If you feel like a Taskmaster, raise your hand.

If you feel like the least fun one in your household, raise your other hand.

Then bring both hands and wrap them around your body and give yourself a hug.

You deserve it.

And, so that you know, I feel you on this.

If you are anything like me, you always wonder if you'll ever be carefree again or if, at least, there will come a time when you won't be so slightly insanely driven to be go-go-going and do-do-doing, and dragging your loved ones -- kicking and screaming -- along for the ride.

Now that you have hugged yourself, I want you to jump in the air with the hopes that doing so will help you release some of your perfectionistic tendencies, and, yes, make you look and feel silly.

Lord knows you need it.

Oh no! Did you fall on your arse?

No surprise, 'cause, well, that's what you and I are being when, as parents, we waste so much time focusing on the shiitake that doesn't matter in the long run.

Great manners are wonderful.

Eating politely is respectful.

Turning in your thoroughly completed homework on time, it's stellar.

Good grades are admirable.

Awards and trophies are enviable.

And, always making good choices, it's oh so very impressive.

But, what if we just let our kids be kids and while we're at, we make a little room for and pay more attention to the little one inside of us who is still there but happens to be hiding under a facade of makeup, put-togetherness, seriousness, and a great first impression.

You know, while it's essential for our kids to grow up with structure and for there to be time and task expectations for them, 'cause, heck, the real world is full of such, I'd avow that it's almost more critical that tiny humans grow up with enough headroom around them to fit their big 'ole unique personality and to make mistakes.

Because, as us very flawed adults are well-aware, room for imperfection and time for play means there are pockets for spontaneous joy and space for growth, and I sure as hell don't want to put a restriction or cap on either of those for them or myself.

Don't you agree?