As a parent juggling the demands of two young kids, I’ve stumbled upon a delightful little game during those chaotic moments filled with tantrums and endless diaper changes. Perhaps it’s a reflection of my isolation as a busy mom, a hint of postpartum blues, or simply the abundance of cookie dough lingering in my kitchen. Regardless, I’ve grown quite fond of this game—much to the chagrin of my waistline.
The game? Cookie dough bingeing.
The goal? Consume as much cookie dough as possible, with extra points for finishing the entire bowl in a single day.
The rules? Indulge in cookie dough during the 22 permissible moments listed below, though you can snack at any time. Bonus points for sneaking bites without the kids noticing.
Here are the 22 occasions when it’s perfectly reasonable for parents to indulge:
- When your partner is working all day, leaving you outnumbered by little ones.
- During a family movie night at home—it’s essential to treat yourself when you’re relaxed!
- If your child refuses to nap, it’s time for a cookie dough break.
- After a long morning, when your child finally settles down for a nap.
- When two or more kids are inexplicably screaming at once.
- If the chaos of their screams pushes you to the brink of tears.
- When your toddler’s lunch consists of just half a strawberry and a nibble of cracker.
- If you haven’t had the chance to eat anything yourself during this time.
- When the theme song from that children’s show is stuck in your head, driving you mad.
- During those fleeting moments of silence when your toddler is quietly reading and the baby is asleep—every second counts!
- When your home resembles a disaster zone, but you’re too exhausted to tidy up.
- When Grandma offers to watch the kids, allowing you to marvel at your spotless living room—celebrate with cookie dough!
- At the end of a long day when you realize you haven’t showered at all.
- After finally getting a shower when you can’t even recall the last time you did—self-pity calls for a scoop of cookie dough!
- When an outing to the park goes awry due to tired, hungry kids—you might want to keep some cookie dough handy, just in case.
- Upon seeing that picture-perfect mom and daughter duo at the park, while you cringe at your toddler’s unkempt appearance.
- When the mom guilt starts to fade because you realize it doesn’t matter what others think—time for a celebration!
- When you’re rushing to leave for an appointment but your toddler insists on taking ten minutes to put on her shoes.
- When those shoes are flung across the room in frustration.
- When you can’t figure out why your baby is crying.
- When your baby is teething—it may explain the fussiness!
- When illness sweeps through your home thanks to a classmate bringing germs into daycare—thanks, Johnny’s mom!
Speed-eating round: At the end of the day, when everyone is finally asleep and you crave a moment of peace, indulge in a few bites of cookie dough—and if echoes of earlier chaos linger, award yourself some bonus points.
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Summary: Indulging in cookie dough is a delightful way to cope with the challenges of parenting. From chaotic mornings to quiet moments of solitude, there are countless reasons for parents to enjoy a sweet treat. Embrace these 22 justifications for sneaking in some cookie dough, whether you’re at home or on the go.