25 Kids and Parenting: Wild Stories, Real Messes, and Why We Still Love It
When it comes to positive parenting tips, let’s be real—there are about 25 million ways to raise a kid, and somehow, none of them come with an instruction manual.
We’re all just figuring things out as we go, from positive parenting tips to managing snack crumbs in our younger children’s hair and way too many sippy cups hiding under the couch.
Our kids make every single day unpredictable, hilarious, and full of those little moments that improve their social skills we never want to forget.
So, welcome to our wild, messy, and totally unscripted parenting adventure—no judgment, just real stories and lots of support for everyone figuring it out right alongside us.
1) Catch Kids Being Good – celebrate those wins, no matter how small!
Some days, it feels like all we do is correct or redirect behavior .
But what if we flipped the script and caught our kids doing something right? Even the tiniest win deserves a happy dance.
When we notice and celebrate the good stuff—like sharing a toy, saying thank you, or remembering to hang up a coat—it actually encourages even more good skills.
Kids light up when we catch them being awesome!
We don’t have to wait for big, shiny achievements either in their development . Little victories matter big time.
Giving kids a high-five or a goofy cheer for the small wins shows them we see their effort.
It might feel weird at first, but celebrating the little things makes everyone feel more motivated and connected.
If you want some ideas on how to cheer for those small moments, check out these simple ways to celebrate your child’s wins on Noah’s Dad.
2) Set clear limits but keep it chill and consistent
Okay mothers, dads, and anyone wrangling tiny humans—let’s talk limits.
We all know that kids need some boundaries, but we’re not here for rules that make fathers or anyone feel like they’re living in an army barracks.
We want our homes running on love, not stress.
Setting clear limits doesn’t mean we have to be scary or super strict.
Instead, we get to be the cool-but-firm guides.
When younger children know what to expect, they actually feel safer and more confident.
It’s like giving them the map, not just yelling “don’t get lost!” every time they head out.
Consistency? So important, but we’re human. If we mess up, we reset and keep going.
The clear part helps them trust us, and when we keep things chill, they know we’re always in their corner—even when we say no.
If you’re feeling stuck, remember: clear expectations can actually give kids the comfort they need to explore and grow.
Check out some practical tips for clear and consistent limits if you’re ready to try it!
3) Boost your kiddo’s self-esteem with daily cheers
Parenting is wild, and sometimes our kids just need to know we’re in their corner.
Nothing says “I see you, superstar!” like giving them a little daily hype.
We’re talking about those small, simple cheers that let them know they matter.
We don’t have to be over-the-top or fake about it.
Just a quick, “Hey, nice job brushing your teeth!” or a silly high-five after they tie their shoes can mean a lot.
Research shows that real and specific praise helps build confidence in infants and children.
Let’s make affirmations a thing. Try things like, “You are so brave for trying,” or “We’re proud of how hard you worked.”
Even better for our mental health , let’s celebrate effort and not just the big wins.
Kids are going to mess up and so are we. But cheering them on, even for the small stuff, helps them feel safe, seen, and loved.
4) Make quality time non-negotiable (yes, even on busy days)
The process of life is straight-up wild sometimes.
Our schedules get packed, but our kids? They don’t stop needing us just because we’ve got a mile-long to-do list.
We’ve learned to block off family time like our lives depend on it.
Think of it as a non-negotiable appointment, no matter what!
If we can carve out time for dentist visits, we can fit in some goofy dance parties or late-night Uno games.
Even on hectic days, squeezing in a quick walk, reading together, or just chatting during dinner can help us connect.
The trick is to make it intentional and treat it like it matters as much as anything else on our calendar.
Some families use a shared calendar to make sure everyone is on the same page and nobody double books that precious family hangout time.
It actually works wonders for prioritizing family bonding.
We all mess up and miss a day here or there, but keeping that “family time” spot sacred is a game changer.
5) Lead by example – your actions speak way louder than words
Our kids see everything. Literally, everything.
If we say one thing and do another, they call us out faster than we can say, “No more cookies before dinner!”
We can talk until we’re blue in the face about healthy habits, respect, or kindness. But if we don’t show it ourselves, it’s not sinking in.
They’re ninja-level copycats and will most likely mirror what we do, not just what we say.
