What is your parenting style?

What is your parenting style? Every parent has a different way of doing things, and there is no right way. There is only a right way for your family and it will not be the right way for someone elses. Some parents must schedule every moment and have very strict rules that must be followed. Other parents, like myself, are more laid back and let most days flow in whatever direction they choose.

I like to think of myself as a good mother, most days anyways! Unless we have specific plans for a certain day, I don't schedule things at all. And I try to make sure that the kids have fun and enjoy their childhood. We enjoy simple activities such as baking cookies or making homemade Christmas decorations. Or we hop in the truck and go splash in the river for a few hours. Sometimes we take walks in the woods, and a lot of days the kids just go in their own directions and do whatever seems right at the time. It works for us, I am not stressed by following a schedule or having to do something right this moment. I have that stress enough when I am working, like this morning when I awoke to realize an article I have been putting off writing was due today.

I have a friend who is the exact opposite of me in every aspect of parenting and at times I envy her spotless house and perfect organization. And then I realize that she is constantly going and I cannot remember ever seeing her just play with her kids and enjoy watching them enjoy simple pleasures. I could be wrong, but most of the time she seems really stressed to me. That's not to say that I am not stressed, but hanging out with my munchkins is the best stress relief for me. Her parenting style works for her but would drive me nuts. And I can guarantee our laid back days would send her screaming in frustration. Perhaps, since I work from home and she works as a homemaker, we should switch styles for a few days to see what results? On second thought, that would mean I would have to actually be organized...not happening! :)

So, tell me, what is your style?