Being a parent is hard enough without feeling guilty or self-conscious about every decision that you make. Sometimes as a parent, you have to just let your hair down and absolve the fact that you may not find the answer in “What to Expect the First Year” or follow Dr. Phil’s advice all the time. Sometimes you just have to follow your instincts and do what you feel is best and leave the guilt behind.

Here are 10 things that you should allow yourself to do without feeling ashamed.

1. Taking a girls trip- Everyone needs a break from work, kids and even the husband. Besides, absence makes the heart grow fonder, right?

2. Not being the class mom- Although you know that if you leave 15 minutes early and stay up late, you can get to the classroom in time for field trips and the monthly newsletter, but who are you kidding, you don’t really want that kind of pressure so don’t force the issue.

3. Shopping at Target for the kids and Neiman’s for yourself- They’ll grow out of their clothes in 2 weeks, plus you just lost 3 pounds, you deserve a treat!

4. Ignoring the baby monitor- She’s fed and changed. All she wants is to get out of her crib and all you need is 2 more minutes of sanity before you go rescue her.

5. Reading “Us” magazine- The kids are sleeping and you know you should be cleaning, make a grocery list or planning his 8th birthday party but all you can manage to do is sit on the couch and read about the latest Hollywood break ups. Besides, it’s important that you keep up with pop culture so you can relate to the kids.

6. Forgetting the teddy- You didn’t forget. The thing is covered in ketchup and dirt and desperately needs to be washed, but she won’t let it out of her sight for 2 seconds so you take a drop-off playdate as the perfect moment to wash that thing…and maybe “lose” it?

7. Locking the bathroom door- Seriously, is there no such thing as privacy after kids?

8. Hitting up the trick or treat bag- He racked up this year. He’ll never notice a few pieces of chocolate missing. Plus, you’re testing it to make sure it’s ok anyway.

9. Yelling at the kids for something you did- Sure, you left the top off the milk and forgot and blamed the kids, oops. Well, at least they know you can snap at any moment and won’t test you.

10. Hiding the cookies- These are mommy’s special treats to enjoy with “Us” magazine once everyone has gone to bed.

Do you have any guilt-free mom advise?