5 Things I Tell My Kids Not to Do But I Secretly Do Myself

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You know the drill: as parents, we’re supposed to set the example for our kids. They tend to pick up on what we do much more than what we say. But let’s be honest, sometimes we don’t exactly practice what we preach. I’m definitely guilty of this! I may play the role of the health-conscious mom during the day, but come nighttime, let’s just say my actions don’t quite match my words. Here are five things I advise my kids to avoid, but you’ll find me doing the opposite.

1. Overindulging in Treats: When we haul home a mountain of candy—thanks to holidays or birthday bashes—I enforce a strict “one piece a day” rule for my little ones. They’re allowed to enjoy only three treats over three days, which they often dutifully toss the rest away (or get crafty with the wrappers). Yet, after the kids are tucked in bed, I’m sneaking into their stash, eyeing those peanut butter cups like a hawk. Oops!
2. Neglecting Sleep: My eldest heads to bed at 8 p.m., and the twins are down even earlier at 7:15. You’d think I’d take my own advice and hit the hay early too, right? Nope! I’ve set a curfew for myself, aiming for lights out by 9 p.m., but it often stretches to 11 p.m. before I finally crash. And just wait until my 5-year-old reminds me the next morning, “You should’ve gone to sleep early, Mama.”
3. Binge-Watching: Currently, I’m hooked on “The Office,” which really isn’t helping my supposed bedtime! I’ve convinced myself that those short episodes mean I can just squeeze in one more… and one more after that. This coming from the same mom who was so strict about screen time that my firstborn didn’t see a TV until he was 3. The twins? They got lucky at 2!
4. Using Colorful Language: While my kids don’t have a potty mouth, they’ve picked up a few phrases from yours truly. I try to redirect their “Bam!” back to a more acceptable word, but then I catch myself muttering some choice words under my breath. They definitely didn’t invent “Jeezus!” on their own.
5. Being a Couch Potato: I often remind my kids how crucial it is to stay active and play, and while they bounce around with endless energy, I’m lucky to manage a 30-minute walk each week. Sure, I get inspired periodically—maybe after a doctor’s visit or when I splurge on new workout gear—but those motivated spurts don’t last long. I’ll incorporate exercise into errands, but it’s clear I’m not setting the best example.

Before you think I’m a complete failure, I do model some positive behaviors. I read to my kids, prioritize healthy meals (minus the candy), treat others with kindness, and make time for adventures in nature. As parents, we want the best for our little ones, making sure they eat organic while we snack on processed goodies or ensuring they get enough sleep while we’re glued to our screens.

At the end of the day, I hope to be more mindful about following my own advice. Maybe I can tackle one goal at a time—like limiting my screen time or getting to bed earlier. If I can do this, perhaps I can take care of myself like I do for them.

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