Being a mom is often hard. Since I’m a demanding mom it’s even harder. But it’s all worth it when I see my children soar. Those moments don’t last forever, though it would be nice if they did. So, I tuck those precious times in my memory and pull them out when my kids whine.

“So-and-so’s mom doesn’t make them do chores.”

“Jeez, Mom, it’s just a “B”, it’s not that big of a deal.”

“So what if I played the piano piece wrong. I can practice it again tomorrow.”

Yes, I push, not because I don’t love them—I see their potential. And for some crazy reason teenagers, like every other person on this Earth, want to take the path of least resistance. Even I sometimes want to just let them coast. Oh, it would be so much easier for me. But then I remember those soaring moments and find the strength to be the “mean mom” who demands more from my kids.