There are moments in parenting when we are simply tired. Tired of repeating ourselves. Tired of correcting the same behavior. Tired of wondering if anything we are doing is actually working.
I remember talking with another mom about our spirited Little Man and feeling completely worn out. During that conversation, she shared a piece of wisdom that has stayed with me ever since.
When her oldest son was born, she asked her grandma for advice on raising children. Her grandma said something so simple, yet so wise:
You can either bandaid the problem or fix the problem.
My friend took those words to heart. When motherhood became hard (because let’s be honest, it always does at some point), she stuck bandaids on her bathroom mirror as a reminder not to take the easy road.
Oh, how I needed that reminder.
The Temptation to Bandaid
As parents, we all know consistency matters. But even the most intentional parent gets tired and frustrated. Sometimes we just want the behavior to stop. Right. Now.
Instead of patiently training, we bandaid.
We choose the quick fix because it easier in the moment.
Here are a few examples of what “bandaiding” can look like:
1. The Bedtime Battle
A child keeps getting out of bed.
The bandaid: Letting a child sleep in your bed every night because you are exhausted and just want sleep.
Fixing the problem: Consistently walking a child back to bed, creating a calming bedtime routine, and patiently teaching healthy sleep habits.
Will it take time? Yes. Is it exhausting? Absolutely. But the long-term goal matters.
2. The Public Meltdown
A child throws a fit in the store.
The bandaid: Handing over a phone or candy every time to stop the meltdown.
Fixing the problem: Teaching expectations before entering the store, following through with consequences, and helping a child learn emotional regulation over time.
Again, this takes work. But children learn through consistency.
3. Speaking Disrespectfully
A child responds with whining or rude words.
The bandaid: Ignoring it because correcting feels exhausting.
Fixing the problem: Calmly stopping the conversation, teaching respectful communication, and requiring a child to try again kindly.
Little by little, training adds up.
Progress Is Slow…But It Is Progress
My husband has reminded me more than once that Little Man’s obedience is improving. Maybe not overnight. Maybe not dramatically. But little by little.
And honestly? Sometimes remembering not to “bandaid” the issue is the only thing that keeps me going when one poor choice seems to roll into another.
(Although hiding in the closet for a few hours occasionally sounds tempting!)
The truth is, parenting is rarely about quick results. Much of what we do is planting seeds we may not see grow for months—or years.
What Are You Bandaiding?
Take a moment to think about it.
Is there an area where you are choosing short-term peace instead of long-term growth?
No judgment here—we have all done it.
But if there is something you know needs consistent training, stay strong. Keep showing up. Keep teaching. Keep guiding.
The hard work you are putting in today will pay off.
Share With Others
Know a tired mom who needs encouragement? Share this post with her. Sometimes we just need the reminder that the slow, consistent work of parenting matters.
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