Love and Marriage

And A Baby Carriage.

I’m a Mean Mom and I Don’t Care

mommyhood

I’M A MEAN MOM

I make them follow rules.

I punish them when they don’t.

I make them to do chores.

Even when they’re tired.

I say no.

A lot.

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I enforce an early bed time.

I push them to do hard things.

I take them to piano and baseball and soccer even when they don’t feel like going.

I don’t let them eat buckets of candy.

I make them read their books.

And study for their spelling tests.

I make you wear your bike helmet even though you hate it.

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I won’t let you drink soda.

I won’t let you watch that rated R movie.

I don’t give them everything they want.

School Memory Binder Save

I may not always be popular. I may not always make the decision you want me to or the one you think is right.

But I’ll love you to pieces. I’ll protect you. I’ll care for you. I’ll fight for you. I’ll try my best to give you the best life imaginable.

And sometimes by doing that, I have to be what you think is “mean”.

And that’s OK. ♥

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By Liz Nieman

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  3. Jessica Dennert says

    I totally feel the same way. I’ve been called a mean mom by my kids classmates but what I want my kids to realize is I do the things I do because i care.

    Reply

  9. Tiffany Jolene Fernandez says

    I feel the same way. My daughter tells me of how cool her friends parents are. They have no bed time, can watch almost anything they want, eat junk food, drinks lots of starbucks coffee. It sometimes feel like I’m so unfunny and too stricked.

    Reply

    • Serena says

      Have you ever sat down and explained the why behind your choices? Given them hard truths as to what happens to a lot of kids who grow up that way? Without the strict structure of actions and consequences? Told them the lesson behind the disipline?
      Im not attacking your parenting by no means I ask because when I started doing that with my older girls. . . It helped tremendously. Best wishes 💖&💫

      Reply

      • Christine says

        Wish I was more popular. But then again, I’m the parent. Not dad lol
        I explain every day. They see the examples of ” no rules ” at least once a week. Those they think are free, now have comments, like, I guess their parents dont care. Hopefully gonna stick

        Reply

    • Chelsea Marie says

      Sooo just because others parent differently, they aren’t a true mom? Smh. I disagree. A good mom is any supportive, loving mom.

      Reply

      • Jill says

        Are there really moms out there who read this and think, “Nope, I let my kids eat buckets of candy and never study for school and they don’t have to follow any rules.” And we think that parenting “style” should be equally encouraged and supported?

        I mean, we all make slightly different rules for our own families (for example, an occasional soda is fine for my kids), but the idea here is that good moms set boundaries and enforce them even when it’s not popular. Can we really not agree on the fact that being your own personalized version of a “mean mom” – setting boundaries for your kids and doing what it takes to teach them how to do life’s necessary hard things – are actually the two foundational building blocks of good parenting?

        Yes, each parent and child are unique and we can all do it differently and still do it equally well, but I do think there are some universal laws of good parenting, and that was the point of this post.

        Reply

      • Marilyn says

        A love is doing whats BEST for the other person.All moms are different, but the ones who stand firm against what’s culturally popular is a clue to the one’s who are committed to do what’s best in spite if that pressure. It’s a hard commitment to carry out. I did it raising four and so glad I held firm!

        Reply

  16. Charlene says

    Yes girl…. the job does NOT require to be friends. It requires us to make great future humans. …

    Reply

  18. Tabatha says

    Love this! I tell my son all the time I am your parent first and friend second. It is my job to make sure you are capable of taking care of yourself in life. If that makes me mean because I want you to succeed then so be it.

    Reply

  21. Theodora says

    We aren’t mean to be mean, we are mean to help our children be kind, caring, and respectful people.

    Reply

  22. grace says

    love it… i’m also a mom, sometimes my son scream at me for not giving in what he wants, because i know it’s not good for him,,, but i love him so much that even it hurts me to see him crying i wont budge coz i know it’s for his own good..

    Reply

    • Sarah says

      I feels u on trying not to give up! I have 4 kids and I’m sooo burnt out & depressed. I don’t always have it in me to enforce boundaries!! I struggle!!

      Reply

      • Risa says

        I have 4 kids and am having the same struggle and depression. I don’t have the energy to parent the real way this lists, but I give it my best effort and when I make mistakes I admit to them. I am human, not perfect and I want my kids to know that it’s ok to not be ok sometimes and it’s ok to ask for help.
        Great Article.
        I copied it down and plan on having my 16 and 12 yr old kiddos read this.

        Reply

  25. Golly says

    Yes I agree & your children will the few that will take responsibility for their actions & wont fold in despair when asked to do something new or hard. Well done you. Hats off to you. BTW im a Gran & my three daughters were brought up th d same & are all well rounded responsible citizens. Hoping they bring up their kids the same, so far so good.

    Reply

  28. Jessica says

    I love this I am a mean mom. I get told that but I still give and show my child love. But also what him to know it’s hard and it not easy. But they have to learn

    Reply

  30. Kathy says

    It’s hard to be the mean mom. I know it is necessary. And I hope my daughter will appreciate it when she gets older. But right now she doesn’t. It’s especially hard when you have all these easy going parents who let their kids do what ever they want. I do not so I am looked at as mean. And my daughter is a teen so she really doesn’t like me. But I know I’m doing all this for her good!

    Reply

  32. Salosh says

    I’m a mean mum too😉. I’m old school. I don’t WA t to popular. What I want is to raise good little human beings. So hats of to us.

    Reply

  33. Salosh says

    I’m a mean mum too😉. I’m old school. I don’t want to be popular. What I want is to raise good little human beings. So hats of to us.

    Reply

  34. Margarita Alonso says

    Hi,I feel the same way my son says I’m a mean mom because I punish him.He even said he hated me and I told him I’m your parent not your friend at least,when you know they say they hate you we know we are doing something right.

    Reply

    • Sandra says

      I’m a MILITARY mom “mean mom” So if anytime I heard the word’s I ‘Hate’, or that person is ‘Stupid’or yr ‘Retarded’, the kids got an extra chore for the day..I DON’T WANT THOSE WORDS COMING OUT OF THEIR MOUTHS BECAUSE THERE’S ENOUGH HATE IN THE WORLD, I JUST EXPLAIN U CAN SAY I CAN’T STAND SOMEONE BUT TO SAY I HATE IS JUST NOT GONNA HAPPEN CUZ IT JUST GOING TO SPREAD AND THEN EVERYONE ELSE IS GOING TO THINK IT’S OKAY TO SAY HATEFUL THINGS LIKE SHUT UP STUPID, RETARDE..IF OUR KID’S ARE HANGING AROUND OTHERS AND OUR KIDS BELIEVE IN WHAT WE DON’T LIKE TO SAY OTHER KID’S AREN’T LIKELY TO SAY AND TALK LIKE THAT!

