It is actually quite liberating to finally realise that you don't have to 'battle' over every little thing.

Taking a step back and thinking about what is really important and letting the other things go can really lower the stress levels. Like who cares if one of my boys eats his dinner upside down on the couch, at least he is eating right...? Or if one of them wants to wear shorts to school on a freezing day, so what? He might be cold or he might be fine but that was his choice and an argument about it isn't worth it (and I can sneak a jumper into his bag anyway ). Lessening your demands and expectations on your kids also really lessens your own personal stresses. Before I get mad I really try to think to myself "Is this really that important?", maybe my kids are having a tough day and getting angry because they forgot to empty their lunch boxes for the millionth time or I tripped over their shoes again as they weren't put away is not helpful or healthy for any of us. And when they do do those things on the rare occasion without us asking them too, then it actually makes me extra happy! Pick less battles, Jody