Confessions from a Mean Mom

My children often accuse me of being the meanest Mom ever.

I admit that I struggle daily as a Mom. I am not a very patient person. I have raised my voice, lost my cool, and have had parenting moments that I would change if I could go back.

But those aren't the things they complain about.

Here are some of the reasons why my kids think I am super mean:

I make them eat vegetables and other healthy food. And I don't fill their lunchbags with Fruit-roll-ups, chips, candy, or soda pop.

I make them brush their teeth and hair. And use soap to get clean in the bath. And wash their hands when they come in the house.

I make them go to bed "early" on school nights (early being 8:30 PM).

I make them tidy up their stuff, make their beds, empty the dishwasher, clean the bathrooms, etc.

I make them do their homework and practice the piano. And learn theory.

I make them apologize and hug each other when they have a fight.

I don't let them play DSi 24 hours a day. I don't even let them keep their DSi's in their own possessions.

Oh, and I put Clara in time-out when she's naughty. I get all kinds of evil eyes when this is going on.

As you can see, I'm definitely up there on the Mean Mom list.

My own Mother has even accused me of being a mean - or should I say a strict - Mom. Because I make my kids wait until the cookies have cooled before they get to eat them.

Ironically, my kids are fine with the waiting part. They have seen homemade cookies so often that they think I'm mean because I don't buy them Oreos, Arrowroots, and Chips Ahoy.

Aaaaah, I just can't win on that one.

But that's okay, because the truth is... I make the cookies for Scott.