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15 Surprising Things Only Parents Truly Appreciate
Before I embraced the wild ride of parenthood, I never would have thought I’d be grateful for another human’s bowel movement. My pre-parenting gratitude list included career advancements and exciting dates. I would have celebrated not waking up hungover after a holiday bash or scoring a deal on that coveted handbag. Thanking my lucky stars for a tiny human finally relieving themselves after a three-day hold wouldn’t even have crossed my mind.
Yet, diving into the world of parenting unveils a treasure trove of things to be thankful for, many of which might seem peculiar. You start cherishing the tiny victories—the little wins that once seemed trivial. For example, here I am, in my pajamas at 5 p.m., with kids who have no evening activities, feeling more grateful than ever. Whether that’s sad or not, I choose to believe this is what bliss feels like.
I first noticed my capacity for gratitude when I realized I could wear pajama bottoms that could pass for regular pants. After a successful diaper change where my son didn’t pee in his eye, I found myself chanting, “thank you, thank you, yes, thank you,” while reminding myself that I was still rocking this whole parenting gig. Here are some other little joys that parents often find themselves grateful for:
- A Shower without Visitors
Hallelujah! It’s a rare occasion when you can shave both legs, trim up your lady bits, or give your hair a deep conditioning without interruptions. - Kids Who Are Starving
When your children are super hungry, they actually eat their food at your favorite restaurant, giving you a moment of peace to enjoy your meal. Praise the heavens, it’s a miracle! - All Kids Asleep at Once
This is worth its weight in gold. Savor these moments because they’re fleeting and reality will soon crash back in. - Surviving a Doctor’s Appointment
Not only did you make it through, but none of the kids called you out on the tall tales you told the pediatrician about screen time. You reward their good behavior with juice and screen time at home. - Uninterrupted Chat with Your Partner
Pure bliss! You might even decide hot dogs and chips are a perfectly acceptable dinner more often. - Handling Tough Questions with Ease
When your 4-year-old asks about “the magic that makes us alive,” you nail it without flinching, ensuring he won’t bring it up again for at least five years. - Gynecologist Appointment Reminder
Almost brings tears of joy. These visits have become a rare treat—lying in a quiet room while someone pokes at you feels rejuvenating. - Kids Playing Together
When your kids entertain each other for half an hour before starting a Lego war, you steal a moment to yourself in the bathroom. A true victory! - Non-Maternity Jeans Fit Again
The first time those jeans slide over your hips and snap, you feel like a million bucks. Who cares if you look a little rough? You want to shout, “These are pre-baby pants!” - Everyone Slept In
If nobody wakes up before 6 a.m., you feel like you can conquer the world—until the morning chaos begins, that is. - Finding Caffeine at Home
Discovering just enough coffee to fuel your day without dragging the kids to the store is worth celebrating. - Grocery Shopping without Pee Breaks
Completing your shopping a whole half hour faster than usual gives you the energy to tackle the inevitable meltdowns on the way home. - Teeth Cleaning with Free Time
After getting your teeth cleaned, having 30 minutes before school pick-up feels like a mini vacation. A quick trip to Target becomes a blissful escape. - Dodging the Lice Bullet
When a note warns about lice, and you realize you’ve escaped the nightmare this time, you still go into full-on cleaning mode. But hey, no lice! - Not Your Kid Throwing a Tantrum
For a moment, it’s someone else’s child causing the ruckus. You can’t help but smile, knowing it won’t be long before it’s your turn again.
Maybe we parents lower our expectations or simply broaden our horizons. No matter what you call it, anyone who has struggled through a grocery store meltdown knows the joy of small victories—like kids who cooperate or the rare moments of uninterrupted sleep. These little wins remind us how meaningful parenthood truly is, and I wouldn’t trade that for a promotion any day.
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In summary, parenting is about celebrating the small moments that bring joy, even if they seem trivial at first glance. From surviving a shower alone to fitting into pre-baby jeans, every little victory counts.