      Reply

  37. Jennifer Aycock says

    Our ways and heart sound exactly the same, sometimes it is hard being the strict mom but I do it out of love and wanting the very best for them.

    Reply

  39. Colleen Eagan says

    This is so true! 💙We are not the only ones who want awesome and responsible people in the world! My kids are amazing humans!!! But I’m not here to give you all that you want, or be your friend when your growing up, I am here to love you- give you what you NEED and be your friend when your grown and can HANDLE AND RESPECT that relationship!
    Thank you for this! MORE PEOPLE💙💛 need to hear it! 😘

    Reply

  40. James carter says

    Thank God for mean moms. We (society) really appreciate all your efforts, caring and love for those of us who don’t realize all tha y’all do!!!!!

    Reply

  42. Delann says

    I love being a “mean” mom, it just means I’m trying to raise respectful, mature, considerate humans and not deliquents😂

    Reply

  43. Cathy says

    Well done.totally agree with you. I love my kids to the moon and back,but there are rules,and they respect you more.

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  44. Chelsea Persad says

    You are awesome for blogging about this!! It takes mean moms to raise great kids to be great adults! It is only because of love we do this not because we are mean.

    Reply

  45. Jason says

    Yes my mom was firm and stern to me! She was loving and nurturing but wasn’t scared to spank or give me corner time on my knees. She raised me to become the man I am today.

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  46. Bonnie marquez says

    I believe that if u care and love ur kids u give them 1st-lots of love. Hugs and kisses and a bundle rules. Kids need structure and morals… And if both parents work all day ur kids should help by having shores also sports kids need exercise…

    Reply

  51. Liza says

    That’s me too! A mean mom! For better future and best days to come! When they grow up they’ll know and understand , right now they need me to be strong and mean ☺️💪🏻🤟🏻🙏🏻❤️

    Reply

  52. Napolitano says

    What if they hate you and say that the teacher doesn’t do this and that to them, that they are kind and on?! My 5yo does this all the time.

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  54. Lizzie says

    I loved this and had to share with my son who onced told me “I’m a mean mom” in a kindly way of course. Because he knew I was not letting him have it his way. 😊 I agreed with him and told him I was a mean mom because I ❤️ Him.

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  56. Amanda says

    As I read this to my 5 & 8 year old daughters, they refused to believe I didn’t write this myself! My oldest replies “you’re the only mom that says “I love you to pieces” AND makes me take piano!””

    Thanks for helping my kids see my realistic mean mom philosophy, when also filled with tons of love, is not foreign to other good moms out there.

    Reply

  57. Stacy says

    How do you do all them things though? I’ve taken things away, I’ve screamed, I’ve cried, I’ve begged, I’ve done EVERYTHING minus beating the living daylights out of her & still my daughter will not do the things she know she’s supposed to do. I’m completely stumped….

    Reply

  59. Dicksie says

    I was known as the meanest mother on the block when my kids were home. BUT I have 6 amazing grown kids who are all good citizens and contributing adults. I don’t think I would change a thing

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  60. Kelly says

    Ridiculous. I had a mean dad and I ended up rebelling once I got to college so good luck with that! I am a nice mom of 2 children who dont get yelled at or hear the word no and they are good little kids.

    Reply

    • Mean Mom says

      Why do you need to wish anybody luck it’s worked for generations upon generations without anyone really rebelling , so what’s the problem now, why is it so hard for parents now! oh that’s right because instead of being a parent to their children they want to be their friends and as a result we have a generation of entitled and lazy bunch that when real life slaps them in the face their not going to know how to deal with it because their boss is going to tell them no for one reason or another and that’s going to be a foreign concept for them because no one else ever did , their land lord or mortgage company is going to tell them know when they had enough of them being late on payments, their husbands or wives are going to tell them no when they want to spend a ridiculous amount of money on a purse or a fishing rod just an example but it happens especially when someone thinks it’s ok to spend 500 on a purse that literally holds a bunch of stuff that a 12 dollar purse from Walmart can do again just an example

      Reply

      • Lula says

        I agree with you kelly. I’m a kind mum. I’ve never had to be mean for my kids to behave. My children are older now with values and morals. I have 3 successful beautiful kids who have never once said I’m a mean mum. Be kind everyone, it’s free.

        Reply

    • Bobbie says

      So you let them touch that hot stove burner when it’s on and get burnt, but hey at least they didn’t hear the word No! Don’t touch that, it’s hot! Seriously kids need to hear the word No. You don’t have to yell and scream but sometimes the word No is necessary. No you can’t go to that party where there is no adult supervision, No you can’t go play in traffic, No you can’t have cake for dinner or ice cream for breakfast. Explanations of why you say No are also important done with age appropriate wording. I tell my son No a lot and at age 9 he is adored by his teachers, people in public have commented on what a polite, helpful young man he is. I am raising him on my own as his dad, my husband, died when he was just 4 years old. You can be sure though that his Daddy said No to him too. I also have rules, boundaries, and he has chores. He once said “my friends get an allowance for stuff” I said your allowance is having a roof over your head, food on your table, and clothes on your back. The things you have for chores are things you need to know how to do to be successful when I am no longer around to do them for you. You are a part of the household and have things you need to do to help. That being said, if I have the extra money and there is something he wants, I will surprise him with getting it because he does do what he is supposed to, mostly without complaint. Loving our children enough to say No when necessary and setting boundaries is what helps raise our children into self respecting, mature adults. No luck needed!! I will say good luck to you though because although you say they are good little kids, I would be willing to bet teachers and others may not say the same and when they are teenagers you will have your hands full, but don’t say No to them or be “mean” because they might rebel?!

      Reply

    • Destiny says

      I think there’s a difference between this kind of “mean mom” and flat out cruel… my parents were next level mean and I was the same. I rebelled, and did everything they didn’t want me doing. Hearing “no” is good for children, especially when they’re really young and are learning the difference between good and bad, right and wrong. The difference is how mean you are. A more accurate term for “mean mom” would probably be “strict mom” because being labeled mean would be the situations you and I were raised in.

      Reply

  61. Catherine says

    The whole bike helmet thing my nine year old wears his helmet every time he bikes because 1) if I find out he isn’t he will loose said bike for at least a week 2) I have taught him that protecting his brain is important he needs it and 3) a bike helmet is not because I don’t know how great he is on a bike but because there are crazy people who drive big cars and even other bikes who I don’t trust to keep his brain safe. Then for the nail in the coffin but the other kids at school don’t wear them I go back to the tried and true the other kids are not my job you are my job.

