Good news, y’all! Today I’m collaborating with Siri of Pumpkin Thieves and Buffalo Wings and a handful of other bloggers to bring you the Tiger Mamma Giveaway!
I feel like maybe I’ve been hitting the giveaways a little hard lately, but when the prizes are this adorable? You just gotta get in on it.
Siri asked me to share with you what being a Tiger Mamma means to me. Her post is lovely. I’m not sure I can do her prompt justice, but I’ll sure try.
You see, I’m a mean mom.
I don’t say that because I think I’m a bad mom, or even because I am never a fun mom. I’m confident I’m actually a pretty good mom, and I try to have fun at least some of the time. But my girls often complain that I’m not being very nice or that I said something that made them upset. My response is always the same:
It is not my job to be nice to you or make you happy. It is my job to make sure you are safe, healthy, and grow up to be a good person.
I guess that’s what being a Tiger Mamma means to me. Protecting my babies from real danger, yes, but not from failure or disappointment. They need to learn. They need to grow. And the best way to do that is by experiencing life with all its ups and downs.
I acknowledge their frustration or anger and allow them to work through those feelings, but I always insist on kindness, even and especially when they don’t want to be kind. I explain the rules and why they should obey; it’s not because “I say so” but because obedience will keep them safe from harm. I let them make mistakes, and I encourage them to try again. I allow them to be bored. I require them to help. I try to teach by example, which means admitting when I am wrong and letting them see my weaknesses. I set what I believe are reasonable boundaries and expectations, and you know what? They are learning to respect those boundaries and meet those expectations.
They’re still very young, I know. I think we’re laying a pretty good foundation, though.
So yes. I’m a mean mom. But only because I love my babies so fiercely. I am so in awe of–and proud of–and humbled by–their beauty and strength and brilliance. The thought of these remarkable souls not living up to their potential because I gave in to their whining and begging? Nope. Can’t do it. They deserve better than that.
They deserve a mamma who isn’t afraid to be a tiger.
(Plus “Eye of the Tiger” and “Roar” are totally Mila’s jams. She’s a big fan of anything that gets her pumped up. Clearly I’m doing something right.)
To enter the Tiger Mamma Giveaway, head on over to Instagram. You can also earn a whole heap of extra entries on Siri’s post here.
Good luck, friends! Oh, and if you win, will you let me borrow your tiger mask? I’m pretty sure I need one.
I totally agree with you. I feel like I’m a mean mom too. I also let my kids make mistakes and then try to correct and make better choices. Life all about choices and the way we make them. Loving our and protecting our kids should be number one not being their friend 🙂