The ultimate ambition in parenting often boils down to one fundamental goal: we want to raise kids who are decent human beings. Yet, the journey is certainly not without its bumps; there will inevitably be moments when your child’s behavior makes you question all the hard work you’ve put into teaching them kindness and empathy. But remember, just because they misstep doesn’t mean they’re on a one-way track toward becoming an outright jerk. It simply signals that they might need a gentle nudge to better understand the world around them.
A relatable case of this happened recently when a mom named Nicki Marie shared her experience in an engaging Instagram Reel, aptly titled How Not to Raise an A**hole.” Nicki, like many parents, found herself navigating a moment that—while definitely frustrating—opened the door to a vital teaching opportunity.
On a particularly snowy New England day, she was out battling mounds of heavy snow, clearly putting in some serious effort. In the midst of this exhausting chore, her daughter approached her with a request that sent her into a mild tailspin: “Mom, can we go to the store for glue to make slime?”
Can we just pause for a second? It’s not hard to understand why that request rubbed her the wrong way. Imagine laboring through an arduous task, your arms aching, your back protesting, and then, someone comes up asking for a trip to the store for something as frivolous as slime-making supplies. The contrast was jarring.
Nicki took that moment of irritation and turned it into a valuable lesson for her daughter about something we all know deep down: reading the room is crucial. “Here’s what’s profoundly wrong with that perspective,” she explained in her video, candidly acknowledging the tough spot she was in. “When I’m out here sweating, and you’re asking me if we can make slime, it’s just not the right time! You have to wait until I’m in a good mood, until I can genuinely engage with that idea.”
In essence, she was demonstrating to her daughter that understanding context and timing is just as essential as asking for things politely. There’s a vast difference between a simple request and one which seems to disregard another person’s feelings, like saying, “Hey Mom, I see you’re exhausted and overwhelmed; how about a trip to get glue right now?” That’s the fine line between expressing oneself and behaving like a little a hole.
What’s truly heartwarming is the overwhelming support Nicki received in response to her video. Comments poured in, commending her approach. One follower emphasized, “You can’t ask a struggling woman to (fill in the blank). These are essential lessons.” Another user chimed in with appreciation for the gentle parenting aspect Nicki demonstrated, noting, “This is what gentle parenting really looks like!”
And let’s be honest—this is a narrative we can all relate to as parents. Kids often don’t realize the intricacies of social interactions, the unspoken rules that tell us when it’s a good time to make requests. “They literally don’t have social skills until we teach them,” one commenter wisely pointed out. It’s true; kids are learning every single day, and sometimes they need our guidance to help them navigate those important social cues.
At the end of the day, it’s not about being perfect; it’s about being present for our children and teaching them how to tune into the emotions of those around them. This way, they grow up not just knowing how to ask for things but also understanding the impact their words can have on others. So when you find yourself in a situation that tests your patience, like Nicki’s, try to view it as a valuable teaching moment. After all, these little lessons shape the kind of human beings they will become—one thoughtful interaction at a time.
Image Source: Dragana Gordic / Shutterstock
