Parental rules to break

What are the rules of parenting? Who creates them? Your pediatrician? Your father? The Internet? Influential moms?

Parenting is probably the hardest and most important job we'll ever do, and it's made even more impossible by the fact that there's no playbook.

In the end, you, the parents, are the ultimate authority.

We have degrees from fantastic universities, but no one taught us how to be a mother.

Parenting is hard. Let's be honest. You don't know what you're doing and neither does anyone else - not even your own parents.

And that's okay! It's okay to not know what you're doing. It's okay to ask for help or advice, or just be confused about how you should do this thing called parenting.

There are many books out there that will tell you what they think being a parent means, but in the end, it's just your job.

And yes, sometimes it can feel scary and overwhelming because no one knows how to be a parent without experience.

Bathe your baby every night

Do you bathe your baby every night?

It's hard to know what the right answer is. If you're like me, you probably have a lot of questions about bathing your kids - how often they should be bathed and how much soap or shampoo should be used.

So I did a little research and found out that there are many different opinions on this topic. But most experts agree: You don't need to bathe your baby or toddler every day. In fact, most parents only bathe their children once or twice a week at most!

"We bathe once a week because it's better for his sensitive skin." says mother of toddlers Zuzana from Bratislava. "When I tell people, I feel madly judged by other parents..."

Bathing babies, toddlers and small children two to three times a week is enough. "Their delicate skin doesn't need daily cleaning," so don't worry if he doesn't get a bath today (or tomorrow).

That's where experts disagree: Some say it's okay to bathe your baby even once a day, while others say it's too much — even if it's not dirty.

My advice? Talk to your pediatrician about how often is best for your family and listen carefully to their advice!

Screen time is taboo

There is no shortage of debate about the pros and cons of screen time for young children. After all, screens are a huge part of life - you're reading this story on a screen right now - and it's incredibly difficult to avoid them completely.

Instead of thinking "all or nothing", you can create some subtle intentions and boundaries regarding their place in your home. (This story on how to make TV time more enjoyable for toddlers will help.)

We don't limit screen time at home and it doesn't seem to be a problem. Our kids play iPad games from time to time, but are generally more interested in playing outside or reading books. Sometimes we watch an educational video with them.

I know it can seem scary to think about setting limits on how much time your child will spend watching their favorite show or playing video games. But if you're consistent, you'll start to see kids develop screen time self-regulation skills that will stick with them well into adulthood.

Parents should be martyrs

If you had asked me that before I became a mom, I would have said it was ridiculous.

Of course, moms and dads deserve fun, relaxation and a certain amount of independence. Nevertheless, last year I found myself in a situation where I was sitting with one nursing baby on my lap and one screaming toddler. I cried but I just couldn't find the time or space.

It was my wise husband who told me to reconsider my instinct to always help the children first and myself second.

I started to make small changes: I made my own coffee in the morning and only then prepared the bottles, I went to the bathroom by myself and only then helped with the potty or changed diapers, at night I tried to get enough sleep so that I wouldn't wake up with feeling like I'd just been hit by a truck, I made time for myself every day (like going for a walk or reading) so I could be there for my family when they needed me the most...even if it meant leaving them alone when they played together or watched fairy tales while I took care of myself.

It's so easy to get caught up in the whirlwind of parenting, and before you know it, your life turns into a whirlwind of diapers, bottles, and tantrums.

But it's also easy to forget that parents are people too.

We have to realize that we deserve to take time for ourselves. We should be able to eat ourselves, take a break and have a little fun every now and then.

It's not selfish to put yourself first, it's necessary! And when you do this small act of self-care, you'll be surprised how much better you'll feel.

Strict sleep and bedtime is best

Since becoming a parent, I've learned about myself that sleep is the foundation of my mental health. Sleep is wonderful, lack of sleep is literally torture.

And yet, cruelly - getting small children to sleep is one of life's greatest mysteries. It wasn't until a year later that our toddler started sleeping through the night and I instantly felt more human and like myself. We didn't do anything differently, he simply grew into peaceful nights.

There is endless advice on the ideal sleep schedule, sleep pattern and timing. In any case, consult an expert, try something new and invest in a pink noise machine. But in the end, it just comes down to what works for your family and child (as long as it's safe, of course.)

Our kids are in bed by seven whenever possible, but we have friends who keep their toddlers up until they give permission.

I don't know how many times I've heard it before: "I'm going to have a strict sleep schedule for my baby."

And then I hear about the endless nights full of tears, the lack of sleep and the lack of common sense.

But let me give you the advice I wish someone had given me when my daughter was just a baby: Don't stress about the schedule! Do you know what happens if you try to force your child into a routine? No good - and probably some tears too!

If you can, let your child find his own rhythm. And if he needs to stay up later at night to get enough rest? Leave him! If he wakes up earlier every day? That's okay too! As long as everyone sleeps well (and preferably a lot), don't worry about breaking the rules.

Your own rules

Sometimes you feel like your kids are a little unmanageable or you just need a break. And I understand it - I experienced it!

-I'm sure you and your family have wise, loving, and reasonable boundaries. Maybe you have fruit or vegetables with every meal. Maybe your kids say "please" and "thank you". Maybe never, but you really never jump on beds.

It is important to step out of our comfort zone.

But once in a while it's good to break out of these patterns, even if they are familiar and comfortable - and just go crazy!

Have a pillow fight, stay up late and watch a movie with lots of popcorn and hugs.

Parenting can be challenging at times, so enjoy the moments when it's also light and fun.

As parents, we all know that our children are learning how to be adults every day.

It is very important that they learn to have fun and enjoy themselves as children.