As parents, we know that our actions often speak louder than our words. We strive to set a positive example for our children, but there are times when we find ourselves slipping into habits we caution them against. Here are five things I tell my kids to avoid, even though I sometimes indulge in them myself.
- Indulging in Sweets: After Halloween, birthdays, or any event that involves candy, my kids are limited to just one piece a day for three days. They can even toss the rest. Yet, when the clock strikes 8 p.m. and they’re tucked in, I can’t resist sneaking into their stash for those irresistible peanut butter cups. I mean, who could blame me?
- Neglecting Sleep: My oldest is in bed by 8 p.m., while the twins hit the hay even earlier at 7:15 p.m. If I really believed in the importance of sleep, I would follow suit and head to bed early myself. Instead, I often find myself still awake at 11 p.m., pretending I’ll be responsible and get to bed by 9. My little one is quick to remind me the next day, “Maybe you should have gone to bed earlier, Mama.”
- Binge-Watching Shows: I’m currently engrossed in a series binge of The Office. Those short episodes are dangerously enticing. It’s amusing how strict I am with my kids about their screen time, yet here I am, justifying “one more episode” long into the night. My eldest didn’t even see a screen until he was three!
- Colorful Language: While my children have yet to learn any swear words, my eldest has picked up a few phrases that make me cringe. I often find myself muttering words that would earn me a PG-13 rating. Despite my insistence on using kinder language, I can’t help but slip up—though I keep it quiet enough that they might not catch on.
- Lazing Around: Kids learn through play, and while they’re full of energy, I find myself struggling to keep up. I aspire to be active, and every once in a while, I feel motivated enough to work out. However, these spurts of enthusiasm fade quickly, and I end up taking a leisurely stroll just once a week. It’s ironic how I preach the importance of activity when I can barely stick to a routine myself.
Despite these confessions, I strive to set a good example in other areas—like reading with my kids, eating healthy meals (minus my late-night candy binges), and treating others with respect. We all want the best for our children, which is why we encourage them to choose organic fruits while we occasionally indulge in junk food. It’s a balancing act, but I’m working on being more mindful of my own habits. Perhaps I can start by focusing on small goals, like limiting screen time to 30 minutes or getting to bed earlier.
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Summary
In conclusion, while we all strive to be the ideal role models for our children, it’s important to acknowledge that we, too, fall short at times. Finding balance between setting a good example and indulging in our own guilty pleasures is a common struggle every parent can relate to.