29 Small Victories for Today’s Parents

Sometimes life presents us with moments that rock our parenting world even if in reality they aren't that big of a deal. These are the moments when we find ourselves saying "yes" quietly or aloud, convinced that we've finally got this parenting gig down—or at least it isn't as hard as we thought. I'm sharing a few of them and sending you a virtual high five because mamas (and papas) we've got this!

You make it out of the store without having to apologize to anyone for any embarrassing questions from your curious kiddo.

You managed to move your sleeping little one from the car to the house without waking them up.

You were the first one to sign up for the classroom potluck, which means you aren't bringing a main dish.

The coveted family parking space at the mall is empty.

You found a family bathroom—no need to try and squeeze into a stall while simultaneously begging your toddler not to touch anything and resisting the urge to throw up in your mouth.

The school performance has been scheduled to take place outside of your working hours, which means you won't have to move heaven and earth to be there (you totally would have but how awesome is it that you don't have to?).

Your kid didn't finish their mac and cheese at the restaurant you frequent, and well, you're not one to waste food so …

You are leaving the store and no one is crying—not you or your kid. (Does it even matter if you bribed your kid to increase the likelihood of said occurrence?)

The wait time for the Dumbo ride at Disneyland is 15 minutes or less. Heck, you may as well just go on it twice.

Gap Kids is having a 40 percent-off sale online and in store, and for once the sizes your children wear aren't sold out.

"For the first time in forever" your kid didn't ask you to play the "Frozen" soundtrack on the way home.

You aren't just on time, you're early.

At a school awards ceremony, your child spotted you in a room filled with dozens of proud parents all profusely waving. Those few moments of eye contact and shared smiles between you and your baby, no matter how old they are, are the best.

After (insert name of excited relative or friend) insists that your little one opens the gift they got them, your child goes ecstatic over it (nope, they don't already have one) and remembers to say thank you.

Cauliflower rice is in stock at Trader Joe's. So is cookie butter.

You called to get a same-day doctor's appointment for your congested toddler on a Monday and guess what? They've got one more available and it's yours.

Your child forgot their goody bag at the party you just left. Sure there may be some tears, but there won't be any need for you to be a mean mom and deny them all those sweets. Plus there won't be any candy or party favors stuck in the crevices of your car.

No need to cancel; your kid gets over their cold just in time for their birthday celebration. You're still a little stuffy but hey, can't win them all.

No one rings the doorbell or knocks on the door during nap time.

A family member offers to babysit. #datenight

Your early-to-rise kiddos finally slept past 7 a.m. on a Saturday.

Netflix on sick days + new episodes of your favorite show.

You got the last (insert coveted item) at the store. (It totally doesn't matter if they had a new shipment in the back, you scored the last one. Rejoice.)

You just took the perfect photo of your kid on your iPhone. Obviously you're now considering taking up photography.

You managed to use the bathroom without anyone knocking on or sticking their chubby fingers under the door.

You spent less than $100 at Target and still got a few of the things you "needed."

That new recipe you tried tastes awesome and it even looks exactly like the photo. #stepasideMartha

You forgot your grocery list at home and still managed to remember everything you needed.

You made it through an entire day without getting doused in the body fluids of tiny humans.