Things You Take for Granted Before You Have Kids
Kids are great. I really love being a mom but there are a few things I wish I would have savored before I had kids. Simple things, really. But now that I have kids I find myself reminiscing about the “old” days over some pretty silly things.
So if you don’t have kids yet here are a few things you shouldn’t take for granted:
1. Running a “quick” errand. With small children there are never any “quick” errands. A simple trip to the post office requires advance planning. How will I carry my purse, the box I need to mail, the baby and wrangle the toddler? Loading and Unloading kids from car seats. We’re talking at least a 30 minute trip here. Basically, double the time it takes you to do a task when you have kids.
2. Showers. Any new mom will tell you how a simple shower can completely rejuvenate your day. And they are harder to come by than you might think. Early mornings with crying babies and needy toddlers are tricky, much less sneaking in a quick shower. But when you do find a few seconds to hop in a hot shower and rinse off the spit up and sticky it’s all the more AMAZING!
3. The Double Date. Or really any outing without the kids. Babysitters are expensive. So when we have that rare opportunity to go out alone, without the kids, we usually just want to be alone… in the quietness.
4. Spontaneity. We don’t just jump in the car for a spontaneous trip out of town or even to go out to dinner. Having kids requires at least some level of planning. Did we pack enough diapers? Is it bedtime? And when we do decide to be spontaneous anyway there are blowout diapers and temper tantrums.
5. Calling in Sick. If you are a stay-at-home mom you don’t get ANY sick days. When you are sick you still have to change diapers, make lunch, and entertain your child. And if they are also sick that makes it even more challenging. Although sick cuddles are pretty nice.
There are many more things I wish I hadn’t taken for granted before the kiddos came along. Like the opportunity to give someone my undivided attention while holding a conversation. Or being able to go to the bathroom whenever I want and without interruption.
Don’t get me wrong. I wouldn’t trade having kids for any of these things. I’ll gladly give-up my morning shower for a big gummy smile from my 2 month old and cuddles from my 3-year old.
