The other day, my 9-year-old, Lily, whined, “It’s so unfair! You get to do all this awesome stuff because you’re a grown-up, and we just have to follow rules!” Well, no kidding, kiddo. That’s how life is set up. I mean, let’s be real: I’m the adult here, and let’s just say I’m pretty much #winning.
Sure, I enjoy being a grown-up—most of the time, at least. Unless, of course, it’s bill-paying day or I have to drag myself to work. But as I observe my daughter navigating the awkward tween years, I can confidently say that adulthood has its perks that outweigh childhood woes. Just consider all the fun things we get to do:
Eat What We Want
Whether it’s healthy broccoli or delicious chocolate, the choice is ours. And yes, sometimes that means sneaking chocolate before dinner—or, let’s be honest, making it dinner! Just don’t ask me about the aftermath of my culinary freedom, which often involves avoiding pants that don’t have at least 25% lycra.
Stay Up Late
We can binge-watch shows or enjoy some peace and quiet after the kids are asleep. Sure, it might not be the wild party scene I imagined, but falling asleep on the couch with my laptop in my lap is a thrilling adult life choice!
No Screentime Limits
Of course, that brings a new kind of stress. I worry about how my phone is affecting my brain while I procrastinate on Pinterest—seriously, there’s a fine line between keeping up with technology and becoming a digital zombie. But hey, I’m an informed adult consumer, so that counts for something.
Work
Ah yes, the daily grind! We either work constantly, or we work from home—sometimes both. The paycheck is a nice bonus, allowing us to pay bills and maybe even indulge in a little fun here and there.
Go Out
We can “drop it like it’s hot” at nightclubs, although let’s be real, that’s more of a distant memory than a regular occurrence. We might hit the occasional concert or party, but mostly we’re just trying to find the time to relax.
Drive
Driving is a privilege, albeit one that comes with a hefty dose of responsibility. From car payments and insurance to navigating traffic and remembering oil changes, being behind the wheel is both freedom and a chore.
Dress How We Want
We have the freedom to choose our outfits—within a large set of limitations, of course. Too short, too long, too young, too old… you get the picture.
Curse Like a Sailor
We can say what we want, just not in front of Grandma or the kids. Which, honestly, seems to be whenever there are other adults around, because those moments are rare.
Enjoy Adult Beverages
Cheers to grown-up drinks! They’re great for celebrating or just unwinding after a long day. And don’t forget the importance of the one-for-one rule when it comes to cocktails.
Plan Vacations
We get to make all the big decisions about where to go and what to do. Just remember to appreciate the feedback from the family and take plenty of pictures—though I guarantee at least one will be missing a head or foot.
Be in Charge
As adults, we have the illusion of control… until we realize everyone else seems to have a say too—bosses, parents, society—it’s like we’re all just big kids trying to play house.
Parenting
Above all, being a parent is my favorite role. There’s nothing that compares to the love and honor of being a mother.
So, maybe this adulting gig isn’t as bad as it seems. I might owe my daughter a few apologies for my earlier rants about how tough it can be. For more insights, you can check out this post on Modern Family Blog. And if you’re considering starting a family, this resource offers great information on pregnancy and home insemination. Plus, for those looking for at-home insemination kits, Make A Mom is a reputable online retailer to consider.
In summary, while adulthood comes with its challenges, it also offers freedom and experiences that make it worthwhile.
Leave a Reply