Updated: Jan. 22, 2021
Originally Published: Jan. 6, 2014
Growing up with two brothers meant that my belongings were mostly safe from their grasp, primarily because I was the girl. However, there were still a few cherished items I had to protect fiercely. I often dreamed of adulthood, thinking it would be a reprieve from the constant battle of keeping my stuff out of their hands. Little did I know my brothers were relatively easy on me. Since becoming a mom, I’ve discovered the all-too-familiar frustration of misplaced items thanks to my little ones.
Despite my best parenting efforts, my kids seem to have developed a knack for “borrowing” my belongings. Their intentions are innocent, but it can be incredibly frustrating. After chatting with other moms, I’ve learned that this is a universal phenomenon, and certain items are particularly appealing to our tiny bandits. Take a look at this list and see if your kids have similar tendencies. If you have any quirky items your child tends to take, feel free to share!
- Chapstick: Just the other day, I bought a brand new Chapstick to keep on my nightstand. It hit me that I must have replaced at least 20 over the past year, all due to my children’s insatiable love for it. This morning, I found my latest purchase in my son’s room—completely ruined. Why do kids love Chapstick so much?
- Notepads and Pens: I’m fed up with crafting grocery lists on the backs of receipts. Every time I get a fresh notepad, my kids snatch it up, turning it into a doodle pad. One time, I even resorted to writing a list on a panty liner—no joke.
- Gum: I try to keep my gum stash a secret since my kids are obsessed with it. The other day, I quietly popped a piece into my mouth, hoping they wouldn’t hear the wrapper crinkle. Within moments, my son exclaimed, “Mommy, I smell minty! Do you have gum?” Seriously, let a mom have her gum!
- Tape: I can’t recall the last time I found a roll of tape in my house. My kids manage to whisk it away to who knows where every time I bring it home. Why do they need so much tape, anyway?
- Cell Phones: At least I have a fingerprint lock and a passcode, so they can’t actually use my phone. However, they still sneak off with it to play pretend. It’s almost a universal truth—kids are totally drawn to cell phones.
- Pillows: Whether they’re building forts, engaging in pillow fights, or just making their own nests comfier, kids love to pilfer pillows from all over the house. I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve searched for my pillow only to find it nestled in my daughter’s room, surrounded by her dolls.
- Makeup, Lotions, and Shampoo: The other day, I waved goodbye to my kids at the bus stop and noticed they had a certain smell—familiar, yet strange. It turned out they had raided my new Soap and Glory lotion, which I had barely used. My son also dumped half of my Biolage shampoo and mixed in his watermelon-scented body wash. It did not end well for my hair.
- Change: I can never seem to have spare change for vending machines because my kids are always filling their piggy banks with it. Yes, I remind them not to take my money, but after a while, my voice gets hoarse. No paper bills yet, so I guess I can let this one slide.
- Food: Honestly, I just want one snack to myself! My kids devour all my granola bars, leaving me lucky to snag a single one.
- Bras: This might just be my kids, but they seem to have a fascination with my bras. I constantly find them in their rooms. Maybe they use them for pretend play? Who knows! If you spot a woman at Target, around 5’3” with a perplexed look, just nod in understanding and keep walking.
For more insights into the wild world of parenting, check out our other blog posts, including this one on home insemination techniques at Intracervical Insemination. If you’re looking for expert advice on pregnancy and home insemination, visit Kindbody for amazing resources. And for those considering the journey to motherhood, Make a Mom has everything you need for at-home insemination.
In summary, parenting can often feel like a heist film where our little ones are the clever thieves. From Chapstick to food and even our bras, it seems there’s no end to the items they “borrow.” But amidst the chaos, these moments often bring a smile and a shared understanding among moms everywhere.