We all have that one friend who constantly requires justification. “He’s not usually like this,” or “He’s great once you get to know him,” or “He has a unique sense of humor.” However, after a while, it becomes clear that having to defend someone’s behavior repeatedly isn’t a good sign. Maybe it’s time for them to own up to their actions.
Lately, I’ve been feeling this way about my son. I won’t sugarcoat it: he can be quite challenging to be around at times. While he often exudes his usual joyful energy, the past few months have felt particularly tough.
Initially, when we’d visit friends and he’d start acting out, I’d find myself embarrassed and scrambling to explain his behavior: “He missed his nap.” “He’s teething.” “He’s hungry.” “The lights are too bright.” “We fed him late—huge mistake.” However, I’ve reached the point where I’m ready to shift the blame. Sure, you can’t truly blame a 2-year-old for acting like one, but you can stop making excuses for them. After navigating through the exhausting experience of his terrible twos, I’m done shouldering the responsibility for his antics. Sorry, buddy; sometimes it’s not me, it’s you.
Yesterday, I was at a pub with friends when my partner, Emma, arrived with our son, Max. He hadn’t met everyone at the table, but he usually warms up quickly. Unfortunately, he’s been exploiting this “terrible” phase, so after hiding behind Emma for a while, he erupted into screams at the mere sight of anyone looking his way. As a seasoned parent of a toddler, I’ve had enough. Instead of offering a half-hearted excuse for his outbursts, I simply said, “Don’t mind him; screaming is his default mode these days. It’s nothing personal; he’s just being a brat.”
I’m no longer in the business of protecting him from the consequences of his behavior. Now that he’s nearly three, it’s time for him to start taking responsibility for his actions. Not everything he does is a reflection of us as parents; he’s an individual capable of making his own choices. This is America, after all! Right now, he’s choosing to be a handful, and I’m letting him face the music. “Sure, I’m his dad, but he’s his own person. He’s the one who tossed the menu at you, so if you’re mad, direct your frustration at him, not me.”
This shift in perspective feels surprisingly freeing. Of course, there’s a fine line between ceasing to make excuses and allowing bad behavior to go unchecked, and I certainly don’t advocate for the latter. We still discipline and recognize our shared responsibility in shaping the person he will become. However, the terrible twos are a universal experience for parents, regardless of their approach, and we just need to ride out this storm. While we do, we’re not letting him off easy. It’s his reputation on the line, and if he keeps it up, he’ll soon find himself unwelcome at every local spot.
For more insights on parenting and the challenges of raising toddlers, check out this article on home insemination kits where you can find additional resources. And if you’re looking for information on pregnancy, this WebMD article offers excellent guidance.
In summary, parenting can be challenging, especially during the tumultuous toddler years. Instead of making excuses for their behavior, it’s crucial for kids to take responsibility for their actions while parents guide and discipline them appropriately.
Keyphrase: Over Making Excuses for My Toddler
Tags: [“home insemination kit”, “home insemination syringe”, “self insemination”]