Honesty is a cornerstone of our household. We strive to be truthful with our kids and expect the same from them. However, that doesn’t mean they need to know every little thing I do, especially when some of those actions might not sit well with them. As the mom, I often have to make tough decisions behind their backs to keep our home running smoothly. Here are some of the “sneaky” things I do that my kids might find appalling:
1. Toss Their Artwork in the Recycling Bin
I’ll be honest: sometimes it’s hard to part with those colorful scribbles and imaginative creations. But let’s face it—I can’t keep every single piece of artwork. When they grow up and see the few treasures I saved, I doubt they’ll wonder about the mountains of other stuff. I just have to be clever about getting rid of things while they’re out, or I risk hearing “Mom, why is my masterpiece in the recycling?” There’s no good response to that question, no matter how logical my reasoning seems.
2. Indulge in Treats After Bedtime
We aim to maintain a healthy diet (though we don’t always succeed), but after a long day, my partner and I sometimes sneak a bowl of ice cream once the kids are tucked in. It’s not that they don’t have their fair share of treats; it’s just that I don’t feel the need to share every indulgence. Besides, they’re not forced to eat my quinoa muffins, so it all evens out, right?
3. Decline Invitations They’re Excited About
Sometimes, I receive party invitations that I know won’t work for our schedule—or I just don’t feel like attending. Rather than risk a meltdown by explaining why we can’t go, I simply respond “no” without involving my kids in the decision process.
4. Hide Noisy Toys
No one warned me that certain toys, like a singing Furby, can be relentless. If my child isn’t able to locate it for a while, I consider it a small victory. My priority is to maintain a peaceful home, and if hiding a few annoying toys helps achieve that, so be it!
5. Vent About Their Friends
Most of my kids’ friends are delightful—funny, kind, and well-mannered. However, some aren’t quite as great. After a particularly challenging encounter, like when a child refused to enter my car, I sometimes need to vent to my partner. I know all kids have their quirks, but that doesn’t mean I can’t express my frustrations!
6. Donate Clothes They Adore (But I Don’t)
Kids often don’t realize when they’ve outgrown their favorite outfits. After a few weeks of trying to reason with them, I might sneak those items out of their closets when they aren’t looking. I usually keep things hidden for a while just in case they ask, but if no one notices, off to charity it goes!
While these actions may seem harsh, as a mother, I believe it’s my responsibility to make choices that are in the best interest of our family. Kids don’t need to be involved in every decision, and sometimes it’s better that they remain blissfully unaware.
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Summary:
In the journey of motherhood, we often make decisions that our kids may not understand or appreciate. From discreetly recycling their art to enjoying late-night treats, these choices are part of maintaining a smooth household. While they might sound sneaky, they ultimately reflect my commitment to family well-being.