If we want our kids to eat more veggies or pick up after themselves, we need to model those values, parenting practices, and habits too.
Even when parenting gets wild, our actions are the real lesson—yep, even when we’re hiding in the bathroom for a sanity break.
Sometimes, it’s all about those small wins—like apologizing when we mess up or saying thank you for their emotional growth .
Our efforts really matter when we lead by example, and it helps so much with their learning.
Actions speak louder than words with kids, and sometimes, that means showing up even when we’re tired.
So, let’s set the vibe and hope they follow, or at least pick up the habit of putting their shoes where they belong.
6) Use praise that’s real and specific, not just ‘good job!’
We all say “good job!” about fifty times a day. Whoops.
But let’s be real—it starts to sound like background noise. Our kids deserve better hype than that!
Instead of tossing out a generic “good job,” let’s try pointing out exactly what our kids did.
Like, “Wow, you worked so hard on that puzzle and didn’t give up!” See the difference?
It actually shows them what we’re proud of.
This kind of praise helps our kids build real confidence, not just chase approval stickers.
Experts actually warn that too much simple praise can make kids hungry for approval instead of helping in their education.
Our kids are little humans with big feelings. They know when we mean it.
Real praise connects us more and actually boosts their self-esteem and motivation in the long run.
So let’s keep it real, keep it specific, and dish out those compliments like adults and parenting pros.
Our kids will totally notice, and hey, we might even feel like super parents—even if there are crumbs everywhere.
7) Practice active listening, even when you’re tired AF
Sometimes our kids are talking and we are one yawn away from turning into a zombie.
But even when we’re running on caffeine and pure willpower, giving them our full ears matters.
Active listening doesn’t mean we have to sit cross-legged on the floor with total zen energy.
It just means looking at them, nodding, and maybe repeating back a little of what they said, like, “So you felt upset when that happened?”
This simple move helps our kids feel seen and heard, even if we’re low on energy.
We don’t have to get it perfect. Sometimes, just showing up with our attention—even tired and messy—builds trust and connection with our kids.
Plus, it can help us avoid those classic, “That’s not what I meant!” arguments later on, which is a total win.
When we stay present and try these small tricks, we’re actually helping our kids get better at sharing their feelings and solving problems, leading to long term benefits .
This is a big step in making our family feel like a safe place to land. Want more tips on keeping it real? Check out these active listening skills for kids we love.
8) Teach emotions by naming them: “Looks like you’re frustrated!”
Okay, let’s be honest—sometimes we have no clue what our kids are feeling, and honestly, neither do they. That’s totally normal!
But here’s a trick that actually works: naming emotions out loud. When we say things like, “Looks like you’re frustrated!” or “Are you feeling nervous?” it helps our kids figure out what’s going on inside their heads.
It’s like handing them a feelings map so they don’t get lost. Instead of just “mad” or “sad,” we can toss in words like “excited,” “disappointed,” or “proud.”
Kids notice the difference, and suddenly, all those big feelings seem a little less mysterious. It might feel awkward at first, but studies show that naming feelings makes it easier for our kids to talk about them.
Honestly, don’t we all want a little help figuring out our moods sometimes? Naming it helps everyone chill out and find the next step.
Let’s sprinkle emotion words around like confetti. Who knows—maybe we’ll learn something about our own feelings while we’re at it!
9) Create a family ritual everyone loves, like Sunday pancake madness
Everyone needs something to look forward to, right? That’s where family rituals come in.
We don’t need anything fancy. Something simple—like crazy Sunday pancake mornings—works wonders.
Think pancakes with way too many sprinkles, syrup everywhere, and maybe even dinosaur-shaped pancakes. We can let the kids help in the kitchen.
Sure, it gets messy, but honestly, that’s half the fun. These little traditions give us a chance to just be together and laugh at our wild pancake fails.
If pancakes aren’t our thing, we can borrow ideas from other families. Some keep it super simple, like making breakfast together while breakdancing in the kitchen—check out these easy birthday traditions.
The best family ritual should feel like “us”—loud, silly, imperfect, and totally unforgettable. Let’s make it our thing and not worry about the mess!
10) Set tech boundaries but sprinkle in some fun screen time
Screens are everywhere, and sometimes, let’s be honest, they save our sanity. But we can’t just let our kids go wild with tablets and TV all day.
