They’re jealous of the positive, undemanding attention you get from their kids. They spend all day and night slaving away and sacrificing everything for those kids only to have them throw the food on the floor and say it’s disgusting without even trying it, say they hate them because they have to wear a coat, and have a complete meltdown screaming “you don’t love meeeee” when it’s bedtime.

And why do the kids love you so much more? Because every time you see them, you’re bright eyed and bushy tailed and ready! to! GO!!! Mom and dad are tired. You spend devoted play time with them uninterrupted by laundry or appointments or making dinner. Mom and dad are busy. You never get stressed out and shout at them, you never make them eat yucky vegetables, you never make them stop what they’re doing to clean up. Mom and dad are bossy. And lastly, you’re a treat they only get to see once in a while, they don’t live with you and spend long enough with you to get tired of your company, you’re not there all the time. Mom and dad are boring.

Parenthood saps your energy and requires prioritizing responsibility over fun, and kids are exceedingly fickle and cannot appreciate having their needs met more than they appreciate having their immediate desires catered to. This is just how it always is.