In the realm of parenting, many find that the firstborn often embodies the ideal child. Calm and well-mannered, this “golden child” can make parents feel like they’ve cracked the code to effective parenting. However, one mother is here to expose the myth behind that firstborn perfection.
Meet Lisa Thompson, a mother of three, who recently shared a humorous video titled #RealityCheckLisa. In this clip, she amusingly addresses parents who proudly proclaim their parenting successes based on their one well-behaved child, suggesting that those with more challenging kids are somehow failing.
“I used to believe I was an exceptional parent,” Thompson states, recalling how her first child garnered compliments for her exemplary behavior. “She was sweet and polite, and I thought, ‘Wow, I must be doing everything right to have this golden child.’
As a mom to a similarly well-behaved toddler, I can relate to that feeling of pride. I often hold back from sharing her accomplishments online, aware that it can come off as smugness.
However, Thompson’s perspective shifts dramatically when she introduces her second child, whose loud tantrums echo in the background of her video. “Then I had another kid,” she reflects, “and it hit me—this isn’t a reflection of my parenting. One child flourishes while the other is in meltdown mode.”
Her observations resonate with many parents, especially those like me who may be contemplating a second child. The chaos of parenting can be daunting, and videos like Thompson’s serve as a stark reminder of the unpredictability that comes with raising multiple children.
Thompson also discusses the difference in feedback she receives when posting about her son versus her daughter. Often, she faces judgment from other parents regarding her discipline techniques, with remarks like, “My kids know how to behave.” How helpful, right?
“Once you have more than one child, you realize they are each unique. What works for my five-year-old may not work for my two-year-old,” she explains. She confesses to having been part of the judgmental crowd before the arrival of her second child, admitting that a well-behaved firstborn can create a false sense of security.
Thompson humorously addresses the unsolicited advice she receives, mimicking the condescending tone of a fellow parent. “Oh, thank you, Lisa—because I hadn’t thought of disciplining him!” she quips, highlighting the absurdity of such comments.
Despite having a golden child, I can confidently say that I’m no Lisa—those who judge are often the least understanding. Each child is a unique individual, and parenting must adapt accordingly.
In her closing thoughts, Thompson reassures parents of spirited children, encouraging them to ease up on themselves and recognize that the challenges they face are not a reflection of their skills. “The firstborn is like a clever ruse to get you to have more kids,” she jokes.
“So to all the moms out there with a ‘sour patch kid,’ know that you’re not alone,” she adds, giving permission to dismiss the judgmental comments from those who don’t understand. “Let them come over and try to manage your kids; they’ll soon realize it’s not as easy as it looks.”
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Summary: Lisa Thompson humorously debunks the myth of the “golden child” in her video #RealityCheckLisa, reminding parents that each child has a distinct personality, often leading to varied parenting experiences. She encourages parents of spirited children to cut themselves some slack and reject unsolicited advice from judgmental peers.
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