The 7 Deadly Sins of Parenting

Shutterstock.com

Let’s set the stage now and be completely honest. There is no perfect parenting. Some parents think they have it all figured out and others will openly admit they don’t have a clue. There are so many moving pieces when it comes to parenting that it is impossible to really know what the outcome will ultimately be.

All that to say, parents, rest assure you are not alone, and no one really know what they’re doing. Several questions will always be up for debate. Do carrots really improve your eye sight? Should you really wait 30 minutes after eating before you go swimming? Do moms really have eyes in the back of their head?

Nevertheless, parents can have a little fun and poke fun of themselves a little. Let’s see what the seven deadly sins of parenting really look like and how everyone is basically guilty of committing each one.

Lust

Shutterstock.com

With the obsession of being Insta-perfect, lust is definitely high on the deadly sins of parenting list. Every parent is guilty of trolling other parents and judging their gear. Parents wearing the perfect self-deprecating T-shirt. ‘I Woke Up Like This’ – worn by an exhausted mom. ‘Top Knot, Coffee and Jesus’ – worn by the mom who looks tired, but her whole house is clean. Or maybe it is the child apparatuses viewers are lusting over. The Bentley of strollers or the Range Rover of walkers.

The invisible status that social media brings on is absolutely ridiculous, but everyone buys into the nonsense. The reality is no one knows the real financial situation. The reality is no one knows the drama that family endures behind the scenes. The reality is no one knows the emotional baggage those parents are carrying. Lust is a messy sin. The desire for things comes with the ignorance of the hefty price attached. When you begin to experience lust, try to maintain a level head and check yourself.

Envy

Shutterstock.com

Envy is funny in a sarcastic undertone way. Being a parent is part of the white picket fence ideal that every American family envisions. You get married, have children, land the perfect job, and the rest is rainbows, right? What you’re not seeing is the truth behind the filters.

Every parent has envied another person’s ability to ‘live the life.’ Parents will refer to pre-kid times when they had the luxury of long baths, solo TV binges, sleeping in, and designated me time.

As a spectator, it may appear like someone has it all but ask yourself, “Would you really trade it all?” The gratification of raising tiny human beings and experiencing their love is a hard thing to substitute. Parents must put in a lot of blood, sweat and tears; however, the end result is well worth it all.

Wrath

Shutterstock.com

Yes, after you’ve repeated yourself one hundred times it is pretty typical to be frustrated. And yes, having to remember where everything is at all times, even though you didn’t put those items away, can aggravate even the best of us. All parents are guilty of being a bit wrathy from time-to-time.

Here’s the thing, it happens to every parent. So, don’t judge either side. If you see a child acting out and a parent losing their cool, remember you have or will be there. If you are the parent who is frustrated because your child will not listen, try and remember to take a chill pill. Children do not know all of the ins and outs therefore, meltdowns will happen, and frustration is a normal feeling.

Greed

Shutterstock.com

It happens. No one is proud of being greedy, but it happens to the best of us. The hope is you can identify what is a necessity and what is not. Parents want the best for their kids. Moreover, they generally want to provide them with a life they didn’t have. The best of the best. But, at what cost? It is important for parents to delineate between what’s important and what’s not. Define what everything will cost you. Not the actual monetary price tag, but what that item could do to your morals and ethics.

Even though the grass appears to be greener on the other side, in many cases, its artificial turf. It’s not real. It’s not grown. It’s fake. Greed isn’t honoring anyone. Putting in the hard work and relentless effort will provide more prosperity in the end.

Pride

Shutterstock.com

Human beings are incredibly prideful. It is hard for them to admit they are wrong, but when they are right there is so many bells and whistles attached to that moment. Like the other sins, all parents are guilty of pride. Think about it. Your child is born and what is the first thing you do, after catching your breath? You take a picture, you share that memento, and now with technology dozens upon dozens of people see that picture. In that scope, there is nothing wrong with that. But with pride should patience and communication.

Give other people the floor, too. Reciprocate. Let others share their pride and give them a pat on the back, too. And not just other parents. Give other people the opportunity to feel prideful. Allow people to have their moment – regardless if they are a parent or not.