By: Jamie Larks
I recently pulled off a little parenting magic without my kids even realizing it. I promised them ice cream if they cleaned their rooms and tidied up the bathrooms. This tactic really comes in handy when I’m trying to get them to do homework, behave while I drag them through the store, or simply quiet down. A sprinkle of sugar and a dash of screen time usually do the trick, but sometimes a little white lie can work wonders too. And let’s be honest, every parent I know has perfected the art of a little harmless deception. So, why hide it? We’re all just trying to survive each day without losing our minds. Before I became a mom, I thought a firm “no” would suffice. Boy, was I mistaken! Here are some of my favorite tricks:
- I tell them the toy store is closed.
I can’t face the chaos of that place with my eyes half-open. So, I just declare it closed until I feel ready to endure the madness again. - I fib about their food.
Kids have an aversion to veggies, so I sneak them into smoothies or pasta sauce. If they happen to find a rogue piece of spinach in their teeth, I just deny it and vow to blend it better next time. - I remind them that Santa is always watching.
This little reminder comes in handy year-round, and not just during the holidays. I’ve even used it post-Christmas when they’re still recovering from the gift overload. - I take the blame for their missing treats.
If their favorite snacks disappear, I’m quick to blame a mysterious mouse rather than admit I devoured them in secret. - I use my kids as an excuse to avoid social events.
“Sorry, the kids are under the weather!” Even if they’re perfectly fine, some days I just can’t muster the energy to socialize. - I tell them cookie dough is poisonous.
I can’t have them hogging my precious dough, so I whip up a tale about food poisoning. It’s my sweet secret, and I intend to keep it that way. - I threaten to take away screen time, then relent.
I often blurt out that no screens are allowed, but when I realize how much I need a break, I inevitably backtrack. Sometimes, they just win. - I feign illness to dodge playdate hosting.
When a fellow parent calls to arrange a visit, I suddenly develop a case of the sniffles. One extra kid can turn my peaceful home into chaos in no time. - I exaggerate the cost of necessities.
“Wow, socks and underwear have skyrocketed in price!” I say, hiding my new shoes. I know my child sees through it, but it’s way more fun than admitting what I just bought. - I keep secrets about our special outings.
I take one child on a solo date, but I prefer they don’t share the details with their siblings. A little mystery adds to the fun, but it’s hard to keep the excitement under wraps when they return. - I embellish our health stats at the doctor’s office.
When the pediatrician asks about their sugar intake or screen time, I morph into a masterful liar. “Oh, they hardly watch TV!” I say while mentally preparing for a post-appointment trip to the burger joint.
I know these aren’t my proudest moments, but I’m confident I’m not alone in this parenting game of deception. After all, sometimes the little fibs help us navigate the chaos of motherhood with a smile. If I recounted all the times I was the model parent, that would be a snooze-fest!
For more insights and tips, check out our other posts on home insemination, like how to boost your fertility with expert advice from Make a Mom. For a deeper dive into pregnancy, Medical News Today is an excellent resource.
Summary
Motherhood often leads parents down the path of harmless deception to navigate daily challenges. From fibbing about stores being closed to sneaking veggies into meals, these little lies help maintain sanity. Moms like Jamie share their creative tricks to manage family life while keeping a sense of humor.