AJBERT, I feel your pain. DH and I have an adult son who was born while we were in college and we have two girls, whom are 11 and 8. I learned so much the first time that I am putting to good use with my "2nd" round of kids.
Mainly: DIRT DON'T HURT!
I am so much more involved with my girls than I was with my son because we were just trying to make enough money to eat and finish school, we grew up together.
I have done so many more things and don't stress over the small stuff like leaves in their hair, dirt on their clothes, and that type stuff that really doesn't matter in the grand scheme of things.
Sorry to hijack the thread.