5 Things Non-Parents May Never Understand

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I truly cherish my friends who don’t have kids. They’ve been part of so many memorable moments with my family, from celebrating first birthdays to witnessing my toddler’s epic meltdown because his shirt wasn’t orange. But let’s face it: if you’re not a parent, there are some experiences you simply can’t grasp. Even my friends with older kids might forget some of the more bizarre aspects of raising little ones. Here are five things that only those of us who spend our days with tiny humans can fully appreciate:

  1. Why My Toddler’s Every Statement Triggers the Potty Question
    One day, a friend without kids dropped by and overheard this conversation:
    Toddler: I want more cheese.
    Mommy: Do you need to go potty?
    Toddler: I like Thomas the Train.
    Mommy: Do you need to go potty?
    Toddler: I’ve discovered the meaning of life.
    Mommy: Do you need to go potty?
    My friend was puzzled. Why was every word from my potty-training toddler met with a bathroom inquiry? Let’s just say that after a week of cleaning up messes and dealing with laundry, I’ve become a little fixated on that potty question. Until you’ve navigated the chaos of potty training, you can’t truly understand how it becomes your mantra.
  2. Why I Stay Up Late
    I might look like I had a wild night, but honestly, it’s not the kids keeping me up—it’s my precious “me” time. Those late hours after everyone else is asleep are when I can catch up on my favorite shows without worrying about covering little eyes or simply scroll through social media in peace. Sure, it might not be the healthiest habit, but it feels so good to have those moments of freedom.
  3. Why I Don’t Pick Up the Phone
    My kids are fascinated with my phone, which means I often hide it away to avoid meltdowns. And even when they’re not around, the thought of chatting can feel overwhelming. It’s not that I don’t care about what you have to say—it’s just that returning a call feels like another task on my never-ending to-do list. I promise I’ll get back to you, once I’m not in the middle of trying to remember if I fed the dog or not.
  4. Why My Grocery Trips Are a Marathon
    I see the disbelief in your eyes when I mention I spent two hours at the grocery store and still forgot the bread. You might be in and out in no time, but I’m navigating a shopping cart that feels like it’s trying to escape while my toddler is attempting to leap out. It’s an entirely different experience, and trust me, it’s a circus act that involves dodging meltdowns and grabbing items before they vanish from my memory (or my cart).
  5. Why I Don’t Envy Your Glamorous Life
    I scroll through your social media and see you lounging on a beach in Greece or partying in a trendy club, and I’m here in my comfy pajamas, drenched in toddler goo. But honestly, I wouldn’t trade it for anything. While I might not be jet-setting around the world, I create my own version of joy with nightly dance parties in the living room and moments of love that fill my heart to the brim.

I value my friends without kids immensely. They’re often the only ones who are more interested in me than in my children. Yet, there are some things that will remain unexplainable to them. And you know what? That’s perfectly fine. After all, when your day-to-day includes discussions about potty training and watching reruns of classic shows at odd hours, maybe it’s nice to get a little perspective from the outside world every now and then. If you’re interested in more insights about home insemination, check out this other blog post. For expert advice on the subject, visit Make a Mom and see Facts About Fertility for a wealth of information.

Summary

Navigating life as a parent can be a rollercoaster of unique experiences that those without children may not fully grasp. From the quirky reasons behind my potty inquiries to the chaos of grocery shopping, these moments define my daily reality. While my friends may enjoy a glamorous lifestyle, my joys come from the little things, and I wouldn’t trade that for anything.