Setting tech limits doesn’t make us the fun police—it just means we care about their well-being. We can set simple screen time rules, like “no tablets at dinner” or “30 minutes after homework.”
Kids do better when they know what to expect, and we get fewer screentime battles. Turns out, steady limits help with lowering anxiety and depression in kids, too.
But hey, a little screen time can be awesome! Movie night with popcorn, a family Mario Kart race, or dancing to goofy YouTube videos can all be total memory-makers.
It’s not about banning technology—it’s about using it together in a way that brings us closer. If we mix in some silly, shared activities with the usual rules, screen time can become something we all look forward to (without anyone hiding their tablet under the covers)!
11) Model forgiveness to teach your kids resilience
Let’s be real—none of us are perfect. We mess up, our kids mess up, and life gets super messy.
But forgiveness? That’s our secret weapon for their emotional growth . When we show our kids how to apologize and forgive, we teach them to bounce back from tough stuff.
We all have those days where patience disappears. If we lose our cool, it’s okay to say, “Hey, I’m sorry for yelling.”
Our kids learn that making mistakes isn’t the end of the world. It’s how we grow stronger and more chill.
Forgiving isn’t about forgetting or letting things slide. It’s about moving forward—even if someone tracks mud on the carpet for the third time this week!
By forgiving each other, we show our kiddos that families stick together and handle hard things with heart. If you want some easy ideas, check out these simple ways to teach kids resilience every day.
12) Encourage curiosity with open-ended questions
Let’s talk about how we can spark a kid’s natural curiosity—because “Why?” is every toddler’s favorite word. The trick? Ask them open-ended questions that make them wonder and get creative.
Instead of “Did you have fun at school?” we can try, “What was the most surprising thing that happened today?” These questions give our kids room to think and explain, not just answer yes or no.
It’s like giving their brains a little workout, and honestly, it’s way more fun for everyone! Want to encourage their curiosity even more?
Questions like, “How did that work?” or “What would happen if we did it differently?” make them look at problems in a whole new way. Montessori experts say open-ended questions help kids get curious and think deeper about the world—check out a bunch of good examples over at Montessori Academy.
We can keep it light, playful, and a little silly. Our weird questions might even lead to the best and funniest conversations we’ve ever had.
13) Let your kid make age-appropriate choices (hello, mini bosses)
Giving our kids choices can feel like releasing tiny CEOs into the wild, right? But honestly, it’s such a win for their confidence.
Even little things like picking their shirt for the day or choosing between apple slices or carrots at snack time can make them light up with pride. We’re not saying let them pick their bedtime (nice try, kiddos).
Letting them make decisions in safe, small moments builds trust and gives them a sense of control. Plus, it saves us from those epic power struggles—score!
Research shows that offering choices is good for their brains, too. Kids who make their own choices learn to think for themselves and become better problem solvers.
For some easy ways to offer meaningful choices, check out these Montessori tips for babies and toddlers. We all want to raise kids who can stand up for themselves—starting small is the way to go.
So, hand over that snack menu (within limits!) and watch those mini bosses lead the way.
14) Use ‘I feel’ statements instead of yelling or blaming
We’ve all been there—our kid just did that thing again, and suddenly we’re on the edge. But yelling? It never really gets us anywhere (except maybe a sore throat).
Instead, we can try “I feel” statements. Like, “I feel frustrated when toys get left on the floor.”
It’s a lot better than saying, “You never clean up!” and starting World War III in the living room. Using “I feel” helps us focus on our emotions without pointing fingers at our kids.
We’re sharing what we’re feeling, and that’s way less likely to make anyone defensive or upset. Plus, it teaches our kiddos how to talk about their own big feelings.
We’re not just keeping the peace—we’re also helping everyone learn how to talk things out. If you want to read more, check out this clear guide on how to use “I” statements.
It’s seriously a game-changer for our sanity and our family vibes.
15) Introduce mindfulness in small, kid-friendly bites
Let’s be real—getting our kids to chill and find their zen can feel impossible. We don’t need to turn them into mini yogis overnight.
We can sneak in little moments of mindfulness here and there, like while waiting for dinner, during car rides, or even brushing teeth. Tiny exercises work best.
