Timeout doesn't work in my house. You know why? My children have a black momma.I refuse to put up with, tolerate, and deal with any child that thinks it's alright to kick, yell, or scream at me. No child of mine should even consider cursing at me. I tolerated 17 hours of labor the first time and 12 hours of labor the second time. I dealt with morning sickness 24-7 and still got up every day to go to work and made sure there was a roof over my childrens's heads and food on the table.
I'm amazed at the behavior that other moms put up with in public. I saw a child call his mother the b word and also used the f word in the same sentence. She just half-smiled and tried to play it off. My children looked at me and knew they couldn't do that with me. They know that I will knock them out. I don't care who is around. They will be disciplined no matter who is around.
My children know that they are not to embarrass me at my place of business. They know they must be on their best behavior. They know they can't act out in public. My girls know they can't talk to me any old way because I am their mother. I'm not one of their friends from the playground.
My daughters know that their actions reflect back on how the are raised and our family values. As their mother, they know that only one woman lives in our house and that is me. My girls know that I have their best interests at heart and that I will do everything within my power to make sure they get the education, love, and support that is needed for them to succeed.
All parents have dreams and hopes for their children. I'm no different, but children trying to run the show in a house that I'm paying for...just isn't happening. I remind them that they have to pull their weight because they are no free rides in life. I want them to know that though people may question their abilities, they shouldn't. I want them to know they can do anything they set their mind too. I want them to know that the color of their skin is not going to a hindrance to what they can achieve. I want them to be prepared for life's harsh lessons.
While some parents choose to act more like their child's friend, I refuse. Children are a gift from God. It's our job to teach his lessons and care for them. It's our job to teach them right from wrong. It's our job to teach them that every action they make has a consequence. It is our job to teach them that words can hurt.
I remind my children that I'm their mom, not their friend. I let them know that they are loved unconditionally. My tough love will make them strong. Life isn't fair, but momma is.
Posted By: Marsha Jones
Wednesday, November 11th 2009 at 12:25AM
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