We need breaks from those demanding, discouraging shoulds. One of my favorite forms of prayer is letting go of all the shoulds, all the self-criticisms and plans for the day, and just spending a few moments with Love. Not asking for anything. Or complaining. Or worshipping in any formal way. Just spending time together, with a sense of mutual appreciation. A rest. A hug. Joy in each other. The kind of time we most need to give children - time without agenda.
Of course, we have areas in which we need adjustment, but the relentless "shoulds" often discourage us, exhaust us, and, if unexamined, actually send us in directions counter to our values - responding to "shoulds" that are adopted from other people, or our culture, and don't reflect our deepest values.
Spending time with Love without agenda supports our sense of joy and comfort and has the long term result of helping us see more clearly.