Well, raise them that way. If you don’t, they’ll turn into rude ass, entitled adults. And y’all all know one, two, three or 10 of those who you could quite frankly just punch in the throat.
I had to teach my kids the definition of “brat” at a very early age. I use the word often when they’re acting like no one else in the world matters but them. Or when they don’t want to FaceTime their grandmother because they’re too busy watching the iPad. Or when they complain about cleaning up (when they messed the shit up in the first place.) Or when they say they want the blue bowl instead of the red bowl. Or when they don’t share. Or when they don’t say please and thank you. Or when they’re not a good sport. Or when they don’t care that they’re inconveniencing others. Or when they whine about dumb shit. Or when they snarl about getting clothes for Christmas instead of toys. Or when they don’t get what they asked for within 2 seconds of asking. Or when they can’t have what Johnny-nem have. In these situations, all I’ve had to say is, “You’re acting like a brat right now,” and they know exactly what I mean and how to fix that brat-like behavior.
I refuse to raise children who are rude to others, unempathetic, and just downright assholes. Like who even wants to be in your presence? Don’t get me wrong, my kids will know how to stand up for themselves when needed. They won’t start no shit, but they will know just how to finish it. I will never tolerate them being a bully and won’t allow them to mistreat anyone without reason. I will call them out on their shit every.single.time. Because no one wants to put up with those types of people. Ever.
I know. Kids will do and say bratty things, but we have to teach them. When they behave this way, use it as a moment to talk about values and kindness. Kids should feel grateful that you can do and buy things for them, not that they are entitled to them because someone else has them or because they want them.
The best advice I can give for raising nice kids is for you to model kind behavior and be a nice adult. You can’t curse the poor woman at the register because she got your order wrong, you can’t run Grandpa off the road because he’s driving under the speed limit with his hands at 10 and 2. You can’t lose your cool at sporting events. You can’t bark demands at the waitress the moment you sit down. You can’t plop your musty ass down on the airplane with no regard for who you are sharing the row with. Ok. That was petty. But, you just can’t. Because little eyes are watching and little ears are listening. And you’re their example.
As for me and my house, we will raise grateful kids. Kids who say please and thank you, kids who show appreciation, kids who are okay with getting socks for Christmas, kids who are compassionate, kids who make a difference, kids who stand up for what’s right even when others are doing wrong, kids who are respectful, kids who clean up after themselves, kids who don’t chew like a cow when eating, kids who have values and morals, kids who are just overall good citizens.
But please don’t take their kindness for weakness. Because they will also be taught how to stand up for themselves and how to say, “Gon’ on, ‘cause I ain’t the one.” And then throw some hands if needed- only if needed. #loversnotfighters #raisenicekids