A friend of mine recently shared a bumper sticker that read, “Proud Parent of a Fantastic Kid Who Occasionally Acts Like a Jerk, and That’s Totally Fine.” I couldn’t help but chuckle at that, so when I got home, I decided to search for it online. It’s not like I’d actually buy one—my kids wouldn’t find it funny if I labeled them as jerks on a sticker. Anyway, during my search, I stumbled upon a bunch of other “Proud Parent” bumper stickers, such as:
- Proud Parent of a Compassionate Child
- Proud Parent of a Homeschool Superstar
- Proud Parent of Extraordinary Kids
- Proud Parent of a Gifted Genius
- Proud Parent of a Child With Strong Values
- Proud Parent of My Top Student
- Proud Parent of Kindhearted Kids
Sure, I believe those parents likely have wonderful children with all the positive traits mentioned. But I can’t help but think they’re the same ones who give me disapproving looks in Target when my little ones start a beanbag chair battle. Some of you reading this might even be thinking, “Can’t you control them? Do you ever say no? You must be more like a buddy than a parent.” And, well, you might have a point there.
It’s not that I don’t make an effort. Some days, I feel like I’m constantly reminding my kids to behave. Other times, it seems like I’ve got little angels: one of my kids recently hugged a sweet elderly lady at a nursing home, even though I could tell he was hesitant. Yet, just the other day, throwing that beanbag chair seemed like the best idea ever. The reality is, my kids can be jerks sometimes, and yours can be too.
Here’s the deal: everyone has their moments. Everyone. Even the most poised individuals, like Gandhi or Abraham Lincoln, probably had their off days. It’s a simple fact: being human means being a jerk at times, and that applies to kids as well.
What I really want to express is my frustration with those “Kind Kids With Good Values” bumper stickers while my kids are in the backseat engaged in some serious finger-pointing. I’m tired of feeling like my child’s misbehavior reflects my parenting skills. Honestly, I’ve read too many parenting blogs, magazines, and had too many encounters with other parents who claim, “You’re doing it wrong; here’s how to fix it.” Most of all, I’m exhausted from judging myself based on what I imagine others think of me.
But let’s be real—I don’t lose sleep over it. I just really wish I could rock that bumper sticker, because my kids can be jerks sometimes, just like yours.
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In summary, parenting is a wild ride filled with ups and downs, and sometimes our kids really can be a handful. But that’s all part of the journey, and we’re in it together.