I was asked recently about my parenting style. I had to think for a moment but My parenting style is not something I spent hours developing. Yous ee when I got pregnant with the Tech Monkey, I read every book on pregnancy and babies and I took several classes. this is what intellectuals do. Before I had children that is what I was.Then I had the Tech Monkey and found out that nothing I had learned was even remotely applicable to my child. I found myself stalking other mothers in the baby isle of Target and asking them if my kid letting the
dog lick inside his mouth was normal or whether or not is was normal to cry every time your baby did.
Some advice worked some did not. I realized that Agent Daddy and I were on our own. And just when we got cocky and thought we had this thing handled we had Airborne and discovered that two children with familial DNA did not guarantee that they share any characteristics. I was back to stalking strangers in the baby isle.
So my parenting style evolved from my overwhelming joy each day that passed with out blood being shed or vomit being spewed. I began each tirp out into the world with "Today is going to be a blood free day boys." My statement wasn't always true but others hearing my comments would inquire about my statement. I would proudly tell them "Any blood free day is a good day. That is our standard."
Pretty soon other parents around us began adopting this standard. That morphed into "Don't worry skin grows back." This would be told to the boys on those days that were not "Blood Free". Then the boys hit puberty. For you people out there who think boys have less drama and tears let me tell you you are WRONG. Puberty messes with boys as much or more than girls. Girls at least have their friends to talk to ad nauseum about their issues. With boys they bottle it all up and then explode into tears and slamming doors when you ask them to pass the salt at dinner.
So after careful consideration of the question "What is your parenting style?" I would say that I am way less Carol Brady and Donna Reed and way more R Lee Ermey in Full Metal Jacket. You will here me say "Life is tough get a helmet." and "Suck it up cupcake WAY more than you will hear me ask how does that make you feel.
This post made me laugh- I feel like it is probably necessary to have your parenting style change over the years. I'm sure mine will when I have kids!
ReplyDeleteI had to laugh about you comparing yourself to Ermey in your parenting style. I can be like that sometimes too.
ReplyDeleteI remember the tears and even though my son is almost 18 I still get the occasional door slam. I just laugh when he stomps off. I can't imagine raising two boys.
ReplyDeleteI'm cracking up at your comparison. But hey, if it works, it works!
ReplyDeleteThis post made me crack up!!
ReplyDeleteOh my. I try to stay in tune with whatever is going on with the kids, as we homeschool and it can seriously affect productivity. We are pretty tough with the kids though.
ReplyDeleteAll of my babies have fur, so there really isn't any sort of style there. I pretty much spoil them.
ReplyDeleteWell, I had four babies and you are right! I had 2 boys and 2 girls and everybody goes through the same drama in one way or the other. I sat all four down and told them now I can be your friend and you don't get in trouble at all, but at least I know the problem or I can be your mother and blow my cork! Which do you want? I let them think about it and believe it or not my youngest was elected to try me first. As I told them they would not get in trouble and mom would never find out and I also taught them what could cost me $5 today could cost me $500 tomorrow so don't hold anything back. Well it worked and they still do it until this day and my youngest is 34 yrs. old. ~hhehe
ReplyDeleteLoved your post! I guess I just go with the flow as far as parenting styles.
ReplyDeletefunny post. I think every parent has their own style, and they're all perfect in their own way.
ReplyDeleteThe dog licking had me crying! LOL. I just take it day by day. They are still young and go through phases and changes all the time. What worked yesterday doesn't always work today. What works on my son doesn't work on my daughter. As long as they are respectful and obedient we get through it.
ReplyDeleteI love this post. It literally made me LOL. Having kids is like being on a roller coaster that you can't get off of no matter how hard you try. You're constantly being twisted and turned, and you wonder why you ever got on that crazy ride to begin with. Then, miraculously, in between the dog licking inside the baby's mouth and the finger painted walls, your child looks at you with the most pure form of love you've ever seen, and you say, "There it is. That's why." Then they pour shampoo all over the carpet, and the roller coaster is back on.
ReplyDeleteGreat post. I'm definitely a lot more laid back. Baby Mash falls around people and they rush to him, and look at me in horror when I don't filch. He isn't bleeding, nothing is broken, he didn't pass out or vomit and he's laughing… he fine. lol
ReplyDeleteWell that's a fun and very true mantra. If there's no blood, it's def. a good day. :)
ReplyDeleteSuck it up cupcake is a well used saying in this household as well. Life is messy. I once had someone in shock that I let my 2 year old on a trampoline with his 10 year old brother holding his hands. I was like all good we have health insurance and boys are going to break a bone eventually can't wrap them in bubble wrap. She was not impressed with my attitude. Oh well, suck it up cupcake ;)
ReplyDeleteLOL! Awesome comparison. LOL some more!
ReplyDeleteParenting is a communal thing that America has forgotten. Proof is in the pudding - many are shaming women for breastfeeding! There's nothing wrong with stalking other moms for help and advice - it's what you're supposed to do!
ReplyDeleteI love how you turn reality into humor it is amazingly funny. We all know mothering is just instinct or that is what I think. Babies don't come with instructions. My mom always said you will know what to do and if you don't you will figure it out. I do believe her now that my kids are older. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteI am pretty laid back as a parent, I have a 15 yo boy, 14 yo girl and a 4 year old girl, It is super important that they know they can talk to me like they could a good friend, but they also know that first and foremost I a mom.
ReplyDeleteAtta girl. I always wanted a drill instructor for a mother. You're my hero, you know that? LOL...atta girl, you've figured this parenting thing out.
ReplyDeleteI grew up with seven brothers and I agree, they are horrible when their hormones kick in!
ReplyDeletegreat comparison. I notice too that I am different to other mothers as how I look after my daughter. you see I got pregnant early 20's which is still in the middle of my teen years for me haha so I always make it a point to talk to my kid as a friend rather than a mom.
ReplyDeleteMy kids are just hitting the skinned knees stage. My son has come home from 1st grade each day with a new band-aid. Kick ball has gotten a lot tougher than when I was a kid. I look forward to a blood free day.
ReplyDeleteAh the joy of raising boys! My son is only six and I can tell that I'm going to be bald by the time he hit puberty! He gets it all from me too....except for his stubbornness, that's all his dad. He's dad is more likely the one to use the term "suck it up cupcake" and I the one that will cry with him lol It just means he will be well balance (right??!!)
ReplyDeleteLOL! I'm a total "suck it up" mom too, but I say "buttercup". Ironically this phrase always follows, "are you bleeding?".
ReplyDeleteLove it! Sometimes for me my parenting style depends on the kid!
ReplyDeleteParenting is a really tough gig. Through in teen hormones and it is a chaotic affair.
ReplyDeleteActually laughed out loud at the " Life is tough get a helmet". Glad to be on the other side of the drama years. ;)
ReplyDeleteI feel like I am going to be like you when I start to have kids. I will be stalking people everywhere to see what they do and buy. Then wing it the rest of the time.
ReplyDeleteAwww... I have 2 girls.. and currently I am having issues with my 8yo when it comes to doing chores and everything..
ReplyDeleteWhile with the little one, she's pretty tough too..
I guess, there's really no perfect parenting style... each have their own style that will suit / fit with what situation parents have.. :)
Post babies, we lose almost everything except, thankfully, our sense of humor. Yours is solidly intact.
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