My kids are definitely not thrilled with me at the moment. Why? Well, there are countless reasons. I’m their mother—not their buddy—and that means they don’t always see eye to eye with me. They get frustrated.
Do I want a strong bond with my children? Absolutely. Do I want them to respect and care for me? For sure. Do I want them to trust that I’m always their biggest supporter and protector? You bet! But being their friend? No, thanks. I’m their mom, not a playground pal.
Unfortunately, this “Mom-Not-Friend” role often leads to my kids being annoyed with me. In fact, I’ve proudly earned the title of World’s Meanest Mom more times than I can count, and you know what? I’m completely fine with that.
Here’s the Deal
I don’t believe I need to be friends with my kids—or that I even should be. I wouldn’t let a friend get away with the antics my children sometimes pull. They’re still figuring things out, and it’s my job to guide them, even if that means I have to be the Meanest Mom from time to time.
I consider myself a fairly laid-back parent in many areas, but that doesn’t mean my kids don’t get annoyed with me regularly. If I indulge them with some junk food, they might get upset if I choose barbecue chips that are too spicy or if I serve them in the “wrong” bowl. If I allow extra screen time, they will surely be upset when I eventually turn it off, whether that’s after a few minutes or a few hours. Each “yes” seems to invite a request for more, resulting in a grumpy child.
The Car Ride Chronicles
During all the driving we do—going from one place to the next—they often get annoyed with me in the car. I drive too slowly or sing along to the radio, and they can’t stand it when I sing the right lyrics instead of their silly made-up ones. When they complain about my singing? I just belt it out louder. They also get frustrated if I drop them off at school a tad too early (and by “too early,” I mean ten minutes ahead of time, so they can chat with their friends). I really get on their nerves when I properly pull up to the carpool line instead of letting them leap from a moving vehicle right in front of the school doors. Let me tell you, there have been many mornings where our goodbyes were spoken through clenched teeth.
Household Chaos
And you know what else drives my kids up the wall? I crush their dreams of living in dirt and chaos. I commit heinous acts like washing their clothes and beloved blankies. It seems they prefer snuggling with a dirty rag to going to sleep. And when they get mad about cleaning their precious blankies, you can only imagine the chaos that ensues when I insist they take a shower—and actually use soap. If I dare to make them wash their hair? Well, that’s an instant tantrum worthy of the World’s Meanest Mom title. But guess what? They end up getting a shower with soap and shampoo, no questions asked.
More Mean Mom Points
However, it takes more than just showers and laundry to earn the title of World’s Meanest Mom. I’m no rookie in this game. It involves things like compliments and affectionate gestures—saying, “What an amazing drawing!” or “I love your shirt,” and giving them hugs that are just a bit too tight before bedtime.
Cooking for them and cleaning up after their messes can also rack up those Mean Mom points. For example, I’ve managed to annoy them by putting cheese in a grilled cheese sandwich and cutting it into squares instead of triangles. And if you want a surefire way to upset a kid? Just clean up the Legos that have been strewn across the kitchen floor for five days because “he was still playing with them.”
Embracing My Role
I find myself frustrating my kids in countless ways throughout the day. Okay, that might be an exaggeration—it’s probably only in the hundreds. But you know what? I’m totally okay with that. Sure, I might be exaggerating again, but I embrace it because I’m not just their friend.
I get to be something even more special than a friend. I get to be their mom. And if that means annoying my kids regularly, then so be it.
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In Summary
Being the World’s Meanest Mom is all about making tough decisions for the benefit of my children, even if it means they get upset with me. I embrace my role fully because being their mom is the greatest honor.