because I love you

  So I found myself on another soapbox today. I saw this thing last night about McD's and how unhealthy the food is. I don't think McD's should be blamed for obesity in America, people should be blamed for obesity in America. Yes, it's more expensive to eat healthy, but that doesn't mean you make the decision to eat burgers and fries every day. Not my soapbox though.
  This woman was interviewed at a McD's with her son, probably 7 or 8 years old. The interviewer asked her how often they came and why? This woman, I kid you not, looked square into the camera and said, "because he screams and yells McDonald's until we agree to come here usually twice a week." I think my head exploded.
  What is this generation of parenting coming to? My children do NOT throw fits to get what they want. Why? Because I simply won't tolerate it. In full disclosure, my children do not go without. They have plenty of toys, games, etc. But I can assure you, none of it came out of throwing a fit or crying to get it. Now when my boys were toddlers, fits were thrown. But that is a child development thing. Toddlers throw fits to test boundaries and see what they can get away with. Not because they are brats, because they are very little people who lack the understanding and ability to know any other way to deal. It is our job as parents to teach them. Teach them how to handle situations. When my boys were younger and would start into a fit, I would usually put them in a bedroom, close the door, and walk away. I would explain to them that when they were done, they could come out and talk to me. This made it clear that the fit was not going to get them what they wanted, but calmly and respectfully talking to me was a better way to communicate their desires. Now that they are older, I tell my boys clearly, I am your parent and I love you, and because I love you, it is my job to teach you. Teach you how to become a healthy, well rounded, well adjusted, adult. That starts as a child. We have all run into adults in our lives that feel the need to throw fits when they want to get their way. Do you really want your child to be one of those? So be strong mommies and daddies!! It is part of the job description! You do it because you love them. :-)