To the non-parents out there, I see you giving us the side-eye as we trot around in our comfy sweatpants and trusty Crocs, looking like we just rolled out of bed. We know we don’t always look our best; those holes in the Crocs are basically where our dignity takes a little vacation. But before you toss around judgments like “When I have kids, I’ll never look like that,” let’s take a moment to dive into the wild world of parenting.
You might think adulting means paying bills, waking up early for work, or finally buying that sporty car. But let me tell you, once kids enter the picture, adulting becomes a whole new ballgame. It’s all about sacrifice, but not in the way you think. Imagine getting up at the crack of dawn—like 5 a.m.—to pack lunches, coax sleepy kids out of bed, and engage in heated debates over clothing choices and homework. And just when you think you’re done, you spend way too long negotiating with a little one about changing their underwear, all while the sun is barely peeking through the curtains.
After all that chaos, you might look in the mirror and realize you haven’t had time for yourself. Your hair’s a mess, you’re still in last night’s oversized T-shirt, and those Crocs? They’re the easiest shoes to slip on while juggling backpacks and lunchboxes. And let’s face it, after a night of getting up for water, searching for lost toys, or whatever else, the idea of putting on anything resembling “real” pants feels like a monumental effort.
By the time you drop the kids off and head home, it’s already 9 a.m., and you’ve got chores to tackle. Laundry, cleaning—these tasks don’t wait for you to look presentable. So, off to the store you go, toddler in tow, still rocking those sweatpants and Crocs. You blink, and suddenly it’s 3 p.m., and you’ve barely scratched the surface of your to-do list. The toddler skipped their nap, and your son forgot his lunch—cue another trip back to school, still in your comfy wear.
When the school day ends, it’s a battle of wills over homework, cleaning their rooms, or prying them away from screens. And honestly, why bother getting dressed up? Dinner is looming, and it’s already 5 p.m.
Now, I know this sounds bleak, especially for those of you who cherish fashion and style. But here’s the kicker: With your first kid, you might fight to maintain a semblance of style. You’ll wake up early to get ready, wondering why other parents are content in their sweats. But after a couple more kids, unless you have an event to attend, the effort to look fashionable just isn’t a priority anymore.
This is what adulting really means—letting go of your youthful priorities and embracing a life centered around your children. It doesn’t look glamorous; it looks like driving a minivan, wearing comfy gear, and grocery shopping without a stitch of makeup. It’s all about making practical choices that make life easier and happier for both you and your family.
So, non-parents, if you’re thinking, “I’m never having kids,” hang on a second. It’s not all bad. The joy of seeing your child succeed in school outweighs the fleeting nature of looking good at the store. A cozy snuggle from your toddler beats any fashion statement you could make. After sleepless nights and busy mornings, an extra hour of sleep feels far more rewarding than spending time getting ready.
While parents do clean up for work or special occasions, when you see someone at the store in Crocs and sweats, cut them some slack. They had bigger fish to fry that morning. After having kids, looking good at Target is just a different game altogether.
And if you want to learn more about the journey of starting a family, check out our post on home insemination. For those considering fertility options, Make a Mom offers great insights on boosting fertility, and UCSF is an excellent resource for pregnancy and home insemination.
In summary, the messy reality of parenting is not for the faint of heart, but it comes with its own unique rewards. Don’t judge a parent in sweatpants; they’re navigating the beautiful chaos of raising kids, one Croc at a time.