Parenting Nightmares: The Frustrations of Repeating Ongoing Commands
Hi everyone,
What do parents grow tired of repeating? Oh, dear, yes, parents like me and millions of others are all too familiar with the challenges of managing the daily routines of our children. My main frustration lies in the weekday morning routine with my young adult and teenager, both 18 and 15 years old. These two kids require constant reminders and multiple prompts to get out of bed, take a shower, and prepare for school.
Every weekday morning, it feels like a battle to get them up at the designated time. They have to be prompted at least ten times to make sure they are ready for the day ahead. My 15-year-old daughter has a clever trick. She sets her alarm to mimic a barking dog, the loudest and loudest throughout the night, yet she claims she is oblivious to it. This is just one of the many examples of how frustrating it can be to manage the daily routines of teenagers.
Morning Frustrations from Workmates
Sharing my workplace frustrations with my colleagues, I find it's a common issue. Most have to repeatedly remind their teenage daughters to do things like apply makeup, style their hair, and listen to their favorite programs while they get dressed. The stress leads to the household leaving in a hurry, with minutes to spare before the bus arrives at the stop. My daughter has even faced disciplinary actions from school and warnings from the local council, threatening to take me to court over her lateness. This led me to challenge the school and the council, urging them to change the law. The idea that parents could face jail or charges for a child's lateness is absurd, especially when we have already woken them up at 6 AM.
Unending Responsibilities: Beyond Morning Routines
These daily responsibilities extend far beyond morning routines. Clean the room, do your homework, it's time to hit the hay, stop talking on the phone, it's time to eat, have you fed the cat or fish, have you laid out clothes for tomorrow, have you brushed your teeth? The list of commands goes on and on. The constant repetition of these commands can be extremely draining, leading to a sense of frustration and exhaustion.
When it comes to household chores like taking turns in washing dishes, doing laundry, and cleaning, there is a delicate balance. I try to be annoyingly patient and follow the unwritten schedule. However, everything must be done at the specified time, even if it means completing these tasks at midnight. Implying that parents should stop working to chaperone their children to school is unreasonable. This is the reality parents like me face on a daily basis, spanning four out of the five weekdays!
Conclusion
Parenting can be a daunting challenge, with ongoing and repetitive commands becoming a significant source of frustration. From constant reminders to follow daily routines to battles over household chores, it's vital for parents to find ways to manage their energies and set boundaries. Understanding these frustrations can help pave the way for more supportive and constructive parenting practices.
Do you have similar experiences with your children? Share your stories and coping strategies in the comments below.