3 Freedoms I Give To My 3rd Child

Before the birth of my second child, I had strict rules about how much TV my child could watch.  I had a no candy before dinner rule.  I stuck to a schedule and we rarely ever skipped a nap time. I thought I had it all figured out.

Then I had my second child, my beautiful but temperamental daughter. Suddenly, I became a whole new mom. I parent in a completely different way.

After becoming the mother of three, one mom realized she was letting her 3rd child get away with things she never would have let happen the first or second time.  I can totally relate!

1. Make wardrobe decisions.

I truly have learned the value of picking and choosing my battles with this one. Just last year my 3rd was the Flower Girl in my sister’s wedding. My daughter could not get out of her foo foo dress fast enough. Once the ceremony was over, it was a done deal. In all the post-ceremony photos she’s wearing a Hawaiian print, cotton sun dress (we laugh every time we look at pictures). With #1 and #2 I would have fought tooth and nail to keep them in their “fancy clothes” for the entire event. I would have never given into a stunt like that! Needless to say, the wedding continued on without a hitch, and everyone, #3 included, had a great time. It sure beat a screaming child and stressed out Mama! #Liveandlearn

2. Eat snacks for meals.

Insisting that my 3rd child eat a well balanced meal isn’t a priority for me like it was with the others. Sometimes it’s out of laziness and sometimes it’s out of convenience. Regardless of the reason, I don’t worry about it and I don’t feel guilty (maybe a little guilty but obviously not enough!). As long as she has a satisfied belly, I’m happy. Granted, this doesn’t happen EVERY day, but it definitely happens. Cheetos for breakfast or yogurt for dinner I figure it all balances out in the end.

3. Let her sway my decisions with whining and crying.

This one is completely circumstantial, and not amongst my proudest “Mom” moments. But, sometimes my sweet sanity is worth the sacrifice! For example, letting her listen to the Frozen soundtrack for the 3rd time in a row after I’ve already told her “no” is 110% better than listening to her crying and carrying on. And TRUST me she will carry on for longer than I care to find out. #1and #2 would have been so lucky to get their way with the simple wail of a cry. No matter how annoyed I was, I held strong. With #3 it’s just not worth it. And to be honest, her older counterparts would be the first to agree!

I didn't do these things before my second child was born. I was just like the mom in the article. Then, after I became the mother of two, I decided to lighten up and now my kids get away with all these things.

Is it a good thing that I'm letting go? I haven't decided yet. What do you think? Did you toss out some of the rules after having more kids?