When I was a newlywed in my early twenties, dreaming about parenthood felt like painting a beautiful picture filled with whimsical moments. I envisioned sunny Saturdays at the farmers market, with my kids joyfully sampling fresh veggies and skipping from stall to stall in search of the perfect carrot. But, oh how reality shifted my perspective.
During our first farmers market outing, my son grabbed a broccoli floret from a vendor, took a bite, spat it out, and declared it “nasty!” My sparkling fantasies crumbled, and now, instead of daydreaming about parenting, I’ve compiled a list of things I simply won’t do for my kids.
- Pay Full Price for Name Brand Clothes
I couldn’t care less about brand names, and there’s no way I’m shelling out top dollar just for a logo. My parents had similar views, and I turned out just fine, without any resentment. It helped me develop a strong sense of individuality and creativity. If I stumble upon a discounted brand-name item that my kids need, sure, I might go for it. But paying full price? No chance. - Join the PTA
A shoutout to all the amazing PTA parents out there! Your dedication is commendable, but I cannot juggle work, writing, mom duties, and then squeeze in time for PTA meetings. I’ll happily support your events and even indulge in those cookie dough fundraisers, but I won’t be signing up for any committees. - Allow My Kids to Do Every Activity Under the Sun
There’s no way I’m going to transform into a taxi service, racing my kids to different activities every evening. My sanity requires at least two free nights each week. I want to teach my kids the importance of prioritizing and help them cultivate good habits early on. They can only engage in one activity at a time, and honestly, they probably won’t be the next superstar athlete or Nobel Prize winner, so no need for those intense traveling teams. - Expect Straight A’s
As a former high school English teacher, I witnessed too many students dissolve into tears over a B. I refuse to let grades dictate my kids’ self-worth. I only expect them to try their best; if that means receiving a lower grade, so be it. Academic performance is not the only measure of a person’s capabilities. - Assume College is the Only Path
My partner and I hold four college degrees, but I know that higher education isn’t the right choice for everyone. My kids understand that some careers require further education, and they’re aware of what college entails. When the time comes for them to decide their post-high school path, I want them to feel empowered to choose what aligns with their goals—be it college, working, or traveling.
Every parent has the responsibility to nurture and guide their children, even if it means making unconventional choices. Having a clear list of things I won’t do helps me set boundaries in this wild parenting journey and aims to prevent my kids from becoming spoiled. Remember, it’s perfectly okay to stand firm on your decisions. Your kids won’t suffer if they wear shoes from Target or miss out on the elite soccer team!
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In summary, every parent has their own unique approach to raising children, and it’s important to establish your non-negotiables. After all, finding the right balance can lead to a happier family life.