Mum 4 Real Celebrating Parenthood
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Almost all the customers looked to our direction when they heard my 3 year old screaming and throwing tantrum in the supermarket earlier today. She wanted a particular character toy and I said no. She has more than enough toys/dolls at home, so taking her to the mall wasn’t because I wanted to shop for her. I would have anyway if I found anything educational but buying another character toy is not an option this time. Please, no no no, I am not ready to erect another Walt Disney fantasy park in my house.
Many a time, we get our children stuff only because we want to have peace. Can you imagine other parents making faces at me and indirectly asking me to buy the toy with their body language. Some even came by pacifying my toddler not to mind her mum and some told me boldly to answer the little girl…ish…whatever. The decision is mine and it is a big NO!
No parent wants to deprive their children of good things, yet good parents often do. Am I saying the truth? We don’t have to give them their tabs all the time. I know it belongs to them, but they could also learn something else while playing with toys like Lego or sand/play-doh. It is not everytime we respond to their requests. Even when we can afford them, we should deliberately let them understand what delay gratification means.
We should consciously consider the long-term impact that our decisions will have on our children. Don’t just answer yes because you can afford it, because you are busy, because you want peace, because you don’t want your children to be pained…because you don’t want to be seen as a ‘bad’ mum/dad. Let NO be part of our answer when applicable because we want our little one to learn.
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