11 Ways Motherhood Has Made Me More Deceptive

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As a parent, I’ve often found myself employing a few crafty tactics to navigate the daily chaos. For instance, recently I cleverly convinced my kids to tidy up their rooms by promising a delightful ice cream treat. This little strategy works wonders, whether I need them to focus on homework, behave while shopping, or simply to quiet down. While sugar and devices are my go-to incentives, I’ve occasionally resorted to a white lie to get the desired result. Many parents I know have mastered the subtle art of deception in child-rearing, and if you’re in the same boat, there’s no need to feel guilty. Most of us are just trying to survive the day, and a little manipulation can feel necessary. Before I became a mom, I naively believed that a firm “no” or simple directives would suffice. How wrong I was! Here are some of the ways motherhood has led me to embrace a more deceptive side:

  1. Pretending the Toy Store is Closed
    I can’t muster the energy to face that chaotic wonderland of toys when I’m already exhausted. So, if I’ve promised a visit, I simply declare it closed until I’m ready to brave the madness again.
  2. Misleading About Food Choices
    Children often resist eating vegetables, so I cleverly disguise them in smoothies or pasta sauces. If they happen to discover an unexpected green speck, I just deny it and promise to blend it better next time.
  3. Using Santa as a Watchful Eye
    I remind my kids that Santa is always watching, even in the middle of summer. It’s a tactic that keeps them in line and is particularly effective after the holiday season, when they might need a reminder about good behavior.
  4. Eating Their Holiday Treats
    When it comes to their beloved snacks, I sometimes play the blame game. “It must have been a mouse!” I say, while secretly enjoying their stash in peace.
  5. Exiting Social Events with a Sick Day
    “Sorry, we can’t make it; the kids are under the weather,” I’ll say when I just want to avoid socializing. Today is simply not a day for pants or small talk.
  6. Cookie Dough is Off-Limits
    I’ve told my kids that cookie dough is dangerous and could give them food poisoning. If only they knew that the real reason is that it’s a guilty pleasure I prefer to keep to myself.
  7. Screen Time Bargaining
    Often I threaten to take away screen time when they misbehave, but I find myself giving in. It’s a battle I sometimes just can’t win, and I let them dive back into their digital worlds.
  8. Feigning Illness to Avoid Playdates
    When another mom suggests a playdate, I suddenly find myself “feeling unwell.” Sometimes one additional child is just too much to handle on a given day.
  9. Inflating Prices
    When discussing purchases, I exaggerate the cost of necessities like socks. “They must be made of gold now!” I’ll say, while hiding my new shoes. It’s more entertaining than simply stating, “Look at my new boots!”
  10. Keeping Secrets About Special Outings
    I ask my kids to keep their special outings with me a secret to preserve the magic. But when they return home and boast, it often ruins the experience for everyone involved.
  11. Fudging Facts at Doctor’s Appointments
    When asked about my kids’ habits, I may embellish the truth about their sugar intake or screen time. “No, they sleep in their own beds every night!” I might say, hoping they cooperate for a post-visit treat.

These moments may not reflect my finest parenting, but I’m not alone in this journey of motherhood. The art of manipulation, whether minor or major, is a common theme among parents. After all, who wouldn’t want to avoid uncomfortable social gatherings when they can use children as an excuse? If I were to share only my parenting triumphs, it would hardly be relatable.

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Summary:

In motherhood, deception often becomes a survival tactic, whether it’s avoiding the toy store or masking the truth about what kids are eating. Through clever manipulation and the occasional white lie, parents navigate daily challenges while keeping a sense of humor about the less-than-perfect moments. Ultimately, we share a collective experience in the art of parenting that transcends our individual struggles.

Keyphrase: deceptive parenting strategies

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