As a parent, I put considerable effort into ensuring that my children feel treated equally. I carefully portion their drinks, making sure not to fill their glasses to the brim, just in case I run out. When I share a funny story about one child’s early years, I promptly recount a similar tale for the others, ensuring they all feel included. Our home is adorned with pictures that equally showcase each of them, and they all participate in the same number of extracurricular activities.
Despite my diligent attempts, it seems I fall short daily. My three kids frequently voice their grievances, claiming I favor one over the others or that their lives are riddled with unfairness. After taking note of their complaints, I must admit, they do have a point; their lives are indeed full of injustices. Here are just a few examples:
- They must shower if they smell, even if they bathed the previous night.
- My coffee is off-limits to them.
- They have to lug their own backpacks to the car.
- Recently, Sam discovered a stray chocolate chip on the counter and snatched it up, leaving Alex and Mia to wait until the next day for their treat.
- Bread always has to come with crust.
- They aren’t allowed to blast Minecraft videos while I’m busy cooking.
- Each morning, they face the harsh reality of waking up early.
- And they must go to bed at a reasonable time each night.
- I get irritated when they leap into puddles wearing fresh shoes.
- If it’s below 35 degrees outside, jackets are mandatory.
- Eating upstairs? Not happening.
- Mia gets an extra 15 minutes of screen time compared to her brothers at night.
- As the eldest, she has accumulated years more television-watching experience than they have.
- No playing outside on school nights after 7:15 PM.
- They must brush their teeth regularly.
- They had to tag along when I visited the bank’s drive-thru last week.
- Homework is a must.
- Outdoor recess is canceled when it rains.
- The pizza crust-to-topping ratio never seems fair.
- Mia is the only girl in the bunch.
- They must deal with annoying shoelaces.
- Riding bikes or scooters indoors? Absolutely not.
- Alex has to wear glasses, which he sometimes despises.
- On the flip side, Alex is also lucky to wear glasses.
- Our family road trip to Florida over spring break? No flying for us.
- Monday mornings are universally dreadful.
- They’re restricted from watching PG-13 movies.
- They must remove muddy footwear before entering the house.
- Soda is strictly prohibited.
- The boys have both a brother and a sister, which is a mixed blessing.
- I served Alex the last waffle yesterday morning.
- Safety helmets are compulsory during outdoor bike rides.
- Sleepovers are off-limits on school nights.
- Mia gets to go to overnight camp this summer, missing fun times at home.
- Conversely, she’ll also enjoy activities without her brothers.
- Spelling tests are a dreaded reality.
- Mia used too much hot water last night, leaving Sam with just a five-minute shower.
- They never get a day off from school for no reason.
- They don’t all get their own kittens.
- Not a single kitten graces our home.
- Haircuts are non-negotiable.
- They don’t have the luxury of choosing dinner options every night.
- Remote controls must remain in common areas—no keeping them in their rooms.
- Toenail trimming? A necessary evil.
- Using my computer is a privilege they don’t have.
- Writing thank-you notes is mandatory.
- Mia gets to do everything first, simply because she’s the oldest.
- Alex has both an older and a younger sibling.
- Sam occasionally gets babied.
- And vegetables? They’re a part of every meal.
As parents, we try to strike a balance, but it’s clear that the perceived injustices abound.
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In conclusion, while I strive for fairness, life with kids is often filled with perceived inequities that keep us on our toes.