A few weeks ago, I noticed an alarming trend in my kids’ behavior. The phrase “Do I have to?” began to escape their lips with alarming frequency as if it were a perfectly acceptable response to any request I made. As if I would respond with, “No, my dear, you needn’t do anything except exist and indulge in ice cream sandwiches.“
This shift occurred when I asked them to complete simple tasks, from picking up their clothes to practicing their musical instruments, and even getting ready for bed. The dreaded phrase was delivered in a long, drawn-out whine that could make the neighbor’s dogs howl and my patience dwindle. I often found myself staring in disbelief, contemplating how I had raised children who could hardly be bothered to perform daily chores.
“No, you don’t have to do anything,” I would retort. “Just like I don’t have to restrain myself from spending your college funds on shoes.” My sarcasm would typically earn me a lackluster eye roll, followed by their slow, reluctant compliance as if I had asked them to donate a limb rather than simply brush their teeth. It was frustrating to witness.
From the moment my children were born, I had been determined to prevent them from becoming spoiled. I vowed never to become their maid and insisted they learn to take care of themselves as soon as they were physically capable. My goal was for them to grow into respectful and responsible members of our family, contributing instead of acting entitled.
However, I was now confronted with the harsh reality that my children were indeed exhibiting spoiled behavior, and I realized we had only ourselves to blame. The shift likely stemmed from our recent lapse in monitoring their screen time. As parents, we had become complacent. Instead of encouraging them to go outside after school, I would think, “They just need a little downtime,” until one day I caught my son trying to navigate the stairs while engrossed in a movie on his iPad. This was around the same time the phrase “Do I have to?” began to permeate our household. They were neglecting to say basic polite phrases like “please” and “thank you,” and every request turned into a tug-of-war, leaving me utterly drained and exasperated.
This is the challenging part of parenting—the effort required to cultivate responsibility. Kids can be delightful, but teaching them to grow up without acting like spoiled brats is a task in itself. When they throw tantrums in public, it can be downright embarrassing, and I enjoy taking them out into the world.
In response to this troubling behavior, my family held a mini-intervention. We recognized our role in this situation and committed to being more vigilant about screen time. We discussed our expectations, emphasizing that if they wanted to enjoy the perks of family life, they had to pull their weight—because who wouldn’t want bacon and love?
Parenting demands significant time, energy, and even the occasional garbage bag. I understand the desire to resist immediate compliance to requests, but respect for one another must take precedence. The effort is worth it when you can enjoy your children’s company without the urge to strangle them with their own discarded jackets.
So, I pledge to invest the necessary time and effort to ensure we raise children who contribute positively to society. I hope you’ll join us in this endeavor. For those interested in home insemination options, check out this resource for more information. Additionally, this link provides a comprehensive kit for those serious about the topic. For further reading on related topics, visit this excellent resource for insights into pregnancy and home insemination.
In summary, when children start to act spoiled, it’s a clear signal that a change is needed. By reinforcing expectations and limits, parents can help their children grow into respectful and responsible individuals.
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