A few weeks ago, I noticed a troubling new phrase emerging from my children: “Do I have to?” It seemed to spill out of their mouths as if it were totally acceptable to question every single request I made. As if I would respond with, “Oh, my sweet darlings, of course you don’t have to! You’re my precious little angels who only need to exist and savor ice cream sandwiches.”
This new mantra emerged when I asked them to do anything from picking up their toys to practicing their instruments or even getting ready for bed. The phrase dripped from their lips in a drawn-out whine that could make the neighbor’s dogs howl and my patience evaporate. I would stare at them in disbelief, questioning what I had done to raise such entitled children who resisted even the simplest of chores.
“No, you don’t have to do anything,” I would reply. “Just like I don’t have to hold back from spending your college fund on shoes.” This would elicit an eye roll and a begrudging acceptance of their tasks, dragging their feet as if I had just asked them to donate a limb to science instead of brush their teeth. It was painful and incredibly frustrating to witness.
From the very beginning, I was determined that my children wouldn’t become spoiled. I had vowed they wouldn’t rely on me for everything and would learn to be self-sufficient as soon as they were capable. They were going to be responsible, polite members of our household, darn it! They would fetch their own water and load their plates into the dishwasher. They were meant to contribute without any fuss.
But here I was, facing the uncomfortable reality that my kids were behaving like spoiled brats, and I knew we were partly responsible. It all spiraled after we let our screen time rules slip. We got lazy as parents. Instead of urging them outside to play after school, I thought, “They just need a moment to unwind.” Then, I caught my son trying to navigate stairs while glued to a movie on his iPad. That was about the time we began hearing the dreaded “Do I have to?” more frequently. They were forgetting basic manners like “please” and “thank you,” and every request turned into a struggle, leaving me utterly exhausted and extremely annoyed.
This part of parenting is tough—the logistics of getting things done. Kids are enjoyable, adorable, and lovable, but teaching them to grow up without being obnoxious is a different ball game. It’s embarrassing when they act spoiled in public, and I genuinely enjoy outings.
So, we initiated a family intervention. As parents, we recommitted to monitoring screen time more closely. We sat the kids down and clarified our expectations if they wanted to continue enjoying the perks of life, like bacon and love. Just kidding—bacon is always on the table, so what gives?
Parenting requires time, effort, and endless patience. I understand the reluctance to jump into tasks when asked, but prioritizing respect for family members is key. It’s rewarding to reach a point where you can enjoy your children’s company without feeling the urge to strangle them with a coat left in the middle of the living room. This way, they also enjoy a more peaceful environment without constant reprimands.
I’m committed to putting in the time and effort required to raise thoughtful, respectful human beings. I hope you’ll do the same for your family. For more insights on home insemination, consider visiting this blog post or check out this excellent resource for pregnancy and home insemination advice.
So, let’s get back to the basics and ensure we’re not sending more spoiled brats into the world.