As a mother of two energetic boys, I can attest that preparing for a day at the beach requires an immense amount of effort. While I cherish the summer days spent with my sons, I often find myself nostalgic for the simpler times when a towel and a good book were all I needed for a beach trip. Those carefree days seem like a distant memory, and it’s easy to spot the difference between families and non-families at the beach; kids have a way of making their presence known.
Parents arrive with an overwhelming amount of gear. Seriously, it’s like packing for a small expedition. We bring boogie boards, kickboards, swim noodles, buckets, shovels, rakes, and an assortment of plastic beach toys shaped like stars and turtles. Not to mention the coolers, chairs, an excessive number of towels—far more than the number of people present—various types of sunscreen (baby-friendly, face specific, stick form, spray, sweat-proof, water-resistant, and a “ghostly white” version), umbrellas, and an enormous blanket.
On the other hand, those without kids typically show up with just a towel, a chair, and maybe a cooler.
Our coolers are packed to the brim with juice boxes, sandwiches, pretzels, goldfish, watermelon, grapes, granola bars, water, cookies, chips, crackers, cheese, yogurt sticks, strawberries, and yes, even a baked ham. It feels like we’ve emptied our kitchen into the cooler.
In contrast, non-parents have a simpler selection: beer, water (if they’re being responsible), and perhaps a sandwich.
You can always tell parents by their demeanor. We usually look exhausted before we’ve even set up our spot. It’s as if we need a nap, a coffee IV drip, or even a short hospital stay. Meanwhile, non-parents appear either well-rested or maybe a little hungover—there doesn’t seem to be an in-between.
When it comes to actually relaxing at the beach, parents set up their chairs but rarely get to sit in them. We’re busy building sandcastles, fetching snacks, chasing after little ones, calming upset children, applying sunscreen, and making sure no one wanders off into the ocean. There’s no time to kick back and close our eyes; we’re like vigilant wardens, keeping a watchful eye.
Non-parents, however, settle into their chairs, engage in conversations, sip their drinks, or simply enjoy the rhythm of the waves. They might even take a moment to gasp close their eyes and catch a nap (I’m feeling envious just thinking about it).
When it’s finally time for parents to leave the beach, it’s usually because chaos ensues—whether it’s crying, sibling squabbles, diaper disasters, or the realization that all snacks have been devoured. Packing up takes a staggering 45 minutes and 12 seconds, and by this point, we might genuinely need a hospital visit!
We pile everything—including our tired kids—into our minivans or SUVs and head home. You’d think we’re on the way to relax, but nope! We’re off to give the little ones baths, feed them (because seriously, they eat ALL THE TIME), and ideally manage to get them to bed before we collapse face-first into a plate of cold spaghetti.
In stark contrast, non-parents can simply fold up their chairs and stroll off to a nearby bar. Later, they return home for a leisurely hot shower and a solid 14 hours of uninterrupted sleep.
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In summary, the beach experience can be drastically different for parents versus non-parents. While families come prepared with an arsenal of supplies and an endless list of responsibilities, their child-free counterparts enjoy a more laid-back day filled with relaxation and leisure.
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