As a parent, I strive to create a level playing field for my children. I make sure their drinks are poured evenly, share stories from their early years simultaneously, and ensure they each have equal representation in family photos and extracurricular activities. Despite my best intentions, my three kids frequently accuse me of favoritism, claiming that their lives are unfair.
After noting their grievances, I’ve come to realize they may have a point. Here are just a few reasons they feel life is unjust:
- They must take a shower every night if they smell, even if they had one just the night before.
- My coffee is off-limits to them.
- They have to lug their own backpacks to the car.
- When one finds a stray cookie, the others must wait for the next day for a sweet treat.
- They have to deal with crusts on their bread.
- Minecraft videos are not allowed to blast through the iPad while I’m in the kitchen.
- They get woken up in the morning.
- And they have to go to bed at a reasonable hour.
- Jumping in puddles while wearing new shoes annoys me.
- If it’s below 35 degrees outside, jackets are mandatory.
- Eating upstairs is a no-go.
- The eldest gets an extra 15 minutes of TV time.
- This means she has watched considerably more television over the years than her siblings.
- School nights mean no late outdoor play past 7:15.
- Dental hygiene is a must.
- They had to join me on a bank run last week.
- Homework is non-negotiable.
- Outdoor recess is canceled if it rains.
- The ratio of crust to pizza is terribly unbalanced.
- Lily is the only girl in the house.
- They have to contend with shoelaces.
- No riding bikes or scooters inside the house.
- Evan has to wear glasses.
- But Evan also gets to wear glasses.
- Our spring break means a long drive to Florida instead of flying.
- Monday mornings are universally disliked.
- They are restricted from watching PG-13 movies.
- Shoes must be cleaned off before entering the house.
- Soda is not permitted.
- The boys have both a brother and a sister, and they think that’s unfair.
- I made Evan the last waffle yesterday.
- Helmets are required when biking outdoors.
- Sleepovers on school nights? Forget it.
- Lily will have a blast at overnight camp this summer, leaving the boys behind.
- Yet, she will miss out on fun at home too!
- Spelling tests are a necessary evil.
- Lily used too much hot water last night, leaving Ben with a five-minute shower.
- They never get to skip school for no reason.
- They don’t each have their own kitten.
- Or any kitten, for that matter.
- Haircuts are an inevitable chore.
- They can’t dictate dinner choices every night.
- Remote controls are not allowed in their rooms.
- Toenail trimming is part of life.
- My computer is off-limits to them.
- Thank-you notes are mandatory.
- Lily often gets to do everything first.
- Ben has both an older sibling and a younger one to contend with.
- Evan might feel like he’s getting more attention.
- And they all have to eat their vegetables.
While I try to create a balanced environment, it seems that fairness is a complex concept. If you’re interested in parenting tips and support, check out our posts, like this one about home insemination kits. For more in-depth understanding, you can visit this resource on pregnancy. And if you’re looking for effective cleaning solutions, this dual-purpose cleanser is worth exploring.
In summary, while I do my best to ensure my kids feel treated equally, they often find reasons to argue that life is unfair. Their complaints highlight the daily struggles of parenting and the challenges of maintaining balance in their lives.
