The Kids Are Watching, Y’all! (Even When They Act Like They’re Not)
One of the most frustrating parts of parenting—right up there with stepping on Legos barefoot at 6 a.m.—is feeling completely invisible.
The majority of the time, I honestly feel like I’m yelling into the void. Like I’m standing on a stage, tapping the microphone, squinting into the abyss and saying, “Is this thing on??” 🎤
I’m asking questions.
I’m giving instructions.
I’m repeating myself for the fourth time.
No acknowledgment. No eye contact. No blinking. Nothing.
And I start to wonder… am I actually speaking out loud, or did I just think I did?
UNTIL …
Until I mutter a forbidden word under my breath in the middle of Atlanta traffic.
Suddenly—GASP from the backseat.
Followed by giggles.
Followed by a full-blown competition of Who Can Say It Loudest and Most Often for the rest of the drive.
And because kids are nothing if not committed to chaos, they save it for the perfect moment. Like standing in line at Publix.
“Hey Mom, remember when you said *** yesterday?”
“Mom, remember?”
“Mom. Remember?”
“REMEMBER??”
At first comes the embarrassment. The fake smile at the cashier. The internal screaming.
And then—clarity.
Oh. I knew y’all could hear me.
This is why we have a daily reminder in our house. And yes, Dad needs reminding too (bless it).
House Rules We Repeat Like a Broken Record:
Look at who is talking.
Acknowledge the person (sometimes a nod will do).
Do not interrupt.
You don’t like to feel ignored—so don’t make anyone else feel that way.
This is manners.
Yes, we absolutely work on please, thank you, ma’am, and sir—because we’re in the South and that’s just how we roll.
But y’all… this one is bigger in my book.
Feeling invisible hurts. Being ignored isn’t kind.
And little eyes are always watching—even when it feels like they’re not listening at all.
So the next time I feel like I’m talking to myself, I’ll remember:
They hear everything. Especially the things I wish they didn’t. 😅
Now if you’ll excuse me, I’m off to practice whispering my road rage.
— A tired Georgia mama who knows the mic is on 🎤💛
#ParentingHumor #MomLife #InvisibleMom #MannersMatter #SouthernMama #AtlantaMoms #GeorgiaLife #PublixRuns #BackseatChronicles #RaisingHumans #PlanItMom #PlanItMomUS
