If your kids feel like you’re a slave driver, then I got you. We’re all in the same “slave-drivin'” boat! So, let me make it a little easier and help you handle that title with finesse.

First, you gotta be…

…compassionate. If you’re all command, and no compassion, then the kids will soon stop taking you seriously. They won’t follow through. You’ll lose authority. And before you know it, you’re trying to manage a full-on coup. You don’t want that! Being a tough cookie is just fine when it comes to parenthood, but you’ve also got to know when to melt a bit (people love gooey cookies, anyway). It’s all a matter of balance, babe.

Second, don’t feel guilty. If you’re doing it right, then being tough every now and then (or maybe about 92.5% of the time) helps your kids learn skills they would otherwise never acquire, such as how to follow through, how to give it their best, how to work hard, and how to avoid you when you’re on a rampage. Hey, I’m just speakin’ truth.

Third, you don’t want to raise a giver-upper. I understand that sometimes we need to be a bit rough around the edges in order for our kids to learn how to not give up when times get tough. But, if you’re going to teach this, you need to model it first. Is there an area in your life where you are giving up? Do you have history of being a giver-upper? We can only expect our kids to live up to a standard that we first develop in our own lives. So, if you’re going to be tough, make sure you’re included in the rank.

Mama, I love you. You know I don’t always play nice, but I always play fair. I want to see you rise up to new levels of success, so if I’m a tough cookie with you sometimes, just know that it’s because you make my heart melt.

Be blessed like crazy!

-Hannah