I've been debating whether this subject really falls under the scope of parenting. I've started writing this post and then deleted it, only to start writing it again and deleting it. But I think that this is a parenting issue because of the legacy we leave behind for our kids. I don't know about you, but I want to leave a legacy that speaks of kindness and caring, humility and grace. I don't want my kids and grandkids to talk about me as a spiteful, hateful, mean woman who sucked all the joy out of living from those around me.
So it is with this in mind that I say the following to the hateful, spiteful, immature parents out there in the world: GROW UP.
There are entirely too many moms out there tearing other moms apart over stupid things that mean absolutely nothing. There are too many women getting their noses out of joint over issues that they aren't even involved in, then proceeding to rip completely innocent parties to shreds because of supposed 'issues' they weren't even a part of. There are too many fathers yelling at coaches and other kids on baseball or soccer teams and acting like morons. Some parents are even killing other parents over supposed wrongs in the parking lots of our children's sports arenas.
Did we not learn two simple truths? Treat others as we want to be treated. That's so simple it's stupid to violate it. I don't want to be treated badly, so I treat others with as much respect and kindness as I can. Now, do I get upset in traffic? Sure. I'm not perfect and I never claimed to be. But at least I try. Some people in this world don't bother to try.
The other simple truth is if you don't have something nice to say then you need to keep your mouth shut. Back biting snide remarks don't need to be placed on the internet or sent in a text message or even uttered or typed at all. Better to let others think you're a fool than to put your fingers on a keyboard and prove them right. The only person you're hurting with your poor remarks is yourself. Trust me, I know this from experience.
Our kids learn from us. That should not be a big surprise. Your child looks at you and how you treat another person and thinks "Hmm, I want to be like Mom (or Dad) and since they treat that person like this, I guess I can too". Welcome to stupid lawsuits over hot coffee not being labelled as hot and the twinkie defense. Welcome to PMS becoming a viable explanation for poor behavior (I do it now, but that doesn't make it right) and having a 'bad temper' as a disability you can receive SSI for. Welcome to laziness and every unhappiness being someone else's fault.
Wait...we live there now.
And when this post makes you mad, which prompts you to send me an ugly email or leave a nasty comment, realize that you should treat others as you want to be treated and if you can't say something nice, then you need to keep your darned mouth shut.
It's better for you and your kid if you do.
I agree!!!! I have found myself at times feeling like I was back in highschool and find myself wanting to be one of the "cool kids" for about 10 seconds before reality hits me and I remember the only people I care about looking cool to are my two beautiful and loving girls (and the next one on the way!) We often wonder why our kids are so much meaner than we were, well, they absolutely watch us! When we (as grownups) cant even act like a grownup, then how can we expect to teach our kids to act that way!
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