My brother is more than four years younger than me. I have always believed that he has received special treatment from my mom. OK, yes he was a preemie, but Mom, there are no “preemie issues” left at this point. We are both in our 40’s for goodness sake. And he is not having a “preemie moment” when he and I disagree and he has a hard time getting his point across.
This situation got me thinking about my own parenting. Do I make excuses for my kids behavior?
“He’s just tired” or “She’s had a rough day” or “I think she is coming down with something”. How often do I excuse the unacceptable rather than having my kids deal with the consequences?
According to, Empowering Parents, overtime “chronic excuse making” can become a much bigger part of your kids personality because they are using it to solve problems.
Are raising a world of spoiled kids? Kids who can’t take ownership of their behaviors or failures?
My response: Call them out. Have them take responsibility and own it.
(Post Script: Mike you are a super awesome sport for letting me include you in this blog. Love you!)
Life in Snippets 