Parenting can be a tough gig, and right now, my children are unhappy with me. Why? Well, there are countless reasons. As their mother, my role is not to be their friend, and they often express their displeasure toward me.
Do I wish for a loving relationship with my kids? Absolutely. Do I want them to trust and respect me? Without a doubt. But being their friend? No, thank you. My job is to be their mom, and that means I often find myself in the position of the World’s Meanest Mom. And you know what? I embrace that title.
Embracing the Title
Here’s the reality: I don’t believe I need to be friends with my children, nor do I think it’s beneficial. I wouldn’t let a friend behave the way my kids sometimes do. They are still learning, and it’s my responsibility to guide them—even if it means being the bad guy occasionally. So yes, I have become the World’s Meanest Mom, and I’m okay with my kids being upset with me from time to time.
Everyday Frustrations
While I tend to be a permissive parent in many areas, that doesn’t mean my kids don’t get mad at me regularly. If I allow them some junk food, they might complain if I choose barbecue chips with a shade of red they dislike or if I serve them in the wrong bowl. If I grant extra screen time, they’re bound to be upset when I eventually cut it off, whether it’s after a short period or a long binge.
Our car rides are another prime opportunity for them to express their frustration. They get irritated if I drive too slowly, or if I dare to sing along with the radio—especially if I sing the actual lyrics instead of the silly versions they’ve made up. When they get upset about my singing, I simply belt it out louder. I also tend to annoy them by dropping them off at school a little too early for their liking, or by following the rules of the carpool line instead of letting them leap out of a moving vehicle.
Household Chores and Cleanliness
And then there are the household chores. It’s a real bummer for them when I enforce cleanliness. I wash their clothes and beloved blankets, which apparently ruin their cozy appeal. If they’re upset about me cleaning their favorite blankets, imagine their horror when I insist they take a shower—and actually use soap! The struggles become epic when it’s time to wash their hair, leading to tantrums worthy of a World’s Meanest Mom title.
More Than Just Rules
Of course, it takes more than just showers and laundry to earn that title. Compliments and affection are also part of the equation. I might say, “What a fantastic drawing!” or “I love your shirt!” and give them hugs that last a bit too long before bedtime. Cooking for them and cleaning up after their messes can also rack up points in the Meanest Mom category. For example, I once made a grilled cheese with cheese (the horror!) and cut it into squares instead of the traditional triangles.
If you want to really irritate a child, just clean up the Legos they’ve left scattered in the middle of the kitchen for days because they were “still playing” with them. I manage to annoy my kids in countless ways throughout the day—okay, maybe it’s only in the hundreds, but you get the point. I accept this reality because I’m not their friend.
What Really Matters
What I am, however, is something even more important: I’m their mom. If that means they’re frustrated with me regularly, then so be it.
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Summary
: The author embraces the title of “World’s Meanest Mom,” understanding that parenting often involves making unpopular decisions for the well-being of her children. While her kids may express frustration over rules and cleanliness, she believes that her role as their mother is far more important than being their friend.