Parenting Insights
Picture this: I’m out for brunch, ready to enjoy a relaxing meal. I approach the host.
Me: “Table for three, please?”
Stylishly dressed parents: “Just a moment. Sweetheart, what do you feel like having? Eggs or pancakes?”
Toddler: “DAK!”
Stylishly dressed parents: “Oh, my mistake! He really wants pancakes. Do you have those? We’ll be back later.”
I can’t help but chuckle. Surely they’re joking, right? Nope. They look at me, slightly puzzled and annoyed.
Toddler: “BAAA!”
Stylishly dressed parents: “He’s really set on pancakes, so we need to leave. But we’ll return!”
Two immediate thoughts come to mind:
First, I assumed “DAK!” meant pancakes. What does “BAA” signify? Perhaps he’s craving eggs Florentine? But let’s be real—he’s just 14 months old and probably babbling nonsense.
Second, please don’t come back. You’re not doing a great job at parenting, and I fear it might set a poor example for the other parents around here. When did toddlers start dictating our brunch choices? Although, to be honest, my child does regularly influence my choices. It’s generally an English muffin with cream cheese since I keep those stocked.
We don’t usually brunch out. My son is 15 months old and prefers to explore, shout, and toss toys around. He loves being the loudest one in the room and tossing things for fun. Honestly, I find it entertaining and completely normal for his age. That’s why I don’t attempt to strap him into a high chair for an hour in public before my caffeine fix. It’s just common sense.
Now back to those parents and their food-loving toddler. They’re letting their child dictate their breakfast choices, and that’s a huge concern. This is why many kids today can come off as a bit spoiled—because they’ve been given too much power. Fellow parents, we need to reclaim our authority.
As I write this, my adorable little one is licking the floor. Oh look, now he’s attempting to fit his entire foot in his mouth! Should this little creature really decide our brunch spot today? Absolutely not.
Here’s my theory about why we’ve lost control: we’ve become so fixated on developmental milestones that we push our kids to be advanced beyond their years, convincing ourselves of their capabilities. For instance, when a 13-month-old is exploring a menu, she’s likely just estimating how much of it she can shove into her mouth. That’s normal! What’s not normal is thinking she’s actually making informed decisions.
The cycle continues. We become anxious about competing with other parents whose children seem more accomplished. Instead of sharing our parenting struggles, we hide behind a facade of perfection, thinking we’re not good parents if our children aren’t keeping up. Thus, we mistakenly push them into roles they’re not ready for. And then they end up dictating our brunch choices.
Remember, your child isn’t actually ordering pancakes—and that’s perfectly fine. As the parent, you have the authority to decide what’s for breakfast, and that’s okay too. Shift your perspective: Instead of viewing your child as a mini genius, see them as a little being that needs guidance and training. The future of civilization might just depend on it.
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In summary, take a step back and recognize the importance of your role as a parent. Set boundaries and guide your child, rather than letting them dictate your choices. A little control goes a long way in ensuring a brighter future for all.