I’m not one to sugarcoat things, and that didn’t change when I embraced motherhood. It often frustrates me to hear fellow parents dodge responsibility for their kids’ poor behavior. Of course, every parent knows how challenging it can be. Kids can be a handful, and I certainly can’t claim to have all the answers.
We all make justifications for our children’s actions from time to time, and some of those reasons are valid. Kids are still learning how to navigate their emotions, and even I, an adult with nearly 40 years of experience, struggle with my feelings—especially when my toddler decides to wake me at 3 a.m. by bouncing on my stomach.
However, that doesn’t mean their misbehavior should be overlooked. When my youngest is acting out, I have no qualms about calling him out. Yes, kids can be brats sometimes. It’s a reality many parents used to accept without hesitation.
Have you ever noticed how some parents describe their kids as “spirited” or “strong-willed”? Those are just euphemisms for “my child is being a total terror,” and “I’m at my wit’s end.” I’m not here to judge anyone’s parenting choices; I have no idea what goes on in your household. Perhaps your child has too much screen time, or maybe he craves more structure. Who knows?
I certainly don’t have everything figured out in my own life, let alone my children’s lives. Not every child is an angel, and parents aren’t always to blame. But let’s be real: there’s no need to pretend your child isn’t a handful occasionally. Your “spirited” child might just be a little monster, and that’s okay to admit.
Would you rather spend time with a parent who believes their child can do no wrong and finds an excuse for every misdeed? Or would you prefer the company of someone who can chuckle at the chaos, acknowledging that sometimes, “He can be a real brat”?
Talking openly about our kids’ flaws shouldn’t be taboo. Just like no adults are perfect, kids aren’t either. The sooner we accept that our kids are as imperfect as everyone else, the sooner we can bond over the absurdities of parenting.
Join me on Realism Island, where we can openly discuss our children’s less-than-stellar moments without glossing over the truth. The drinks are always on me!
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Summary
Acknowledging when your child misbehaves is crucial for honest parenting. While it’s common to make excuses for their actions, it’s important to accept that kids can be difficult at times. Embracing this realism allows for authentic connections among parents who share similar experiences.