Thursday, October 10, 2013

Mean Mama

Below is a post from my mom's Facebook account the other day.  I love her words and the wisdom she has.  Katie recently told me "You know, some people are actually nice to they kids"  (yes, she said they).  We were driving to school and running late due to some unacceptable morning behavior.  I was going to be late for work and I wasn't pleased with Maggie.  She had to pay me $2 for my tardiness.  This is not the first time and I told her she had to pay me since she was now affecting my job.  I told her that her attitude and behavior that morning were completely unacceptable when my little peanut gallery decided to interject.  A few days later, I told Katie she couldn't have "zert" if she didn't finish her chicken and vegetables from dinner.  GaGa and Mom Mom were there visiting for our Sunday four generations dinner.  Sissy then declared me a Mean Mama.  How horrible I was for expecting her to eat her healthy meal and not allowing her to just consume junk!  Didn't I know better?!?

So, here you have GaGa's wisdom--

This message is for my daughter, but I'm posting it here because many others of you may relate to this. I just have to tell you, Jen, that when your 3 year old said you were a "mean mama" the other night, it really made me smile. I smiled because I looked over at you and saw a cute little blonde haired girl who also would have said those same words (along with your brother). And, at that moment, I was so proud of you! I know that your "meanness" means that you are doing your job. Please continue to be "mean." Be mean about not letting them have dessert if they don't eat their healthy food, be mean when they don't want to hold your hand when crossing the parking lot, be mean when they don't want to clean their room, do their homework, go to church, study for a test, wear inappropriate clothing, watch an R-rated movie, stay out late, go to a party that you aren't comfortable about, and thousands of other things that are coming down the pike. Your "meanness" means that you are setting boundaries and providing them with structure that will help them mature and become productive adults. I'll thank you again when we attend their college graduations, but for now I'll just say... good job! P.S. please don't me mad at me when I offset some of that meanness, with a little grandmotherly TLC. I've earned it! 

Blog friends--what do you think?  Are you a Mean Mama like me?  I think I'll wear my badge proudly!

16 comments:

Love Mommas said...

Love it!! I have been a Mean Mamas (as one of my littles calls me), and yep, I wear that badge proudly too! I strive to treat our children with respect, but I also want them to know some things just don't fly!
Enjoy your new title! I love what your mom posted!

Unknown said...

I love it! Now I don't think I'm quite "mean" enough..

KirstyB said...

I love it! I'm definitely a mean mama too...just ask my 14 year old! ;)

Tina said...

Love your mom's wisdom here! And I love how she throws in her role as a grandma at the end. Ha! I have heard similar things from my mom!

One crazed mommy said...

Haha - Love it! Yes, yes I am a proudly a mean mama...and I am told often enough by both of my kiddos!! When they tell me that I am I reply to them "Yes, I am ...but keep it up if you really want to see mean"! ;)

Debbie said...

Love it. I'm a mean mom too. Your mom is very wise.

Samantha said...

Yup...I am a mean momma too!! I tell my girls that I am not paid to be nice. To which my husband always says that I am not paid at all, but that is another argument :)

Keep up the good work momma!

mm said...

Oh yes!!! Wear that moniker with pride! I vividly remember a 2 or 3 yr. old Gus majorly pissed off at something I wouldn't let him do or have. He went stomping upstairs and then stuck his little face thru the railing to proclaim "You a mean mama, MEEEEAAAANNNN MAMA!!!!" Still makes me smile haha! XXOO

Dusty said...

I'm just going to pretend that my mama said that to me. I really need to hear those words right now! I'm the most stupidest and dumbest mom around because I want my son to pass his math class and I want my daughter to make friends. I'm such a mean mom.

No wonder why you're so amazing!!!

Natalie said...

Mean moms unite!

. said...

Now that my oldeset is 9, I explain that I am not being "mean" as much as I am looking out for his well being. It would make me a terrible mom if I didn't make you do (fill in the blank) He actually appreciates the reminder and I normally get more love and hugs from him that day!

Krissy said...

A long time ago, when my stubborn 3 year old (now 11) told me she hated me, that I was mean, I cried to my dad. He told me that its when your kids hate you, or say you are mean, that you know you are doing something right. We aren't supposed to be our children's best friend, we're supposed to be parents. Being parents means setting boundaries adn setting rules. It hurts to hear the harsh words, but my reply remains the same to this day, "I don't care if you say you hate me, because I know you love me. I will never hate you, I will always love you."

Courtney said...

Love it! Yes I am a mean mama. I have a 17 year old and a 6 year old. My little one often wants to do things her older sister wants to do. I say no 99% of the time. Her main complaint these days is bedtime as she's in bed by 745-8pm. That may seem early but she wakes up at 6am for school! I am much 'meaner' than my husband. At sonic I get her a small slush, he always gets her a medium. My version of a snack is an apple, his is an ice cream. It goes on & on, lol. I think we balance eachother most days. I will continue to be 'mean'because it's what will mold her into doing right.

Tina said...

When I am told that I am mean I smile and say "Yep, that is my job."
Stay mean.

USMCwifeAMY said...

omg, this is too cute! Actually pricked my eyes with tears. I'm a mean mama.

JessicaB said...

I am a mean momma and a mean aunt! Oh well