Let’s be real: parenting is a challenging journey. Any parent will back me up on that. Gone are the days when I could fall asleep thinking about the next episode of my favorite show. Now, I often lie awake worrying about whether I yelled too much or was too strict with my kids. Did I handle that wrestling match between my son and daughter the right way? Did I give them enough greens? I try to remind myself that tomorrow is a new chance to get it right. Sometimes I succeed, and sometimes, well, tomorrow has its own plans.
As I reflect on my parenting style, I’ve come to terms with the fact that I might be a “mean mom.” Yep, I said it. Just don’t let the kids know I admitted it. My four-year-old has been known to shout in frustration that I’ve ruined his day or even his life when I enforce rules. Ouch, right? But upon reflection, I realize he’s partially right. I do ruin some fun, but I’m confident that my “mean” actions won’t ruin his life. So, I’m embracing my “meanness.” Here are seven traits that define me as a mean mom—traits I’m okay with.
1. I Won’t Always Play
I love spending time with my kids and take them on all sorts of outings—from parks to mountains. But sometimes, I just don’t feel like jumping on the trampoline or engaging in a water fight. It’s important for kids to learn that the world doesn’t revolve around them 100% of the time. They need to respect boundaries, and as their mom, I deserve a break now and then.
2. Sharing Isn’t My Strong Suit
I know I should practice what I preach about sharing, but I struggle with it—especially when it comes to food. While I’m happy to snag a bite of their treats, when they want some of my dinner, I draw the line. After all, they have their own meals, just arranged differently! I’m not running a restaurant here!
3. They Clean Up After Themselves
I’m all about creating memories, but I also can’t stand the mess. With the kids home constantly, we’ve agreed to work as a team to keep the house tidy. They’ve gotten good at putting their toys away and throwing their clothes in drawers, and honestly, it feels like a huge victory to me.
4. No Made-to-Order Meals
I enjoy cooking, but I refuse to serve up a menu for my kids three times a day. I aim for meals that will please the majority. They need to try what’s in front of them, and if they really can’t handle it, I’ll whip up a PB&J until they’re old enough to make their own!
5. One More Chance Means One More Chance
I’ve learned to give my kids two chances to follow instructions. If I have to ask a third time, there’s a consequence. I believe this helps them understand boundaries and keeps things consistent.
6. Consequences for Actions
If my kids misbehave, they need to face the music. I try to establish clear consequences in advance so everyone knows what’s at stake. I don’t want to make promises I can’t keep—no dragging out punishments unless I’m really committed to it.
7. I Yell Sometimes
I won’t sugarcoat it: yelling happens. It’s not my proudest moment, and I don’t defend it. But it’s a human reaction, especially when kids push our buttons. I’m working on this, promising to apologize and strive for a calmer approach moving forward.
So there you have it: my list of “mean mom” traits laid bare. Maybe one day my kids will look back and understand why I did what I did. I hope they’ll recognize that while I might have ruined a day here and there, I haven’t ruined their lives.
If you’re looking for support on this parenting journey, check out Make a Mom for innovative at-home insemination options, and don’t miss out on the free sperm donor matching group for community support. If you want to dive deeper into how at-home insemination works, visit this link. For those interested in fertility options, be sure to explore this intracervical insemination syringe kit for a hands-on approach. Plus, for more information on IVF and related topics, check out the NHS resource.
In summary, it’s okay to be a “mean mom” sometimes. Setting boundaries, not always sharing, and demanding responsibility can lead to a healthy environment for kids to grow and learn.
Leave a Reply