Parenting can be a unique journey, and while it brings immense joy, it can also lead to misunderstandings between those with kids and those without. As someone who once lived without the responsibilities of parenting, I can appreciate why non-parents may feel frustrated by certain comments from parents. However, there are also things that non-parents should think twice about saying to those of us who have taken the plunge into parenthood. Here are some of those comments:
- “I would never want kids. Not in a million years!” Well, thanks for sharing your perspective on our lives! It’s always enlightening to know our daily chaos is viewed as a total nightmare. Maybe next time, you can join us to fully experience the joy (and chaos) firsthand?
- “How have you not watched that new series yet? It’s been out for weeks!” Believe it or not, keeping up with entertainment isn’t always feasible for parents. Between diaper changes and school runs, we often have to prioritize other things. You might want to prepare yourself for a life where certain popular culture references remain foreign to you!
- “You never call anymore!” Trust me, it’s not personal. Keeping little ones safe and sound can feel like a full-time job. By the time we get the kids to bed, we’re often too exhausted to even think about picking up the phone. We miss our chats, though, and think about reaching out all the time.
- “We’re having a grown-up gathering and it’s adults only.” We get it—some events are not child-friendly. But casual gatherings like barbecues? Kids can handle those! And by the way, babysitting costs can add up quickly. If we promise not to bring our kids to the next nightclub outing, maybe you could let a few kids crash the backyard BBQ?
- “We want to see if we’re ready for kids, so we’re getting a puppy first.” Really? While puppies can be a handful, they are not a good stand-in for kids. It’s like saying a cardboard box is the same as a luxury car. They may have some similarities, but raising a child is a whole different ballgame. Want to truly understand? Spend a day with us—you might see what we’re talking about.
- “You’re not going to start wearing ‘dad shorts’/‘mom jeans,’ are you?” As if our wardrobe defines our identity! Just because we have kids doesn’t mean we’ve lost our personal style. We may still love a good graphic tee or a comfy pair of jeans.
- “It must be so nice to be at home with the kids all day.” Sure, in the same way that running a marathon is enjoyable. Home with kids can feel like an endless cycle of messes and noise. We love our children, but let’s not pretend it’s all sunshine and rainbows.
- “Don’t be so boring! You’re kid-free tonight!” Yes, we might crave a night out, but we’re also parenting tomorrow. The consequences of a wild night can be severe—trust us, you wouldn’t want a cranky child at your door the next day!
- “That kid is OUT OF CONTROL!” Not that your child is perfect, right? It’s easy to point fingers from the outside. Kids can be a handful, but every parent knows that all kids have their moments—especially considering they’re just kids!
- “Can you try to arrive on time?” If only it were that simple! Getting everyone ready involves a lot more than just tossing a child in the car. The logistics can be pretty involved, and yes, we often forget something crucial along the way.
- “I didn’t invite you because you never come anyway.” Please keep inviting us! We truly want to join you, and there will be times when our schedule aligns perfectly. We promise—we love any chance to step away from the chaos.
- “You look tired. Are you okay?” Thanks for the concern! If you only knew how many sleepless nights we’ve had, you’d understand why we might look a little worn.
- “When I have kids, I’ll definitely do things differently!” crickets Please, refrain from making those declarations. Parenting is a unique experience, and you’ll find it’s not as simple as it seems once you’re in the thick of it.
In summary, navigating conversations between parents and non-parents can be tricky, but a little empathy and understanding can go a long way. For those considering starting their own journey into parenthood, resources like this are invaluable.
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