Raising kids is amazing and challenging. Sometimes I wish I could jump into a time machine to be everywhere and everywhen my kids need me. Even though I’m a mere mortal and not a Tardis-flying Time Lord, I think it’s safe to say that everything I know about parenting I learned from Doctor Who.
1. Don’t freak out. Even when you realize it’s jammie day at school and you’re on snack duty and there’s a field trip and you forgot.
2. Have fun and be silly with your kids.
3. Empathize with their hurts and fears.
4. No matter how hard you squeeze your thoughts, mommy brain is real and your brain is gone.
Where did I leave my phone?
Did I remember to brush my teeth?
What’s the name of my fourth child?
5. When your little Daleks have you surrounded, it’s okay to hide in the bathroom Tardis.
6. It’s important to ask your kids questions, like when your nine-year-old daughter’s “boyfriend” wants her phone number.
7. Give plenty of hugs.
8. When your child’s diaper explodes at the park, remain calm.
9. Just throw yourself into parenting wholeheartedly.
Sometimes you’re going to stumble and fall. The important thing is to get up gracefully.
10. When your four-year-old paints the bathroom with her poop, try not to overreact.
11. When dealing with multiple children, you have to divide and conquer.
12. They need to know who’s in charge.
13. Sometimes you have to peel off the yoga pants, take a shower, and grab a date night.
14. Act humble when another parent brings in a better snack at preschool.
15. When you’re late and they won’t get in the minivan:
16. When you’ve had a long day, the kids are in bed, and you just can’t be touched by another human. You just can’t.
17. It’s okay to admit you don’t know.
Mommy, what happened to the dinosaurs?
How many different kinds of fish are in the ocean?
How do I fill out this math worksheet?
When’s dinner? What are we having? What are we having for breakfast tomorrow? What’s for dinner tomorrow?
Mommy? Mommy? Mommy?
18. Listen to your kids. Look them in the eyes and hear them.
Unless all of them are talking at you at the same time.
When you don’t know what they’re saying, just smile and nod.
19. If they wake you up in the middle of the night:
20. It’s okay to change your mind.
Mom, can we watch Frozen again?
21. When things get too hot, it’s okay to step outside for some fresh air.
22. When you make a mistake, apologize.
And then make up.
23. Helping your kids with homework is really hard.
24. Just be cool if everybody actually likes what you made for dinner.
25. Find mom friends so you don’t feel like this:
26. When your kids think their friends know more than you:
27. Always, always, never be afraid to embarrass your kids with your awesome style. Deep, deep way down they’re proud.
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