Your guide to activities and fun things to do with your preschoolers, toddlers and kids in Milwaukee, WI

My pre-schooler is what some would call "spirited" or "strong-willed".  If I wanted to, I could many a battle during the course of our days. Through trial by fire, I have learned to let many things go. In the grand scheme of things, I have to step back and ask myself- will this matter in a month? In three months? In three years? If the answer is no, I (try to) let it go.

Life with a pre-schooler is rarely black and white. Here are five things that could matter or not matter in our house, depending upon the circumstances and how we handle them:

1. What he is wearing.

Is he wearing a pajama shirt to school? Perhaps.

Will he be warm enough? Yes. Let it go.

Will he be warm enough? No. He can still wear the pajama shirt, but I will insist he wear another shirt over it. Usually does the trick.

2. When he is eating what he is eating.

Is he eating crackers for breakfast? Could be.

Are they sugar coated? No. Let it go.

Are they sugar coated? Yes. He can eat a healthier version, but the sugary ones have to go.

3. Trying new foods

Hand down. Let it go. In our house it creates stressful meals. I prefer to let him eat the same healthy things over and over than have a battle over trying to force him to try something he doesn't want to.

4. Television. (Watching Noggin or PBS).

Has he had a busy need and need some time to chill out?  Yes. Let it go, but set expectations, for example, you can watch two shows then it is time to read books.

Has he had enough for one day and needs to do something else? Stand our ground. Time to turn on music instead.

5. Sleeping in my bed.

Hands down. Three people sleeping in my bed at four AM is better than no one sleeping anywhere at four AM. Let it go. Period.

What are your deal breakers? What do you let slide and how do you decide when to do it?