I’ve never been one to sugarcoat things, and becoming a parent hasn’t changed that. It frustrates me to see how many other parents go out of their way to dodge responsibility for their kids’ bad behavior. And let’s be honest—most kids can be pretty annoying, just like most parents. (No offense intended; I often find parenting to be a challenge!)
While it’s true that we all make excuses for our kids at times—some of which are justified—it doesn’t mean we should overlook their misbehavior. As a nearly 40-year-old, I can barely manage my own emotions (especially when my 5-year-old decides to wake me up at 2 a.m. by launching himself onto my lap), so I certainly don’t expect my kids to have it figured out.
However, that doesn’t mean they should get a free pass every time they act out. When my 5-year-old misbehaves, I’m okay with calling him out on it. Kids can be brats sometimes—that’s just a fact of life that used to be widely accepted.
The Euphemisms We Use
How many times have you heard a parent describe their child as “strong-willed,” “defiant,” or “spirited”? These are just euphemisms for “my child is a handful” and “I’m at my wit’s end.” I’m not judging anyone’s parenting; I can’t possibly know why your child is bouncing off the walls, ignoring your calls, snatching toys from others, or throwing tantrums out of nowhere. I don’t live in your home. Maybe they watch too much TV, or maybe there’s a lack of structure, affection, or they just have an overabundance of sugar. Who knows?
Honestly, I can barely keep my life together, let alone micromanage my children’s behavior. So I won’t judge. Not every child is a saint, and it’s not always the parents’ fault. But, for goodness’ sake, can we please stop pretending that our kids are perfect little angels? Sometimes, they might just be little terrors. They aren’t spirited; they’re more like tiny tornadoes. They’re not strong-willed; they’re testing the limits. They’re not just defiant; they can be downright mischievous.
The Honest Parent
Of course, don’t say these things directly to their faces, but feel free to share them with me! In fact, I’d love to hear your honest thoughts because I’ll certainly be sharing mine about my own kids.
Which parent would you rather hang out with? One who insists their child can do no wrong and makes excuses for every misstep? Or the one who occasionally mutters under their breath about their little rascal, who admits that sometimes, they struggle to love their child’s behavior, and who can outright say, “He can be a real brat at times”?
Why are we so hesitant to speak candidly about our children? Do you know any adults who are flawless? I certainly don’t—especially not myself. Why should we expect our children, who are still developing emotionally and socially, to be any different?
Embracing Reality
The sooner we accept that our kids are just as flawed as anyone else, the better off we’ll be. Imagine sharing a drink with a fellow parent on “Realism Island,” where we can both acknowledge that our kids can drive us crazy instead of pretending their misbehavior is simply part of their unique charm. The bar is open!
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In summary, it’s perfectly alright to acknowledge that your child can be a bit of a brat at times. Embracing this truth can lead to more honest conversations among parents and a better understanding of the challenges we all face.