What's the word.....?

January has already buzzed by.....and I haven't chosen my word for the year. Heidi asked a few weeks ago in her 'Talk to me Tuesday,' and Kelle asked in her weekend giveaway blog. I've been thinking about it, but the best I can do is to come up with a phrase...and it's not 'new,' but continued from last year, which might help me stick to it a little better. So....here it is....my phrase for 2011 is 'Let It Go.' Those editors/english teachers/writers/word-crafters that read this blog, maybe you can help me find the ONE right word, but for now 'Let It Go' it will be.

Doesn't every mother (especially mother of 3--which I will soon be) need this as their Mantra?? Kids make messes. Someone will poop their pants. Milk will get spilled. Sharpie will get on the couch/pillows/clothes. Super glue will get on the kitchen table (oh, wait....that was me). However, these events don't call for a yelling/shouting/screaming fest. It takes just one of those reactions to learn that they don't work. Instead...you sort of 'let it go' and turn it into a learning experience. Kids still need to be told to "be careful." You need to ask them, "Is that where we draw?" or "Where do we use markers?" and have them reflect on their actions and ask them not to do that again....and (at least in the case of my kids) they try really hard not to. They repect you for not yelling at them and not getting mad, but they get the message that they did something wrong and there will probably be some consequence if it happens again.

There are so many bigger issues that I will encounter as a mom, and I need to let the little things go as much as I can.