Updated: Feb. 5, 2023
Have you ever had the misfortune of living with a terrible roommate? If you’re a parent, you may find that your kids exhibit strikingly similar behaviors. Here’s a closer look at how they mirror those less-than-ideal living companions:
- Messy Spaces
Initially, you might think that your little ones will eventually clean up after themselves, right? Surely they must notice the clutter they leave around. But no, that mess remains untouched. After a gentle hint about the disorder, you find yourself having to ask them directly. They promise to tidy up, but the timeline stretches from minutes to hours, and eventually, days. It’s exhausting just waiting for them to pick up after themselves!
- Hygiene? What’s That?
The idea of a daily bath or shower seems utterly foreign to them. The stickier they are, the happier they appear to be. Good luck persuading them that cleanliness is key to feeling good.
- Personal Space? Forget It!
When it comes to shared spaces like the couch, my children don’t even bother to ask before commandeering the remote. Instead of negotiating, they snatch it away and flip through channels until they settle on something ridiculous—like a show featuring a pig that sounds like a hairdryer. Before you know it, they’ve cranked the volume up and left the room entirely. How rude!
- Food Theft
Label your leftovers in the fridge? That’s cute. Your kids will dive right into any food they can find, completely disregarding your attempts to save a meal. The moment they see you with a snack, they’ll likely swoop in for a bite, leaving bits behind for the next person.
- Privacy? Not a Chance
Enjoying a peaceful shower or a moment in the bathroom? Prepare for interruptions. Your kids will barge in, regardless of the situation, demanding to know where their favorite toy is, or they’ll stomp in during intimate moments to ask for water. How considerate of them!
- Argumentative Nature
No matter the topic, your children will challenge you. Whether it’s about the color of the sky or the existence of nap time, they will find a way to dispute your claims. It’s often easier to pour yourself a glass of wine than to engage in a debate you won’t win.
- Borrowing Without Asking
With kids, it’s less about borrowing and more about taking. Your belongings can vanish in an instant, whether it’s your phone or even your toothbrush. Their motto seems to be, “What’s yours is mine,” and they don’t hesitate to act on it.
- Bodily Humor
They find anything related to bodily functions absolutely hilarious—farts, burps, you name it. Even better, they love to share your embarrassing moments with strangers. The next time you have a rough night after eating out, be ready for them to mention it to the cashier at the store.
- Disregard for Property
If you value your belongings, prepare for disappointment. The pristine couch you just bought? Expect to see it covered in crumbs in no time. Your new outfit? It’ll be a canvas for spills. But heaven forbid you accidentally mess with their stuff, because that’s a serious offense!
- Mood Swings
Sometimes, for no apparent reason, your children can be downright difficult. Whether it’s about the way you cut their grilled cheese or the color of their cup, be prepared for drama.
Despite their messy habits and occasional bratty behavior, my kids are undeniably adorable most of the time—at least 80% of the time—so I choose to overlook their chaos for now. But if they ever swipe my leftovers again, all bets are off! For more on navigating the complexities of parenting, check out this post on our blog.
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In summary, parenting can be quite similar to living with a challenging roommate. From cleanliness issues to a lack of respect for personal space, kids truly embody the traits of difficult housemates. However, their charm often makes it all worthwhile.