Despite all the parenting books out on the market, there TRULY isn't a parenting manual out there. So much of parenting is about using what works; using common sense; and then hoping for the best. Just like every child is different and unique, parenting is much the same. What works for one child (removal of priveledges) simply doesn't work for another. And even better yet, what a parent deems as appropriate changes over time as well. My mother-in-law has said many times "oh how the mighty crumble" when edicts have been made by parents and they simply change their mind and/or change a rule completely. Many of these rules are set by people BEFORE they even have children......'my children will never be allowed to ________' and my child would never behave that way. Yes, sit on the mighty throne and set all the rules you like because when you actually become a parent you too will crumble.

However, there are certain things I had said before having kids that I have stuck too. For example - 1) I never put fruit punch, soda, or anything of the like in a baby bottle. Eeew, why? Yes, they were allowed the pleasure of a McDonald's orange soda, but they had to do it through a straw. 2) Bedtime has always been important. I love sleep so it was pretty important that my kids get a routine and good sleeping habits. Did that mean I co-slept? Yep    Did that mean we've had bedtime battles occasionally? Yep  Did that mean they are still good sleepers? Yep    and 3) I would not be a short order cook and make multiple meals-in-one to keep everyone happy (and picky).  The kids have evolved over time about expanding what they eat, but I never did play the 'I want this' game for dinner. Does that mean we've never had a appetizer buffet for dinner? Nope  Does that mean I'm a food Nazi? Nope Do I let them help me meal plan? Of course Do I let them eat cereal for dinner? YES; but only when I can have Corn Pops and Apple Jacks right along with them!!!

Like tonight, I'm sick. Collin is working. So by the time, I got kids shuffled to activities and helped with homework I was beyond done. Body Aches. Exhausted. So it was a cereal night. Who wants a germy Mom cooking them food anyway???? It's not like I packed them a Mountain Dew and Oreos for lunch. (Yes, a child at the school I work ate REALLY HAD a Mtn. Dew and Oreos for lunch.....6th grader.....true story!)

That right there is one thing I can add to my WILL NEVER HAPPEN list...............number 4) I will never pack my children a Mtn. Dew and Oreos for lunch.

Now excuse me while I doze off to Nyquil land when my children are still awake. What was that rule about bedtime again?