    Reply

  62. Teresa says

    This is simply how MUM hearts are wired. We Love with discipline and we discipline with Love. I’m a product of a “mean mum” but I could not Thanks her enough for showing me how to love and be loved.
    Love you Mum and my son is my precious pride!!!

    Reply

  63. Kelly says

    Thank you for saying this! It’s easy to feel mean when you are actually just doing things that aren’t “popular” in society or with your kids! But I find that I feel “mean” mainly when I am around other women and our parenting styles differ, or with extended family members. If I’m by myself, I will often feel very peaceful about making tough decisions with the kiddos! So ladies, don’t let your own insecurity about being different make you compromise how you raise your kids! If you’re honestly trying to do the right thing and you know objectively what’s best for them, go with your gut 🙂

    Reply

  64. Elsie says

    I can feel you Liz. My children doesnt like me because I always give them rules. Most of the time I say no to them. They even like their aunt (my sister) because she spoils them when I was away for a long time. But I have to change it. Im their mom and I will protect, care and nourish them even its like to be mean. Thanks to your letter.

    Reply

  68. Dena Daniel says

    I LOVE your thoughts about being a “Mean Mom” but it would be a bit easier to take if you said that you DISCIPLINE your children, rather than that you PUNISH them. Discipline is for their benefit, to train them in the way that they must go. Whereas punishment is to inflict suffering for the past behavior. I’m sure that most ppl understand that you don’t mean that you’re really going to punish them, at least I would hope that they would, but it would just be better for everyone to learn that there is a difference.

    Reply

  71. Mycca says

    When my son was 4 his friend called me mean. My sons reply was that his momma was not mean, she gets on to them and makes them mind so that when they grow up they’d be good people. 4 years old and my kid understood that I wasn’t just being mean to them, I was trying to teach them to be good adults. Proudest momma moment ever!

    Reply

  72. Kalinka says

    My mom was like that and I love her today because of that.
    My friends criticizes me for been ruff on my three years old and even on my one year old. My husband break my rules a lot and he is always asking to fixe after the results.
    I love my kids and a no will not hurt them, but prepare them for life. And if they decide later that my rules were not helpful they will have a long life ahead to do whatever they want.

    Reply

  76. Deborah says

    I absolutely love this and “mean” means love because you care enough to make them responsible little people that will grow to respect others and you as big people.

    Reply

  78. Sonia says

    YOu aré doing what every mom should do.
    My daughter is a mom line you.
    My son is a principal at a school and he wishes parents would say “no” more often.
    I was that Mom. Keep doing it!

    Reply

  80. Selena says

    I loved this ❤️ the truth finally spoken for us mom’s that are a lil hard on are kids cause we just want to make sure best for them well everyone else thinks we’re being mean

    Reply

  83. Shannon says

    I’m a mean mom too. But I want my girls to be self reliant. One day I won’t be here and I need to know they were given the chance to be who they trully can be. Today’s society does not promote rules or responsibility. I am not okay with that. My girls will know how to stand and own who they are. I also have the kids who people love to have around because they know how to follow rules.

    Reply

  84. Coulibaly Issa says

    S’il y a trop de méchanceté aujourd’hui c’est parce que beaucoup de mamans sont restées trop gentilles avec leurs progénitures ! Elles n’ont pas su apprendre aux enfants les différences entre le bien et le mal ! Et ils ont grandi comme ça ! Voilà maintenant que le monde est resté cruel !

    Reply

  85. Tasha says

    Take it from the mom of a well adjusted teenager, mean mommies are exactly what they need especially when they are toddlers. You set boundaries early, set expectations, and hold them accountable. They have no idea how hard being the mean mommy is. It means we put them first. Ahead or our comfort and convenience. I wish I had seen something like this 10 years ago. I was shamed for being the mean mommy but I knew we were doing what we felt was best for him. He’s now and honor role student, varsity football player and crews for drama. He manages giant own schedule, gets himself up, dressed and out for school by 6am every morning. Does his own laundry and cooks. He’s also a normal teenage boy who speaks grunt (if you don’t have teens yet beware!) and pushed boundaries and sometimes makes bad choices. But he talks to us and knows for every action there is a reaction, good and bad. I promise you it’s worth it.

    Reply

  86. Alison Simmons says

    Hahahaha, YES!! To everything you wrote! I have 5 kids and I often find myself saying. “I know, I am mean mom. You’ll survive.” Perhaps this shouldn’t cause me to chuckle quite so much, but it is always nice to you know I am not the only one. 😉

    Reply

  90. Viola says

    So, sooooooooooo love this!!
    As adults now, my children thank me for all those things!
    As a teacher, I can tell which students have that at home and which don’t, at least not consistently.
    Those things make ALL THE DIFFERENCE!

    Reply

  91. Rick O. says

    I agree most of these are quality’s of a great and loving mother,however….. if your not teaching them how much Christ loves them, what He did for them and that He is the way the truth and the life, that no one comes to the Father except through Him… it is all utterly and completely worthless without Him!

    Reply

  93. John says

    I am a famother. I am a dad who raised my kids. I raised my kids and they gave me that name. I used to punish if they stayed out past curfew. If they did not get good marks in school. If they cursed they got sent to their room. If they disobeyed me they spent days in their room with no TV or phone. That is the way it was when I raised my kids. I always helped them with homework, especially English and Math. They worked hard and studied hard and got good marks in school. It was tough, but I’d do it again in a heartbeat. Tough love is the best love.

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  94. RUTH BARBOUR says

    My son knows I’m not his friend. He knows I do things he doesn’t like. He knows he is expected to participate in all the work as he is able.
    My son knows my job as his mom is to teach him how to be an adult. He is learning budgeting, by being on 1% of my salary and paying 1% of the bills from that. He is learning cooking and baking and shopping. He is already good on laundry (by himself) does his homework without reminding, and even helps me with online bill-pay. He makes the shopping list, and it’s a very good list. He has a calendar just for himself, for upcoming events (like “mortgage due” or “school book fair”). Recently he broke something intentionally (we all get angry, he was angry). He is setting aside from his salary to replace it ($20, but he’s also got bills to pay).
    My son is 8.

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  96. Kelly says

    My boys often called me “the meanest mom on the block”. I found it funny because our house was always full of the neighbors kids. I am always proud of how my now adult sons carry themselves at social and family events.

