I can share a common scenario where a parent might do something that initially appears "mean" but is ultimately beneficial for their child.
One example could be a parent who enforces strict rules and disciplines their child in areas like education, chores, or time management. Initially, the child might feel frustrated or resentful due to the restrictions and expectations placed upon them. However, as the child grows older and gains maturity, they may come to appreciate the discipline and structure instilled by their parent.
By enforcing such guidelines, the parent may be fostering a strong work ethic, responsibility, and good habits in their child, which can lead to academic success, a better sense of self-discipline, and ultimately, improved life skills. In hindsight, the child might recognize the positive impact of their parent's "mean" actions and be grateful for the valuable life lessons they learned.