Guilt Free Nagging

Parents, unless you are endowed with the wisdom of Solomon, then what exactly do you bring to the table that is unique, other than nagging?

Even assuming you have wonderful advice and insights to the great mysteries of life, do these talents match the effectiveness of a good nag?

I’m telling you, your children need you, to nag.

But why?

Because that’s the only way to get your daughter to do her homework. This is not about being a Tiger Mom, this is simply a caring Mom. If you care what your children are doing (or not doing), then you have to resort to nagging. But with this added proviso, the same one that’s printed on a good bottle of Scotch: responsibly. 

So, why do we detest nagging our children when it’s usually the most effective of all the alternatives?

Are you ready for the answer?

Because we want to be our children’s friend. We read those Hallmark cards about children and parents confiding in each other and bonding on a daily basis.

Reality check: You are a mother and nagging is what you do best. Your children don’t need you for day dreaming. They need you to get them off the couch. For sure there are other ways of getting your son to do his homework — incentives and bribes come first to some parents’ minds. And for sure, when appropriate, use them. But when it’s right, there is nothing more effective as nagging.

Why?

It shows your child you care about them. And very few things are more motivating or inspiring for a child as saying to them, “I care.”

You see, not only do your kids dislike your nagging, but they also know you don’t like it too. And nothing says “I love you” more than when you do something for them that you really don’t want to. 

So don’t feel bad when you nag, tell your kids, “It’s my way of saying, I love you!”