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  97. Kelley says

    I’m a mean Moma too! However I do let them drink Coke one daily. ANd we live in the country and do not wear a helmet while biking. 🤷‍♀️

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  99. Nancy says

    Oh my goodness , I had a neighbor who yes, I bragged that my 3 1/2 was not afraid of the dark was potty trained by 2 and loves Christian music . ( I guess she felt that she needed to destroy my parenting) I allowed my daughter at my neighbors house to play with her son , walked in and my daughter was wide eyed and the mother states “ohhh now we have to shut this off your mother is here ( she’s never said that to any other movie ( she knew I hadn’t agreeed nor did she bother asking me if my daughter could watch it It was the movie Chucky???!!!!!! Really ??????????? Needless to say I do NOT talk to her any more and she’s prolly going around telling lies to why we never talk to each other or hang out but wow !!! What nerve and the jealousy she must have had I mean her son still slept with her at the age of 5 would poop and pee in his diaper at age 4 and 5 I think she is the type to say her son is a wimp if he doesn’t want to watch a scary movie ( I’ve heard her talking about her ex husband like that and to have a problem with a man being too nice is ridicules ??? So glad I found out now rather then later whew!!!

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  101. Donna Parsons says

    And my 30 yr old just called me that the other night and i thought of this and said thank you, consider it a compliment

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  103. Patti says

    So very true! And I remember my parents saying how it hurt them worse than it did me. Now with a child of my own(13) I truly understand and love and respect my Mom and Dad even more!!!

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  104. Pam Werrick says

    I’m an older mom, I had my one and only miracle child @ 40. My mother had 6 children she owned and ran a motel 24 hrs a day. We did what she said when she said to do it, not later. I was not as strict with my one child, but she knew to mind, or get her bottom spanked. Here’s a clue if you do it right the first or maybe second time you will very seldom have to do it again. People wonder why crime is so bad. A lot of kids have no couscous
    They were never taught Gods word, they were not corrected until it was to late if ever. If you don’t teach them there are consequences for their actions, they grown up doing whatever they want to do with no fear of what might happen to others while they do what they want. Oh there are those parents who just want their babies to be happy. You are wrong, God doesn’t say make sure they have everything they want and have a smile on there faces at all times. If kids were taught to respect others, especially elders, law enforcement
    There would not be as much crime. There are bad people everywhere, not a police are racist or bad people, but you keep teaching them not to listen to the police and you are why they are getting killed. My daughter is white and was stopped and told to get out of the vehicle and put her face to the pavement, She and two female friends complied. They were detained for about 20 minutes, friends driving by, they knew her car. It turned out three people, unknown sex or race had robbed a jewelry store and escaped in car same color and body style of the one leaving the scene. The police told them they were sorry, and thank you for complying and being respectful of there commands. My daughter and friends were 21 and from out of town. They were in Atlanta. The three police officers were African Americans. My daughter said mom you could tell they were not use to people my age complying with there commands. Respect

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  106. Madiha says

    I totally feel the same way…it’s so necessary for children to b a good person in future life… bcoz after Allah mom knows better about their kids

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  107. Victoria says

    I think every mom is different and that’s ok
    There are some things in this I agree with and others I do not Everyone parents differently and that’s ok

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  109. Geeny says

    Thank you from a teacher. If more parents today had your frame of mind, classrooms would not be filled with disrespectful children who think we owe the world to them!

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  110. Amanda Gray says

    This is truly me and my children. Thank you for letting me know that other’s are trying to raise decent human beings in this world full of ugly. God bless us all.

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  112. Grandma says

    I’m raising 5 grandkids 16yo girl, 12yo girl, 11yo boy, 10yo boy, and 2yo boy. They always say I’m mean they all have 2 chores daily and 3 on the weekends, I don’t let them go anywhere or with anyone, they all go to bed at 8 pm. We live in a small town with lots of crime, I don’t trust anyone, there day starts at 5 am so 8 is a good bed time, and chores don’t kill anyone.

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  113. Jennifer Ward Andersen says

    Amen. This is article is so true. As a mom, I fuss alot. In my own mothers words.. dont make me fuss. Your safety, and well being comes first. Life is hard no one ever said it was easy. We don’t get to have fun or rest or play all the time. We don’t get to make our own schedules or be pretend bosses. We go to real school, have real lives and yes thats hard. Every day at 6 or earlier, life gets hard. Months turn to years, years turn to decades. But we love just as hard too. I will have your dinner ready hot and on time. I’ll be there to take you to the doctor when your not doing fine. No delays no whys . I’ll wash your dishes and kiss your boo boo’s, no there’s plenty of time. Alicia Silverstones friend said, 24 useable hours in a day. I’ll fuss when needed, teach all the time, and give you all of me all my life. May the Lord watch over us and keep us safe. May he guide us through each and everyday.
    Amen
    With all my heart,
    Jennifer Ward-Andersen

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  115. Claudia says

    When my children were little, I would often hear the proverbial, “you’re mean!” Then they got even more angry when I replied, with a smile, “Thank you! That means I’m doing a good job!”

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  116. Sameera says

    Love this….it’s ok to be “mean” though our kids find us mean most of the time which isn’t true actually…it’s mother’s love and care for their very own well being and one day they’ll realise it when they grow up and won’t find us that mean to them anymore 😊

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  117. Sameena says

    I am the one ‘mean mom’. My kids do admit and keep telling me all the time. But iam their mom. Feel unfair sometime.

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  119. Namette Breeden says

    Good job mom!
    Keep on keeping on with molding and shaping your kiddos! It will pay huge dividends for them. I was a “mean” mom like you! Now my young adult sons are responsible, diligent, hard working and LIKABLE young men. Thank God for moms like you and thank you for posting his.

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  121. Chantell says

    Hello I can relate to this. I do all of this and I dont think I’m a mean mom and I have rules and we’ve come a long way with change

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  122. Leighana says

    Yes! Bc I’m rasing little boys and girls that one day will grow up to be Women and Men. It’s my job to protect them and prepare them for this world. Even as tuff as I am sometimes i know this world will be tuffer than me, more critical than me, harsher in everyway more than me! I’m their Mom so I even when I’m being “mean” I’m still only preparing them for how Mean this world will be.

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  124. Salina Grimaldo says

    Nice to see other moms the same way! I love my kiddos but always what the best and for them to be their best in society.

    Reply

  125. Sherri Crump says

    Thanks Liz! Brings back good memory and why we do what we do. My nephew was 6 months younger than I. Mom would always say, “I’m a mean moma”. It stuck. My nephew and niece, call ed her Mean Moma. To this day they refer her to that name. She wasn’t mean she just made us behave. Lol she was such a good mom.
    Thanks for the memories!

