As a parent, I strive to foster a sense of equity among my kids. Whether it’s pouring their drinks or sharing funny childhood anecdotes, I aim for balance. I even make sure they all have equal representation in family photos and partake in the same number of extracurricular activities. Yet, despite my efforts, I frequently hear complaints about favoritism and injustice in their lives. After taking notes on their grievances, I’ve come to realize that, indeed, their existence is riddled with unfairness. Here’s a list of their top complaints:
- They must shower every night if they smell, even if they bathed the night before.
- Coffee is strictly off-limits.
- They’re expected to lug their own school bags to the car.
- When Ben found a lone chocolate chip, Lily and Evan had to wait for their after-school snacks the next day.
- Crusts on bread are a travesty.
- They can’t blast Minecraft videos on the iPad while I’m cooking.
- Mornings start with rude awakenings.
- Bedtime arrives too early.
- Jumping in puddles with new shoes is a cardinal sin.
- A jacket is mandatory when temperatures drop below 35 degrees.
- Eating upstairs is forbidden.
- Lily gets an extra 15 minutes of TV time, which feels oh-so-unfair.
- As the oldest, she has logged far more screen time than her siblings.
- School nights restrict outdoor playtime after 7:15.
- Tooth brushing is non-negotiable.
- They were forced to accompany me to the drive-thru bank last week.
- Homework is a relentless burden.
- Rainy days mean no outdoor recess.
- The crust-to-pizza ratio is deplorable.
- Being the only girl presents its own set of challenges.
- Shoelaces are a nuisance.
- Bikes and scooters are strictly outdoor toys.
- Evan has to wear glasses, which he views as a punishment.
- Yet, he also gets to wear glasses, which is cool in its own way.
- Our family road trip to Florida over spring break is no fun compared to flying.
- Monday mornings are universally dreaded.
- PG-13 movies are off-limits.
- Muddy shoes must be left outside.
- Soda? Not in this household.
- The boys have both a brother and a sister, which they deem unfair.
- I made Evan the last waffle yesterday, sparking his discontent.
- Helmets are mandatory for bike rides, much to their chagrin.
- Sleepovers are not permitted on school nights.
- Lily is off to overnight camp this summer and will have a blast without the boys.
- Conversely, she’s also going to miss all the fun at home.
- Spelling tests are a dreaded reality.
- Lily used too much hot water, resulting in Ben’s five-minute shower.
- They never get a day off from school just because.
- None of them have a kitten to cuddle.
- Or any kitten, for that matter.
- Haircuts are a necessity, not a luxury.
- Dinner choices are not theirs to make.
- Remote controls are not allowed in their rooms.
- Getting toenails trimmed is a chore they dislike.
- They can’t use my computer for personal purposes.
- Writing thank-you notes is mandatory.
- Lily always gets to go first in everything.
- Ben has the unique experience of being both an older brother and a younger one.
- Evan is often seen as the baby of the family.
- Vegetables are an unfortunate requirement at mealtime.
Living with children means navigating a minefield of perceived injustices. For more insights on parenting and to explore topics like fertility, check out this post on our home insemination kit or learn about fertility supplements at Make a Mom. You can also find excellent resources about pregnancy and home insemination at Parents.
Summary:
In the quest for fairness within the family, children often perceive their lives filled with injustice. From showering to bedtime routines, the list of grievances is endless. Despite a parent’s best intentions, navigating these complaints can feel like a full-time job, highlighting the unique challenges of parenting.
Keyphrase: unfairness in parenting
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