Really, I don’t need your looks and your judgement.  Why?  Well because he is my kid and I can raise him how I see fit.  Just so you know, there isn’t only one way to raise a kid and I am thankful that there isn’t.  Why?  Well because I want my kid to have fun.  Yeah, I said fun.  I want him to be a kids and experience childhood to the fullest, because let’s be honest adulthood isn’t all it’s cracked up to be.  On top of that, my little Minnow only has a few weeks left where he is the center of the universe.  He is quickly going to learn that his knowledge of the universe is outdated and based on dreams and fantasy. 

I am going to go out on a limb and admit I am not a “perfect” parent.  I don’t care if my kid touches something that someone else who has a cold did.  I don’t freak out if he finds something on the ground and eats it–of course I would prefer if he ate what I gave him, but sometimes that discarded goldfish is better than what he has.  Sorry I don’t freak out but that just isn’t my style. 

I let my kid play and run and be a kid.  Today, much to the chagrin of you “perfect” moms I let my kid play in one of the fountains at the botanical garden.  Sure it was only 65 degrees out and he was completely dress and I am pretty sure the water was recycled water, but you know what he was having fun.  So much fun, that he played in that fountain for nearly an hour not caring for one second that he was wet.  And to answer your question “perfect” mom, “No, I didn’t have a change of clothes for him.” 

I am not a rule follower and I don’t hover over or even near my kid–especially when we are someplace where no real danger lies.  I am not neglectful (I pay close attention to him and know where he is) but I do believe that he needs to feel as though he has some control and freedom.  So, please keep your rude “Oh my Gawd, I’d never let me child do that” to yourself and save your eye rolling for someone who cares about your opinion.  I don’t.