    Sherri,
    Me and my nephew are now, 60 years of age.

    Reply

  130. Rebecca says

    Love this. You’re an amazing mum who is raising decent human beings. Thank you for being the mean mum. I will also be the mean mum is well lol.

    Reply

  132. Leslie Davis says

    Im this mom too but it’s not always easy. Especially dealing with teen daughters. The world makes it hard and I continue to do the right things but it’s tiring.

    Reply

  134. Nancy says

    This is great….go on with yourself mean mom! Because you’re here to be their mother and not a best friend. Way to do your part to raise a good little human with boundaries & love!

    Reply

  135. Sherry says

    You are an awesome Mom. Keep up the great work. They may hate now, but they will love you and know wjy in their later years

    Reply

  136. Brittini says

    My son likes to tell me how I’m the meanest mom ever! Lol. I know he’s just upset because the stink isn’t getting his way. I wasn’t meant to be his lil buddy. I am his mom! Thumbs up to you, mean mommy!!

    Reply

  141. Retta says

    Your awesome. We have somehow let the children run the home and it’s time we take back the roll of mean Mom now before they become the person we can’t teach. Children somehow are not taught morals, etiquette, that loosing is character building. We have ended up with generations of kids who feel like they are entitled, working is a foreign word, or starting at the bottom and working their way up. We need to get back to being that mean Mom, that doesn’t mean you can’t also be the fun Mom but bringing up good people is more important than ever. Thank you for helping to remind women that. You totally rock!! 👏❤️

    Reply

  145. Hevan says

    Im told all the time im to hard on my kids. By family and friends. And its even harder bc im also a bio mom and a step mom. Being a hard step mom is very hard. And people telling us im hard on the kids my husband is starting to buy into it and has recently decided that bc my family said it that we need to stop. They think they should be able to play and do what ever they want and i should make them be responsible for thier things or make them clean up after themself.
    I know for a fact i wasnt allowed to do do what i want and make a mess for my step mom to clean and i turned out fine.

    They are kids let them play dont make them do chores…
    aww but momma just let them be…..

    Thank you so much for this post it lets me know im not the only one and that its ok to hold my childeren to a higher expectation although an unpopular opinion now days is ok.

    Reply

  149. Samantha Diaz says

    I agree kids in general need more rules and discipline. I am a single mom with an 8 year old and struggles with rules and his dad not having, so when he returns home after his dads weekends its a battle. My boyfriends boys are teenagers and that’s a battle as well but everyone knows my house has rules and curfew. And yes I am always being called mean which doesn’t phase me. We are all just trying to teach our kids respect, discipline and rules that definitely exist.

    Reply

  153. Marie says

    Yes! I am that Mean Mom!
    And I will add … When I tell you I love you, I Really Mean That I Do Love You!

    Reply

  154. Joyce Beaudry says

    What I read here and in the comments is effective parenting. What I cannot endorse is caling it ‘mean’ – unless it’s meant in the context of “I say what I mean, I mean what I say and I do what I say”. Otherwise, to characterize parenting that looks out for the best interest of the child, physically, emotionally, socially and intellecturally as being mean, misses the mark!…………I would worry about the fine line between ‘meanness’ and abuse……………We should never ‘punish’ our children – we ‘discipline’ them and there is a difference…..When we punish, we do something ‘to’ the child – when we discipline, we do something ‘for’ the child- we show them a way forward, where there are natural and logical consequences……….My concern is parents who do not know the difference and who would take the concept of being mean to a whole different level…………..Congrats to all parents who act in the best interest of their children. ~ They deserve this for the valuable individuals they are! <3

    Reply

  155. Barbara says

    That’s awesome for you. It takes a lot to raise children and I’m glad to hear it when moms care enough to take a stand.

    Reply

  156. Sandra says

    Parenting today and the powers that be making laws preventing parents from disciplining kids is the reason there is so much juvenile crime. Kids have more rights than the parents it’s ridiculous. When we grew up we knew the difference between right and wrong and parents disciplined us and we had a great childhood.

    Reply

  157. Cash says

    What’s life to a child if they don’t feel free. Once they grow up they will face challenges of life. When things might go south due to things beyond their control they will feel happy they had a fun childhood growing up. The freedom they had and the fun they had. Even in this article you remember how mean you are so that’s the memory that they will have of you and how tough their life was when they were young.

    Reply

  158. Kate Grim says

    I thought it was interesting that you said we need more “smart mean moms”. Yet you listed things that you do as a “smart mean mom” that any mother with any common sense would do such as make your children wear helmets and read books, don’t let them drink soda or eat tons of candy, make them show up to practice when they are part of a team even if they don’t feel like it, don’t allow them to watch inappropriate movies. I hold more than one degree so I’d say I’m pretty smart, but those degrees didn’t teach me how to be a mother. I don’t think you have to be a mean mom to have kind, considerate, hard working children that grow up to be decent adults. But a little common sense goes a long way.
    My kids have grown up with a silver spoon in there mouth. I’ll be the first to admit that. But they were guided with common sense and love and support. They take luxury vacations and lived in a big house and did lots of interesting things. But they are also straight A students and volunteer in the community and are kind, humble hard working individuals that are going to be perfectly fine adults. I think it’s great that you encourage parents to raise strong confident adults. But I think to say we need more “smart mean moms” seems rather condescending.
    It wasn’t my education or success or finances that raised successful adults. It was my god given common sense and the support and devotion and guidance I gave my children. I didn’t need to be mean. I just used common sense.
    I think there are ways to empower parents without insulting their intelligence. It takes more than being smart and mean to raise a successful future adult.

    Reply

  159. Sarah says

    If I hear one more ignorant person say that kids should do without when they forget their lunch I’m going to explode. Let me ask you this “smart mean mom”… when you run out of the house and forget your lunch do you sit there all day and just go without? Or do you get in your car and run up the street and grab a sandwich? I’d be willing to bet you don’t sit there hungry. But you think you’re being a better mom because you let a child sit there and do without and be hungry all because he forgot his lunch? Isn’t it your job as a mother to make sure your child is eating regularly and properly? Children actually have a lot on there mind. They have school work that they have to get done they deal with peer pressure they’re tired from sports and activities and they’re dealing with raging hormones. God for bid they should forget their lunch. Anytime my child forgets his lunch he knows that I have his back and I will make sure he get something to eat because that’s my freaking job as a mother. So don’t get on here and brag about the fact that you’ll let a child sit there and go hungry because they forgot something that you’re responsible for providing them. Just like I go get myself food when I forget my lunch I will gladly take my child his lunch and I think he will be a perfectly fine adult because of it.
    Making a child sit there and be hungry all day does nothing more then tell that child that you probably shouldn’t be a parent!

