We recently settled into a charming new neighborhood when I encountered an elderly neighbor a couple of blocks away. When I mentioned I have four children, her face contorted into a look of shock—as if I had told her I was planning to start a circus. “Four? Four?!” she exclaimed, her disbelief palpable. Then she fixed me with a serious gaze and said, “I suppose that’s fine, as long as they stay quiet.” It struck me as a rather odd condition.
I chuckled nervously, trying to diffuse the tension, but inside, I felt a wave of embarrassment wash over me.
I get it; she’s been enjoying her quiet street for over fifty years. Change can be jarring, and perhaps my lively crew felt like an invasion of the Brady Bunch. But honestly? Sometimes I feel like just existing as a family is an inconvenience to others. It’s not even about our actions; it’s the mere thought of what we might do that seems to ruffle feathers. Waiting in line at the airport, I could feel the heaviness of sighs behind us, as if someone was saying, “Really? Are you serious?” I wanted to turn around and say, “Just a heads up: we paid for six tickets. You only paid for one, so we’re right where we belong.”
Kids are a natural part of society. You’re not entitled to a completely child-free existence, and that’s just the way it is. You can opt for adults-only events whenever you like, but you can’t expect us to sidestep our rightful space in public areas like parks, sidewalks, grocery stores, and yes, even restaurants—where I unapologetically take my kids.
We teach our children to respect others. They know to offer their seats to the elderly, to maintain eye contact during a handshake, and to keep their voices down. Sure, they’re not perfect, but they’re generally well-mannered. Beyond that, I have zero regrets about having kids, and I won’t apologize for their joyful outbursts or exuberance.
They giggle loudly while riding bikes in the cul-de-sac, and while I remind them to lower their voices, I can’t help but smile when an occasional “whoop” escapes. They’re kids!
Once, when we applied for a rental house, the property manager replied with a curt email: “Sorry, this house is too small for your family.” It was a three-bedroom place, which is the same size we’ve always lived in. No exploration into our situation; just a clear rejection that felt like an unwillingness to accommodate children. (If you find yourself in a similar situation, know your rights!)
These so-called “annoying kids” are the ones who will shape our future. That baby on a plane who’s crying? They’re not trying to ruin your flight; they might be in pain. You can always pop in your headphones and zone out—trust me, it’s likely a tougher ordeal for the baby and their parents than it is for you.
I’m not here to spark a debate (though I might anyway!), nor am I trying to vilify anyone for feeling annoyed. I can get annoyed with my kids too—let’s grab a glass of wine and vent together! But let’s get one thing straight: kids are part of life.
In my view, they bring a tremendous amount of joy and sunshine into the world. I know I adore mine.
We recently visited a welcoming church where people of all ages mingled, and we were embraced like family. The kids even got handshakes and someone went off to find crayons for them. It was heartwarming.
We truly need each other—grandparents, babies, and everyone in between, whether you like it or not.
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Summary
This article emphasizes that children are a normal and essential part of society, and parents should not feel ashamed or apologize for their kids. It discusses the joys and challenges of parenting, the importance of community support, and the necessity of acceptance for families in public spaces.