I am known at times for being a perfectionist when it comes to certain things. When you have children, you learn that this can be harmful and sometimes hurtful to children to always have to have things just so. Last year, my mom was visiting for Christmas and we bought the gingerbread house kit at the store. The kids were excited to do it, but of course I think it needs to be done "just so", so I'm like a control freak, making the kids take turns and telling them where to place the candy on the house. Now that I can look back, I think that is absolutely ridiculous and stupid of me to be so controlling on something so silly. This is their childhood memories, not mine, and I don't want them to remember such a controlled atmosphere to something as silly as decorating a gingerbread house. My sister in-law Jen did a similar post recently with their gingerbread house and she let the kids completely do it from start to finish and the pics were hilarious but great, and it really helped me see that things don't have to be perfect. So this year, I was determined to do it again, and not say a peep! They did ask me to slather on the icing, so I did, but I let them put candy wherever they wanted. The house actually looked pretty good, the experience was night and day from last year, they had fun and enjoyed themselves. On a sad note, you can already see the perfectionism coming through in my oldest, it was hard for him to relax and let it go as is, he wanted it to be perfect and that is my fault. You'll see he did the "path to the house". So my new year resolution will be one thing this year: 
"To chill the freak out!" No more perfect anything. Does it really matter? Okay, so this post turned into a novel and a preaching sermon on how I've been a "born again" non perfectionist, but it really does make a difference in every experience you have with your children. I'm sure most of you are not like me, but I still had to post about it! ;) Have a good weekend all!
Thanks again Jen! Seriously! You inspire me! ;)
Check out Jen's Post on the similar topic click here
(hope you don't mind Jen!)
You are going to laugh so hard at her kids creations! It's awesome!
8 comments:
okay, for the record, you SO crack me up! :) i can totally see you saying, "to chill the freak out!" i can't believe you beat me to posting about gingerbread houses. we made ours yesterday, so when i post, don't think i'm copying you! :)
Robin, those are good words to live by, "Does it really matter?" Seriously? Don't we all need to freakin' take a CHILL PILL?! :) You rock, the gingerbread house looks great.
How cute, I am the same way about some things, the gingerbread house used to be one, but the kids get annoyed by me, so we usually buy 2 one for the kids and one for Joey and I, but your kids did great, and looks like they all got along with no fighting, and how do you do that?
Wow, Robin - your kids did awesome on the gingerbread house!! You are sweet in your words - you are such an amazing mom - such an inspiration to me!!
Believe me, I have to repeat the "let it go" mantra many times to myself during any given one hour period as I try to let the kids 'help' with things around the house... fun to see them learn, but hard to let it go!!
Love ya, girlie - have a great Christmas!
Your gingerbread house looks fantastic Ethan, Ashton, and Lily! I was so glad to see pictures of you guys and your creation! Miss you guys!
Your house turned out so much better than the one we did. I still need to blog about ours.
I find myself doing the same thing. Madi always wants to help me and instead of slowing down and letting her help I tell her she can help me later. I just need to slow down and take advantage of this time that she wants to help me and hang out with me because too soon she won't want to.
Your kids look so darling in their holiday clothes.
Hey Robin! I loved your kids gingerbread house. I'm sure they loved making. I have many fond memories as a child of making gingerbread houses. Yes I'm still feeling nauseated. I guess with the third kid it's just something you expect and deal with it. My mom always said the sicker you feel the healthier the baby, so I try to keep that in mind. How are you feeling? When is your due date? I hope ya'll have a Merry Christmas!
wow that brings back memories...
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