Tax season is upon us! It’s that time of year when we’re reminded that our beloved little ones are not only our pride and joy but also adorable bundles of tax credits. Hooray for kids!
There’s a never-ending debate online about whether motherhood qualifies as a “job.” Some argue it’s the “most challenging job,” comparing it to roles like chef, accountant, driver, and doctor. You’ve probably seen the memes. Others, however, say things like, “no one forced you to have those kids – parenting isn’t a job.” I can’t say I’m fond of either perspective. Parenting is undeniably tough enough to earn the title of a “job,” but I won’t be comparing myself to a doctor anytime soon.
In my imaginative world where parenting is officially recognized as a job — here are some expenses I should be able to write off. After all, I can’t effectively parent without them!
- Wine. Have you ever tried to wrestle a feisty 3-year-old into pajamas at the end of the day? I have. Many times. The only thing that gets me through it is the glass of wine waiting for me once they finally settle down.
- Goldfish Crackers. I’d love to claim these are on the list because my kids adore them, but the truth is, they wouldn’t mind if I never bought them again. On countless evenings, a bowl of Goldfish crackers (which pair perfectly with wine) is often the only thing I consume after 5 p.m., when I switch from my work role to my second job of keeping the kids entertained until bedtime. These little snacks might just be the secret to my survival.
- Yoga Pants. Yes, I admit I’m a cliché. I recently told my sister I needed to stock up on “lounge pants.” The truth is, I’m not quite ready to get my act together, and stretchy clothes are what keep me feeling comfortable and somewhat presentable. Is it acceptable to claim I’m still in the postpartum phase if my youngest is under two?
- Cable. To all the moms who claim they parent without TV, I salute you. Or maybe you’re just way better at this than I am.
- Concealer. I am eternally grateful for this magical product that helps me convince the world I’ve slept like a baby.
- Coffee. Speaking of sleep, I can’t function as a parent without my daily dose of coffee. I’ve tried to go without it, but my eyes just glaze over, which can be quite alarming for the kids.
- Boxed Macaroni and Cheese. I can’t fathom how other parents survive without this reliable staple. I’m pretty sure my kids would skip dinner entirely several nights a week if it weren’t for pasta in some form.
All these essentials combined would add up to a significant deduction. Such a shame!
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In summary, motherhood is a full-time gig that comes with unique challenges and needs. From essentials like wine and coffee to trusty snacks and comfy attire, the list of necessary items could easily justify some tax deductions, if only the system recognized them.