I’m a bad mom sometimes

Posted by

Posted by Tamara O.

There are moments I feel great about my actions as a mom because in those moments, I think I’m a good mom. Then there are all the other times.

Like Sunday.

After an especially busy day running the kids to activities all day, my husband Bob took the girls out for a bike ride while I cleaned up after dinner and shuttled my son to the tennis courts.

As soon as we left the house, I spotted it. A giant gouge on the back fender of my beautiful dark cherry SUV. I felt sick to my stomach. I started crying. I knew instantly that one of the girls scraped it with their bike. Anger blinded me.

The kids know how much I love that car. I park far away from other cars to avoid those other owners from banging my car with their doors. I am always on the lookout for dangers that might befall it. I didn’t think it would be one of my own kids who would ruin its pristine paint.

By the time I returned from the tennis courts, the girls were home. I screamed at them to meet me outside. I figured my youngest was the guilty party, but my 10-year-old burst into tears and admitted doing it. I started screaming at her. Yes, outside where all the neighbors could hear. How could she do that to my car? I’ll spare you the rant, but I had both of us sobbing.

We’re looking for stories about your ‘bad’ parenting moments in upcoming issues of Chicago Parent. Share them here or send them to me at tamara@chicagparent.com.

I was still furious at bedtime and she was still sobbing in her room, though I heard her sneak downstairs to put her savings –$31 — on my purse, telling me to use it to make the repairs.

I’m still angry and looking at the scrape this morning made me cry all over again. You might say it’s just a car, that it was just an accident. You’d probably be right.

As I said, it’s not my proudest moment. Now I’m left to wonder how much it will cost to fix both the car and my relationship with my sweet, accident-prone daughter?

Chicago Parent Editorial Team
Chicago Parent Editorial Team
Since 1984, the Chicago Parent editorial team is trained to be the go-to source for Chicagoland families, offering a rich blend of expert advice, compelling stories, and the top local activities for kids. Renowned for their award-winning content, the team of editors and writers are dedicated to enriching family life by connecting parents with the finest resources and experiences our community has to offer.
- Advertisement -

LATEST STORIES

How to Recession-Proof Your Grocery Budget: Do’s and Don’ts

Grocery prices are rising, but smart habits like meal planning, bulk buys and store-hopping can keep your budget in check.

Where Are Cook County’s Best Public School Teachers? Find Out Here

Find Cook County's top public schools with the best teachers, rated on teacher quality, student achievements and more.

Are There Any Breweries with Kid-Friendly Patios in Chicago?

Enjoy a cold pint while the kids play—these Chicago breweries offer family-friendly patios perfect for summer afternoons.

These Are The 10 Best Places to Live in Chicagoland

Explore the best places to live in Chicagoland with Niche's detailed rankings based on schools, safety and amenities.
- Advertisement -


- Advertisement -