Motherhood has assigned me a variety of roles—mom, chef, educator, driver, housekeeper, and the one who patches up scrapes. However, I never anticipated that “hypocrite” would be one of the labels I’d wear. I’ve transformed into a champion of double standards, a violator of my own beliefs, and a prime example of the parental saying, “do as I say, not as I do.”
As the mother of two teenagers (with a third on the brink of adolescence), I know that teens have a remarkable talent for spotting hypocrisy. And they’re not shy about calling me out, either, with their dramatic eye-rolls and snarky comments. Here are a few ways I’ve become the biggest hypocrite ever:
- Expecting Responsibility: I tell my kids they need to keep track of their belongings. They’re not toddlers anymore, after all. But at least ten times a day, one of them asks, “Where are my shoes?” or “Can you find my clean socks?” My response is always, “I’m not responsible for your stuff!” (Feel free to hand over my Mom of the Year Award.) Meanwhile, I can never find my car keys. Just the other day, in a flurry to leave the house, I asked my kids if they had seen them—only to hear my son mutter, “It’s not my responsibility to keep up with your crap.” I rolled my eyes in reply.
- Portion Control Preaching: I enforce strict portion control at snack time. The package says three Oreos are a serving? Then that’s all they can have. Sure, it makes me the meanest mom ever, but without this rule, we’d be out of snacks in no time. Yet, when the kids are asleep, I find myself finishing off my third glass of wine. It doesn’t count as hypocrisy if I’m not caught, right?
- Manners Matter: I emphasize the importance of politeness and civility to my children. I remind them that manners differentiate us from animals. Yet, when a BMW cuts me off in traffic, I can’t help but unleash a few choice words.
- Tidy Home, Tidy Mind: I stress the need for everyone to pick up after themselves. In a family of six, disorder can quickly take over. So, I insist they put away their clothes and toys. Meanwhile, my socks have been on the floor next to the computer for two days, and clean laundry is piled high everywhere.
- Screen Time Limits: I constantly tell my kids to limit their screen time and engage in more productive activities. “Go outside, read a book!” I insist. Yet, I find myself mindlessly scrolling through Facebook multiple times a day—all while chuckling at Grumpy Cat memes.
- Social Media Savvy: I’ve lectured my teens about being cautious with their social media posts, explaining that once it’s out there, it’s permanent. They should keep personal information private for their safety. Ironically, I maintain a blog about my parenting experiences for everyone to see. For more insights on navigating social media, check out this excellent resource on fertility treatments from March of Dimes.
In conclusion, these are just a few examples of how I’ve become a walking contradiction in my parenting journey. It’s a daily balancing act of setting rules for my kids while bending them for myself. If you’re navigating similar waters, you’re not alone—hypocrisy in parenting is a common struggle. For those seeking more guidance, consider exploring fertility support resources.