Single mum of a 10yo girl and 8yo boy: disheartened by parents who don’t really parent
Hi everyone,
I don’t post very often, but after yesterday at the park I felt the need to get this off my chest. I was there with my two and was really quite disheartened watching other children running wild, screaming at their parents, and completely ignoring any requests. The mums and dads just stood there saying “please darling” with no real conviction. One little boy was throwing handfuls of gravel everywhere and his mum just laughed and said “oh he’s full of beans today!” It actually made me sad.
As parents aren’t we meant to be raising the next generation, not just trying to be their friends? I was brought up with love but also clear boundaries, and I’m trying hard to do the same with mine.
So here’s the thing, parenting is not a popularity contest! Even with firm boundaries (and consequences), I still have battles with my children that can leave me drained. Homework time is difficult as my son seems to think schoolwork is pure torture. Then bedtime rolls around and suddenly it’s negotiation city.
I love my kids more than anything and I’m proud of the polite, bright and interesting little people they can be. But I do believe that sometimes you have to be tough with them if they are going to grow up to be the best they can be. Parenting is a job, and sometimes the tough decisions are the most important ones. What do other mums (and dads) think?
I don’t post very often, but after yesterday at the park I felt the need to get this off my chest. I was there with my two and was really quite disheartened watching other children running wild, screaming at their parents, and completely ignoring any requests. The mums and dads just stood there saying “please darling” with no real conviction. One little boy was throwing handfuls of gravel everywhere and his mum just laughed and said “oh he’s full of beans today!” It actually made me sad.
As parents aren’t we meant to be raising the next generation, not just trying to be their friends? I was brought up with love but also clear boundaries, and I’m trying hard to do the same with mine.
So here’s the thing, parenting is not a popularity contest! Even with firm boundaries (and consequences), I still have battles with my children that can leave me drained. Homework time is difficult as my son seems to think schoolwork is pure torture. Then bedtime rolls around and suddenly it’s negotiation city.
I love my kids more than anything and I’m proud of the polite, bright and interesting little people they can be. But I do believe that sometimes you have to be tough with them if they are going to grow up to be the best they can be. Parenting is a job, and sometimes the tough decisions are the most important ones. What do other mums (and dads) think?
41-45, F
