The Truth Is Out - Children Are The Most Badly Behaved Around Their Moms

Aug 31, 2018

As a mother, you have to put up with a lot. It seems like your kids are always making demands. They're constantly messy and it's all you can do to keep up. Try as you might, your kids are going to scream over the smallest issue.

But why does no one believe you when you complain? Your babysitter insists that your kids were 'beautifully behaved' while you were gone. At parent-teacher conferences, they receive nothing but glowing reviews. And yet whenever you go to the grocery store, your kids start begging for candy.

It's enough to make you want to tear your hair out! What's going on?

Dr. Heather Wittenberg is a child psychologist who's done research on this. She explains that kids reserve bad behavior just for you. This is because children feel comfortable around their parents. It means that kids freely display the best and worst of themselves. Plus, it takes a lot of work to follow rules all the time. At some point they just have to let it out!

The same is true of you! After all, you wouldn't have a meltdown in public, either. You'd also prefer turning to loved ones instead. Take heart even if you're frustrated about your kids. It's actually a really good sign. You are loving your child so much that they're becoming confident with their emotions. Over time they will grow up and learn to manage them better.

So it's not all bad, then. There's a lot of sweetness and heart for every temper tantrum your child throws.

The next time you grit your teeth, take a deep breath instead. Remember all the fun times you and the kids have had.

Those great memories ultimately outweigh your frustrations.

Every difficulty you have with your child only makes your relationship stronger. You can overcome those challenges together. It won't be poopy diapers and scabby knees forever. And hey, you're not alone. All the other moms are struggling with this, too. So pass this on to all the other moms in your life.