Be a Laid-Back Parent!

Being a “Laid-Back Parent” works well for many because it teaches their kid(s) self-reliance.  Do you want your kid living with you until he’s 30, or do you want him to be able to snag a woman because he knows how to cook, clean AND change the oil in her car?  Being a Laid-Back Parent is akin to the parents of the 1950s … they pretty much left their kids alone to be kids while teaching them basic life skills and discipline at the same time.  Below are just a few of the ways you can be a Laid-Back Parent.

ACTIVITIES

Why tote your kids to 5,000 activities they may not even care about?  Try out several (sports, Scouts, music, etc.) then make your kid pick his one passion. 

HYGIENE

Don’t give your kids a bath every day unless they stink or are visibly dirty.  Daily or nightly baths just waste time and water.

MEALTIME

Let your baby eat naked so you don’t have to mess with bibs or worry about stains on clothes.  Wipe him down with a washcloth and you won’t have 50 bibs to wash every week!

CLOTHING CHOICES

Put comfy clothes on your kid that she can wear to bed so you don’t have to mess with buying or keeping track of pajamas.

DISCIPLINE

For discipline, don’t waste your breath with terms like “make good choices” or “1 … 2… 3”.  Just say, “knock it off.”  You’ll save many future tantrums.

RELAX

Bring a magazine to the park or talk on the cell phone for a bit – play with your kids if they want, but hovering doesn’t help anyone.  They need to learn to deal with other kids without your constant intervention.

CHORES

Teach your kids how to do age-appropriate chores around the house.  Trust me, it won’t kill ‘em.  Give them a couple of bucks a week if it makes you feel better.

NAYSAYERS

Don’t listen to people who belittle your efforts.  If every human being parented the same, the world would be a mighty boring place. 

Give Laid-Back Parenting a shot … you might be pleasantly surprised at how well it works for everyone in your household!

For more information, read the e-book “The Laid-Back Mom's Parenting Guidebook” (available through Payloadz.com) and check out TheKerrieShow.com.