Parenting requires a certain amount of flexibility. I used to think I was pretty flexible and easy going, until I had children. I have since learned how to be even more flexible than I ever thought possible. There are always those moments when you are loading up the car, getting everyone buckled in tightly and your potty training toddler decides they want to try again. How about the morning you have to be somewhere at a specific time and you can’t find the missing shoe that was just there an hour ago? When children are involved (especially toddlers), there is always a chance you might have to adapt and change plans as you go.
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About the Author
Heather is mom to four, born within 40 months (single, twins, single). She writes transparently about her chaotic household to encourage others through the twists and turns of parenting.
Comments
37 Comments
Take a deep breath and realize having only one shoe on isn’t the end of the world!
The best advise I have about being flexible is to just go with the flow. Making plans is great but remember your child is the most important thing so plans may change. I love my flip diapers because they are good for a busy day of running errands. I have not used the disposables but would love to try them on our next trip to visit family.
We cloth diaper our 2 year old and our 2 month old so I hope we win!
My son is only 8 weeks old, but so far for us we’ve just tried to follow baby’s lead instead of trying to lock him into a strict schedule. He’s growing and changing so fast that he needs the flexibility of going to bed earlier some nights than others or eating more often some days than others.
I have a costco size bag of chicken nuggets on hand at all times…this means I’m food-flexible no matter how many (small) neighbors drop in to play!
Everything doesn’t have to be perfect. Know that your day may not end up the way you had planned and you may not get done what you set up to do.
Take each day as it comes! Put God first and you’ll make the right decisions.
Being flexible is a 100% must in the work that my family is apart of. My daughter is just two and we have already made two international moves, as well as several moves within the States. Something we have found to be helpful is keeping things as normal as we can. For example, she has a pop up castle/tent that has been in every room she has had. And a few other decorations always go up, so as to give her a sense of her space. So keep family time and surroundings as normal as possible 🙂 This flip is such a great idea for the potty training age!
not over scheduling!
My tip for being flexible, do not have your child on a schedule! 🙂 just do as baby wants, and just love your baby and children.
Give yourself grace, and adjust your standards. The house doesn’t have to be spotless, it’s OK if you’re a few minutes late, etc. It’s more important to invest in your kids. 🙂 A
Have back up items stored in the car: diaper, nursing cover, baby food, etc…
Be flexible with feeding and napping times – go with a routine instead of a hard & fast schedule!
Keep calm and carry on! 😉
Figure everything will take longer than and likely will not go as expected. Extra food, water, layers and diapers will probably be needed. Relax and enjoy the moments as they happen because they will never return.
Don’t sweat the small stuff!Having a smile on your face makes even the most stressful moments easier!
Don’t get too locked in to any particular plan, and leave the house extra early!
dont make alot of plans and always be willing to change plans. Babies grow up to fast cherish each moment with them .
I get stressed out when I am overbooked. Flexibility is not on the list of things I am good at, so to keep from getting overwhelmed with the rigidity of life, I always try to leave a few “blank” days in my week. These are days that have no regularly occurring plans. That way, if something comes up I can slide it in without issue.
I maintain my sense of humor and try to take a step back and look at things with a different perspective. Once, when my three year old was having a melt down in the store I stepped back for a minute and laughed hysterically then gave him a huge hug because I realized I had set us up for failure by doing too much in one morning and not bringing a good snack. The chocolate milk on his face also made me giggle.
I think the main thing is just staying calm. Your baby knows your mood, if you start to freak out because something is going out of whack that will only make things worse. Just be calm and be ready to adjust plans.
I always pack an extra drink and snack when leaving the house. That way we are ready if plans change or if we get held up somewhere. No need to fret when you’re prepared! (O:
try a few different things.. one of them will work.
By staying flexible, you have to keep in mind that life isn’t set by a schedule. Have an alternative plan and just go with it. Life is too short to be stressing over the small stuff.
Rethink your pre kid standards- Happy kids trump everything!
I start the day assuming my time is not my own. Kid won’t nap? Oh well, I wasn’t planning on it anyway. Kid won’t eat? Oh well, she can just wait for breakfast.
I’m usually pleasantly surprised and almost never disappointed.
To take family and friends advice in parenting in stride and do what is best for you and your baby. Everyone has opinions doesn’t mean they are right. I cloth diaper, breastfeed, baby wear and receive opinions about how long I should do stuff and how from in laws every day just smile state your ground and don’t be persuaded to change.
I”ve learned not to sweat the small things. If we are running late or can’t make it to something, we will deal. No sense in getting all worked up over it. Parenting is all about flexibility and creativity!
keep your schedule loose
I love flip! they help be so flexible!
Have a routine but don’t be tied down to it! Also, with toddlers, be willing to take the time to let them fully experience things even if it takes 10 times longer than you would like. Thanks for the giveaway!
As far as being flexible… I try to remember that my little ones are only going to little once, so make time for them, no matter what. =)
The best way I’ve found to stay flexible is just to follow my kid’s lead. They seem to know what’s best, and I take their lead! 🙂
Another thing that has been a huge help is having a travel potty (Potette) in the car, so it can be used anywhere anytime! It’s been very useful!
Always have a back up plan!
I think not making too many plans is very important in staying flexible!
Entered! Really hope I win one, as these are the cloth diapers I’m planning on going with for my “stash” that I’m starting!