I hit my tipping point during a routine grocery run, after realizing my kids were dissatisfied with the week’s food selection. Instead of insisting they make do, I begrudgingly headed back to the store, even though I had a tight schedule and would rather be anywhere else.
As I stood in the self-checkout aisle, a cloud of resentment hung over me. I was mentally preparing to confront them later about their behavior. It felt like they were taking my efforts for granted, and I had finally had enough.
The next morning, I woke up to find several lights still on throughout the house—a reminder that my oldest had stayed up late and ignored my requests to turn them off. As soon as I got out of bed, he bombarded me with questions about why he had to cover his own car insurance and registration fees. “Why can’t you just pay for it? I bought the car myself!” he exclaimed.
“Can you be any more selfish?” I snapped, snatching the cereal bar from his hands to drive my point home.
He had no idea why I was so upset.
Teenagers can be remarkably self-absorbed, and I’ve done enough reading to know this is often due to the way their brains develop. According to New Scientist, teens tend to use a different part of their brains for decision-making than adults do. Well, that’s great and all, but it doesn’t excuse the entitlement I’ve been witnessing.
I want my kids to learn the value of money and the dignity of hard work. It’s crucial for them to understand that their parents are not just ATM machines. If I feel unappreciated, it’s only natural that I’d react by changing the WiFi password or refusing to drive them places. Research can’t justify being rude.
Had my son approached me respectfully, acknowledging he was low on cash and asking for a loan to cover his car expenses, I would have happily agreed—especially if he’d completed his chores without me reminding him a dozen times. Instead, his entitlement and frustration just reinforced my desire not to help him at all. It was time to set some boundaries.
It’s easy to fall into the trap of doing everything for our kids, thinking it’s how we show our love. But part of my role as their parent is to teach them how to treat others, especially those who provide for them.
There comes a point when we have to stop allowing ourselves to be treated like a doormat. If I keep letting them tread on me, I’ll only end up feeling more resentful.
Fortunately, it’s never too late to change how we parent. So, I’ve adjusted my approach. Now, I’ll stick to my weekly grocery shopping schedule, regardless of my kids’ complaints about pantry contents (unless we’re talking about essentials like toilet paper or those delicious chocolate truffles I refuse to share). My son will work to save up for his own car expenses, and I’m committed to establishing clear boundaries when I feel unappreciated.
This doesn’t mean my kids will become perfect, of course, but I’m hopeful that setting limits will help me feel less like a used dish rag. Plus, it’s about time I enjoyed my chocolate in peace instead of being at their beck and call.
For more insights on parenting, you can check out this piece on home insemination kits or learn how to navigate your first IUI experience from this excellent resource: What to Expect When You Have Your First IUI. Also, if you’re interested in home insemination solutions, Cryobaby’s at-home insemination kit is worth a look.
In summary, establishing boundaries with my older kids has become necessary to ensure they appreciate the efforts I put into our family. By making these adjustments, I hope to foster a sense of responsibility and respect in them while also reclaiming my peace of mind.
Keyphrase: Parenting boundaries
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