    Reply

  160. Sue says

    Hi. Saying mean was creative, because kids tend to call us mean when they dont get their way. I’m grateful for caring parents like you! Makes working in a school less stressful!

    Reply

  162. Tanya says

    I was the same. I also rewarded good behavior. For example, every week after church, all 4 of my teens got money and a ride to the mall.

    Reply

  165. Meranda says

    My son is 16 year’s old. I’d do anything for him and my daughter that is 12. He has me labeled as “The No Lady” in his phone. So whenever I call him it goes across his screen the no lady is calling you. This is ok with me because my being that type of mother I know that he will someday laugh about it and understand why I was always saying no to him.

    Reply

  167. Sherry says

    I loved and enjoyed your mean mom. I’m 57. And that’s how I raised my three as well. My Three turned out to be great responsible adults. My youngest my baby boy. Just turned 32 on fathers day.

    Reply

  169. Margaret Chambless says

    Even though my sons are now 25 and 22 they still are sometimes surprised that I say “ no”.

    I am sure I can’t spoil them. Even now.

    They are smart. Healthy. Educated. Extremely handsome…. And working!

    Pay your own bills.

    Reply

  171. Ameeta says

    If you want to call me a mean mom yup I am. I like to think I’m a responsible parent. I’m not a restaurant you eat what I make for dinner and you make an effort to try new foods and experiences.
    You fall and cry I tell you you’re ok and you’re fine no excessive coddling. My son is 24 and I get complements on how polite and we’ll brought up he is so he’ll yeah I’m one and proud!

    Reply

  172. meg trigg says

    As an older adult who was raised by a “mean mom”, THANK YOU! And I want to reassure you that one day they will realized that you loved them enough, to allow them to “hate” you.

    Reply

  173. Kim Harkness says

    So agree with everything you said. To me that is not being a “mean mom” that is being a good parent!

    Reply

  174. Jennifer Skeen says

    I would live to make a large poster of what you posted about being a mean mom. Keep up your great hard work.

    Reply

  176. Robin says

    OMGosh, this is sooo perfect!!! I’ve been a single parent for the better part of 26 years the oldest turns 29 this year and the youngest will be 18 in October!! Now I’m “babysitting” my Grandkids they range from 6 months old to 6 years old!! The 6 yo often thinks she’s in charge and needs to be reminded that I’m the adult and while I will always and forever Love her I do not always like her behavior nor do I have to allow her to have everything her way!! I want to spoil them all but I would prefer to have well behaved, respectful & healthy Grandkids!!
    With Much appreciation,
    Mema (Grandma In German)

    Reply

  177. Evelyn Davison says

    Many times I am called M.O.M. I wear this term with pride. Mean Old Mom lets me know I’ve done the best I could have to raise 4 very respectful children who have made me proud to be their Mother. All 4 have served or are serving in the United States Armed Services. I could not be a prouder MOM.

    Reply

  178. Natasha says

    I Am…
    A mean …
    Parent too but kids might thank me for it later
    Because I want my kids to grow up to be decent young adults 😉
    Not everyone gets what they want in life and to be grateful for the things they do have x

    Reply

  180. Meghan says

    I’m an aunt more then anything and my other half has a son, but I am this aunt/mom. I will always be this way, kids need the stability and need to learn that hard work pays off.
    Love this post!

    Reply

  181. Maddie says

    Absolutely beautiful and so true. Thank you for breaking the barrier that parenting styles don’t have to be lax but what works for you. I am a “ mean mom” and it works for me.

    Reply

  184. Joanne Packert says

    Like this very much. my husband can learn to use the word NO more often. I’m the mean one…mrs.grinch

    Reply

  185. Ramona says

    I do the same thing to my kids and later on in life, they will understand the “why?” questions. When we are mean parents is better educated and teaches them to be better and strong in their future.

    Reply

  187. Adre says

    I an a preschool teacher of 4-5 year olds.

    We play HARD

    We dance our arses off

    BUT HELL DO WE HAVE A STRICT DISCIPLINE POLICY

    let’s be honest kids can be VERY VERY CUTE but also very very cruel

    Here is my scenario:

    I have these two very cute girls in my class they are so witty and I LOVE AND ADORE THAT – the one is witty cute the other is witty and with times very disrespectful- my observation the witty cute one always has a way of knowing that I AM STILL the grown up even if I’m their friend in class – the witty disrespectful girl has the ability to just talk to me sometimes like I’m one of the 4 year olds which idis totally not on – so should I now earn her respect? I’m sorry there is a line why does the one know where the line is and the other not??? I can tell you it’s the parenting skills – you can be a super fun mom with very strict rules I promise you your child will love you for it when they are grown up my mom is my best friend in the whole world but boy she was bitch strict and thank the pope she WAS because I know respect for all kinds of people and didn’t earn it I was taught THANK GOODNESS

    Reply

  189. Diane says

    My boys called me Mean instead of mom!!
    They are grown and became well mannered, hard working and wonderful adults! ❤️

    Reply

  190. Diane says

    You’re doing it the right way! We have 30-year-old twins and a 23–year-old and I was the mean mom! And I’m so glad I was, because they grew up to be good, caring God-fearing men! Worth all the no’s and constant awareness of what they were doing ALL the time! It pays off!! Be their parent, not their friend! That’ll come later!

    Reply

  193. Mummy of 5 says

    I am the same and I am HATED but I would do anything for them. It kills that no one else sees these things.

    It not that we are preventing them from being kids, we are just preparing them for the real world. Additionally, we are not robbing them of their childhood either. But then again not everyone sees it that way.

    Reply

  194. Carol says

    I was a mean mom to my now 32 year old daughter. She turned out to be a responsible, loving, contributor to society! Best part, she still loves and respects me. She thanked me for doing what I had to do to teach her how to live. I thank God for giving me the strength to do what I needed to do! So keep on being mean moms. The pay off is and worth it!

    Reply

  195. Bryan says

    I think the main idea behind the article is great but an issue I see all the time is the the term mom is used when you could easily use the term parent. The positionality of the child raising world is seen as predominantly female/mom. Both my wife and I work but I’m a teacher. I get home at 2:45 and I’m the main caretaker. I do dance, soccer, HW, cook, clean and all the other things you mention in this article. My wife doesn’t come home until 6:45 most nights and even then I do bath, bedtime routine. Our world is changing, women are gaining more power and influence in a male dominated business world and as a result more and more men are taking on traditional mom roles. I would appreciate the effort by people in your situation to use the word parent instead of mom when appropriate. I get there are many times where gender/anatomy dictate certain things. I can not breastfeed or labor a baby. But I sure as heck can bottle feed and do anything else a mom can do. I know because I have, because I do, every single day. Thank you for your time.