We can ask our kids to take a couple of slow, deep breaths with us. Or, we can try a “five senses” game: pause and notice one thing we see, hear, touch, taste, and smell.
Kids love turning anything into a game, so why not make mindfulness fun? Another trick—let’s try bite-sized mindfulness activities, like those shared in simple mindfulness activities for kids.
These keep things light and pressure-free. If we make it easy and playful, they might not even realize they’re practicing mindfulness.
16) Snack time chats: connect without distractions
We’ve all been there—snack time turns into phone-scrolling time or YouTube-binge time, and suddenly we’re sharing space but not really connecting. Let’s switch it up!
We love making snack time our little daily catch-up, no screens, no distractions, just us and some goldfish crackers. Seriously, the magic happens when we put down our devices and just chat.
Even the quietest kiddos start opening up over apple slices and peanut butter. Sometimes, the juiciest stories come out with a handful of snacks in hand.
We also try to make this fun, not forced. If nobody wants to talk about their day, that’s cool.
Sometimes we play “two truths and a lie” or just crack jokes about how weird carrots look. If you’re curious, there are so many ways to make snack chats special.
Snack time is short but sweet. We’re always surprised by what comes up when the distractions are gone and we’re just snacking and chatting—together.
17) Turn chore time into a dance party (seriously, it works)
Let’s get one thing straight—chores do not have to be boring. We can grab our favorite playlist, crank up the volume, and suddenly folding laundry is basically a concert.
Our kitchen never gets cleaned as fast as it does when we’re grooving with a mop microphone, especially with younger children helping . If we turn on a silly song, even our kids get in on the fun.
Little dance moves and goofy spins make picking up toys way more fun for everyone. Sometimes, we have to model our best, cheesiest dance moves to get the party started.
Nobody’s judging here! According to parenting pros, making chores playful can actually encourage kiddos to help out more often, and with way less fuss.
Check out these creative tips for getting kids to do chores if you want even more ideas. Sharing moments like these makes everyday stuff not just easier, but a whole lot happier for us all.
So next time, when the kitchen’s a mess, let’s just blast our favorite throwback—and make mopping the highlight of the day.
18) Use positive discipline over punishment – consequences, not threats
Let’s be real—parenting gets wild, and sometimes it’s easy to slip into handing out threats like candy on Halloween. But using positive discipline is our secret sauce for keeping things chill and teaching our kids what actually matters.
We all want our kids’ education to focus on learning from their mistakes, not just feeling scared of getting in trouble. Positive discipline means showing kids the real consequences of their actions, instead of just yelling or giving empty threats.
If someone forgets their homework, the likelihood is y might face a late mark—but it’s not the end of the world. This teaches way more than “do it or else,” and helps them actually learn to make better choices next time.
Experts say focusing on age-appropriate consequences, not punishments, helps kids feel respected and learn responsibility, while building honest relationships with us. It’s about kindness and holding them accountable at the same time.
You can check out how positive discipline encourages learning and belonging instead of just dishing out punishments. Plus, let’s be honest, no one likes constant power struggles.
We’re here to guide, not be the “bad guy” all the time.
19) Celebrate effort over outcome to grow grit
Okay, we all know life isn’t a straight road—especially not with kids. Our little ones aren’t always going to grab that gold star, and honestly, that’s more than okay.
The big deal? Cheering them on for trying their hardest, not just when they “win.” When we hype up how hard they worked, instead of only clapping for the outcome, we’re showing our kids that what really matters is the hustle.
This helps them see that failing sometimes is just part of learning, not the end of the world. Grit gets built by sticking with it, not just by getting things perfect the first time.
Praising effort is a huge part of helping our kids develop a growth mindset and essential social skills . That’s a fancy way of saying they’ll keep going even when stuff gets tough.
We’re all about keeping things positive and supportive—no perfect adults here! If you want extra inspo, check out these tips on how to praise effort over ability to build real grit in our kiddos.
20) Teach kindness by volunteering together
Real talk—teaching our kids about kindness doesn’t have to be some huge, sit-down life lecture. We can just roll up our sleeves, pull on our “let’s do this” faces, and try some volunteering together as a family.
Think food banks, park cleanups, or dropping off cookies for neighbors. It’s all about showing our little ones that helping out feels good (and sometimes includes snacks).
