There’s no denying that children bring immense joy and fulfillment to our lives, but there are certain aspects of life before kids that many parents wish they had truly cherished. If you’re contemplating the significant leap into parenthood (or even if it’s not on your radar yet), take a moment to recognize these simple pleasures before your life transforms:
- Keeping nice belongings intact
- The freedom to leave home whenever you choose
- Not hiding your favorite snacks
- A bladder that doesn’t require constant attention
- The luxury of spontaneous naps
- The ability to be spontaneous in general
- Enjoying peaceful silence
- Only tending to your own hygiene needs
- Having extra cash for fun outings
- Passing by toy stores without a second thought
- Finishing a book or article in one go
- Reading something other than parenting articles
- Binge-watching shows without interruptions
- Indulging in cupcakes for breakfast without worrying about setting a “bad example”
- Swearing freely in your own space
- Being naked without curious questions
- Carrying just your essentials in your bag
- Cleaning things and seeing them stay that way for more than a few minutes
- Not being used as a makeshift tissue
- Cooking meals that nobody complains about
- Yelling “No!” only when absolutely necessary
- Enjoying a reasonable grocery bill
- Not having theme songs stuck in your head all day
- Avoiding repetitive kids’ songs
- Watching the news without anxiety about your child’s safety
- Sleeping through the night without disturbances
- Sleeping in, just because you can
- Taking time to relax and recover from a cold (or a hangover)
- Driving a car free of crumbs and mysterious stickiness
- Not facing judgment from other parents
- Not repeatedly asking if anyone needs to use the bathroom before leaving
- Making plans without needing a babysitter
- Cutting food only when you feel like it
- Quickly getting into the car
- Arriving anywhere without delays
- Not having enough crumbs in your car to feed a small crowd
- Enjoying long, uninterrupted showers
- Being spontaneous with intimacy in your own home
- Wearing white without worrying about stains
- Keeping your fridge door clean and tidy
- Dining at restaurants without children’s menus
- Traveling on vacations that don’t revolve around kids’ activities
- Being called by your real name instead of “Mom” or “Sarah’s Mom”
- Making decisions without second-guessing their impact on someone’s future
- Having energy to spare
- Staying out longer than planned
- Enjoying meals or drinks that are still hot
- Having rooms that don’t resemble a toy store explosion
- Not scrambling to change the channel during steamy scenes on TV
- Maintaining surfaces that aren’t perpetually sticky
Kids can be messy, loud, and demanding, but they also bring joy that makes every challenge worthwhile. Once you take the leap into parenthood, you’ll appreciate the decision you made. Until then, take a moment to reflect on what you might be overlooking. After all, one day, having a private moment for yourself may feel like a luxury you once took for granted.
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Summary
Embracing parenthood brings joy, but it’s essential to appreciate the small joys of life before kids. From enjoying peaceful moments to maintaining personal belongings, recognizing these aspects can help you cherish the present while preparing for the future.