Think about the last frustrating interaction you had with another adult. Can you think of a time you were expecting an adult interaction but instead ran into something like a tantrum?
Actually, forget about ‘another’ adult: how do you feel about yourself when you miss a deadline, mouth a flimsy excuse for sub-par behavior or otherwise abandon your best self? When you act or think like a brat?
English: Jogging with dog at Carcavelos Beach Português: Fazendo jogging com o cão na Praia de Carcavelos (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
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For many of us, even though the calendar says we’re grown up, there are times that we’re just brats. We want what we want when we want it. We whine and point fingers instead of taking responsibility. Kids throw tantrums; “adults” complain.
Think about how many personal problems are escalate when we:
- want something for nothing
- deny consequences of our actions
- refuse to be accountable
I’ve struggled with diet and exercise for… well just about as long as I can remember. After being a “yo yo-er” for years, I learned to prioritize the right fuel for my health. But time and again, I get to a comfortable balance with food and exercise and then… that ‘something for nothing’ mentality creeps back in: I can take ‘just one’ workout off, can’t I? Next comes the ‘need’ to relieve some stress with a little bit of chocolate, right? And, of course I don’t bother to ‘tell on myself” (especially to myself) the first time I do any of this. I’m a brat. I want what I want when I want it.
That’s probably why I care so much about helping parents provide their kids with a strong foundation… to help express the unconditional love we have for our kids through instilling basic, practical life skills and attitudes.
After all, isn’t knowing the ‘cost’ of a choice part of making an informed decision?
I’m off to get dressed for exercise class now.
[Tweet “Isn’t knowing the cost of a choice part of making an informed decision?”]
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6 Responses to “Thinking Like a Brat”
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Another great post, Andrea! And you are right, even adults can become brats when they don’t get what they want (yes, maybe I’ve done that too…) 🙂
Sometimes it’s easier to stay focused on what we’re teaching our kids if we project waaay into the future!
Oh, how true this is. And as I’ve stepped into my true self these last few years, I smile to see that i get to relive it all from my daughter who learned from me. I did teach her kindness and forgiveness and she’s leapt way ahead in many ways. It always surprises me when she throws my own words and learnings back at me… and I am relieved… because it means she’s hearing them.
I always tell her that she gets to choose who she is no matter what she’s given and not to let another’s choices impact hers.(I remind myself of this incessantly, as well) She’s a strong resilient young lady. And I look forward to watching her soar.
Great post!
Love this article Andrea! Well said and stopped me in my own tracks to pause and check in with myself. Hugs Debra
Love this post! The best thing we can do for our kids is self reflect ourselves as we teach them to self reflect themselves. Out of this self reflection we can make informed decisions. Yes!
🙂 yay! You stopped being a brat and went to exercise class. Didn’t you just feel oh so good?!
I love how sincere you are about helping parents and kids. I love your clarity and ‘ stop beating about the bush’ mentality. It is what is needed in this world of confusion and illusion today!
Yes. Sometimes I can’t help but throw a tantrum. LOL