Right now, my kids are not too happy with me.
Why, you ask? Well, the reasons are endless. I’m their mother, not their buddy, and being a parent means I don’t always win the popularity contest. When they’re upset, it’s often because I’m doing my job—not because I’m trying to be their friend.
Do I want a nurturing relationship with my kids? Absolutely. Do I desire their love and respect? 100%. Do I want them to see me as their biggest supporter and protector? You bet! But a friend? No, thanks. My role is to be their mom, and sometimes that means they’re going to be mad at me. In fact, I’ve proudly earned the title of World’s Toughest Mom on more than one occasion, and honestly, I’m completely okay with that.
Here’s the reality: I don’t believe I need to be friends with my kids, nor do I think it’s necessary. I wouldn’t tolerate the behavior they sometimes display if they were a friend of mine. They’re still learning, and it’s my duty to guide them, even if that means stepping into the role of the World’s Toughest Mom. And yes, that can lead to some very annoyed kids.
I tend to be a pretty lenient parent on many fronts—almost too lenient—but that doesn’t mean I escape the eye-rolls and huffs of frustration. If I say yes to a treat, they might get upset if I choose a flavor they don’t like or if I serve it in the wrong bowl. When I grant extra screen time, they’re furious when I eventually have to enforce a time limit, whether that’s after 10 minutes or 10 hours. With every “yes,” there’s usually a follow-up demand, which results in an irate child.
During our countless drives around town, they’re frequently annoyed with me. They get irritated if I drive too slowly, sing along to the radio, or dare to sing the correct lyrics instead of the silly ones they made up. When they complain about my singing, my response? I sing louder. I also frustrate them by dropping them off at school “too early”—which, in my mind, means 10 minutes before the bell—because they like to chat with friends before class. And let’s not forget the chaos that ensues when I pull into the carpool line instead of letting them leap out of a moving vehicle. I can’t tell you how many times morning farewells have been exchanged through clenched teeth.
What else earns me the title of World’s Toughest Mom? I shatter their dreams of living in filth. I commit the heinous act of washing their clothes and beloved blankets. Apparently, they prefer snuggling up with a dirty rag. If they’re upset about having their blankets washed, just wait until they hear about mandatory showers—complete with soap. When it comes to washing their hair? That’s a guaranteed tantrum that solidifies my title. How did it all end? With soap and shampoo, of course!
But it takes more than just washing and showering to truly earn the title of World’s Toughest Mom. I know the ropes. It involves giving compliments, like saying “What a beautiful drawing!” or “I love that shirt!” and squeezing them a little too tightly at bedtime. Cooking for them and cleaning up their messes is another surefire way to rack up some Toughest Mom points. For instance, I’ve annoyed them by putting cheese in their grilled cheese sandwiches and cutting them into squares instead of triangles. And if you’re looking for an instant way to frustrate a child, just clean up the Legos that have been lying around for days, because, apparently, they’re “still playing with them.”
I find countless ways to annoy my children throughout the day. Okay, maybe I’m exaggerating; it’s not in the thousands, more like hundreds. But I’m completely okay with that—well, maybe not completely. I accept it because I’m not their friend.
Rather, I get to be something far more valuable: their mom. And if that means my kids are upset with me regularly, so be it.
If you want to dive deeper into related topics, check out this informative resource on artificial insemination. And if you’re interested in at-home insemination kits, be sure to visit Make A Mom for reputable options. You can also read more about my parenting philosophy in this post on Cervical Insemination.
Summary:
Being a mom means sometimes being the “mean” one, and it’s a title I proudly wear. I prioritize guiding my kids over being their friend, even if it means facing their irritation. From enforcing hygiene and healthy eating to setting limits on screen time, I embrace the challenges of motherhood. After all, I’m their mom, and that’s a role I cherish.
Leave a Reply