    Reply

  196. Cynthia Rodriguez says

    Your kids will thank you down the line and will become extraordinary human beings. Stay strong and know it will pay off. I’m proof of that.

    Best,
    Cynthia

    Reply

  199. Memere says

    Sounds like you are doing your job, a very good one! Keep it up! Your kiddos will be better for it! <3 Beautiful children!

    Reply

  201. Elaina says

    I’m a mean mom.
    I don’t allow any B’s on their report cards.
    I don’t allow my teenage daughter to date.
    I don’t allow my kids to have a job.
    I don’t allow my kids to be mediocre.
    I don’t allow them to go to a community college.
    I don’t allow them to have a carreer, unless it’s a six-figure profession.
    I don’t allow them to be a loser like me.

    Reply

  202. Cynthia says

    I was a working mom and a mean mom too! Today I can say it was all worth it. My eldest son 33 yrs is a Periodontist and his younger sister (31 yrs) is an ER physician and I am very PROUD!!

    Reply

  203. Steph says

    Love this!👍🏼 Kids need discipline, structure and boundaries…it makes them feel safe! You’re a great, loving, caring mom raising great, respectful, responsible children! Keep up the good work, they will love you for it, especially when they are adults!👍🏼❤️

    Reply

  205. Mariam Ahmed says

    I am a mean mom 😜 and I’m very proud of it 💕 it’s make me discipline my kids in my own rule 😉 it’s for their own future and good life soon! Even they think sometimes I hate them but I don’t forget to let them feel that I love them so much 🥰

    Reply

  206. Juliane says

    I’m one of these. Yesterday my 14 yr old teen had me arrested as she cried Abuse and exagerated as she said I beat her (i pulled the broom feom under her bed and accidentally hit her arm). I was searched and thrown into a cell until i could speak to a laqer…i now await court in August…the day after I gave birth to her…and I still love her more than life…but my heart and spirit is broken… everyone is surprised as I am a very good mom…

    Reply

  207. Cora Lujan'Daldine says

    You are doing the right thing. Raised 4 of my own and 5 step kids and they all turned out great. Even do t&e same with my 9 grandbabies.. Thank you for raising them the right way.. With respect and manners…

    Reply

  209. Michelle says

    I wish “mean mum” techniques would work for
    kids who are not neuro standard. So often, mums of such kids are portrayed as having indulged their kids, not enforced rules, or generally not having enforced “consequences “ to teach their kids.

    Reply

  211. Tammy says

    I love this! I am this mom and looked down upon by some adults and that’s ok! I am doing what I know is best for my children and that is all that matters!

    Reply

  216. Heidi says

    I only wish more young mom’s and dad’s
    followed these rules. You will raise secure,loved,and empowered children who know what boundaries are about.
    Excellent job!!

    Reply

  218. Cassie says

    Love this… going through some issues with my adult daughter who thinks I was a mean mom. I loved and protected by doing all the above. My heart is broken by her words.

    Reply

  219. Cheryl says

    May I use this? It’s so perfectly written in a time which I feel as though I’m one of the few doing this!!

    Reply

  220. Dee Cedillo says

    You don’t know how bad I needed to read this today! Thank you for making me realize im not the only one going thru this feeling.

    Reply

  221. Sara says

    My three year old is constantly telling me I’m mean. For instance I’m mean because I didnt disconnect the string cheese wrappers from eachother when I handed them to her. Or when something as serious as her wanting to go in the pool alone.. sorry kiddo mommy wants ya safe.

    CHEERS TO THE MEAN MOMMYS

    Reply

  225. Charly says

    Brandi Foux has been the best Mom I have ever had the pleasure of knowing. She has been through some bad times and still be the strongest mom I know. Her babies always come first and if someone disagrees you can talk to me. I will let you know right quick. Yes she makes them mind and follow rules. That’s the only way you learn. If there was a best all around mom, she would definately get my vote. This is her Mother- in Law and proud of it.

    Reply

  226. Ashley says

    My husband and I adopted a 17 and a 8 year old brother sister. The 9 year old is bullying because she was Never able to that to her bio mom. My daughter has been in foster since she was 3 years old. Im So lost besides that I know God is my protector of our relationship.

    Reply

  228. Doré says

    Good for you!!! I was also a mean mom, my kids had a bedtime right up until they finished high school. And yes, I enforced it. People today keep trying to shelter their children from everything and they are only making life harder for their children later. By sheltering them they are not learning how to deal with failure….and they will fail, that is life. They do not learn how to deal with stress….again something unavoidable in life. People need to start parenting again and remember that their job as a parent is to be their first teacher…and most valuable. I commend you on what you do, your children will love and respect you for it.

    Reply

  229. Cathmac6 says

    I was a “mean mom” too! And now that they’re 14 and 16, I’m still mean. But we laugh about it. They know the expectations. They know the rules. And while they disagree often, it’s never a power struggle. It’s an opportunity for us to talk about the why. And for my husband and I (Mean dad) to consider the rules and edit where we deal reasonable. And best of all, I raised kids I like. I like spending time with them. They are good, responsible people.

    Reply

  233. Jennifer says

    This just made me cry. I feel like this everyday. Im constantly told im mean. I try my hardest everyday to do my best with my stepson. No matter how upset he makes me or how angry we get at each other i always proctect him make sure he is ok.

    Reply

  235. D. Owen says

    I followed these rules,,when they weren’t popular or consider mean, it meant I was doing my job, These days some, not all parents think that they need to be their childs best friend and as they get older they are often left to wonder why their young adults have expectations of instant gratification isn’t met, Also a sense of being owed what isn’t earned . These young adults are our future, hopefully we have kids still being raised with some rules.

    Reply

  239. Angela says

    You punish them when they don’t…. this breaks my heart. Discipline might have been a better term. Does your Creator punish you when you don’t “follow all the rules”. Quickest way to teach a kid that love is based on behavior. Just my thoughts

    Reply

  240. Cindy says

    I’m totally the mean mom to. sometimes I feel that my neighbors think I’m to mean cause I’m sure they hear me out my open front door or the cracked window somewhere in my house. But what they don’t hear is the hugs and kisses and cuddles or just the 4 times before the yelling starts that I asked for something to be done.🤦‍♀️ Keep up the great work mama you say no cause you care.

