The Secrets We Keep from Our Kids

home insemination Kit

When you become a parent, you quickly realize that keeping secrets is part of the job description. Whether it’s shielding them from the harsh realities of the world, like the latest unsettling news, or trying to hide your annoyance at your partner for leaving dirty dishes in the sink, there’s a lot we keep under wraps. You might even secretly dislike their current favorite show because the main character drives you nuts. It’s a constant juggling act of distraction, often involving a smile and a hasty change of subject.

I’m grateful my legs are still longer than my kids’—it helps me stay ahead in the game of parental hide-and-seek. This hiding business means I rarely get a moment to sit down; I’m always off to stash away a surprise gift or sneak out a garbage bag of toys destined for donation once they’re asleep. And let’s not even get started on the quest for a quiet moment to enjoy a treat without sharing.

Here are just a few of the things I’ve seen friends, family, and I keep from our little ones over the years:

• The candy we sneak into the theater for our solo movie nights.
• Tooth fairy reminders tucked away on our phones.
• Their lost teeth.
• The last cupcake in the pack.
• Toys that are too messy or complicated for us to deal with right now.
• Those “very special” art projects that are basically just doodles now resting at the bottom of the recycling bin.
• The recorder they brought home from music class, which we’ve hidden away.
• Mylar balloons that have seen better days.
• The urge to say “leave me alone” when they’re being a bit too much.
• Those hidden veggies we sneak into their meals.
• Toy catalogs that come in the mail, which we stash out of sight.
• The sound of the ice cream truck that we pretend not to hear.
• Our opinions about their best friend.
• Gifts from friends that are just a tad inappropriate.
• The weekend marathon of that TV show we think is a total brain drain.
• Permanant markers that are now in the “do not touch” zone.

And perhaps the biggest secret we all share, regardless of how many kids we have or how patient we think we are? Sometimes, we just need to hide away for a bit to recharge from the delightful chaos of parenthood.

If you’re looking for more insights, you might find this other blog post about privacy policies interesting. Also, check out expert advice on home insemination topics. And for more resources on pregnancy, head over to Progyny’s blog.

In summary, parenting is a balancing act that often requires us to keep a few secrets. From sneaking treats to hiding our true feelings, the things we shield our kids from can be amusing, relatable, and sometimes necessary for our sanity.