Updated: Aug. 21, 2023
Originally Published: May 11, 2010
“Life isn’t faaaaaiiiirrrrrrr,” my 9-year-old whined to me recently. “You get to do all the fun things because you’re a grown-up, and we don’t because we’re kids.”
Yeah, no kidding, kiddo. That’s the way the cookie crumbles. Me: adult. You: child. Clearly, I’m winning this round.
Honestly, I do enjoy being an adult. It’s pretty cool—most of the time. Well, okay, maybe not when the bills are due or when work has me stressed out. You know, the usual adulting stuff.
However, as I observe the challenging tween years my daughter is entering, I can confidently say that adulthood has its perks. Just consider the freedom we have:
- Eat What We Want
We can indulge in broccoli if we must, but let’s be real—chocolate for dinner? Yes, please! Of course, there are consequences, like strategically choosing pants with at least 25% lycra. - Stay Up Late
We can binge-watch all the shows we want after the kids are asleep. Sure, it’s usually just me dozing off on the couch with my laptop, but it’s still my party! - Unlimited Screen Time
Sure, I might worry about being glued to my phone, but hey, I’m an informed adult. I can choose how to engage with technology, right? - Work (or Not)
I can clock in at the office or opt to work from home—whatever floats my boat! - Make Real Money
We earn a paycheck, which means paying bills and, occasionally, splurging on something fun. - Party Like a Grown-Up
Nightclubs? Concerts? Not really. But I can celebrate with a drink on a Tuesday if I want! It’s all about balance, after all. - Travel Decisions
Planning vacations means making all the choices, and let’s not forget the delightful feedback from the kids. I document the adventures, but somehow I always end up with selfies that miss critical body parts. - Be in Charge
No one can dictate my actions—except for bosses and, of course, my mom (which is why I became one!). - Parenting
Above all, there’s nothing more fulfilling than being a parent. I wouldn’t trade this for anything else in the world.
So, after all this rambling, I guess what I’m saying is that maybe this adulting gig isn’t as terrible as I once thought. I might owe my kid a few apologies for my past complaints!
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Summary
Being an adult comes with unique challenges, but it also offers freedoms and opportunities that make it worthwhile. From making our own choices about food and bedtime to the joys of parenthood, adulthood has its perks. Ultimately, it’s about finding balance and appreciating the journey.