How to Not Get Mad When Your Kid Makes a Big Mess

It's so easy to get really upset when your little ones make huge messes, but there is a fun way to step back and not get mad.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• One or more mess-prone children
• Camera

1. 
   That's strawberry jam all over the place!

   Take a deep breath. Don't hyperventilate. Subdue that urge to scream.

2. 
   No spaghetti left in the package.

   Run, don't walk, to where you keep your camera.

3. 
   Pulled down a vine.

   Get out your camera and take a picture of the messy child. Trust me, as they grow older these will be your very favorite pictures--and ones you'll never forget! They often become the child's favorite pictures too.

4. 
   How about a little cereal?

   If you like to scrapbook, you can make some really outstanding scrapbook pages out of the photos.

Tips & Warnings

• You won't need to set these things up. Kids can do that all on their own.
• Remember that these little ones really will outgrow this. Really. They will.
• Remember that children are more important than things.

[acole]

on 5/22/2008 Good article!

[krndpx]

on 1/17/2008 Cute! Good going on remembering to grab your camera!

[AbbyNormal]

on 1/17/2008 One of my favorite pictures is of my daughter with tons of cookies in her mouth and all over her and on the floor. :)

[lisajean3939]

on 12/29/2007 Remember, parenting is a reality show and your child is recording it.

[Blackbear]

on 12/9/2007 Wonderful article!