Moms, Don’t Let Your Kids Grow Up to Be Jerks

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Hey there, fellow parents! Recently, I found myself at a birthday bash where I witnessed a little girl, probably around 5 or 6, bulldozing her way past a toddler still trying to find his footing. She shoved him aside just to be the first on the slide, while her mom simply remarked, “Oops! Careful with the little ones!” The poor boy cried out in pain over his crushed fingers, and the girl took off without a backward glance. My eyes met his mom’s, and we both silently thought: What on earth?

Unfortunately, this kind of behavior is becoming all too common. I’ve observed parents allowing their kids to act like total brats without any consequences. There are countless articles advocating for a hands-off approach to parenting, suggesting we should just let kids “figure it out.” It seems like everyone is so scared of being labeled a helicopter parent that they’ll let their child run wild, even if it means someone could get hurt. Can’t we find a happy medium?

Now, don’t get me wrong—I believe in giving kids the space to learn and grow. Anyone who knows me knows I’m not a hovering parent. My 9- and 5-year-olds have mastered making their own breakfasts (thanks to my love for sleeping in on weekends!). But when it comes to teaching our kids about empathy, personal space, and the consequences of their actions, we need to step up.

Sure, a child who consistently disregards others’ feelings may eventually learn through social interactions that this behavior is not okay. But at what cost? How many children will he hurt before he figures it out? And what if he never does?

Let’s face it: kids can be pretty self-centered. Ever been around a baby? They squawk, pinch, and pull hair without a second thought. They need guidance to learn kindness and respect. It’s our responsibility to help them shed those jerk-like behaviors.

We can start by modeling good behavior, but we also need to intervene when our child has hurt someone else. We should get down to their level and say something like, “Hey, buddy, you didn’t mean to, but you stepped on Sally’s fingers. She’s crying—doesn’t she look sad? Maybe saying sorry and giving her a hug would help.” This kind of empathy doesn’t come naturally to every child; they need our help.

If we don’t take these moments seriously, we risk raising a generation of jerks. So let’s commit to being involved for the sake of our kids—and for each other.

And as a side note, if you’re interested in more parenting insights and tips, check out this post on our other blog here or visit this site for some great resources on home insemination.

Summary

It’s crucial for parents to actively teach their children empathy and kindness rather than adopting a completely hands-off approach. Kids need guidance to learn how to interact positively with others, and parents must step in when they see harmful behaviors. By balancing freedom with necessary intervention, we can help nurture a generation that values respect and compassion.