Children can be a financial whirlwind. I’m not talking about the casual “Wow, that’s pricier than I thought!” kind of expensive. I mean the eye-watering “I can’t believe I just spent that much, should I return it?” kind of expensive. It’s the kind of expense that leads to contemplating life choices like, “What if I didn’t have kids? I could be living the high life!” or “Without kids, I’d probably be swimming in money like Scrooge McDuck!”
If I were kid-free, I might even be living in a humble shed, quietly saving up for my future endeavors, like starting a quirky production company focused on ferret adventures. But here I am, with kids who require constant care and resources—food, clothing, education, and healthcare. Once we’ve met their needs, it often feels like there’s nothing left for ourselves. Spoiler alert: we’ll never stop providing for them. I can already envision my kids rummaging through my pockets long after I’m gone.
That’s why I’ve made it a point to save a little for myself, and I refuse to feel guilty about spending it. I put in the work for my earnings, and as long as my kids have what they need—like their allergy meds or that must-have toy—I’m going to enjoy the spoils of my labor. Here’s a list of 13 things I’ll indulge in without a hint of remorse:
- Beer: Let’s be real, the kids are the reason I need this!
- Bourbon: Same reasoning applies here.
- Wine: You get the picture.
- Vodka: It’s for my partner, I swear!
- Gourmet Burgers: Can’t resist a good Shake Shack burger.
- Beer at Shake Shack: Maybe I have a bit of a problem…
- Movie Tickets: I’d love to go, but funding a babysitter? No thanks!
- Concert Tickets: Same babysitter issue, so that’s a no-go!
- Pizza: I might be more worried about our pizza habit than our drinking, but hey, no guilt here.
- Books: Essential for the soul.
- Library Late Fees: Oops, my bad.
- Music: A must-have, especially with energetic little ones around.
- Babysitters: Sometimes a parent needs a night out, and that’s totally okay!
Parenting is rife with challenges that can weigh heavily. But keeping a budget for life’s little pleasures shouldn’t be one of them. I save my guilt for things that truly matter, like paying for unused gym memberships or renting movies featuring Seth Rogen.
If you’re interested in navigating the complexities of parenthood, you might want to check out this insightful post on Modern Family Blog. And for those considering starting a family, Make a Mom offers fantastic at-home insemination kits. For more information on the success rates of home insemination, visit WebMD for an excellent resource.
In summary, it’s important to prioritize your own well-being amidst the demands of parenting. Remember, treating yourself isn’t selfish; it’s essential.
Leave a Reply