Let It Go: 10 Things To Stop Worrying About

The pressure we put on ourselves as parents to get it right (whatever that means) can leave us bumping up against anxiety at every turn. Allowing our worries to intrude on our parenting practices, however, can backfire. Researchers at the University of Arizona found kids of over-involved parents had poorer coping skills and a greater sense of entitlement.

- Lara Krupicka

The good news? We’re better parents when we worry less and let go more. Here are 10 things you can drop from your list of worries:

1. You don’t spend enough one-on-one time with your child.

Most parents think this from time to time, unless they’re home with their kids 24 hours, seven days a week. When that guilt springs up, it may be signaling a need for change in your schedule. Pull out the calendar and plan a special date with your child or look for new ways to maximize the time you do have.

2. Your child does not have the latest, greatest [fill-in-the-blank].

Don’t fall prey to feeling bad about this, but instead consider what you do provide for your child – food, clothing, security and love. Banish the guilt by working together as a family to regularly be grateful for what you have as a family.

3. Forgetting – a promise, a birthday or a play date.