How Bad Of A Parent Are You?
Go through these common parenting situations and choose the reaction that best fits your parenting style.
Battle Of The Greens
Your child is once again refusing to eat the tiny pile of vegetables next to the mound of whatever unhealthy food they will currently only eat. What do you do?
{"answers":[{"answer":"Give them a multivitamin. It's better than nothing.","correct":false},{"answer":"Make them sit at the table until they eat it. Even if it takes hours.","correct":true},{"answer":"Try again during the next meal. You're too tired to push tonight.","correct":false}],"answerText":" Yes, there are other methods - but compared to the other two choices, it's the best option. ","answerImage":""}
Ungrateful Getaway
Your kids complain about the holiday you have spent months (even years) saving for. They're totally ungrateful. You...
{"answers":[{"answer":"Just ignore and try to enjoy the holiday anyway.","correct":false},{"answer":"Change everything you can to make them happy.","correct":false},{"answer":"Find some compromise to salvage the vacation.","correct":true}],"answerText":" Unless it's a package vacation, it's always a good idea to be flexible. But if the vacation is also for the parents, let the kids know there are a few things you want to do as well. You can find a way to make your thing exciting for them. ","answerImage":""}
Facebook Advice
Do you find yourself posting idealistic parenting advice on Facebook/social media or telling other parents how to do things?
{"answers":[{"answer":"Never.","correct":true},{"answer":"Once in a while.","correct":false},{"answer":"Always. I got my act together.","correct":false}],"answerText":" If someone directly asks, go for it. But parents are sick to death of people shoving their advice down everyone's throats. Just ask if they need help and try to do it their way. ","answerImage":""}
Suspicious Silence
What's your reaction when you suddenly hear the house go quiet?
{"answers":[{"answer":"Immediately check. Silence means something is very wrong.","correct":false},{"answer":"Sigh and go back to your phone. Whatever mess it is, you'll clean up later.","correct":false},{"answer":"First ask, \"What are you up to?\"","correct":true}],"answerText":" Not every stretch of silence is horrible, before you go upstairs, see what they say. By their answer, your parental senses will immediately know if you need to inspect. ","answerImage":""}
"Grape" Juice
What do you think about kids trying grownup drinks?
{"answers":[{"answer":"Only when they are older.","correct":true},{"answer":"Just a sip. Maybe a small glass during Christmas.","correct":false},{"answer":"Fill a bottle with juice so they get a glass and stop pestering you.","correct":false}],"answerText":" Current evidence is a bit anecdotal, but the general consensus is that even light sipping at a young age (forget what the French say) can cause several problems. It's better to teach about moderation. ","answerImage":""}
Those Sharp Blocks
How do you deal with your kid's lego collection?
{"answers":[{"answer":"If they love it, I'll buy them some more.","correct":true},{"answer":"It's theirs...only in spirit. The rest is mine!","correct":false},{"answer":"Those little pan-blocks are not allowed inside this house!","correct":false}],"answerText":" They are great for creativity. Just don't direct your child's play because you (as a big kid) want to play too. ","answerImage":""}
Squabbling
How do you deal with loud, arguing kids?
{"answers":[{"answer":"I make them discuss it, apologize, and hug it out.","correct":true},{"answer":"Is chloroform an option?","correct":false},{"answer":"I leave them alone to work it out themselves. It's a good skill.","correct":false}],"answerText":" Learn to use words. Hugging can be optional. ","answerImage":""}
Pads, Screens, And Phones
How long do your kids spend on their digital doo-dads?
{"answers":[{"answer":"It's the only way to keep them quiet. So, often.","correct":false},{"answer":"They earn the right after they get their stuff done.","correct":true},{"answer":"Usually - with online learning, there's tons of stuff out there.","correct":false}],"answerText":" Digital addiction is a very real thing. Screen time should be limited. ","answerImage":""}
Moan, Moan, Moan
How often do you complain about your offspring?
{"answers":[{"answer":"It usually dies down after a couple of glasses of wine.","correct":false},{"answer":"A healthy amount. I need to vent or I'll explode.","correct":true},{"answer":"Never. My kids are perfect cherubs. ","correct":false}],"answerText":" Your human. Complaining is normal. Venting is normal. Just make sure that's not the only thing you're doing. ","answerImage":""}
Baby Shark
How long can you listen to the same song or show on repeat?
{"answers":[{"answer":"As long as my kid is distracted, I just tune it out.","correct":false},{"answer":"I can take it a few dozen times, then I consider saying the phone is \"broken:.","correct":false},{"answer":"It's part of a kid's learning process. It's important, so I try not to go crazy.","correct":true}],"answerText":" Kids grow through repetition. They feel safe when they can predict outcomes. It's natural for them to want a book read a hundred time or listen to the same song over and over. ","answerImage":""}
Charity
What good deeds do your children participate in?
{"answers":[{"answer":"I think there was a tree planting day in school. Maybe.","correct":false},{"answer":"Donating, charities, soup kitchens - you name it, my kid is going to do it.","correct":true},{"answer":"We do stuff around Christmas so they don't get too spoiled or entitled.","correct":false}],"answerText":" Exposing them to various charities will not only show them what to be grateful for, it builds empathy. Who knows, it might inspire them in a job direction you would have never thought of - like a counselor or carpenter etc. ","answerImage":""}
Me Smash!
Your kid breaks something. What do you do?
{"answers":[{"answer":"Break something of theirs. It's a taste of their own medicine.","correct":false},{"answer":"Make them replace it out of their allowance.","correct":true},{"answer":"Only highlight the good things they do. It's positive reinforcement.","correct":false}],"answerText":" While positive reinforcement is always preferable, kids need to learn repercussions and the value of money as well. ","answerImage":""}
NomNomNom
What are your thoughts on candy and junk food?
{"answers":[{"answer":"I usually cave to their requests. I'm so heartbroken when they are sad.","correct":false},{"answer":"Never ever. They will ONLY eat healthily.","correct":false},{"answer":"In moderation. They need to learn the truth and self-control.","correct":true}],"answerText":" We would like to have only organic yummies, but the world is filled with sweet and salty things. It's impossible to keep it away from them. Teach them that having a little is okay, but what too much can do to the body and mind. ","answerImage":""}
Sore Chompers
What do you do with a crying, teething baby?
{"answers":[{"answer":"Run to the doctor in a frantic panic.","correct":false},{"answer":"Let them chew on a cold washcloth.","correct":true},{"answer":"Rub a drop of whiskey on their gums.","correct":false}],"answerText":" No, just because your parents or grandparents rubbed booze on your gums, does NOT mean it was good. Even little amounts can harm a baby. ","answerImage":""}