I was recently told by my fifteen-year-old son that his friends say that I’m an uptight mom. I think he was slightly embarrassed. Hell yeah, I’m uptight! I’m fifty years old and I still have kids at home! I need my sleep and my teenagers think that every weekday night is a time to stay up and make popcorn and do anything but homework. I’m grumpy, uptight, and on their case. I’m the very definition of an uptight mom.
Uptight Mom Comment
At first, I felt bad. I started to question my behavior. Am I too hard on the kids? Believe it or not, it was my twenty-three-year-old son who gave me a huge dose of reality. He told me that it made kids uncomfortable to meet a mom who held her kids accountable. A mom who doesn’t care less if she’s cool. One who is not above embarrassing her kids into behaving, respecting others, and practicing what she preaches. I’m a woman who understands that I have a tough job to do and I can’t slack off. I’m not talking about helicopter parenting. No. This is about having rules and enforcing them.
I cannot give up because I have a job to do and I’m not finished!
Tired ALL of the Time
Yes, I’m freaking tired all of the time. I feel like I’m constantly failing. Arguing with my kids about simple things like doing their homework, cleaning the table and their rooms, and putting curfews into place is a daily battle. But I do it. I show up every single day, often at the detriment of my own sanity, and require eight hours of sleep. I’m an uptight mom because I have to repeat myself over and over and over again. Call me an uptight mom because my two youngest children ages 15 and 12 are developmentally at a point where they are trying to exert their independence. The pushback in my house is at an all-time high!
Is Uptight the same as an Anxious Mom
What has contributed to my parenting style is anxiety. I believe that moms who worry just a little bit more about getting it right tend to be more conservative or strict. The trick is not to pass on that anxiety to your children. It requires freaking out inside but keeping that reaction from being visible. If your child wants to try something and you’re scared they will fail, do not verbalize it! Let them try and encourage them to try again.
Badge of Honor
So I’m going to wear my new uptight mom label as a badge of honor. I’m going to see this through. Who knew that when I decided to have and hold a small cute baby this was a lifetime appointment of ongoing challenges? You can’t even grasp the concept as a young mother. Now I’m battle weary, still in the trenches and although I may lose some of the battles, I’m certainly not going to lose the war.
I will raise strong, respectful, and successful men, even if it means that I’m uptight in the eyes of their peers. Sorry guys…too bad too sad.
Love, Uptight Mom
Uptight Mom Update 2024
My sons are all young men now and are grateful. They are independent and empathetic. Parenting adult children can be even tougher and we’ve dealt with different issues but it’s all worthwhile. I have this to say to all of you moms out there! Make your parenting decisions that align with your values. Set boundaries and don’t bother defending yourself from labels including being an uptight mom! Do your best!
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