But oh boy is it!

Trying to eat healthy is nothing compared to figuring out if your child is going to you and dad against each other, or are you going to be best friends for an evening.

You roll your eyes. But you know.

There are times where you wake up knowing you are walking into a minefield. You don’t know when or where someone’s going to go off.

And once you think you have it all figured out, think again!

The rules change and you didn’t even get a text or email.

This my friend is real-life living!

But you don’t have to drudge this season in your life. Believe it or not, this too shall pass. And eventually, it will seem like just a speed bump in your every day.

However, until then, what can you and I do?

You gotta level the playing field.

The K.I.S.S. ~ L.e.v.e.l. the playing field!

Here is where you neutralize all excuses that your child can come up with. 

It’s more from the attitude of “Leave everything vague expecting little.”

And what I mean by that is we as parents put a TON of pressure on ourselves when it comes to how our children act or live their life.

Yes, of course, we have influence. But regardless of the age, you nor I can control our children. We can set up parameters, but even those will be tested.

So instead of getting yourself all worked up, “Leave everything vague expecting little.”

1. It’s not about you, but about them. – Your child is going to have similar traits and characteristics to you. But that doesn’t mean your child is you. So be cautious about pre-imposing what you think before what they know.
2. You are playing on the same team. – Parenting is not about you versus them. Even though at times, you feel that way for sure. You want what’s best and they do too. However, it’s how they see it with their closed-minded experiences. And what I mean by that is children tend to channel one direction. It’s a one-way street in their mind.
3. What happens is not a reflection on you. – Now if we are honest, we know this not to be true. But if you want to be extremely realistic, you are doing your best. Your child gets to decide as they get older. Some decisions will work out amazingly, and others you will question for seasons to come.

But this is called life. You do your best to parent and show your child right from wrong. Raise them up to see opportunities and possibilities. Listen when they want to talk and be short with your answers when you are questioned as to, “What would you do?”

Parenting is not about balance, but the talent to juggle when nothing makes sense.

CHALLENGE: How can you serve your child in the season that she/he is in?

“Be present. Be incredible. Be YOU!!!“