My daughters are spoiled. It's my fault and I'm taking ownership of it. I'm just hoping I haven't realized this too late to do something about it.
I know that this didn't happen overnight and I have not been oblivious over the last 8 years. But I didn't realize how bad it had gotten until the other day. Brookes (my dear husband) went on a golf trip so I was single parenting. I have been very lucky in my parenting life not to have had to single parent very often. I give hats off to people that do it on a regular basis because it is not easy. Anyway, we had a pretty good 5 days, the girls and I. I knew there was a store clearing out toys so on the last solo night I took them and let them pick out a few toys each. They were both so excited and told me how I was the best mom in the whole world. Now, don't worry, my self esteem is not dependent on my children liking me. Most of the time I'm the worst mom in the whole world and I'm okay with it. Of course, a little adulation is nice some times. Part of my buying them these toys was selfish. I wanted a few minutes of peace and time to myself. It didn't happen. They argued and screamed and fought all morning. I ended up yelling empty threats. Not my best moment. I took it all away and after they cleaned their rooms I kicked them outside. As I scrubbed the kitchen floor a lot of stuff went through my head. Why are they like this? The neighbours girls aren't like this, at least not that I see. What is the difference? Then the clouds cleared and I realized that STUFF is the difference. My girls just have too much stuff. How can they possibly appreciate things when they have too many things to even look at? They can't. And the too much STUFF? It's my fault.
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