Tonight I sat and watched Nanny 9-11. Yes, I watch that and Supernanny!
What amazes me most about these nanny shows is how clueless the parents can sometimes be. How terrified they are of being the disciplinarians to their kids. And honestly, I too have been guilty of that with my own on occasion. Instances where the line of mom vs. friend gets crossed. And its easy to do and to become a pushover. Or, maybe that's just my personality, I don't know.
Kids are great manipulators. They are no dummies. The way they can pit one parent against another is truly an art form. Our older two have really made some serious attempts with this. Using me as their guinea pig to rally for dads approval or support or for him to stop being such a disciplinarian. And me, being the female with the more emotional side is of course the point.
But, I think the most rewarding thing I get from these shows? I agree with ALL the tactics that the nannys use and all their ideas and tactics have been used in this house with our own kids. And it makes both Pat and I feel as though we are on the right track with our kids. Maybe the nannys aren't the perfect role models but I can say this, the results are for real.
I always speak about how I love being a mom and how I adore my kids. They are not perfect by any means but they are good kids as kids go in my eyes. And most moms would say the same about their own I'm sure!
I guess my point with this post is that being a parent is a lot of work. At the end of these shows, what strikes me the most is how surprised these parents are with the results. How it dawns on them that although it does take a lot of work to parent, the rewards are many and the disappointments are few. And that although the kids do require attention, it really isn't about the quantity of the time but the quality of that time.
It's not always easy but it can be a great experience to know who your kids are. But again, that is simply my own humble opinion.
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