As parents, we aim to model good behavior for our children. They often mirror our actions rather than just listen to our words. However, there are times when we find ourselves slipping into habits we preach against. Yes, I’m guilty of this, and I know many of you can relate. So, here are five things I caution my kids about, but I find myself indulging in all too often:
- Overindulging in Candy and Sweets: When we return home with a mountain of candy from holidays or parties, my kids are restricted to just one piece a day for three days. Yes, you read that right! They’ll even toss the rest into the trash (or repurpose it into some crafty project). Meanwhile, once they’re tucked in at night, I’m raiding their candy stash, eyeing those delicious peanut butter cups. Confession: I’m not sorry about it!
- Skipping Precious ZZZ’s: My eldest heads to bed by 8 p.m., while the twins hit the hay even earlier at 7:15 p.m. If I truly followed my own advice on the importance of sleep, I’d be in bed at a reasonable hour too. But somehow, I find myself glued to my laptop, pushing my bedtime to well past 11 p.m. My 5-year-old doesn’t let me escape this irony either; when I yawn and complain about being tired, he kindly reminds me, “You should probably go to sleep early, Mama.” Ouch.
- Binge-Watching: Right now, I’m hooked on “The Office.” Those short episodes seem to call out to me, convincing me to watch just one more. Isn’t it amusing that I’m strict about my kids’ screen time, ensuring they don’t watch TV until they’re a certain age? Yet here I am, binge-watching like it’s a competitive sport.
- Using Language That Would Earn a PG-13 Rating: My kids don’t curse, but I can’t say the same for myself. I try to discourage them from using words that sound like expletives, but they definitely hear me mutter my own colorful expressions. It’s a challenge to keep a straight face when they innocently mimic phrases like “Bam!”—which is suspiciously similar to what I might say.
- Vegging Out: Kids are naturally active, and they thrive on play. While I encourage them to be energetic, I’m lucky if I manage to walk for 30 minutes once a week. Sure, I have bursts of motivation to work out, especially when my doctor suggests I shed a few pounds, but those spurts rarely last. I’ll buy new workout gear to get pumped, only to fall back into my old habits shortly after.
Despite these confessions, I do take pride in some things I model well for my kids. I read with them often, emphasize healthy eating (minus the late-night candy raids), show kindness, work hard, and cherish time spent outdoors and with family.
As parents, we want the best for our children, which is why we hand them the organic peach while we munch on processed snacks. We strive to instill good habits, hoping they avoid the pitfalls we encounter. For those looking for more resources on pregnancy and home insemination, check out this excellent resource for infertility. And if you’re curious about boosting fertility, consider reputable retailers like this one for at-home insemination kits.
Maybe in time, I’ll follow my own advice more closely. I can aim to limit screen time, exercise regularly, or simply turn in earlier. One step at a time, right?
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