As a mother, I’ve accumulated a plethora of roles: cook, educator, chauffeur, and, of course, the one who kisses away the boo-boos. However, I never anticipated adding “hypocrite” to my list of titles. I’ve become an expert in double standards, often embodying the parental mantra, “do as I say, not as I do.” With two teenagers and another child approaching their teenage years, I’ve found that they are exceptionally skilled at identifying hypocrisy in our household. Let’s explore some of the ways I find myself contradicting my own teachings.
1. Expecting Responsibility
I insist my children manage their belongings. After all, they are no longer toddlers; they should embrace some personal accountability. Yet, I often hear them asking, “Have you seen my shoes?” or “Where are my clean socks?” My response is always, “It’s not my job to keep track of your stuff!” Ironically, I can never locate my own car keys. Just the other day, in a rush, I asked my kids if they had seen them. I could’ve sworn I heard my son mutter something similar to my usual retort. Hypocrisy? Absolutely.
2. Enforcing Portion Control
I adamantly preach the importance of moderation when it comes to snacks. If the package of Oreos states a serving size is three cookies, then that’s what they should adhere to. I realize this makes me seem like the strictest mom on the planet, but it’s essential to prevent snack binges. Meanwhile, I find myself indulging in my third glass of wine after the kids are asleep—surely that doesn’t count as hypocrisy if no one’s watching?
3. Promoting Good Manners
I tell my children how crucial it is to treat everyone with kindness and respect. Manners distinguish us from animals, I explain. Yet, when a car cuts me off, I find myself shouting obscenities, completely disregarding my own advice.
4. Encouraging Organization
I emphasize the need for everyone to tidy up after themselves. With a family of six, leaving things strewn about would create chaos. So, I urge them to pick up their clothes and toys. However, my own dirty socks linger on the floor while piles of clean laundry sit unfolded throughout the house.
5. Limiting Screen Time
I often discourage my children from spending excessive hours in front of the television. “There are better ways to spend your time,” I insist, urging them to read or play outside. Yet, I find myself scrolling through Facebook multiple times a day, captivated by amusing memes.
6. Cautioning About Social Media
I lecture my teens on the risks of oversharing on social media, stressing that once something is posted, it’s out there forever. I advise them to maintain their privacy. Meanwhile, I manage a mom blog, sharing my life experiences online.
In summary, parenting often leads us to unexpected contradictions. While I strive to guide my children with principles of responsibility, healthy habits, and good manners, I frequently find myself failing to live up to those very standards. It’s a humbling realization that perhaps we’re all a bit hypocritical in our parenting journeys.
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