Of all the challenges that a parent might face, to be consistent is the toughest of all. I am not comfortable if I am asked to be utterly consistent, hard as I have tried.

On the one hand, I told my daughter, “You hear nothing but truth from me.” On the other hand, I told her “If truth hurt, you don’t want to hurt people by telling the truth.” I told her if there is something you do not want other to know, you should put it this or that way.

While I told my children to value time as much as they value their lives, I wasted large chunks of time socializing with people, and of course felt guilty when caught by them. While teaching them to have a generous heart, I am reluctant to give away generously. On the one hand, I taught them to be modest; on the other, I bragged about my children.

When I tried to explain my inconsistency to my daughter, she told me, “Mom, no need. I know you.” Indeed, I seem to be so good at finding excuses for myself and my daughter knows this too well to let me continue.

For all this and others, I was awarded the title of “hypocrite” by my daughter not long ago. If hypocrisy means inconsistency, I am afraid I really have earned that title in my children’s eyes. I am wondering how much better than this other parents are.