I love to stop while in the mall, which I extremely dislike but go to on occasion and watch parent interactions.
I like to sit in the park and listen, (yes sometimes I do listen to others conversations,) to parents and their children.
I enjoy speaking to other parents and hearing them describe to me what makes a cool parent or why they feel they are a cool parent.
Turns out being the "cool" parent isn't what we may think it is. At least not in our children's eye.
Being cool isn’t...
-dressing like your teenager
-joining in on your kids conversation just because you want to be part of the crowd
-allowing your children to engage in activities that are not age appropriate simply because you don't want to be the so called "bad guy"
-encouraging your son to engage in sexual activities because you as the dad think he is old enough
-having no set of rules or boundaries
-allowing for poor behavior without consequences
- stating that you want to be your kids best friend
Being cool IS...
Always remembering to be a parent first. To Teach and expect Respect, that goes both ways.
To have Rules and Consequences and to include the word NO in your vocabulary.
To always Love them, Protect them, Guide them, Teach them.
Always remembering that we want them to be productive people in society.
That is a cool parent.
Do you have your own definition of "cool"? Do you strive to be the Cool Parent?
I love people watching. I used to sit on Eastern Parkway in Brooklyn (me and my cousin) and watch everyone that walked by and talk/laugh about them. Those were the good old days. Now I'm here in CO and there's a new thing called Walmart watching. Even funnier. :) btw I do consider myself of the cool moms. Totally!
ReplyDeleteHi welcome, thanks for comment. Walmart watching? That sounds like a whole new post in itself lol.
DeleteI have never been a cool mom and never wanted to be a cool mom - but I am a GOOD and sometimes MEAN mom.
ReplyDeleteAntionette, welcome back. It all depends on your definition of mean. I am sure you find a way to have a happy balance :)
DeleteThe cool mom hmmm, my kids friends consider me a cool mom. Like our previous conversation I am definitely not a traditional mom. Growing up I couldn't have an open conversation with my mom to I referred to my friends for information which was wrong 90% of the time. My kids and I talk about everything and that's the way I wanted it. I am not their friend I am their mom first but we can talk and be open without have limitations. I guess for them that's the cool part. Even with sex when my daughters friends started having sex at early ages I freaked out but my girls and I talked and my daughter was a virgin till she was 21 I wished till she got married but hey, she was responsible and when she was ready we made sure she knew all. And my little one she is miss socialite, she has committed to holding on to her virginity till she gets married. That might change but when we come to that bridge we'll cross it. Rules, guidance, support, consequences and encouragement is my guide. And when the little one pouts when my response is a no, she'll live lol
ReplyDeleteCamii, always a pleasure. I love to hear stories like yours. Communication and always knowing end of the day your a parent first is the coolest thing to do :)Our kids have enough friends.
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