A few weeks ago, my kids started responding to my requests with the phrase “Do I have to?” as if it were completely normal. It was as though I was expected to say, “No, sweetheart, you don’t have to. You’re the delightful result of my efforts, and your only duties are to exist and enjoy ice cream sandwiches.”
This new refrain emerged whenever I asked them to do anything from picking up their shoes to practicing their musical instruments or getting ready for bed. The words came out in a drawn-out whine that could make even the neighbor’s dogs howl in sympathy, leaving me bewildered and questioning how I had raised such entitled little ones.
“No, you don’t have to do anything,” I’d respond with a hint of sarcasm. “Just like I don’t have to stop myself from spending your college fund on shoes.” This usually earned me a lackluster eye roll, and they’d reluctantly do what I asked, dragging their feet as if I was asking them to donate an arm to science. It was both painful and infuriating to watch.
From the beginning, I vowed my children wouldn’t grow up spoiled. I made it clear they wouldn’t have a live-in maid, and they’d learn to handle things for themselves as soon as they could. They would be responsible, polite members of our family, contributing without complaint.
But now, I had to confront the uncomfortable truth: my kids were acting like spoiled brats, and we had only ourselves to blame. I suspect it all started when we became lax about monitoring their screen time. Instead of encouraging them to go outside after school, I made excuses like, “They just need a little time to relax.” It reached a point where I caught my son trying to descend the stairs while glued to his iPad, completely oblivious to his surroundings. This was around the same time the “Do I have to?” became a regular part of our lives. They seemed to forget simple courtesies like “please” and “thank you,” and every request turned into a standoff. I was utterly exhausted and incredibly frustrated.
This is the tough side of parenting: the part where you have to get things done. Kids can be fun and endearing, but teaching them how to grow up without being rude or entitled is essential. When they act spoiled, it’s embarrassing to take them out in public, and I genuinely enjoy outings.
So, we decided it was time for a family intervention. As parents, we began to take our responsibilities seriously again. We sat down together to discuss expectations and what they needed to do to enjoy the simple pleasures of life – including bacon, of course.
Parenting requires immense time, effort, and sometimes, a garbage bag of patience. I understand the resistance to doing tasks right away, but respecting family members should always come first. It’s rewarding to reach a point where you can enjoy your children’s presence without wanting to strangle them with their own abandoned jacket lying around.
I’m committed to putting in the necessary time and effort to raise respectful, responsible kids, and I hope you’ll join me in this endeavor. If you’re interested in learning more about family dynamics, check out this informative post on intracervicalinsemination.com. Also, for more insights on home insemination, visit Make A Mom. And if you’re looking for excellent resources on pregnancy and donor insemination, check out American Pregnancy.
In summary, it’s crucial to address spoiled behavior in children before it escalates. By setting clear expectations and encouraging responsibility, parents can foster a more harmonious family environment.