Yes, you heard right: extra! These extras pile up until the load feels crushing. And guess what? Your kids don’t always need all those extras. Sometimes less is more. Perhaps slowing down, cutting back, and finding room for fun and laughter can restore the spark in your family.

So why do we try to do it all while feeling disconnected, off-course, and overwhelmed? Because we’re afraid missing out means failing. But in reality, what’s truly essential isn’t a packed calendar; it’s connection, presence, and yes, moments of lightness.

When the chaos is at its peak and you feel lost, try leaning into humor instead of complaint.

The K.I.S.S. ~ Lean into laughter!

Laughter doesn’t solve everything—but it can cut through tension and remind us that parenting is messy, unpredictable, and human.

How do you find that humor and bring it back to your family when you’re spinning with no clear direction? Here are three ways:

1. Celebrate the Small Wins (and the Silly Ones)

Catch yourself in those moments where something almost disastrous turns out okay—or where your kid does something unexpectedly funny or sweet.

Share those wins with your family. Saying out loud, “Well, we didn’t break anything today!” or laughing over a hilarious mishap can shift the mood. It rewires your brain to see progress and joy instead of only stress.

2. Create a “Goofy Ritual”

Build a simple, silly routine that gets everyone giggling. It could be a goofy dance at breakfast, a joke of the day, or an outrageous bedtime story twist.

Rituals like these give your family a shared moment to breathe and reset. Plus, they build memories that matter far more than the extras on the schedule.

3. Give Yourself Permission to Step Back

You don’t have to be a perfect parent or run a perfect household. Taking breaks, telling yourself this is hard, and even making fun of your own mistakes can lighten the mental load.

When you model this kind of self-kindness, your kids learn it too. You’re teaching resilience—without the pressure of perfection.

Feeling lost isn’t failure. It’s a sign to pause, laugh, and realign with what really feeds your family’s soul. The extra-curriculars aren’t the core—they’re optional add-ons. Connection, presence, and humor? That’s what keeps the family boat afloat. So, when the meltdowns come—and they will—remember: the chaos doesn’t define you. Your ability to find a little laughter amidst the mess does.

You’re not lost. You’re exactly where you need to be. Now go create the kind of family life you actually want—not just the one you think you should have.

“Be present. Be incredible. Be YOU!!!“