I’ve chosen to remain childless, but that doesn’t stop me from occasionally contemplating the joys of having kids. Beyond the well-known reasons—such as fostering a loving family, nurturing intelligent and responsible individuals who will positively impact society, and cherishing the journey of a child’s development—there are also some unique benefits of parenting that I find quite appealing. Here are a few that I’d love to enjoy, the “membership perks,” if you will, that those of us without kids might miss out on.
-
A Great Excuse to Hang Up
“I totally see your point and would love to explore this further—oh no, the toddler is throwing a tantrum. I’ll have to get back to you.” Friends with children have the ultimate get-out-of-jail-free card when it comes to phone calls. I’d love to have a legitimate reason to end conversations without sounding rude. -
Extra Pairs of Hands for Chores
Yes, having kids means more dishes to wash and more mess to clean up, but they also provide extra help around the house. Those of us without kids know all too well the exhaustion of daily chores; a little assistance would go a long way. -
Priority Boarding on Flights
I’ve tried every trick in the book to achieve that coveted early boarding status, but alas, I remain a “Group C” traveler. Parents with little ones, however, get to board before everyone else—a luxury I often envy. Sure, managing a stroller and a crying infant is challenging, but at least there’s ample overhead space! -
An Excuse to Indulge in Ice Cream
A friend recently shared that she enjoys ice cream nearly every day during the summer, all thanks to her daughter’s cravings. I can’t help but think that having kids provides a perfect justification for frequent sweet treats. -
Children’s Concerts and Performances
Am I really expected to live my life without experiencing the joy of a live performance by The Wiggles? Those events might seem trivial, but they offer a unique kind of joy that many parents cherish. -
Convenient Storage Solutions
I’ve seen strollers equipped with an impressive array of hooks and compartments, almost like they were designed for maximum efficiency. I would love to wheel around my belongings in such a versatile cart instead of juggling everything in my arms! -
A Legitimate Reason to Skip Events
On reality TV, parents often get a free pass to avoid awkward social gatherings. I’d love to have a socially acceptable reason for declining invitations to events I’d rather skip, like that community play everyone is raving about. -
Theme Parks and Playgrounds
Who says adults can’t enjoy Water Slides or Jungle Gyms? I dream of riding roller coasters and climbing playground structures without the judgment of others. Just imagine the freedom of enjoying these attractions without feeling out of place! -
A Second Chance at Ivy League Admissions
While it’s often said that parents shouldn’t live vicariously through their children, I can’t help but think about the opportunity to guide my hypothetical child through the college application process. Imagine applying to an Ivy League school with the wisdom of experience; I’d definitely be the parent hovering over the application!
This article originally appeared on August 5, 2011.
For more insights on the journey to parenthood, check out resources like Cleveland Clinic’s podcast on IVF and fertility preservation. Also, if you’re curious about home insemination, learn more about it on this post. And for those exploring their options, Make A Mom is a great authority on the topic!
Summary:
In exploring the lesser-known advantages of having children, we discover that parenthood offers unique perks such as convenient excuses to escape conversations, extra help with household chores, priority boarding on flights, and more. These benefits, while often overlooked, paint a picture of the joys and perks associated with raising kids.