I saw this article on Cafe Mom titled Before I Had Kids I Swore I Would Never…. and it got me thinking about the things that I swore I would never do when I had my own kids.

We all know exactly how we would raise our children until we have those children.  We’ve all said it.  ”I’m never going to say that to my kids” or “I’m never going to make my kids do that.”  Admit it, though, you have said it and made them do it!  Here is my list:

I will not let my children eat fast food.  This was before I knew that McDonald’s Happy Meals are like crack to kids.   At least I have it down to once or twice a month.   And a promise of fast food is a good bribery tool.  Which leads me to…

I will not bribe my children to do things.  Sure….they will clean their rooms, help out where needed and not throw a tantrum just because I said so.  Bribery works and I’m not ashamed to use it.

I will not tell my oldest child that she is old enough to know better and to be the example.  Being the oldest out of 3 kids, I used to hate being told that I’m old enough to know better, or that being the oldest I should set the example.  Well, there is a reason parent’s say it…darn it, you are old enough to know better and your 4 year old brother will do whatever you do so set the example!

I will not baby them when they are hurt.  I will tell them to suck-it up.  Yeah, right.  My trained ear can hear the whimper of my children from a mile away.  And a whimper is all it takes before I’m running top speed to access the damage, put a band-aid on it, and make it better with a kiss. Then I tell them to suck-it up.

I will not be impatient with my children.  I will not interfere with their natural curiosity but allow them to leisurely explore undisturbed.   Wait…I can’t stop laughing…

What did you swear you would never do when you had children?