It’s funny. We still get asked, “How do you do it?!” incredulously by anyone and everyone we know. Honestly? We just do. There’s not really another option is there? Shy of getting a bazillion dollar a year job and hiring nannies and housekeepers galore?

But it made me think… What’s so different? Really?

1) You have to let the small things slide. For example, it’s time to start potty training. Your daughter wants Mickey Mouse underwear. You can
a) get the boys underwear
b) try to convince her Minnie Mouse is just as cool
With the first kid? I tried to stay gender specific for everything. When trying to potty train three at once? You can wear anything you want as long as it stays dry. I. Don’t. Care.

2) On that same note, your daughters train faster than you expected, leaving an abundance of pink pull ups behind. You can:
a) Throw them away/donate
b) Try to exchange them
c) Let boy child wear them. Because, really, no one else will see them anyways.
Let’s just say Jacen loves Minnie and Ariel as much as he does Mater and Lightning, and it works for me.

3) You learn to pick your battles. Snow boots in the 70 degree weather with a sundress? Go for it. You want to wear two hats? Be my guest. Not. Worth. The. Fight.

4) Toys can be used in any matter they want. As long as it’s not endangering others. You want to use that badmitten racket to hit a beach ball? Have fun. Refer back to “picking your battles.”

5) Crying happens. A lot. No, I don’t always intervene. They learn to fight to get their way or how to give in. They learn when to pick their own battles. You’d be surprised what is worth it to them.

6) Two words: baby gates. They are gated in their rooms at night and I don’t see that changing till they’re old enough to get out on their own. Even then I might just get better gates.

7) No short order cooking. These kids love anything from calamari to grilled cheese. But that doesn’t mean they always eat it. They don’t get something else though. If you’re full and don’t want it, that’s fine. We don’t force a cleaned plate. We don’t force you to eat more than the number of bites you are old (to make sure you try it). But if you get hungry later? Sorry, too bad.

8) We go out in public, and do so often. They have always gone places with us. Yes it’s crazy and chaotic, but if you don’t do it you won’t know whether they (or you) can handle it. How can they get better at it if you never try?

9) Coffee.

10) Beer.

(Or wine.. Whichever is more accessible)