We all know that as parents, we’re expected to set a good example. Kids are observant; they mimic our actions far more than they heed our words. Yet, despite our best intentions, there are those moments when we slip up. I confess—I’m just as guilty as the next parent. While I preach healthy habits, when the kids are tucked in for the night, I often indulge in behaviors I’d prefer they avoid. Here are five things I caution my kids against, but secretly partake in myself.
1. Indulging in Candy
When we bring home a mountain of sweets—thanks to Halloween, birthday bashes, or holiday festivities—my kids are limited to one piece a day for three days. That’s right, from a treasure trove of candy, they only get three. Sometimes, they even toss the leftovers! Meanwhile, after the clock strikes 8 p.m. and the little ones are asleep, I can’t help but dive into their stash for some peanut butter cups and candy corn. I should feel guilty about this, but honestly, I don’t.
2. Neglecting Sleep
My eldest goes to bed at 8 p.m., while the twins hit the hay even earlier at 7:15. You’d think I’d take my own advice and get some rest to tackle the next day with vigor. But no, I frequently find myself pushing my bedtime to around 11 p.m., only to rise at the crack of dawn. My five-year-old is quick to remind me of my hypocrisy: “Maybe you should sleep early, Mama,” he says as I yawn through the morning.
3. Binge-Watching Shows
I’m currently hooked on The Office, and let’s be real, those short episodes are just an invitation to watch “just one more.” Ironically, I’m the same parent who enforced strict screen time rules, only allowing my eldest to watch TV after he turned three. The twins? They got to enjoy screens a whole year earlier. But here I am, glued to the screen, while they enjoy their daily dose of The Magic School Bus.
4. Using Improper Language
While my kids don’t curse (yet), I’ve caught my eldest using some interesting phrases that echo my own. When he exclaims “Bam!” it sounds suspiciously like my “Damn!” I try to steer him toward better vocabulary, but I often find myself muttering colorful words under my breath. Kids are sponges, and I can’t pretend they haven’t picked up on my not-so-PG language.
5. Being a Couch Potato
I often tell my kids how essential it is to stay active and engaged. They play and run around while I struggle to fit in a weekly walk. Sure, I have bursts of motivation when my doctor suggests I shed a few pounds or when my cholesterol levels worry me. I might buy some new workout gear or try a fitness class, but after a couple of weeks, I fall back into my old habits. I do enjoy a dance class or walking to the store when possible, but I know I could do better.
Despite these confessions, I take pride in other aspects of parenting where I do lead by example. I read to my kids regularly, maintain a healthy diet (when candy isn’t involved), and emphasize kindness and hard work. As parents, we genuinely want the best for our children, often opting for organic fruits while we munch on processed snacks ourselves. We aim to instill good habits to help them steer clear of the pitfalls we’ve encountered.
Maybe it’s time for me to focus on one goal at a time—like limiting screen time to just 30 minutes or making exercise a priority. If I can do this, I might just start taking my own advice and care for myself as I do for my kids.
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Summary
Parenting is filled with contradictions. While I advise my children against certain behaviors, I often find myself indulging in them. From sneaking candy to ignoring my own sleep needs, the list goes on. However, I strive to be a positive role model in many areas, and I hope to align my actions more closely with my teachings moving forward.
Keyphrase: parenting contradictions
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