It’s a tough job, but someone’s got to do it. From cooking and cleaning to carpools and play dates, we moms make everything look easy and effortless. The truth is that most of us are overworked and sleep-deprived.
The struggle is real whether you are a stay-at-home mom or work a 9-5 job. Moms don’t get days off, and we can’t call out sick, so we roll with the punches and hope for the best.
We prioritize making our kids happy and holding down the household as best we can. Not only do we have high expectations for ourselves, but our kids do, too. When our little ones ask us for something, they expect us to drop everything and attend to their every want or need. This can be tricky because we want to teach our kids boundaries. Still, we also want a harmonious relationship where fun can be incorporated even during the most daunting tasks.
The key is to maintain control while remaining playful and easygoing.
Structure is the name of the game and we must stick to our rules when our kids challenge and push us to our limit to see how far we will take it before we implement consequences. A fine line exists between being a cool mom and a strict mom. For instance, to run a successful household, everyone should be assigned a task to ensure the day goes according to schedule. Setting and clearing the table at dinnertime is a great way to instill responsibility. Afterward, the reward may be an extra ten minutes playing video games or an extended bedtime for a job well done.
This sends the message that routines can be productive and fun if everyone cooperates. However, if broken, the fun is completely off the table. We can be a parent and a friend, all while remaining in control and successfully executing the task.
Another tedious but necessary part of a structured evening is teeth brushing. Your child will most likely be inclined to do so, and follow the rules, knowing that afterward, they will get to sit down and watch their favorite TV show, which conveniently ends just before bedtime.
Responsibilities are no longer frowned upon but anticipated when incentive is brought into the mix.
It’s all about keeping the energy lighthearted while accomplishing what needs to be done. This gets easier as our kids get older, but the sooner you put rules and rewards in place, the better.
Some may call it bribery, but completing something essential to retrieve a reward is not unheard of. Adults always do it in their careers when they work hard for a promotion. The same can be seen with teachers and students when good behavior and grades mean a trip to the prize box.
