Sippy Cup Half Full Parenting

Do you know anyone who's constantly complaining about everything? I have a few of these people in my life, and honestly, I try to avoid them whenever I can. It just brings me down to be around such negativity. I like to think about what my grandma always said: If you can't say something nice, don't say anything at all.

I think as parents, it is easy for us to get into this Debbie-Downer, Negative-Nelly mindset. It's hard. We're tired. The kids are being a bit naughty. They won't nap. They won't eat. The house is a mess. Money is tight. We all know the struggles parents have.

But, here's my challenge: ditch the Debbie Downer and vow be a Sippy Cup Half Full parent!

Original image (c) Life is Good

When your child splashes tons of water all over the bathroom during tub time, think of it as an opportunity to clean the bathroom floor.

When your baby wakes up in the middle of the night, think of it as extra cuddle time.

When your toddler says "NO NO NO" to you, think of it as she's becoming an independent thinker.

When your infant or toddler refuses to nap, think of it as a training exercise in patience.

When you race around your house, trying so hard to get your child(ren) to put on shoes, socks, jackets, etc, think of it as a bit of extra cardio exercise.

When your child refuses to eat dinner and throws it on the floor, think of it as an excuse to try a new recipe tomorrow night.

When your child cries when you drop him off at daycare/preschool/church nursery, think of it as a blessing that he loves you so much that he wants you around.

When your house is messier than you'd like it to be, think of it as proof that a happy family lives and plays there.

When your child smears food, paint, mud across his new clothes, think of it as a break to sit and fold clothes while watching Netflix.

When you have to trade in our coupe for a minivan, think of it as providing your family with a safe ride (and helping out a local car salesman put food on his table!)

When your furniture gets scuff marks on it, think of it as adding charm and character.

When your beloved Saturday or Sunday sleep-in time is interrupted with an early riser, think of it as an opportunity to go to the museum or zoo and not have to wait in line.

When you're tired and crabby, think of it as a time to grab your child, embrace in a bear hug, bury your face in the nape of your child's neck and say good-bye the worries of the world!

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What would you add to the Sippy Cup Half Full parenting mindset?