When we volunteer together, our kids get to see that their actions matter. Watching them hand out snacks at a shelter or plant flowers at a community garden? Pure joy and honestly, a great lesson in empathy.
It’s not just about checking off a good deed. It’s about making memories and growing caring humans.
If you need ideas, there are so many family-friendly projects out there. Check out lists of simple acts of service or pick a fun service project to try.
No act of kindness is too small—and every little bit helps us raise kids who know how to make a difference.
21) Allow mistakes and emphasize learning, not perfection
Let’s be real—nobody’s perfect, and honestly, perfection is kind of boring. Our older children are going to mess up sometimes, and that’s a good thing!
If we expect our older children to never slip up, we’re setting everyone up for a meltdown (including us). When we give kids space to make mistakes, we’re helping them learn real-life stuff.
Every oops and whoops is a chance for our kids to figure out what works and what totally doesn’t. Mistakes aren’t failures—they’re stepping stones to growing up strong and confident.
Holding our kids to crazy high standards or acting like perfection is the only way shuts down their confidence fast. We can support them by cheering on progress, not just “getting it right.”
Little wins and learning moments help our kids become flexible and resilient. The truth? We mess up as parents all the time, too.
So let’s keep it chill, reflect remind ourselves and our kids that nobody has it all together, and celebrate those messy learning moments. Want more on why kids need to mess up? Find extra insight at The Power of Letting Go: Why Children Need to Make Mistakes.
22) Create a calm-down corner with cozy vibes
We all know those days when the kiddos are bouncing off the walls—or maybe it’s us! Setting up a little calm-down corner can be a game changer for both our peace and theirs.
Think soft pillows, fuzzy blankets, and maybe a favorite stuffed animal or two. Let’s not forget the power of sensory toys and books!
Having a spot where our kids can cozy up and unwind teaches them that it’s okay to need a break—trust me, we do too. You can check out awesome ideas for designing these spaces at places like this calm down corner setup.
We’re not aiming for magazine-perfect here. It’s about giving ourselves and our little ones a safe, comfy zone where adults can discuss racial differences and big feelings are welcome.
Pink zone, chill-out nook, or just “the fort,” whatever we call it, let’s keep the vibes soft and the judgment even softer.
23) Limit comparisons; every kid’s journey is 100% unique
Let’s be real—it’s just too easy to fall into the comparison trap. We see other kids hitting milestones on social media or hear about someone’s straight-A student, and suddenly we’re wondering if we’re dropping the ball somehow.
Here’s the thing: every kid is on their own wild and wonderful path. Just like we’re all juggling messy buns and spilled juice boxes, our kids are also on their own timeline.
It’s not a race, and honestly, who actually needs the stress of constant competition? Our energy’s way better spent just cheering our little ones on and letting them shine in their own quirky, lovable way.
Let’s just embrace the chaos, high-five those small wins, and remember—nobody has it all together, no matter what their Instagram feed tries to show!
24) Sing, dance, and get messy together – bonding at its best
Sometimes we just need a good dance party. Crank up our favorite tunes and have a dance-off in the living room—yes, even if we look totally goofy.
It’s about letting our guards down and showing our kids it’s okay to be silly. Who really cares about fancy moves when you’ve got belly laughs?
Singing at the top of our lungs in the car or around the house? Absolutely. Our kiddos might roll their eyes, but half the time, they end up joining in anyway.
There’s just something about singing and dancing that connects us, even when the day’s been a total circus. Moments like these are simple, but they help us build closeness and those weirdly wonderful memories.
And let’s not forget about getting messy. Maybe it’s finger painting, baking with flour everywhere, or making a mud pie in the backyard.
Life’s way too short to always play it neat. We can enjoy some carefree fun while strengthening our bond—it’s totally worth the extra laundry.
Seriously, even research backs up playful parenting. So let’s grab our kids, drop the worries, and get a little wild together.
25) Share stories about your own childhood struggles (relatable!)
Let’s be honest—our childhoods weren’t all sunshine, rainbows, and puppy stickers. We all had some rough patches.
If we open up to our kids about those not-so-great moments, it can be surprisingly powerful. Kids totally relate when they hear we weren’t perfect either.
We can laugh about that time we tripped in the cafeteria or admit we didn’t always ace our exams. It gives them permission to be human, too.
