As a parent, my primary responsibility is to ensure my children are nurtured and supported, whether it’s providing them with healthy meals or advocating for them when they need a voice. However, there are certain things I simply refuse to do for them, and here’s the list:
- Prepare Multiple Dinners
In our home, dinner is what’s served. Unless a child has a genuine dietary restriction or has truly given something a fair chance and doesn’t enjoy it, I won’t be making alternate meals just because they dislike the broccoli or think the rice is too “ricey.” - Cave to Complaining
We need to understand that kindness, responsibility, and cooperation get us what we want, not whining or acting like little tyrants. I won’t deprive my kids of joy, but I also won’t reward them for bad behavior. - Complete Their Homework
I’ve already graduated, and while I’m here to support my kids with their schoolwork, I won’t do it for them. Experiencing failure is part of learning, and I want them to take pride in their own achievements. - Replace Broken Toys
If a cherished toy breaks due to an accident, I might consider getting a new one. But if it’s the result of carelessness, that’s on them. Toys cost money, and I won’t be throwing it away. - Buy Every New Gadget
Just because their friends have the latest tech doesn’t mean I will buy it for them. My mom used to say, “I’m not your friend’s parent,” and I echo that sentiment. If they want something pricey, they can ask their friend’s mom! - Allow Endless Screen Time
While I’m okay with some TV and tablet time, I won’t let my kids turn into couch potatoes. It’s important that they learn when to relax and when to be active. - Search for Lost Items
Kids, you have eyes! Most of the things you “lost” are right in front of you. As my grandmother would say, if it were a snake, it would have bitten you by now. - Clean Up Their Messes
I’m Mom, not a maid. While I’ll help when needed, I’m not dedicating my life to picking up after them. They’ll appreciate this later when they have to manage their own households. - Drive Them to School
There’s a perfectly good school bus that runs through our neighborhood. Riding it may not be the coolest option, but it’s part of growing up. - Buy Designer Clothes
I don’t even own designer attire. Besides, bills are a reality I need to face. If they want something fancy, they can chip in with their savings. - Fight Their Battles
If they have issues with teachers or peers, I encourage them to advocate for themselves. I’m here for support, but they need to learn how to solve problems independently. - Deliver Forgotten Items to School
I’m open to helping occasionally, but if forgetfulness becomes a pattern, they need to learn responsibility. I won’t be their personal courier. - Attend Job Interviews with Them
It’s becoming common for parents to accompany their kids on job interviews, but not in my household. They need to step into adulthood on their own. - Be a Constant Source of Cash
I might help with a movie or outing once in a while, but I refuse to be an ATM. If they want money, they should get a part-time job or do more chores at home. - Gift a New Car for Their 16th Birthday
I haven’t had a new car in ages, so I’m not buying one for my kids just because they got their driver’s license. I might help with a used car if they contribute. - Allow Solo Spring Break Trips
I know some parents do this, but I’ve got stories from my own high school days that make me hesitant. No solo trips for my kids until they’re much older. - Permit Sleepovers on School Nights
I used to resent my parents for this rule, but now I see the value. Weeknights are for rest and preparation for the next day, which is important for success. - Let Girlfriends/Boyfriends Spend the Night
I’m not naive, and I certainly don’t want to be a grandparent anytime soon. - Host Parties with Alcohol
My role is to teach responsible behavior, not throw wild parties. The only Captain I want in my home is Captain Underpants. - Allow All-Nighters Out
Not every parent enforces this rule, but in my home, we have curfews for a reason.
Refusing to indulge every whim of my kids isn’t about stifling their happiness; it’s about preparing them for a self-sufficient life where they respect themselves and others. Isn’t that the ultimate goal of parenting? Helping them understand and achieve this is exactly what I should do for them.
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Summary:
This article outlines 20 things a parent refuses to do for their kids, emphasizing the importance of fostering independence, responsibility, and self-sufficiency. From not cooking multiple meals to encouraging self-advocacy, the author highlights how these decisions are aimed at helping children grow into respectful adults.