Let Them: My New Mantra for Parenting, Work, and Staying Sane

I’ve been hooked on The Let Them Theory by Mel Robbins, and it’s completely changed how I approach life. The idea is simple but powerful: stop trying to control everything and everyone. Let people do their thing, make their own choices, and handle their own consequences. It’s liberating—and honestly, a little terrifying at first.

As a parent of college-aged kids, this hit really close to home. For years, I had this habit of swooping in to “save” them. Forgot to register for classes? I’m on it. No clean clothes? I’ll remind you (again) to do laundry. Running low on snacks? I’ll Amazon Prime a Costco-sized box of granola bars! But you know what? That’s not my job anymore. I’m not a helicopter; I’m officially grounded. So now what? I pause and think, Let them. Forgot to register? Let them. Ran out of socks? Let them. Turns out, they survive—and they learn way faster when I get out of the way. Who knew?

But it’s not just parenting. Let Them has been a lifesaver at work, too. You know those moments when a project is heading off the rails, and your first instinct is to micromanage or stress yourself out trying to fix it? I’ve learned to let them take ownership and trust that things will work out—or that we’ll all learn something if they don’t. It’s not about being passive. It’s about knowing where my responsibility ends and being okay with whatever happens next.

And then there’s friendships—another area where this book hit home. The chapter on childhood vs. adult friendships blew my mind. Mel talks about how friendships in adulthood thrive on timing, proximity, and energy. That explains so much! When friendships shift, it doesn’t mean they’re over—it just means life is pulling you in different directions for now. Some friendships pick back up when the timing is right, and others settle into a different rhythm. Instead of forcing things, I’ve learned to let them change naturally. It’s not a loss; it’s just life unfolding the way it’s meant to. It’s not personal; it’s just life.

Letting go isn’t about giving up. It’s about making space for what actually brings you peace. And the best part? I’m less stressed, more present, and no longer wasting my energy trying to control the uncontrollable. So, if you’re feeling overwhelmed by life, relationships, or work, I highly recommend giving Let Them a listen. Just remember: mismatched socks build character.