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9 Reasons People Might Think I’m a Not-So-Great Mom
If you’ve ever scrolled through parenting advice online, you might think I’m failing miserably as a mom. Don’t get me wrong; my kids are happy, social, and full of life. But I definitely break some of those “rules” that everyone seems to swear by. So, here’s a peek into my so-called parenting failures—just a few of the things I do differently.
1. My Kids Control the TV
My little ones, aged two and four, are pros at using the remote and DVR. They know exactly how to find and play their favorite shows.
2. They Eat What They Want
“Can I have a cookie?” Of course! “Can I have a lollipop?” Yes! “Can I have Goldfish?” Sure thing!
3. Juice Boxes Don’t Freak Me Out
Honestly, I couldn’t tell you how many ounces of juice they drink each day. If you’re looking for a specific number, your guess is as good as mine.
4. Only One Still Naps
It would be fantastic if my four-year-old still napped, but he doesn’t. I’m not about to spend two hours trying to keep him in bed.
5. My Toddler Sleeps in My Bed
My two-year-old never co-slept as a baby, but now she climbs into my bed every night. It doesn’t bother me at all—there’s plenty of space!
6. I Raise My Voice Sometimes
Sure, I lose my cool every now and then. After saying “no” for the fiftieth time, I’m bound to raise my voice. I’m human!
7. Hot Dogs Are on the Menu
No shame here. Hot dogs are tasty, and I don’t care what’s in them.
8. My Kid Climbs Up the Slide
Every single day! He knows to move out of the way if someone is at the top.
9. Bedtime? What’s That?
My kids don’t have a strict bedtime. Around 8 p.m., they head upstairs, but they usually play in their room until they’re ready for sleep. The toddler usually drifts off by 8:45, while the older one takes his time until about 9:30.
I could go on with a long list of things I do that parenting “experts” might frown upon. But the reality is, I don’t see myself as a bad parent at all. My kids are friendly, well-mannered, and enjoy being around others. They can sit through a meal at a restaurant without issue!
At some point, I just let go of the guilt about not doing everything “right.” My own mom did many of these things (and more) back in the ’70s, and I turned out just fine. I used to pretend my kids didn’t eat hot dogs or that I never raised my voice, but who was I trying to impress? Parenting isn’t a competition.
It’s about the love we pour into our kids. Other parents may prioritize different things, and that’s perfectly fine. As for me, I’m done stressing over my “failures.” I’m a good mom, juice boxes and all.
If you want to dive deeper into related topics, check out this blog post or explore resources about pregnancy at the CDC. You can also find expert advice at Make A Mom.
Summary
This lighthearted piece discusses nine reasons why the author feels she might be perceived as a less-than-perfect mom, from letting her kids eat what they want to not having a strict bedtime. Despite the unconventional choices, she highlights the happiness and good behavior of her children, emphasizing that parenting is about love rather than adhering to strict guidelines.