Before you embraced parenthood, you might have found it hard to sympathize with friends who canceled plans at the last minute due to “a last-minute babysitter issue,” or coworkers who skipped out on company potlucks because their baby had been restless all night. Now that you’re a parent yourself, those excuses make perfect sense. The reality of sleepless nights and unexpected challenges means that sometimes, you find yourself utilizing your little one as a perfectly good reason to bow out of various commitments. Here are seven activities I’ve definitely skipped out on, thanks to my baby.
1. Brunch Plans
While many adore the idea of brunch, I personally prefer to maximize my meals throughout the day and avoid the long waits at popular eateries. When I discovered that brunches often clashed with my daughter’s morning nap, I felt a wave of relief wash over me. Friends might not accept “not my thing” as a valid excuse, but no one can argue against a baby’s nap time. So, brunch is no longer on my agenda!
2. Bachelorette Sleepovers
Bachelorette parties can be a blast—at least for the first few hours. However, the later part of the night, where everyone squeezes into one hotel room for a chaotic sleepover, can be less than appealing. Since my daughter nursed for 16 months, I had the perfect excuse to slip away early. A quick Uber ride back home to my own cozy bed was definitely more appealing than sharing a cramped space with a bunch of tipsy friends.
3. Long Family Visits
Having a new baby often brings out long-lost relatives eager to meet the newest addition to the family. While these gatherings can be enjoyable, they can also drag on longer than anticipated. My daughter had her moments as a fussy napper, and I’ll admit to using her crankiness as a reason to make a quick getaway. On occasions when I couldn’t leave, I’d simply join her for a nap upstairs—no one could argue with that!
4. Maintaining a Pristine Home
I wish I had taken a good look around my house before heading to the hospital because it’s never been the same since! Thankfully, my visitors have been understanding. Whenever someone raises an eyebrow at the overflowing laundry or dirty dishes, I just shrug, point to the baby, and change the subject.
5. Destination Weddings
Destination weddings can be an exciting adventure but also a huge expense and hassle. My little one, while a decent traveler, has struggled at times with flights. The added complications of traveling with a baby have led us to gracefully decline such invitations. We’ve made it clear that it’s not just a preference, but a necessity.
6. Endless Phone Chats
We’ve all been caught in long conversations with relatives who love to share advice or updates—like that one aunt who can talk for hours. In the past, I would sit through it all, but now, I often use my baby as an excuse to wrap things up. If she’s munching on the dog’s treats, surely I can end the call early, right?
7. Unwanted Commitments
I try to be clear about my plans and avoid overcommitting, but occasionally, I agree to something that I later dread. Cancelling at the last minute can feel rude, but a well-timed call a day or two before to say I can’t find a sitter feels perfectly reasonable. Sometimes, a cozy night at home with pizza and Netflix is just too good to pass up.
While babies are undeniably adorable and full of love, they also serve as an invaluable tool for getting out of responsibilities. Use this little card wisely!
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Summary
Parenthood introduces a new set of challenges and, surprisingly, convenient excuses. From skipping brunches to dodging lengthy conversations, your little one can be the perfect reason to take a step back from certain obligations, allowing for more cozy nights at home.