May 4, 2023
Not long ago, we were hanging out with some family friends, and our kids, who are all around the same age, were running wild in their home. As I wandered into the kitchen to grab a glass of water, I was met with an utterly appalling sight: my child’s filthy socks, crumpled up and left on the kitchen counter.
You might think this behavior could be forgiven if it came from a toddler, but no—the culprit was my 10-year-old.
I wish I could say this was an isolated incident, but alas, it’s just one of many cringe-worthy moments I’ve experienced as a parent. I consider myself quite cultured, and while my family enjoys a good laugh over some silly moments, we pride ourselves on maintaining decent manners. Yet, I can’t shake the feeling that we’ve somehow dropped the ball.
One of my kids, who shall remain nameless, had a particularly gross habit of picking their nose and wiping the evidence on their pillow every night. I’d discover a veritable forest of dried boogers every time laundry day rolled around. So repulsive.
All three of our children went through their nose-picking phases, despite our relentless efforts to model proper tissue use, constant reminders to keep their fingers out of their noses, and the obligatory hand-washing sessions when we caught them in the act. But, no matter what, they persisted in digging for gold.
As if that wasn’t enough, we occasionally caught them in the act of not just picking their noses—but eating the boogers! I can’t even express how nauseating it is to recall a moment when my then-four-year-old was at a table surrounded by people, digging deep into their nostrils. As I instructed them to stop, they pulled out a massive booger and, before I could react, popped it straight into their mouth. It was like watching a slow-motion horror film unfold in a busy restaurant.
I find myself questioning where we went wrong. Are children inherently gross? Does it take endless years of guidance to mold them into civilized beings with a sense of what’s acceptable? Are we just on the unfortunate end of the parenting spectrum?
What’s even more frustrating is the judgment I feel from others. After witnessing a gross act, I often want to shout, “I promise we’re not raising them like this!”
However, I do find solace in the fact that we’ve successfully guided one child into her teenage years without any public displays of utter grossness. Our middle schooler has also learned to keep most embarrassments at bay, so perhaps our parenting strategies are finally paying off.
Recently, a friend’s son visited and left his dirty socks on our dining table—he’s 10, just like mine! My initial reaction was disgust, but then relief washed over me. Thank goodness it’s not just my kids!
If you find yourself in similar situations, know that you’re not alone. Parenting is a wild ride filled with moments that leave you questioning everything.
For more insights on navigating parenting challenges, check out our post on home insemination kit terms and conditions, and explore the resources on artificial insemination kits and various treatment options that can support your journey.
In summary, dealing with the gross habits of our children is a universal challenge for parents. We all have those moments that make us cringe, but the key is to remember that they’re just kids, and with time and patience, they might just grow out of it.