A Sh*tty Mom, says Mary Ann Zoellner, doesn’t worry if her child is bored. Her concern is whether or not she can peacefully eat dinner at a restaurant. Here is her favorite parenting tool — usually tucked right into her purse:
“This is when your tools come in real handy. All of those smart phones, all of the little iPads? At restaurants, they’re your best friend. Bring those suckers with you when you have younger kids. Now that ours are older, they can kind of handle it and have a conversation. But when your kids are a little bit younger, you need that electronic to help you when you’re out. Technology is your best friend.”
Here’s how 4 other parenting experts say to respond…
Christine Carter
The author of Raising Happiness says parents shouldn’t try to save kids from boredom. Besides, the complaint usually has nothing to do with being bored. Format: Video (1:40)
Erica Reischer
Parent coach and clinical psychologist Erica Reischer says parents shouldn’t try to fix bad feelings. Do this instead, she advises, and the payoff will be huge. Format: Video (0:54)
Alfie Kohn
The author of 10 books on children, education, and parenting, Alfie Kohn wants parents to not only hear what their child is saying, but listen to what’s “behind the words.” Format: Article
Melissa Taylor
“When my kids say, ‘Mom, I’m bored!’ they hate my answer,” says Pinterest superstar Melissa Taylor. Find out why. Format: Video (0:35)
