Don't give up

I am at the stage with my kids where I just want to quit! Not quit my kids, but quit trying so hard to parent them. To sit by and let them have their way. That would be so easy. This is the most important stage of parenthood. I will rise to this challenge. Quitting at this stage would be detrimental for my kids. Quitting would mean letting my kids win. And I know that parenting isn't actually a battle, but it sure feels like one. So quitting on my job just tells my kids they've won, and they have also quite possibly won every battle from here on out. Quitting shows my kids my breaking point, my one year old can recognize it. And they'll remember it and use that information for the future. And it won't take as long the next time as the previous time. I'll remember too how easy it was to just let go, give them what they want. Sit back and watch the madness unfold. It is madness to give into those little cherubs, I promise. They are so cute, so precious and know how to push all my buttons. But giving in and giving them what they want, or deciding not to make them do what I say, is actually hurting them. As a parent it's my job to guide my kids, and each of thse little battles is an important step in guiding them. Each one takes them further down the path of respecting elders, self respect, and independence. I remind myself of this whenever I feel like I can't do it. And sometimes I feel like that, but they depend on me to show them how to be mature, well rounded, capable adults, even if they don't know it yet and fight me tooth and nail against it.