In this week’s episode of Parenting Lab, I'm walking down memory lane to when my kids were just 5 and 8. It was a time when life felt like a constant juggling act. It was exhausting, overwhelming, and honestly, I questioned if I was doing any of it right.

But in the middle of that chaos, something beautiful and totally unplanned happened: Chicken Nugget Night. What started as a last-minute attempt to keep the kids happy while I crammed to meet college deadlines turned into a weekly tradition that lasted for years—and became one of my kids’ fondest childhood memories.

At the time, I felt like the worst mom—stressed, tired, glued to my laptop, and not “present” in the way I wanted to be. But years later, when my kids talked about those nights, all they remembered was the fun, the comfort, and the love. They didn’t remember me being distracted. They remembered that we were together.

Here's what I hope you'll take away this week:

1. It’s okay to be in a season where you can’t do it all.Maybe you’re working, studying, co-parenting, healing, or just trying to stay afloat. It’s okay if you’re not showing up perfectly—what matters is that you show up.

2. Your kids don’t need big gestures—they need your presence.Even when you feel like you’re not doing enough, your love and effort are more than enough. The little things are the big things.

3. Guilt is a heavy load to carry—but your kids likely remember things differently.Where I saw failure, my kids saw magic. And that realization helped me heal a part of myself that had carried doubt for so long.

4. You can create connection in the middle of chaos.
   Chicken Nugget Night wasn’t fancy or planned—it was just a small moment of intention in a busy life. That’s what made it special.

• I hope this little window into our family can inspire you to find new ways to connect with your kids - even simple ones!

  
  

  ♥ Your Parent Coach, Brittney

  
  

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  Email Brittney: theparentinglab101@gmail.com