Right now, my kids are less than thrilled with me. Why? Well, there are countless reasons. As their mother—not their buddy—I often find myself on the receiving end of their frustration.
Do I desire a strong bond with my children? Absolutely. Do I want their love and respect? Without a doubt. And yes, I aim to be their safe haven, their staunchest supporter, and their fiercest protector. But being their friend? No, thanks. I’m their mom, and that often means they’re unhappy with me. In fact, I’ve proudly earned the title of World’s Toughest Mom more than once. And you know what? I’m completely okay with that.
The Reality of Parenting
Here’s the reality: I don’t believe I need to be pals with my kids, or that it’s even appropriate. I certainly wouldn’t let a friend off the hook for the behaviors my children occasionally exhibit. They’re still learning, and it’s my role to guide them. Sometimes, that requires me to take on the mantle of the World’s Toughest Mom, which inevitably results in a few upset faces.
I’m generally a lenient parent regarding many things—perhaps even most things—but that doesn’t mean my kids don’t get irritated with me regularly. For example, if I say “yes” to a treat, they might get mad if I pick barbecue chips that are a shade too bright or if I serve them in the orange bowl instead of the blue one. When I allow extra screen time, they’re bound to be upset when I eventually cut it off, whether it’s after 10 minutes or 10 hours. The more I say “yes,” the more they want, and that leads to a child who’s often disgruntled.
Everyday Frustrations
Given the considerable time we spend commuting, my kids frequently express their annoyance in the car. They get upset when I drive too slowly or start singing along to the radio—especially if I dare to sing the actual lyrics instead of the funny made-up ones they prefer. When they complain about my singing, I only turn up the volume! I also frustrate them by dropping them off at school “too late,” which, in my world, means 10 minutes early—because they love to chat with their friends before class. They’re even more annoyed when I properly pull up to the carpool line instead of letting them leap out of a moving vehicle at the school entrance. Believe me, there have been countless mornings filled with forced goodbyes and “I love yous” that are said through clenched smiles.
But that’s not all! I also ruin their dreams of living in squalor by doing things like washing their clothes and blankets. Apparently, they prefer snuggling with a grimy rag while they sleep. If they complain about cleaning their favorite blankets, imagine the chaos I create when I make them take a shower—complete with soap! And when it comes to washing their hair? Well, that’s a surefire way to trigger a monumental tantrum, solidifying my title as the World’s Toughest Mom. But guess what? They end up taking that shower with soap and shampoo, no exceptions.
More Than Just Tough Love
Of course, it takes more than laundry and hygiene to earn the title of World’s Toughest Mom. I’m not new to this, folks. It requires things like compliments and affection. Saying, “What a fantastic drawing!” or “I love your shirt,” and giving them overly tight hugs before bedtime can quickly add to my tally of mean mom points. Cooking for them and cleaning up after their messes also contribute. I’ve managed to annoy them by adding cheese to a grilled cheese sandwich and cutting it into squares instead of triangles. And if you want a guaranteed way to frustrate a child, just tidy up the Legos that have been sprawled across the kitchen floor for days because they were “still playing” with them.
I find countless ways to irritate my kids daily—well, maybe not thousands, but certainly hundreds. And I’m more than okay with that. I accept my role because I am not their friend.
What I get to be is something far more valuable: their mom. If that means being the source of their frustration now and then, then so be it.
Resources for Parents
For those interested in exploring more about parenting, you can check out this resource on artificial insemination, which offers valuable insights on the topic. If you’re on a fertility journey, our post on couples fertility is a great read. Also, be sure to learn about ethnic-based genetic screening before starting a family.
Conclusion
In summary, being a parent is tough, and sometimes it means being the “mean mom” for the greater good. The important thing is knowing that this role helps shape our children into respectful and responsible individuals.