Most of us have been struggling with this since we were kids! Remember going to the amusement park, racing through the gates proclaiming, “I'm going on every ride a hundred times!” It didn't take us long to learn that the “unexpected” can get in the way of a well-intended plan. Yet we continue to set ourselves up for disappointment as adults.

How many times have we proclaimed something like, “As soon as I get the laundry done, we'll go. I'll pack some lunch and we'll be out the door by 11:00 . At one o'clock , you're not out the door. In fact, you haven't made a dent in the laundry and there are no lunches. Determined tostick to the plan, you pile everything and every one in the car at 2:00, dripping in sweat. Everyone is hungry, cranky and crying.

Indeed, these are the times when disappointment and frustration sets in — bringing out the worst in us AND somehow carrying over to our children in the form of misbehavior!

Indeed, we have our “household” chores. But we also have children clamoring to get outside and do something different. It's NOT realistic to think we can “household” them on a beautiful summer day.Click here for some tips to accomplish both goals.

One summer, I was sitting at the poolside watching my son's swim lesson when I overheard one mother say to another “Being a parent is a thankless job. I feed, bath, cloth and transport my child one day, then I feed, bath, cloth and transport them the next — It's the same thing every day. From this, I derive no pleasure.”

Wow! It took everything in me to turn my head away from her and lift my jaw. When I did, my eyes fell on my son who was making his way across the pool for the very first time. (I almost missed this big event!) His panicked little face popped up out of the water gasping for air while his eyes measured the distance ahead. Somehow his sloppy stroke and clumsy kick managed to keep him afloat and propel him to the other side. Finally, he made it! And when he did, all fear washed away and a big grin spread across his face. How could that mother possibly say what she did?

Indeed, many of the tasks are mundane and can grow into monotony if you let them. That mother must not allow herself the time to relish in her child's discoveries, or stop and celebrate her child's accomplishments? It's that very thrill that propels a mother through the mundane. Click here to continue.

No need to plan a major outing every day or arrange for friends to come continually. There are countless activities that are easy and fun to do right in your own backyard. Having a list of them handy is a great way to turn an ordinary day into a special one for your and your child(ren). Do a little research online to find easy-to-do activities at home. Or, check with your favorite parenting magazine. Better yet, visit TimeOutTot.com and go to the newsletter. “Tot Times” will be offering a fun activity each month. For this month's activity, click here.

Your job is one of the most challenging, but it is also one of the most rewarding. Stop and enjoy it. They won't be small forever. So, let the laundry sit for a while and the dishes soak. Love your child(ren) and embrace the special joy they bring! Click here for a well-knowm (and inspiring) analogy.

The long summer evenings provide wonderful opportunities for family picnics, bike rides, a walk through the mall or a get-together with another family. These “special occasions” you create, break the monotony of the workweek and add freshness to the relationships with your husband and child(ren).

Since you're the boss-by-day, take some time off and let other family members set the plans. Why not give your children an afternoon or evening to take charge? You're there to set the limits and re-shape unrealistic activities. It will give your child( ren) the satisfaction of accomplishment — and may teach them empathy too!

Don't forget to get Dad involved. Encourage him to take over a day or two. This allows your child( ren) to be exposed to an entirely different approach to fun. (That is, if you can resist the temptation to direct his activities.) Remember, variety is good. It's not only intellectually stimulating, it teaches your child how to get along with different types of people, eat different types of food — and to be flexible.

Whatever you do DON'T criticize your husband's choices. If you do, he won't do it again. But, once he's comfortable and fine-tunes his technique — like you had to — he'll do it more often. Click here continure.