I am not a mean mom!!

A friend of mine posted something on Facebook today that got me thinking....
Is expecting your children to be responsible and independent, make you a bad mom?
There has to come a point in their young lives where you as a parent set down the laws and hold them accountable to things like:  cleaning your rooms, setting the table, taking out the garbage, remembering to do your homework and packing up your schoolbag every morning.
I have a 3rd grader and a 5th grader and I expect them to work on the items above.  My 3rd grader is a girl and she is very responsible, except when it comes to cleaning her room (that is a daily battle), but my 5th grade boy sometimes needs a kick in the pants to keep him on track.  Sometimes I think it is just a "boy" thing, but that doesn't mean I let up on him any less. 
I think it is my job as a parent to raise responsible, independent, kind people.  Being strict and setting guidelines for my children is what all parents should do!! If you let them walk all over you and give in every time they whine...what will they be like in their teen years???  Probably a nightmare teen who expects their parents to bail them out of everything.  I am not raising that type of kid!

So parents who are afraid of "being  mean"..... you aren't their buddy, you are their parent...so don't be afraid as we other parents are here to support you (or bring some wine to your home when you feel like pulling out your hair)!