still get me, (I count backwards from 10, often) I really try to use this advice both with my children, and in live-moderation.

I am not the end all – be all, of this online world. The players are. If they are frustrated with me and want to tell me, I let them, even if they say it in the meanest way possible.  A rude child has yet to hurt, kill or maim me.

If they want to tell me I stink, or my favorite team is the worst team in the history of teams, I let them and then, laugh about it. I like to toss in a joke to make them laugh with me “I smell? Gasp! I was wondering what that stink was!”

Kids are kids. They want to test you; they want to see how far they can push you. They REALLY want to rile you up, but most of all; they want to see things, to know things, to learn things.  Let them, and everyone’s day will be more fun. 🙂

— Michelle Ramage