We are Not Peers
Oh, I see what’s happened here. You two boys think the three of us are peers.
That my words to you are suggestions for you to take under advisement, perhaps get a second opinion.
That you may tell me what time you expect me to be home.
That you may disagree with how I spend my time or fold my laundry.
That you may tell me when you’re planning to be gone, or even more, that you may simply head out and make your plans.
That you may throw a fit and make a scene, cast out emotionally maniuplative untruths, like, “You’re never with us!” and “You don’t even want us!” You can be angry, and you can tell me how you feel; but you may not say things that are not true. And you know – you know that I know that you know – those words are not true.
You believe our bedtimes should be the same and our dessert servings should be equal.
You are six and seven. And I’m about to shake up the hierarchy around here.
I am the lord, Your Mother. I do not change.
Brace yourselves, little dictators. It’s not going down this way.
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Penny says:
My six year old granddaughter thinks she is an equal adult. She recently told her great-grandmother, “Why don’t you go watch the tv in your bedroom?” She wanted to turn the channel. Worst part is, it’s my mother-in-law’s house! Lord! Keep your stance! 🙂
D. Handy says:
My wife just forwarded this to me. Love. It. I dance around saying this kind of stuff all the time. It’s nice to read we’re not the only ones who feel the need to remind the little ones that there is a scepter in the Lord’s hands and a mallet (no), rod (no), mace (no)…mini-scepter (yes) in our hands too.
Betsy Carneal Salzman says:
I tell my kids all, 13, 15, 18, 20 years old, that while I pay for your insurance, college, and dental bills that “I am the boss of your whole life”…….I say it in a very kind, loving way, of course.
Elle says:
There’s a new sheriff in town who doesn’t let outlaws have their way. Go, Momma, go!
Jim Stevens says:
Big talk for a “little” lady. Good luck with that but remember, kids will be kids and all that you’ve described is just kids being kids. Hold your ground. Be strong. Don’t let the “little monsters” rule your kingdom. They’ll love you even more if you’re stronger willed than they.
Claire Pisor says:
Go Mom! Mother Bear power is often displayed with, on and to the cubs–how else could they grow up to be so strong?
Tara says:
I’m dealing with my own 3 year old dictator, and gave him more or less the same message as your last three lines just this morning. I can only fathom what it might be like in three or four years. Best wishes!