Parenthood has been one of the most humbling experiences of my life—challenging, rewarding, and full of unexpected lessons. Before I became a parent, I was pretty confident in how I’d approach things. I’d see kids refusing to eat their dinner or insisting on the same meal every day, and I’d think, That’s just lazy parenting, I won’t let that happen. Famous last words.
Enter my son, currently in the prime of his “picky eating” phase. Just about every morning, like clockwork, he asks for the same thing: peanut butter waffles. Not pancakes. Not eggs. Not the smoothie I so graciously offer. Waffles. Peanut butter. Same plate. Same ritual. It used to drive me nuts. I’d think, How can he eat the same thing every single day? Am I failing as a parent if I don’t expand his horizons? But as all parents eventually learn, you have to pick and choose your battles.
And here’s the humbling part: I started to see the wisdom in his predictable little ritual. For my son, there’s comfort in consistency. In a world that’s big, overwhelming, and constantly changing, that one thing—peanut butter waffles—is dependable. It’s something he can count on, and that stability brings him a sense of peace.
The same is true in many aspects of life, including financial planning. The noise around us—headlines, market swings, big decisions—can make us feel like we need to change course constantly. But often, success comes from leaning into what works and staying consistent. A solid plan, just like my son’s breakfast choice, provides a foundation you can rely on, even when everything else feels uncertain.
So while I’m still encouraging him to try new things (because growth matters, too), I’ve learned not to dismiss the value of his comfort in consistency. It’s a humbling reminder that sometimes the simplest things are the most powerful.
