Hey Team,
Lately, I’ve morphed into the morning drill sergeant. My commands ring out like a broken record: “Brush your teeth!” “Pack your lunch!” “For goodness sake, where are your clothes?” “Did you really think deodorant was optional?!”
I know my voice is loud enough to drown out your favorite tunes, the kids’ chatter, and even the latest news about the world’s chaos, which, I’m sure, makes me incredibly charming to your dad.
I’ve become “that” mom—the one every sitcom portrays. I’m the villain, the one insisting, “No, you can’t go out until your room is spotless.” “And no, a Lego explosion in the living room is not okay. Clean it up. Now. Pronto!”
I’ve been hearing the feedback: “Mom, you’re so mean! Dad is way nicer.” And honestly? That doesn’t bother me at all.
It’s my role! I signed up for this gig almost 18 years ago when my first little one arrived, and your dad and I agreed I’d stay home. He’s off working hard while I manage the chaos at home. Yes, I have to enforce the rules, but let’s not forget—I also get to enjoy all the fun moments too.
While I’m grateful to be the one my kids come home to, the fact that my trio of 17, 14, and 11 has pointed out my increased “Mean Mom” routine has me reflecting. I miss my cheerier self. Since my commands seem to be falling on deaf ears lately, I decided to write this little note to let you know what it takes to see more of “Nice Mom.”
Dear Kids,
Feel free to dislike me—totally understandable. Life can be tough, and we all need a safe target for our frustrations. If that target happens to be me, so be it.
However, I draw the line at disrespect. If you’re venting your feelings, please make it polite. For example: “Dear Mother, the rule about not eliminating my brother because he ‘accidentally’ destroyed my treasured CD collection seems profoundly unfair. I’m feeling quite negative toward you, him, and humanity at large, so I’ll be retreating to my room until I recover.”
If you communicate like that, I promise to reciprocate and you might find yourself grounded less.
Also, when I ask you to do something, please do it the first time. I know—being a teenager and preteen comes with the territory of being difficult. But if you want a nicer mom, try being a kinder kid.
Speaking of kindness, I have no issue with you helping yourselves to snacks. But if I walk into the kitchen and find it resembling a crime scene, don’t be surprised when my voice reaches new heights. And please don’t say, “I was just about to clean it up; you came in too soon!”
And let’s talk about mealtime. We need to eat like civilized beings. If you refuse to, I’ll get annoyed and probably ask you to leave the table. I might joke the first time, mentioning your great-grandmother fainting in heaven at your table manners, but after that, it’s all about “Mean Mom.”
Lastly, it should be common knowledge that you need to put on clothes, shoes, brush your teeth, and wash up before school. If you want to avoid morning yelling, just be ready on time. I manage every day on little sleep, so you can too!
If you follow these simple guidelines, I promise the nicer, less-stressed mom you love will return—well, after she’s had her morning coffee, of course.
Much love,
Mom
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Summary: This message humorously addresses how parenting roles can shift, particularly when it comes to being the “mean” parent. The author reflects on their recent reputation and lays out guidelines for their kids to help restore balance in the household, all while using a witty tone.