As my children raptly watched episodes of the popular series, “Mythbusters,” I considered a few parenting myths that could stand some debunking.
1. We are to make our children happy.
Surprisingly, this is not in our parental job description. Of course, we are to provide a happy environment (to the best of our ability and situation), and be happy parents (most days), and treat our children in a happy manner (except when they behead an expensive set of golf clubs).
But, having done this — again, not to perfection but to the best of our ability — it is up to our children to choose to be happy. If someone is pouting about a lack of new electronic devices, early curfew (“But everyone else gets to stay late!”), or work requirements (“The neighbor kid doesn’t have to do chores, they have a house cleaner.”), so be it.
Years ago a wise friend said to me, “We need to allow our children to be uncomfortable.” This is the day of entitlement, and we as parents can get into a trap of thinking we must give, do and be all to make sure our children are happy, smiling and thrilled with their lives. This is untrue. Providing temporally, physically, and emotionally in a wise and intentional manner, with smiles and love, is what’s in the contract. There is no fine print about a new iPhone 5.
2. Your children will like you.
To read more of Connie’s Blog Post at Motherhood Matters KSL, click here.
