Years ago I taught high school English (Go Toros!). It began as a disaster (It happens to the best of us). I tried to dress cool, and be everybody's friend. I allowed too much, and brushed situations aside. The kids were disrespectful, I was kicking them out right and left, and they got away with just about everything. I got called EVERY name in the book. This was when I learned that all that these kids wanted was a little bit of structure. As my expectations grew, the kids grew. I couldn't believe how even the worst of kids changed with higher expectations. It changed me as a person and as a parent. My job became a work/study program for me. I began to notice what kind of kid belonged to what kind of parent. It was a math formula-high expectations+hard work+love=success. This experience has been an invaluable lesson for which I will forever be grateful.
Today I feel such a responsibility to my own children. Both Warren and I want them to have every opportunity possible, and we know that it may mean doing things differently than others. My own kids haven't called me the "meanest mom" yet; they still find me kind of fun and amusing. They either like me how I am, or they don't yet know that there are way nicer moms out there. However, I have had a few adults accuse me of being "too strict" or "mean" (terms for which I will never apologize in today's lax society). I came accross a poem this morning to share with all of you other "mean moms" out there who aren't afraid to say "no" to your kids, or expect just a little bit more. Enjoy and ROCK ON mean moms!
http://mrmom.amaonline.com/poems/meanestmother.htm
Saturday, February 21, 2009
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5 comments:
mean moms rock! and my kids still love me...
Roll call: another mean mom here! And yes, my kids did work today.
I've gotten called the "Meanest Mom Ever", usually by Rheese. Oh, well, it is what it is.
Go Mean Moms! Us Mean Moms ROCK! I had a Mean Mom too. And guess what I love her so much and I am so glad that she was mean!
You know the funny thing is, is that honestly I never thought she was mean. And I've never been called mean, maybe I've been told I was unfair or something but I've also been told that I'm the best Mom they've ever had. (That's sure good since they've only had me as a Mom). Kids are the best!
Thanks for sharing!
Love ya, JoLynn
I wish I had had a mean mom. She always tried to be my friend. Now I resent her and we aren't friends. My dad on the other hand was a dad and now we are great friends. Big lesson learned for me.
I can tell that you are such a good mom Monica! I loved the poem.
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