Parenting is all about honesty, or so I tell myself. In our household, we prioritize truthfulness, and I expect my kids to do the same. However, that doesn’t mean they need to know every single thing I do, especially when some of those actions might not sit well with them. As the main decision-maker in our home, I occasionally make choices that my kids would definitely find objectionable. Here are six things I do that would probably earn me some serious eye rolls if they ever found out:
1. Toss Their Crafts in the Trash
I have to confess: sometimes I feel a twinge of guilt when I throw away their colorful finger paintings and mismatched pipe cleaners. But let’s be real—I can’t keep everything! When they’re older and discover the treasures I did save, I doubt they’ll ask about the rest of the stuff. To avoid any drama, I make sure to dispose of things when they’re out of the house, hiding them well to prevent the inevitable question, “Mom, why did you get rid of my masterpiece?” There’s no good answer to that one.
2. Indulge in Snacks After Bedtime
Healthy eating is important to us, but after a long day, my husband and I sometimes indulge in a little ice cream once the kids are tucked in. It’s not that I never share treats with them; they get their share. But let’s face it—there are some things I don’t feel like sharing, and my chia bread is one of them!
3. Decline Invitations Without Telling Them
There are occasions when I receive invitations that I just know we can’t attend, or honestly, don’t want to. Instead of discussing it with my kids and risking a debate, I simply say “no” to the invite without their knowledge. It’s easier this way, and let’s be honest, I have my own things to manage too.
4. Conceal Annoying Gifts
No one warned me that certain toys, like a Furby, don’t have an off switch. If it’s driving me crazy, I won’t hesitate to tuck it away where my child can’t find it. We all know that well-meaning relatives sometimes gift the noisiest toys, and it’s my responsibility to keep our home a peaceful space—even if it means hiding a few of those less-than-pleasant gifts.
5. Grumble About Their Friends
Most of my kids’ friends are wonderful—polite, humorous, kind-hearted. But every so often, there are those who aren’t quite as delightful. I once gave a ride to a child who, upon seeing my car, declared, “I’m not getting in that!” While I didn’t leave them stranded, it’s normal to vent about these experiences afterward. If I need to express my frustrations, I think that’s only human.
6. Sneak Their Favorite Clothes to Charity
Kids often don’t realize when clothes no longer fit them. After a few attempts to reason with them, I’ll quietly remove the beloved items from their closet when they’re not around. I usually give it a couple of weeks to see if they notice, but if not, off it goes to charity. The same goes for toys that have overstayed their welcome.
On the surface, these actions might seem unkind, and I can only imagine the protests my kids would make if they were aware. But as a mom, I have to make decisions that I believe benefit our family, even if my children aren’t always privy to the details. Sometimes, it’s just easier for everyone involved if they remain blissfully unaware.
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In summary, while my sneaky parenting tactics may not win me any “Mom of the Year” awards, I believe they’re necessary for maintaining balance and sanity in our household. After all, navigating the complexities of family life sometimes requires a little finesse.
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