Have you ever been driving and felt that familiar rush when a favorite song plays on the radio, only to be interrupted by your kids going absolutely bonkers? This happened to me recently while I was driving home with my three preteens. We had just returned from a trip to Target where I treated them to some “lavish” purchases — which really just meant I spent an eternity in the Dollar Spot, helping them decide how to spend their Christmas gift cards.
As parents, we endure these painstaking moments because we’re patient and want our kids to have fun experiences. I even made our outing more exciting with Icees and soft pretzels because I’m just that cool. So, when Phil Collins’s “Against All Odds” started playing and my heart swelled with nostalgia, I was ready to soak it all in. Instead, my request for a moment of silence was met with cries of “This is so outdated!” and “How can you even listen to this?” Honestly, I just endured hours in the toy aisle, so I felt entitled to enjoy the music — and they finally let me have that moment.
When they were younger, I let their chatter and singing drown out my favorite tunes, thinking I could enjoy them later. It was easier to tell a story or let them have their way than to disrupt the fleeting peace. But now, those days of putting my desires on hold are over; my kids are old enough to appreciate that I deserve a little musical bliss too.
You Can Have Nice Food
These days, when I buy myself a treat like chocolate, I don’t hide it away in some secret stash out of fear of forgetting. Instead, I’ve found that a little note saying “Hands off, kids!” does wonders. Gone are the days when I used to share everything just to keep the peace. They know now that Mom’s chocolate is off-limits, and I’m not hiding in the pantry anymore.
You Can Have Nice Clothes
I’ve stopped buying disposable clothing and have officially moved on from being a walking tissue. I even dress up a bit more now that I’m not chasing toddlers around. My daughter occasionally borrows clothes, but she knows to ask first and that some items are absolutely off-limits. It’s important for them to respect what’s mine, just as they should value their own things.
You Can Have Your Nice Phone Back
I used to hand over my phone to avoid meltdowns, but now, it’s mine — a pricey device I use for work and other adult conversations. They each have their own devices, so there’s no need for them to mess with mine.
You Can Have a Nice Shower
These days, I indulge in long, relaxing showers, and my kids know to leave me in peace. They understand that when the door is closed, I’m off-limits unless there’s an emergency. No more dashing out of the shower with dripping hair to check on them. When your kids are older, it’s finally your turn to enjoy a real shower.
You Can Have a Nice, Clean House
If my kids make a mess, they’re responsible for cleaning it up. They can wash their own clothes, pick up after themselves, and are fully aware that if they make a mess, they will scrub it out. Their laundry is their responsibility, and I’m no longer the sole housekeeper.
So, if you’re in the thick of “we literally can’t have nice things,” hang in there. Soon, you’ll return to enjoying nice things. We endure years of them ruining our furniture and stealing our snacks, but as they grow, they learn to respect belongings — both theirs and ours. It’s a vital life skill, and when that perfect song comes on the radio, you’ll finally get to relive your teenage dreams.
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