I find I am becoming a better and better parent as my kids get older, not that parenting them is any easier, of course.  This past Mother’s Day weekend was another opportunity for me to figure out another on of the “How To Parent” rules.

 I have found from experience that there are really only a few things moms want on mothers day.  They either want to be left alone, to not do any housework, or for everyone to just NOT FIGHT.

This year I made a stand for peace at first light, loudly proclaiming that all I wanted from them was to BE KIND to each other.

The first one to break the rule was (of course) the husband.

He continued to ride the kids during the morning, attempting to make MY day perfect.  He exclaimed in frustration how the kids just weren’t participating how he wanted them to.

And that’s when it hit me (as I was lounging back in my chair, my second mimosa in hand), he was forcing them into HIS plan. .  when, in fact, they had a plan of their own.

I put my drink down, and went to make a NEW rule.

Everyone was given a task that THEY wanted, and nobody had to work together.  Hubby was sent off to work in the garden, making me happy with a new irrigation system and piles of fresh top soil.  The girls were sent to their location of choice, the kitchen, and given free reign on planning what I (superstar mother of the day) would snack on over the coming hours.
And little dude, he just got to play, without interruption.

I spent my day puttering in the garden, cold drinks and snacks being regularly provided, surrounded by our silkie chicks (which are the funniest things ever)

And peace was felt throughout the land. 

There were no arguments, no one fussing over the spilled flour, or having to weed the garden (ugh bugs)  We were each in our zones, being ourselves.

As a 40(ish) year old I often find it hard to be myself, constantly surrounded by ideas of what and who I should be. Pulled in multiple directions, often struggling to do what really makes me happy.

But when given the chance to just be me, I thrive.

I learned yesterday that even though our family is close knit, and our kids spend A LOT of time with us, that sometimes we just need to let them be themselves, and follow their own passions, even if it doesn’t fit perfectly into our plan.

At the end of the day, we had 3 happy kids, 2 contented parents, and plates full of cupcakes, cheese buns, and a clean kitchen!

Perks happen when you let people be themselves, I suppose.