By: Lily Thompson
A few weeks ago, I began to hear the phrase “Do I have to?” coming from my children with alarming frequency. It was as if they believed it was perfectly acceptable to utter that phrase at any request I made. Did they think I would respond with, “Oh, sweethearts, of course you don’t have to! You’re my little treasures, and all you need to do is bask in the glory of your existence and enjoy your ice cream sandwiches?”
This newfound attitude emerged after I asked them to do simple tasks—everything from picking up their socks to practicing their instruments, and even getting ready for bed. The words would emerge in a drawn-out whine that could rattle the windows and make my patience evaporate. I found myself staring at them in disbelief, wondering how I had raised such entitled children who couldn’t manage everyday responsibilities.
“No, you don’t have to do anything,” I would reply. “Just like I don’t have to resist spending your college fund on trendy shoes.” This usually earned me a half-hearted eye roll, and they would begrudgingly complete the task, dragging their feet as if I had asked them to donate a limb to science. It was excruciating to witness.
Since the moment my children were born, I was determined they wouldn’t turn into spoiled brats. I refused to be their maid, and I wanted them to learn how to handle tasks independently as soon as they were physically able. They were supposed to be respectful and contribute to the family without complaint. Yet here I was, confronting the harsh reality that my kids were behaving like entitled little tyrants, and I had to admit we were partly to blame.
I suspect this behavior took root when we became lax about monitoring their screen time. As parents, we got a bit lazy. Instead of ushering them outside for some fresh air after school, I thought, “They just need a moment to unwind.” Before long, I caught my son trying to navigate the stairs while glued to his iPad. That was around the same time “Do I have to?” became commonplace. They started to forget basic manners, like saying “please” and “thank you.” Every little request turned into a battle, and I was utterly exhausted—and honestly, quite frustrated.
This is the challenging side of parenting. While kids can be delightful and adorable, teaching them to grow up without being rude is a whole different ballgame. When they act spoiled, it’s embarrassing to take them out in public, and I genuinely enjoy socializing.
So, my family decided to hold an intervention. We began taking our parental duties seriously again and started actively managing their screen time. We sat them down to clarify our expectations regarding their behavior if they wanted to enjoy the perks of life, like bacon and all the love we have to offer.
I’m joking—of course they always get bacon! So, what’s the deal with their behavior?
Parenting requires a significant investment of time, energy, and yes, even trash bags. It’s natural to resist doing what’s asked immediately, but respecting family members comes first. The reward of parenting is when you can genuinely enjoy your children’s company without the urge to strangle them with their discarded clothing in the middle of the living room. They, in turn, get to relish a more peaceful home environment.
I commit to investing the necessary time and effort to ensure I don’t send entitled individuals into the world. I hope you will join me in this mission as well. For more insights on family dynamics and home insemination, check out our post on intracervical insemination. Also, for authoritative information on at-home insemination practices, visit Make a Mom. Lastly, for an excellent resource regarding reproductive health, look at the CDC’s infertility FAQs.
Summary
Parenting can become challenging when children start to display spoiled behavior, often due to a lack of boundaries and monitoring. It’s crucial to address these behaviors early and teach kids about respect and responsibility. Through effective communication and setting clear expectations, parents can foster a more harmonious home environment.