By: Jamie Thompson
Updated: Aug. 20, 2023
Originally Published: Jan. 21, 2023
As a father of three—ages 8, 5, and 6 months—I had my fair share of parenting ideals before the little ones arrived. While some of my rules have remained intact, many have been tossed aside, thanks to those adorable puppy dog eyes. Here are a few things I once swore I’d never let my kids do:
- Watch That Purple Dinosaur: Barney has always given me the creeps. I mean, who really trusts a singing dinosaur? Sure, he’s cheerful, but let’s be real—he probably has a secret lair where he keeps the children he’s “entertaining.” Jokes aside, I promised my kids wouldn’t watch Barney. But a fateful trip to the library led them to discover that purple menace. Let me tell you, after watching that show for hours, it became my saving grace during challenging days when I just needed a moment of peace. So, Barney, eat all the imaginary kids you want—thank you for the temporary silence.
- Keep a Tidy Home: I used to visit homes with kids, gazing at the chaos and thinking, “How can they live like this?” Little did I know, children are like tiny natural disasters. Now, I realize that sometimes it’s better to embrace the mess and enjoy a day at the park rather than turning into a cleaning dictator.
- Video Game Ban: I never really cared for video games, thinking I’d keep my kids away from them. But once my son turned five and discovered the allure of video gaming, I found myself in a bit of a predicament. Balancing my graduate studies and his need for entertainment led to a gaming compromise. While I may still not be a fan, I’ve learned that taking away his gaming privileges can be a powerful motivator!
- Fast Food Fiasco: McDonald’s was a no-go in my book. The food is questionable, the play area is a health hazard, and the toys? Ugh. But then Grandma came into the picture. Tristan became obsessed with Happy Meals and before I knew it, both of my older kids were begging for a trip to those golden arches. It’s amazing how much sway kids can have!
- Backseat Disaster Zone: Before having kids, I would look at messy backseats and think those parents were hoarders. Now, I completely understand—kids treat the car like their personal landfill. It’s a whole different world back there.
- Public Meltdowns: I used to judge parents for their unruly kids, thinking, “Just control them!” Then my son decided to throw a tantrum in the middle of Target, complete with a laugh and a booger snack. Lesson learned: it takes years to teach kids how to behave, and sometimes that means bringing them into public spaces for practice. Sorry, fellow shoppers!
- Fashion Faux Pas: I once vowed my kids would never leave the house in mismatched clothes. But when my little one, Mia, came out in an outfit that looked like it had been chosen during a blackout, I faced a choice: stifle her creativity or embrace her unique style. I chose the latter and told her she looked fabulous—because who am I to crush her spirit?
What rules have you broken as a parent?
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Summary: Parenting often leads to unexpected compromises. From letting kids watch shows you once despised to embracing the chaos of family life, it’s a journey filled with surprises and lessons. In the end, it’s all about finding a balance that works for you and your family.