I feel like a horrible mother

My son was acting up before (he is almost 6) telling me he doesn't love me. I told him he has 2 choices, to either apologize or go to bed (a half hour before he usual bedtime). He decided to play games with me (as he often does) and not make decision. So...I told him he has to go to bed. Now he is in there crying he wants daddy (he does this when he doesn't like my punishment and the same when I am not around).
My biggest fear is that my children will be out of control teenagers and adults who don't listen to authority. It is my job to raise them to go out into the world to be good people but NO ONE tells you how hard being a parent is, NO ONE.
Sorry, just needed to vent--

Re: I feel like a horrible mother

Re: I feel like a horrible mother

I don't see anything wrong. They have to respect you and your authority.

I'd have daddy tell him tomorrow that he's lucky mommy only sent you to bed early.

Good job.

Re: I feel like a horrible mother

Re: I feel like a horrible mother

I would have done the exact same thing....Kerri often says she wants her Daddy when I have her do something she doesn't like or when I reprimand...doesn't bother me one bit.

Re: I feel like a horrible mother

Re: I feel like a horrible mother

Re: I feel like a horrible mother

I feel you...DS went to bed without dinner because he didn't like what I made.

Re: I feel like a horrible mother

You are a great mom. It is the hardest job in the world and unfortunately there is no "owners manual." You did the right thing. In time I am sure that your DC will come to appreciate it. He is just testing his boundaries as any good 6 year old is want to do.

Re: I feel like a horrible mother

I feel your pain, DD#1(she is 8) went to bed at 7:30(usually she is 8:30) for telling me that I was "The worst Mother in the Whole entire world" for the 3rd time today. I threatened it, so I had to follow through. That makes us GOOD MOMS! It is not easy but it for their own good.

Re: I feel like a horrible mother

parenting is very difficult at times. I have days like this too. we all do. you did the right thing though.

Re: I feel like a horrible mother

I just had the same fight with my 3.5 year old. I totally lost my temper. He cried himself to sleep BUT he also needs to know that I am serious and there are consequences to actions.

I feel bad too.

Re: I feel like a horrible mother

Dont feel awful! Thats a perfectly reasonable punishment! You did the right thing!!!!

Re: I feel like a horrible mother

being a parent is BY FAR the hardest job in the world....bar none

you are doing a great job, hang in there

Re: I feel like a horrible mother

I could see why this would hurt you bc your child is so upset
But in the end realize you are doing EXACTLY what you need to do to accomplish what you want... a respectful child. In the end whats better then that. Its tough...stick to your guns!

Re: I feel like a horrible mother

Re: I feel like a horrible mother

my son played that game... You did well... You need to be consistent. Even if you felt you may have been a little too harsh with the punishment, you STUCK TO IT...

IMO, they need to learn boundaries... You may get a little 'hate mail' and 'i wish I were never born' but you'll get over it... (as well he)

I think by YOU not taking it, and giving him clear options, he is learning to listen to authority... Its a tough age, b/c its when they start asserting themselves...

Message edited 9/22/2009 11:42:58 PM.

Re: I feel like a horrible mother

As a father of a 6yo, I've been there numerous times myself (same with DW).

I've heard numerous studies that show that DC with parents who enforce rules (within reason), grow up much happier, more in control, and more respectful of their parents and other people.

Even though they try to defy authority, they really desire it. They want to know that there are boundaries, and someone there looking out for them.

DS often cries out for the other parent when one of us is disciplining him. I explain to DS that if Mommy comes in here because you were misbehaving, and I had to break her away from whatever she was doing, you might not actually want her here....

Re: I feel like a horrible mother

I don't see anything wrong with what you did

Re: I feel like a horrible mother

Thanks so much everyone, I really appreciate all your responses.
My son woke up smiling and hugging me this morning so at least HE forgot-lol!!!

Re: I feel like a horrible mother

If you gave in and didn't follow through, then there could be the potential for that out of control teenage thing. When you show him you mean business when you are still big and scary, it will "stick" when he gets older!!!!

Re: I feel like a horrible mother

You did the right thing, you followed through!! You're not a bad mommy!!!!

Re: I feel like a horrible mother

Posted by lipglossjunky73

If you gave in and didn't follow through, then there could be the potential for that out of control teenage thing. When you show him you mean business when you are still big and scary, it will "stick" when he gets older!!!!