Be a Better Parent Challenge - Day 19 - Let the other parent parent

Yesterday's Be a Better Parent Challenge - Day 18 - Get happy!
was fantastic and timely. I was feeling a little overwhelmed by the big K that was looming for today but I embraced it. We had a special last couple of days,with play dates with some of our favorite friends and Bella's favorite meal. I was happy to be having these moments with her, living in the moment and trying to avoid dwelling on the sadness that I knew I would feel when she started kindergarten. So, I put on my big girl panties and I got HAPPY! How did you do?

Today's Be a Better Parent Challenge - Day 19 - Let the other parent parent
I'm positive that this challenge would be much easier for me if my husband was home more so that I'd be used to having another parent in the house, but it's very hard for me to keep my mouth shut and let him do his parenting job when he is only here on weekends. The sad thing is that he is a very hands on Daddy, truly one of the most awesome Daddies that I have ever had the pleasure of knowing. My husband is a testament to the term Father, seriously. Everything that I can do, he can do too; kiss boo boos, snuggle at bedtime, read stories, calm fears, rub legs riddled with growing pains, mend hearts broken by the pains of growing older and realizing the ways of the world. I trust him implicitly with the kids, so it's not that I'm worried something will happen, but when I'm here, and I hear some of the things he says, or his reaction to some situations,or whatever it is that I'm listening to from the other room, it's very difficult to keep my mouth shut ( refer again to my control freak nature).


If the kids were in imminent danger, or he was wrong I would certainly say something. But they never are and he's usually not. Just because we parent differently doesn't mean his way is wrong; its just different. He and I talk a lot  about what is acceptable reactions to the girls behavior and what is not. The biggest problem is me relinquishing control, especially when I am in full control the entire week long. But, I will admit, sometimes on the weekend when I am super spent from the previous week of doing it all on my own,I want  need the Big Guy to come in and rescue me. I guess the answer to my own request is to let him.

I do believe that there is a fine line, particularly when one of the parents is escalating, for the other parent to step in and remedy situation; take over the lead in the situation. That's what I believe co-parenting is; two people working as ying and yang to help their children survive until adulthood:) When I'm about to lose my ever loving mind, I really want the Big Guy to step in and give me a breather and reign me back down to earth.

Unfortunately, that doesn't happen very often as I'd like because the big Guy is gone. When he is home he tries to take control so that I don't have to...always be the discipline tyrant. Really,sometimes the best co parenting is the Big Guy saying "Go take a break, I got this! "  We've been together so long, that he recognizes the crazy in my eyes almost immediately. He gives me the nod ( which means remove yourself lady you are about to lose your shit and you'll feel really guilty if that happens) and I try and go.I think stuff like that can save both parents from unnecessary outbursts.I just he was around more to save me more.The Big Guy, my hero.

So today, do your best to let your co-parent (if you have one, that is) parent the kids in his/her own way. And if you have criticisms or issues, wait until after the kids are gone (or asleep) to discuss them.

Tomorrow, Bella wants the Big Guy to take her to school by himself. She draws her strength from her Daddy, when she is filled with trepidation. I will let him do his parenting thing and I will be happy that he can comfort her and be her Daddy, just like only he can be.