I used to believe that children who acted out, seemed impolite, or displayed unsightly habits must have something amiss in their home lives. Clearly, their parents were failing to instill proper manners. (If only I could travel back in time and give myself a reality check!) Now, I realize those kids were probably just like any other, and their parents were just as bewildered by their antics as I was.
1. Tantrums
What was I thinking when I believed parents could quell a toddler’s tantrum in the heat of the moment? It’s a bit like trying to stop a runaway train—loud, chaotic, and utterly unstoppable. You can attempt to soothe with gentle words, but let’s be honest: it’s a train, and good luck with that!
2. Whining
You wouldn’t believe how often I’ve told my kids, “I can’t understand you when you whine.” It’s probably somewhere around 5 million times. Kids whine not because it’s effective, but because they find the sound of their own whiny voices amusing—thanks, Caillou.
3. Ignoring Conversation
Two of my children have mastered the art of ignoring when spoken to, despite countless discussions about the rudeness of such behavior. One imagines responses in her head, while the other, much like Marshawn Lynch, only speaks when he has something to add. Shyness can be quite the conundrum.
4. Struggling to Sleep
Our youngest can lie awake for over two hours in a dark room, talking to himself and singing, all while we wait for sleep to take over. It doesn’t matter how busy his day was or how calming our bedtime routine is—it’s astonishing. The kid is a true night owl!
5. Volume Control Issues
Some kids simply lack an understanding of volume. Their voices are loud—even whispers can pierce the air. There’s not much you can do aside from wishing for a magical volume knob, which isn’t an option, of course.
6. Little Lies
One of my kids is inherently honest, while the others have gone through the typical childhood phase of fibbing. It was shocking the first time one of them told a blatant lie. They say it’s a sign of intelligence or creativity. I guess that’s better than panicking and thinking, “Oh no, my child might be a sociopath!”
7. Nose-Picking
Every child I know has gone through a nose-picking phase. It’s a gross habit, and while they eventually outgrow it, it’s a battle that can last for years. Sometimes they just sit there, finger in nostril, not even moving. Yuck.
8. Skipping Hand Washing
Handwashing was ingrained in our potty training from day one. We would sing the ABCs and talk about germs after every bathroom trip. Yet, it took a solid six or seven years for them to remember to wash their hands consistently without a reminder. At this point, I might as well add “expert hand-smeller” to my résumé.
9. Chewing with Their Mouths Open
“Please chew with your mouth closed.” This is a phrase I’ve repeated countless times, only to be met with the all-too-familiar sound of chomping. It’s like speaking to a wall.
10. Other Unpleasant Behaviors
Just the other day, I discovered my kid’s dirty socks on a friend’s kitchen counter! My child, who should know better by now, left them there like it was no big deal. And let’s not forget the time our 5-year-old thought it was okay to lick every handrail at Disney World. We had to remind him to keep his mouth off of those. So many gross moments!
Do we teach our children these behaviors? Not intentionally. Do they pick them up elsewhere? Possibly. Are we trying our hardest to guide them in the right direction? Absolutely. But let’s face it: raising responsible and socially aware humans takes time—at least 18 years, if not more. Fingers crossed!
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Summary
This article reflects on the common misconceptions parents have regarding their children’s behaviors, illustrating that many of these habits are typical in childhood development. Despite parents’ best efforts, children often display behaviors that can be puzzling, frustrating, and downright gross. Understanding that these habits are a normal part of growing up can help parents navigate the challenges of raising kids.