I’ve been in my current position as full time obsessive parent for the past 6 years. During this time I have been part of many playgroups, early childhood classes and play dates in an attempt to socialize both my children and myself. While I have had many enjoyable experiences and met some nice people, there is one thing that continually bothers me about getting together with other parents: the lack of honesty.

In a group setting, no one wants to talk about what they do to just get through their day.  No one wants to separate themselves from the crowd and admit the good, bad and ugly that comes with parenting small children.  Because of this holding back, insecurity runs rampant in new parents because you start to feel that you’re the only one who yells at/ overindulges/sleeps with/is completely ruled by your children.  You start to feel like you’re the worst parent around because everyone else has it so together.

Wrong.

Truth is, whether they admit it or not, every parent has their vices.  Every parent does things or says things that they fear might be judged by others.

I truly believe that if we, as parents, got over our insecurities enough to be honest with each other we would be happier people and raise happier children.

So, in promotion of a better tomorrow, here is a list of some of my most hush, hush parenting truths.

1)      I don’t feed my kids vegetables nearly enough because I am so tired of picking them up from the floor.

2)      All of my babies have slept firmly planted in my armpit for the first months of their lives.

3)      I will do anything to get people to sleep including bribing, cajoling and, at desperate times when my sanity is severely threatened, letting them scream until they pass out.

4)      Sometimes, when behavior is especially bad, I do not like my children.

5)      50% of the time I think I’m a pretty kick ass mom.

6)      50% of the time I think I’m a complete failure who should have my children taken away.

7)      I yell too much as say stupid things that I feel bad about out of frustration.

8)      I tease my kids just to get a reaction.

9)      I let them sleep in their clothes just to have an easier morning.

10)  I think my kids are cooler than yours.

11)  I spend more time finding ways to avoid playing than playing

12)  I don’t always know that if, given the opportunity, I would do it all again in the same way.

13)  I let my kids fight it out, only intervening when there is serious bodily harm or, in extreme cases, bloodshed.

14)  I depend on Nickelodeon and the Disney Channel to baby sit my kids way too much in order to get things done.

So, there you go. Some truths from my world as Mommy.

I’m not always proud of what I do, but I know that I am doing the best job that I can. My children are loved, healthy, smart and pretty well adjusted.  They seem to be striving and surviving because of (and sometimes in spite of ) my actions.

What are your truths?