Being a parent is definitely one of the hardest jobs in the world. It can often be a pretty thankless job and there are thousands of reasons to complain from sleepless nights to stubborn children with their own agenda. However, you can’t deny that at the end of the day (probably not every day but most days) all the good that comes out of parenting far out weighs the bad parts. So let’s talk about the advantages of having kids.
1. Random kisses, cuddles and love. There is nothing better than unsolicited slobbery kisses from your little one or an unexpected I love you from your tween. It takes one good snuggle with your kid to let a terrible day melt away. Even times when you may be on the verge of losing your cool just reach out and hug your kid. It can change your perspective in a split second. Not to mention it’s been scientifically proven to improve your mood and really there is just nothing like it in the world.
2. Free Household Labor. No, I’m kidding…. But not really. I am a firm believer that kids should have chores and if you are doing it right, your kids can be cleaning the house, folding laundry, washing dishes, and cooking meals sooner than later. The truth is they make most of the mess and eat most of the food in the house anyway so they should definitely be contributing to getting the chores done. I call it the cost of participation. We all live in this house and therefore we all contribute and in the long run, knowing how to care for a house, is a necessary life skill and will be an advantage for your kids.
3. Knowledge of Random Facts. Kids get interested in the most random things… Dinosaurs, cars, trains, mermaids, outer space, Harry Potter or Shawn Mendes… And anything your kid becomes obsessed with will inevitably become the random pieces of info you will come to know. Because, as parents, if we want to engage with our kids we have to find ways to relate to the things they are interested in. Even if that means watching the same movie 50 times over until you randomly recite lines in your head in your sleep. Hey, I can correctly identify at least 50 different dinosaurs… and I know more about Shawn Mendes than I have ever cared to know. But every once in a while one of those tidbits of info actually comes in handy and maybe even make me look impressive. You’d be surprised how often I impress someone with my dinosaur knowledge.
