7 Ways Your Baby Helps You Skirt Responsibilities

Before stepping into the world of parenthood, you might have found it hard to sympathize with that friend who canceled plans last minute because “the babysitter bailed,” or the colleague who couldn’t join the office potluck because her baby kept her up all night. But now that you have your own little bundle of joy, you get it. Babysitters can indeed flake, and a sleepless night is a valid reason to skip certain commitments. Sometimes, the sheer exhaustion of parenting leads to using your baby as an excuse for missing out on activities. Here are seven scenarios where I’ve definitely leveraged my baby as my go-to excuse.

1. Brunch

Brunch isn’t my favorite meal to begin with. I’d rather have multiple meals throughout the day than spend time waiting in lines at trendy spots. When I discovered that brunch coincided with my baby’s morning nap, I was genuinely relieved. Friends might not accept “I’m just not into it” as a valid reason, but no one can argue with a baby’s nap schedule. Bye-bye, brunch!

2. Sleepover Bachelorette Parties

While bachelorette parties can be a riot for the first few hours, the part where the whole group crams into a cab for a shared hotel room is universally dreaded. My daughter nursed for a long time, so missing even one night was off the table. This made it easy for me to sneak home from the party, snuggling up in my own bed.

3. Extended Family Visits

A new baby often attracts long-lost relatives. While these gatherings can be heartwarming, they sometimes drag on longer than you’d like. My little one was a fussy napper, and I’ll admit to using that as an excuse to make a hasty exit more than once. And on those rare occasions when I had to stay, I simply took advantage of the situation and napped alongside him.

4. Maintaining a Pristine Home

I wish I had appreciated the cleanliness of my house before heading off to the hospital. Since then, it’s been a whirlwind! Thankfully, no one expects my home to be spotless. Whenever guests glance at the laundry piles or the dirty dishes, I just shrug, point at the baby, and move on without a second thought.

5. Destination Weddings

Destination weddings can be fun but also a drain on time and finances. Traveling with a baby is a challenge we’ve faced, and it’s become a solid reason to bow out of such events. We’ve made it clear that the hassle of flying with our little one just isn’t worth it.

6. Long Drawn-Out Conversations

We’ve all found ourselves stuck on the phone with an overly chatty relative or listening to a recital that feels like it’s never-ending. Before having a baby, I’d sit through every minute. Now, I can easily use my little one as an excuse to wrap up those conversations. “Oops, he’s eating the dog’s food!” works like a charm.

7. Plans You’d Rather Skip

I usually try to be honest about my commitments, but sometimes I agree to things too far in advance. As the day approaches, dread sets in. While last-minute cancellations are a no-go, explaining a babysitting dilemma a few days before feels totally justified. Sometimes, a cozy night in with sweatpants and pizza is just too tempting to pass up.

Babies are adorable, cuddly, and bring immense joy, but they also serve as a fantastic excuse to dodge various obligations. Use this newfound power wisely!

For more insights on the journey of parenthood, check out this helpful guide on home insemination. If you’re looking for expert advice, visit Make A Mom for all things regarding at-home insemination kits. And for a comprehensive resource on pregnancy and fertility, don’t miss NHS’s IVF guide.

Summary:

Parenting introduces a whole new set of excuses for missing events, from brunch to bachelorette parties. Embrace the chaos and enjoy the freedom your little one gives you to skip responsibilities.