And This is Where Britney Brings Out the Sanctimommy in Me

Even waaaaaaaaaay back before I had kids, if you asked me what the hardest job in the world was, I'd still have said parenting.

I think for maybe ONE second I thought it might be easy, you know, when they can feed, clothe, and entertain themselves. But then, at that point, they can talk back, roll their eyes at you intentionally, and scream things like "I hate you" as they run full speed into their room while they blast some ridiculously loud bad music sung by a 12 year old with dyed blonde hair.

But aside from that one second, it's hard. And quite frankly, something not to be taken lightly.

Have we all forgotten that we are raising little humans, that will then be adults that must function in society, with other humans? I watch Super Nanny, I read stories about Britney "falling asleep" at the night club, and I hear names like "Reign Beau" and think, WTH is going on?

I'm by far not the perfect parent, nor do I hope or ascribe to the moniker "Sancti-mommy," but when your kids are beating you up and throwing food on the floor, you do something. When did watching the Saddam hanging become acceptable television? When did listening to ridiculous music that degrades women and promotes violence become okay?

C'mon people. Let's step it up here! No more selling out -- giving in -- playing it safe. I don't care if my daughter is a doctor, lawyer, or clown (professional one, that is). I just want her to grow up with a strong backbone, solid self esteem, respect for others, and a damn good taste in clothing and accessories.

Is that too much to ask?

Comments

[Dawn]

Amen to that sister!

[Amy]

I hear you! We're too few and far between nowadays. Why do I see so many parents bend over backwards and sideways just to keep their kids happy? They need to hear No sometimes, they need to learn to accept defeat, they need to lose sometimes, and they need to learn things on their own as well. It's a tightrope walk for sure, isn't it?

[Jennifer]

Amen!!! In this world where seeing half naked women on TV is normal, where 10 year olds are running around wearing daisy dukes and belly shirts. Where 13 year olds are getting their belly buttons pierced.............how do I teach my children that this is not acceptable behavior. I tell you one thing, my children KNOW they had better never disrespect me, hit me, throw food on the floor,etc.... because we have discipline in our house..........that is a foreign word to most parents these days!!!

[Awesome Mom]

Nope that is not too much to ask at all. That is what all good parents want for their kids. Kids need rules, they need to know that there are boundaries so they can feel safe and secure.

[Island jen]

Children like having rules... they want to know where they stand in the family. I feel sorry for the child that is 'the boss' of the family- what a weight to sit on top a youngsters shoulders.
Parents need to realize THEY ARE THE PARENTS and having rules IS OK and ENFORCING rules is even better.
I want to prepare my child for the outside world and getting every darn thing she pleases is not helping her out at all. The real world will not cater to her every whim.
Wow, you definitely struck a chord with me... Great post!! I need to post about this too!!

[evon]

I agree today there is too much going on that would never had happen when I was younger. Children are growing up being disrespectful and have no boundaries. I have a tendacy of letting my boys get away with some things but I do not let them be disreptectful to others or each other. They have rules they must abide. They are punished when they do not. I let them slide of chores occassionaly but only if they are playing nicely with each other and there is no need for seperation.

[Terry Meagley]

i agree 1000% with you we need to all take a stand and quit sparing the rod and spoiling the children go back to the book that truely will make better children for tomorrow... my mom spanked me and there was no welefare breathing down her neck and she raised 7 great kids and i think we need to all go back to the old ways and stand up to the government who are trying to tell us what rights we dont have as parents....paryer needs to be put back in school and god put back everywhere....

[Stacey k]

Excellent post!! With being the mom of 5 especiaaly my teenager and my preteen, it is very hard. I tell the kids no about something explain why and I'm still told that they hate me (all 5 of them have told me that from time to time) My response is always "well you can hate me, but I love you". My oldest two get mad at me because "all my friends are doing it" or "I have nothing to do" or "you are unfair, you wont let me have a life). I'm sorry they feel that way but as my mom always said, "it's my job to be your mother, not your friend". According to one of the replys I guess some people may not agree with some of my decisions, my olkest does wear belly shirts and does have her belly button pierced; but at least unlike so many kids these days, they are very closely supervised, they have parents that take an interest in their friends, school, etc. I know I dont have to worry about being a grandma anytime soon, I know they will not get in trouble with the police and I know they wont be frying their brains with drugs or alcohol because unlike so many parents today, I put my children first. Their safety health, and future are my main priorites for each and every one of them. I agree so much with you, if the rest of the parents of today would be the kind of parents that we are, their wouldn't be such destuction in this world.

[CherubMarie]

I admit it... I'm one of those mommies... The first time my oldest threw a fit on the floor my husband and I pointed at her on the floor, said, "Hey, look at that" and went on about our business. We didn't give her what she wanted. Ooops. I'm not a big fan of coddling (is that spelled right?). My husband said we should bring back lawn darts.

[willow]

my rule is you start at twenty percent and work down... the meal is 5never tip on alcohol, unless getting it from the bar, ant 1he rest is service... so, a penny would have benn sufficient here.