One of the unexpected challenges of being a parent has been disciplining my kids. With smartphones turning my home into our an extension of the office, I find myself working more than ever. And when I’m not working, I’m driving the kids to piano lessons, soccer practices, and playdates with their friends. So you can probably guess how much time I have left to cook my kids dinner. Not much. When I do get in some quality time with my kids, the last thing I feel like doing is scolding or lecturing them. Instead, I like to reward their positive behavior. And while I’m proud of the way my kids are turning out, I sometimes worry that I’m not being the best parent I could be. So when I read the story below, I thought the mom in it was a being a little harsh. But when I really thought about it, I realized that the lesson she teaches her little ones is worth a little tough love. Read it and let us know in the Facebook comments what you would do in her situation.
“I am the meanest mom, like, ever!
Took the kids to Dairy Queen after dinner. They ordered their dessert choices and we waited about 5 minutes for them to call out our number. The young lady (maybe 17) handed each child their ice cream. Not one looked her in the eye. Not one said thank you. Not to her, not to me… So I waited.
I counted to 10 in my head as they dug into their ice cream and the young lady just looked at me (probably because she thought I was hearing voices) and I watched as my children strolled out the door.
I followed them outside where I calmly collected their ice creams and my kids watched in horror as I deposited them into the nearby garbage can.
All three launched into mass hysteria. I waited. Quiet. Calm. When they realized I had something to say, they quieted down.
I explained that one day, if they were lucky, they would work a job like that young lady. And I would hope that people would see them. Really see them. Look them in the eye and say thank you.
We are too old at eight, seven, and five to move through our days without exercising manners and honestly basic human decency.
So today, I am the meanest mom in the world.”
What do you think? Was this mom too harsh? Or do you think losing five minutes of ice cream bliss is worth a lifetime of good manners? Let us know on Facebook and share this story with your friends who are parents!
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