    Reply

  241. Sunshine Dawson says

    I love this that was my concept I always left them with someday you will look back and say thanks Mom
    I at times felt like a mean mom

    Reply

  242. manni says

    Yes this is me…. as my son has no discipline with his grandparents and then im told he needs help as his upbringing is poor… because he cannot do as he wants.

    Does homework
    eats without TV
    puts his dishes in the sink
    and not to mention nor walking in my house with food in his hand.

    oh well im a shit mum… and what????

    Reply

  244. Regina says

    Well said I have be called a mean mom a bad mom and a number of other things but doing what I have to for my kids while being committed to my each of them makes it all worth it in the end . Voiding our the mean mom!

    Reply

  246. Karen says

    You are preaching so right …..I agree with everything g you say….I have teenagers and I’m a lot stricter than other moms. And I always tell my children I’m both their mom I’m yours!!!! My job is to raise you right, help you make decisions that you are unable to make, yes….and I will also yell you that this friend is not right for you and most of all I will always have your back! And that’s because I love you that much…..if I didn’t I could care less. And at the end of the day they always say….your the best…mom!!!

    Reply

  247. Terry Stewart says

    Totally Agree!!
    I am not my daughter’s friend
    I am her parent!

    My daughter’s friends do not like me cause they know that they can not get away with things with me! But my daughter is a good person who makes straight A’s and all the teachers love her!!!

    Reply

  251. Dee says

    I was a MEAN SINGLE MOTHER…no candy, no soda, no call phones, no tv…and now they are in collge doing well. In retrospect I do wish I said yes more…tgere has to be balance.

    Reply

  254. Rachel says

    Love this! Right there with you my friend! I identify with so much you’ve written here and thank you for it 💛

    On being a mean mom, my kids are the only ones who call me that 🤣 One minute, I’m the best mom in the world. The next, they tell me they hate me or I’m a bad mom. In my own developmental journey, I’ve learned to respond “I’m okay with that” and truly mean it.

    Other adults have criticized my parenting and called it too lax because they have different expectations of children then I do… and “I’m okay with that.” 😊

    Great post. Thank you 💛

    Reply

  255. Allynn says

    None of this is “mean”. This is common sense shit. Mean is when you beat a child black & blue for having an accident. Mean is finding out your daughter got raped & now you won’t acknowledge her as a daughter. Mean is forcing your son to run five miles because he missed a field goal at the state football championship.

    Reply

  256. Mec says

    I do those things but don’t consider myself as mean just because I do. In fact, I consider myself a very loving, responsible, intentional mom for doing those things.

    #WordsHavePower

    Reply

  257. Esther says

    Hey love, thought you might really enjoy some good reading! I am a mom, a struggling mom, trying to adapt, trying to make those tough calls, always looking to learn, try new things, explore new ways of thinking. I reccomend “the concious parent” and “out of control” by dr. Shefali Tsabary. Absolutely transformative. Hard work, introspection, mindfulness, connection, and authenticity. Hope you take the time to give it a look, enjoy!

    Reply

  258. Esther says

    I’m a concious mom

    I don’t have rules, we have a way of life,

    I aim for connection before correction,

    We all do chores

    I realize that as your parent I have to make some but not all decisions in your regard. Isay no when warranted, and offer in depth reasoning behind every decision,

    I encourage an early bedtime and explain the importance of sleep for growing bodies,

    I help empower my children to trust in their abilities to do hard/scary/challenging things,

    I transport my kids to activities that interest them as individuals, without projecting my ideals of success or accomplishment, and respect their ability to know themselves enough to determine if they enjoy an activity or not,

    Buckets of candy are not available in my house, we encourage moderation not over indulgence,

    I read books with them, and on my own.

    I help them study when they are stressed,

    I provide safety gear, and explain the importance of this gear,

    We don’t drink soda,

    We enjoy age appropriate movies,

    I can’t get them everything they want, yet, but we can set goals to obtain them.

    We will not always be popular with each other. I may not always make the right decision, I will make mistakes, I will do my best to learn and grow.

    I strive to love you every piece and part of you, just how you are, and who you are, without conditions. I’ll do my best to keep you safe, understanding that there is only so much within my control, pain will happen, and there is no greater teacher than pain. I will support you, and do my best to understand you, even when our egos clash. I will do my best to help guide you, and provide the tools you need, to find your own path in life, wherever that may lead and to let go of my fantasies of YOUR future.

    By doing this, you may sometimes consider me “mean”, know that I am human, that I am not always concious to what the present moment is calling of me, but I am committed to being mindful of my presence, what I am bringing to every moment we share together.

    Reply

  260. Danielle Mayo says

    I totally agree with this….TOTALLY! Amazing points are made here and the reason behind alot of our decisions we make for the best interest of our children. What many fail to remember is…..we are not here to be our children’s friends but to be there parent. It great to have a close bond with your child and feel comfortable talking to you about anything. I feel though if you cross that line and become your childs best friend it affects your childs view. They no longer see you as a role model or parental figure. Start to see you as nothing but a friend and loose respect for you as the parental figure.

    Reply

  261. Maggie RM says

    I was a mean MOM ….. Period ! , we didn’t have bicycle helmets or did my children have soccer , had baseball basketball 🏀 n karate classes 🤙 I said NO a lot too
    Punished all 7 when not following my rules , no bu jets of candy , did homework , household chores , great children I have !, learned a lot from what they were growing up in Honolulu KPT . All 6 of them have family of their own n are treated , sane way they were brought up ! 💙🙏
    With their own children 🤙 most of my grandkids have awesome jobs , finished colleges in Florida , their own homes 🎉 3 cars each Famiky i owns , awesome life
    They have , their parents are soo proud of their 👶 child , children 👶 with strict rules that had to be followed
    Thanks 😊 to a Mean Grandmother, ME 😱🤙👍💙
    Love My Entire Families , Proud of what they achieved n same with all my great grandchildren, They are my world 🌎/ Universe, I will still protect all of them from harm if at all possible n gjve my unconditional Love ❤️ Amen 💙

    Reply

  263. Todd says

    Discipline is not something you do to your children, discipline is something you do for your children. Discipline, structure, and limits are what’s best for children. Children need to know they are not in charge and they are not on the same level as their parents or other adults.

    Reply

  265. Colby says

    I’m not my kids best friend. I’m ok if helping make the right choice makes them angry. My job is to love and make them the best person they can be.

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  267. Angela says

    Thank you. I so needed this today. I too, am a mean mom and get told that daily! I just respond “Yep, I am and I work hard at it because I love you.”❤️

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