Parenthood is a game-changer; anyone who tries to tell you otherwise is lying. Nothing can really prepare you for its reality, and no one warns you about the little things you took for granted for so long. Here are 15 things you never knew how much you’d miss, crave, and appreciate when kids came along.
1. A Quick Target Run
Who knew the idea of freedom was running errands? Instead of a quick task or whipping out to grab something, going to a store is a military operation. You’ve got to get everyone dressed, load them into the car, and strap them all in. And while you’re there, forget browsing; you’re chasing kids, saying no to new toys, and dealing with everyone whining or having an epic meltdown. These days, a Target solo tip feels like a mini spa day, so do it on a Saturday and leave the kids with your husband.
2. Making a Fashion Statement
Before kids, your wardrobe (and shoe collection) was probably a great source of pride and joy. And you used to spend hours creating outfits and getting ready. These days, you barely make it out of your sweats or out of the house, and if you do dress up, a baby will usually puke or drool all over it. You have also mastered dressing for comfort and flexibility, not for a fashion statement.
3. Not Being a Pack Horse
In addition to how unenjoyable running errands is with kids, forget being able to grab your keys and go. Now, leaving the house feels like packing for a vacation. Snacks? Check. Diapers? Check. Extra clothes? Toys to keep them occupied? Check, check, check. Spontaneous trips are no longer possible; if they are unavoidable, they are strategic missions that leave you feeling like a pack horse.
4. Going to Work (Yes, Really)
No parent saw this coming, but instead of dreading the daily grind, you live for the office. It represents freedom and feels like a mental break (and like coasting) after kids. You get to have entire conversations with adults, eat lunch in peace, and actually use your brain. Even just going to the water cooler or making tea in the kitchen is a luxury vacation.
5. The Bliss of Boredom
Remember when you thought being bored was the worst thing in the world? Now, most parents would happily endure a long-haul flight without even getting off if it meant they could drink a glass of wine, watch a movie, and not have to look after anyone. When you have kids, you’re constantly busy, making to-do lists and putting yourself out for everyone. You can’t even remember what it feels like to have nothing to do, and if it ever happened, you’d probably burst into tears for the sheer joy of it.
6. Lazy Sunday Mornings
Being bored, lonely, or having no weekend plan seems almost laughable once you have kids. Suddenly, you’re never alone, and those peaceful, lazy Sunday mornings when you had a long breakfast, stayed in your PJs, or headed out for a boozy brunch are over. Now you’re making breakfast for everyone, ferrying everyone to their sports, and rushing to the grocery store to stock up for the week.
7. Uninterrupted Nights
It’s not just the days you miss, but the nights. When you have kids, sleep becomes this mythical creature you’re always chasing but never catch. If you’re lucky, you might get a solid block of sleep until someone cries, needs a diaper change, or crawls into your bed. And when they are sick, prepare to pull an all nighter. You become the master of the disco nap, only it’s taken on a whole new meaning.
8. When Your Home Was a Sanctuary (and Clean)
Pre-kids, you probably didn’t realize how nice it was to clean your house and have it stay that way. Now, you’re a permanent, unpaid maid and cleaning feels like a losing battle. You vacuum, pick up toys, and scrub the kitchen only for it to look like a tornado hit 10 minutes later. Toys under the couch, sippy cups on the floor, mystery crumbs everywhere, clothes strewn all over the bathroom floor. It’s chaos, for sure.
9. Drinking Your Coffee Hot
If you’ve ever had to reheat your coffee (or tea) three times in the same morning, welcome to parenthood. When you find five minutes of peace, there’s always something or someone—getting between you and your hot cup of Joe. If the third time is a charm and you do get to drink your coffee warm (and in silence), it’s unimaginable bliss.
10. Showering Without an Audience
Ask any mother of a newborn and she’ll tell you she never even gets time for a shower. And when you can shower again, it’s never the same. Once you have kids, showering becomes a race against time and is never solo. Little hands start knocking on the door or someone bursting in with an urgent question. If you manage to get through a shower without interruptions, you can feel like you’ve just had a full body massage.
11. Date Nights Not Sleep Deprived
Remember when date night was as easy as deciding where to eat or what band to see? Now, it’s like planning a covert undercover operation. You need a babysitter, dinner sorted early, and the bedtime routine brief, and by the time everyone is situated, you’re dreaming about your bed, not the restaurant. Then, when you’re out, you’re either talking about the kids or fretting about how late it’s getting as you’ve got to get up and do it all over again the next day.
12. Your Parents (OMG, Saints!)
Once you’re deep in parenthood, you realize your parents are superheroes. They deserve a standing ovation for all those years of staying up late, feeding kids, doing the bed and bath routine, and dealing with tantrums. You probably call them more, realize they were right about everything, and hope, pray and beg they will look after the kids.
13. When Music Was the Soundtrack
Before the deafening chaos of kids yelling, crying, and endless “why” questions took over, the soundtrack to your life was either silence or your favorite music or podcast. And parents are not sure what they crave or miss more. If they ever get five minutes of silence, it’s like you’ve entered another dimension, or you’re probably worried if the kids are up to no good.
14. Being Able to Veg
You can kiss personal space and being able to veg out for hours goodbye. Your kids follow you everywhere: into the bathroom, onto the couch, and onto your lap when you’re trying to take a break. You miss the days and nights you could binge-watch your favorite show or eat chips and ice cream for dinner. Now, when the kids go to bed, all you want to do is follow them.
15. Deep and Meaningful Conversations
Your vocabulary now exits of “go potty,” “boo-boo,” and “high five.” You’re fielding a million rapid-fire questions, but never have a stimulating adult conversation with anyone. You’ve mastered that cute kid’s language and voice and have almost forgotten how to talk to grown-ups. And when you get the chance, you’re too tired to string a sentence together.