Telling our kids our stories helps them feel less alone with their own struggles. Nothing says “I get you” more than sharing how we survived cringey moments or tough days.
Sharing doesn’t have to be a big, serious talk. It’s more like swapping stories during breakfast or while folding laundry.
It helps us bond on a real level. Parents who open up like this can build greater closeness and empathy with their kids.
Plus, our kids might even surprise us and open up right back, making family life just a little more honest and a whole lot messier—in the best way!
Real Talk: What Parenting 25 Kids Actually Looks Like
Okay, let’s get honest—life with 25 kids is not just busy, it’s wild. We’re talking teamwork, crazy schedules, and nonstop messes.
It’s also a crash course in patience, group hugs, and finding the funny side of daily chaos.
Balancing the Daily Chaos
First things first, the schedule runs our lives. Every day, we juggle meals, schoolwork, playtime, and about a thousand snack requests.
We live by checklists, alarms, and sticky notes stuck on every surface. Staying organized is survival.
We use color-coded charts and family group texts to make sure nobody gets left behind. Here’s a quick look at what our mornings can actually look like:
Time | What’s Happening |
|---|---|
6:00 AM | Alarms & wake-ups |
7:00 AM | Breakfast for 25 |
8:00 AM | School drop-offs |
9:00 AM | Clean-up & emails |
Honestly, some days the laundry never ends. There are always dishes in the sink, shoes by the door, and someone asking where their favorite hoodie went.
We just laugh and push forward. No one has it together all the time—and really, that’s fine with us!
Keeping Your Sanity (And Sense Of Humor!)
Let’s be real: stress is part of the deal. We’ve learned it’s okay to not do everything perfectly—sometimes, we skip chores for a dance party.
Self-care isn’t optional, it’s essential. We give each other pep talks, use group chats for memes, and celebrate tiny wins (like five minutes of quiet).
We swap stories about epic parenting fails and remind ourselves that love matters way more than getting every detail right. Here are some of our go-to sanity savers:
- Quick walks outside
- Hide-and-seek with snacks (for us, not the kids!)
- Letting go of the little stuff
The only way we make it work is by supporting each other, laughing through disasters, and remembering tomorrow is another chance. If all else fails, chocolate helps.
Building Your Own Parenting Village
Parenting isn’t a solo gig—even if it sometimes feels like we’re on our own stage, juggling wild toddlers and burnt toast. Finding our people and cheering each other on keeps us sane and makes the chaos way more fun.
Finding Support and Community
We’re not meant to do this alone, so let’s call in some backup. Support can show up in a bunch of ways: neighbors who wave from the porch, daycare buddies at pickup, or online groups who get our messy kitchen photos.
Sometimes the best “village” isn’t family—it’s friends, teachers, coaches, and even that mom you see at soccer every Thursday. If you’re struggling to build your crew, try joining local community programs or connecting with parents at school and daycare.
There are also amazing faith-based groups, special interest meetups, and all kinds of online communities where we can swap stories, tips, and even memes. Studies show today’s parents are redefining what a helpful parenting village looks like, which directly affects our relationship with our kids and we totally get to make it work for us.
Here’s a quick list to jumpstart finding your people:
- Join a local parenting group or co-op
- Start a group chat with nearby parents
- Attend library story time or community events
- Show up at the playground and say hi (awkward at first, worth it later)
Celebrating Every Wild Little Win
Around here, we celebrate everything—no matter how tiny or absolutely ridiculous. Our kid ate a green bean without a dramatic gag-fest? That’s a win.
Survived a meltdown in Target with only minor tears (ours, not the kids)? I mean, that practically deserves a trophy, right?
These little victories pile up. Honestly, they need some serious hype.
When we share our wins with our village—whether it’s in person, a group chat, or just shouting into the internet void—we realize we’re not alone in the messy middle.
Other parents totally get it and cheer us on. That makes the rough days a little less lonely, at least for me.
Try keeping a running list on the fridge. Group texts full of emoji-fueled high-fives? Yes, please.
Snap a silly victory selfie. Our celebrations don’t need to be Insta-perfect anyway.
It’s about showing up, laughing at the chaos, and reminding each other we’re all just doing our best—one day (and one shaky coffee) at a time.
