It’s the Little Things

Parenting success doesn’t always look like early potty training, meeting every developmental milestone or feeding your toddler snacks from each of the food groups on a daily basis. I think we should take time to celebrate the parenting triumphs that are sometimes overlooked. The ones we all feel secretly overjoyed about.

Yes, I mean getting all of them to brush their teeth and take a bath. Or sneaking in a nap on the couch while your baby snoozes in her Pack ‘n Play. Maybe you finish your iced coffee before the ice melts, or you put that load of laundry away as soon as you take it out of the dryer.

Heck, you should be rejoicing about the Cheerio you removed from your 1-year-old’s nose during lunchtime! (What goes through their curious little minds we may never know!)

Parenting is complicated. Here is my letter of encouragement to you, moms and dads, filled with 20 triumphs you should feel proud of today. Celebrate every little victory.

Dear Mama or (Dad),

1. You rock. Know why? You managed the impossible—your son took a bath today, which makes for more than twice in one week! I know how hard it can be. Great job!

2. Your awesomeness is contagious—I can sense it all the way over here. You put that load of laundry away—not two days later—but immediately, fresh out of the dryer. You deserve a gold medal.

3. I am in awe. Your sink is not full of dishes, and the dishwasher is empty. Bask in that sparkling clean kitchen for a few moments.

4. You’re a superhero. Congratulations on finding a match for every sock in the house. That’s no simple feat.

5. Parent of the Year award goes to you for picking up all the toys in the house and putting them away. Not a Lego remains to be stepped on.

6. High-five for getting everyone loaded into the minivan to pick up that grocery order on a rainy day. You’re pretty much the coolest thing since sliced bread.

7. You answered a phone call in the middle of the day when it wasn’t even nap time. I’m so proud of you.

8. You remembered to put the Play-Doh away before it dried out. You’re killing it.

9. Hats off to you for barely making the deadline to register your kiddo for kindergarten. Seriously. Deadlines are hard.

10. Great job dodging a toddler meltdown with fruit snacks.

11. Props for removing that apple juice stain from the carpet.

12. Give yourself a pat on the back for remembering to take the trash out.

13. Two thumbs up for remembering you have soccer practice tonight.

14. You should feel great about removing that chocolate stain from your kid’s favorite shirt.

See? You guys are nailing parenting.

Love,

Emily

P.S. Keep up the good work.

Emily Morrison is a freelance writer, former copy editor, full-time mommy and Disney fanatic who lives in Independence with her husband, son, daughter and dog.