20 Things I Absolutely WILL NOT Do for My Kids

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As a parent, my mission is to act in the best interests of my children, ensuring they are well-fed, cared for, and supported in situations where they might feel powerless. However, there are certain things I refuse to do simply because they want them. I want my kids to grow into healthy, respectful, and independent individuals who can coexist with others in a harmonious world. My choices in parenting will shape their future, so here are 20 things I will not do for my kids:

1. Prepare multiple dinners. In our home, dinner is whatever I whip up. Unless my kids have a genuine dietary restriction or have tried something and truly dislike it, I won’t be making a separate meal just because they don’t want to eat their greens.
2. Give in to whining. It’s crucial for kids to understand that kindness and cooperation get us further than whining. While I don’t want to deprive them of joy, rewarding poor behavior isn’t on my agenda.
3. Complete their homework. I’ve finished school, thank you very much. I’ll gladly assist with homework, but I won’t do it for them. Learning from mistakes is part of growing up, and success is sweeter when it’s earned.
4. Replace broken toys. If a cherished toy is accidentally damaged? Absolutely, I’ll replace it. But if it’s broken due to neglect? Not a chance. Toys cost money, and I’m not running a toy factory here.
5. Buy every trendy gadget. My kids might want the latest Apple device just because their friends have it, but I’m not their friend’s parent. If they want something extravagant, they can ask their friend’s mom.
6. Allow them to binge-watch all day. While I’m okay with some screen time, I refuse to let them become couch potatoes. There’s a time for entertainment and a time for physical activity, and I want them to discern the difference.
7. Find everything they ‘lose.’ Kids, you’ve got eyes—use them! If you can’t find your things, it’s likely right in front of you. As my grandma used to say, if it were a snake, it would have bitten you by now.
8. Clean their rooms. I’m Mom, not a maid. I’m happy to help when needed, but I won’t be cleaning up after them all the time. Future partners will thank me later.
9. Drive them to school. There’s a perfectly good school bus that goes right by our place. It’s not the end of the world to ride it, and it sure beats me walking them to class in my pajamas.
10. Buy them designer clothes. I don’t have designer outfits myself, and there are bills to pay. If they want something fancy, they can save their allowance, and I’ll split the cost.
11. Fight their battles. If they’re having a dispute with a teacher or peer, I’ll be there for support, but they need to learn to advocate for themselves.
12. Deliver forgotten items to school. I’ll help out occasionally, but if forgetting becomes a habit, they can forget about Mom coming to the rescue. It’s all about responsibility.
13. Attend job interviews with them. I’ve heard of parents doing this, and I’m firmly against it. They need to face adulthood on their own terms.
14. Be a personal ATM. Sure, I’ll treat them to things now and then, but I won’t be their bank. If they want money, they can earn it through chores or a part-time job.
15. Gift them new cars for their 16th birthdays. I haven’t had a new car in years, so I’m definitely not buying one for my kids just because they can drive. A used car? Maybe, if they pitch in.
16. Let them go on spring break alone. I know many parents allow this, but I’ve heard enough stories to know that’s a hard pass. No solo trips for my underage kids!
17. Permit sleepovers on school nights. I used to be upset about this rule, but I see the value in keeping weeknights for rest and preparation for school.
18. Allow overnight guests of the opposite sex. I wasn’t born yesterday, and I’m not ready for grandkids yet!
19. Host parties with alcohol at our home. My role is to teach them responsibility, not how to party. We can talk about it again in ten years. Until then, only Captain Underpants is allowed at my house.
20. Let them stay out all night. Some parents may have a different approach, but I plan to stick to my boundaries.

Refusing to do these things for my kids isn’t about being the bad guy; it’s about helping them grow into self-sufficient adults who appreciate themselves and what they have. Isn’t this the ultimate goal of parenting? By encouraging my children to navigate life’s challenges, I believe I’m fulfilling my role as their parent.

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Summary

Parenting involves making tough decisions that promote independence and responsibility in children. By not indulging in certain behaviors, parents can cultivate self-sufficient, respectful adults who appreciate their surroundings.