11 Ways to be a Mean Mommy

1. Make your kids go to bed at a reasonable time

Is there really anyone who hasn’t heard how important a good night’s rest is to a child’s success? Be the parent and put your kiddo to bed. No kid ever wants to go night night.  They may put up a fight at first, but with consistency, they'll learn you mean business. Now you get to enjoy that couple time you've been waiting on all day...or peace and quite finishing the finally of Army Wives. (can't believe it's over) 

2. No you can't have Dessert Everyday!   

Sweets should be saved for special occasions. That’s what makes them a "treat.” If you give in to your child’s demands for goodies all the time, they won’t appreciate the gesture when someone offers a sweet gift or reward. Long ago there used to be candy shops in every town, and it was such a treat to get to pick out your favorite sweet.  Plus, I'm not sure how many cavity fillings your Dental plan gives.  $$$ out of pocket 

3. "You have an allowance Pay for your own stuff" 

If you want something, you have to pay for it. That’s the way adult life works. To get your kids out of your basement in the future, you need to teach your children now that the gadgets, movies, video games, sports teams and camps they enjoy have a price. If they have to pay all or part of that price, they’ll appreciate it more, aren't we trying to teach our kids not to take things for granted.  You may also avoid paying for something your child only wants until he has it. If they're not willing to split the cost with you, they probably didn't want it that badly.

4. Don’t pull strings

Some kids get a rude awakening when they get a job and realize that the rules actually do apply to them. "You mean I have to clean this?" They have to come on time and do what the boss wants. And, (gasp!) part of the job they don’t even like. If you don’t like your child’s teacher, science partner, position on the soccer field or placement of the bus stop, avoid the temptation to make a stink or pull strings until he gets his preference. You are robbing your child of the chance to make the best of a difficult situation. Dealing with less than ideal circumstance is something she will have to do most of her adult life. If children never learn to handle it, don't set your child up for failure. 

5. "Tough Task?, solve it yourself!" 

Don’t automatically step-in and take over when things get hard. Nothing gives your kids a bigger self-confidence boost than sticking to it and accomplishing something difficult for them. "I think I can" beats " I think I can't" everyday!

6. Give them a watch and an alarm clock

Your child will be better off if they learn the responsibility of managing their own time. You’re not always going to be there to remind them to turn off the TV and get ready to go.

7. Don’t always buy the latest and greatest

Teach your children gratitude for, and satisfaction with, the things they have. Always worrying about the next big thing and who already has it will lead to a lifetime of debt and unhappiness.  (Parents don't get caught up in this hype either) It's hard but you'll still be able to get by without the nicest things in life.  

8. Let them feel loss

If your teen breaks their IPHONE, don’t replace it. He’ll learn a valuable lesson about taking care of his stuff. If your child forgets to turn in homework, let him take the lower grade or make him work out extra credit with his teacher himself. You are teaching responsibility — who doesn’t want responsible kids? They can help remind you of all the things you forget to do.

9. Control media

If all the other parents let their child jump off a bridge, would you? Don’t let your kids watch a show, play a video game that is inappropriate for children, or USE SNAPCHAT just because all their friends have done it. If you stand up for decent parenting, others may follow. Create some positive peer pressure.

10. Make them apologize

If your child does something wrong, make her fess up and face the consequences. Don’t brush rudeness, bullying, or dishonesty under the rug. If you mess up, set the example and eat your humble pie.


11. Make them work — for free (child labor rules don't apply with your own kids) 

Whether it’s helping Mi-maw or PaPaw  in the garden or volunteering to tutor younger kids, or ready at to the elementary children,  make service a part of your child’s life. It teaches them to look outside themselves and realize that other people have needs and problems, too — sometimes greater than their own.

With all the time you spend being mean, don’t forget to praise and reward your children for their AWESOME behavior. And always, make sure they know you love them. With a little luck, your kids can turn the tide and make their generation one known for its hope and promise.