13 Benefits of Parenthood that You Didn’t Expect
Any seasoned parent will tell you that parenting is a chaotic, exhausting, and joyful journey. It’s easy to focus on the obvious challenges–sleepless nights, tantrums in supermarkets, and the never-ending laundry. What’s often overlooked are the unexpected benefits of parenthood – the accidental joys and secrets you discover only after you’re in the trenches raising tiny humans.
You will change a billion diapers. You’ll be able to survive on just three hours of sleep. You’ll see the world through your child’s eyes and gain access to many unexpected benefits.
In the spirit of celebrating (and perhaps a little comedy relief), let’s look at the 13 wonderful, and sometimes hilarious, benefits of being a mother or father that no one ever told you about.
1. You’ll Always Have a Snack (Even if it’s Crushed)
What is one of the best benefits of being a parent? You will never be hungry, especially when you are out and about. You may find a Tiny Teddies packet, a few fruit puffs, or a half-smashed muesli.
The toddler snack may not be Michelin-starred, but it can save your life when you are starving in the park or stuck in traffic, with a grumbling stomach. Check the expiration dates before eating. How long has it been there?
2. You’re Blame Game Skill Level is Next Level
It’s no secret that one of the best parts about parenting is being able to deflect the blame.
We’re referring to those times. Unknown odors are detected in public. A drink gets spilled. A thing breaks. It might have been awkward when you were a childless couple. Now? Now? The baby was to blame.
Toddlers are messy, unpredictable, nd noisy. This can work in your favor.
3. You Get to be a Big Kid Again
Remember how much fun it was to build pillow forts or race toy cars down a ramp? No judgment is required when you become a parent.
Want to buy a remote-control drone? Do it. Tell the kids. You need an excuse to watch Toy Story once more. Your child just loves it. You want to have a LEGO marathon on Sunday afternoon. You are “bonding” with your child.
It’s a fact that as a parent, you have the freedom to embrace your inner child. This is one of the most liberating parts of this journey.
4. Time? What’s That?
As a parent, you lose all sense of time. You will be late for everything, and that’s fine.
Why? No one expects punctuality of someone who is managing potty breaks, snack schedules, and last-minute tantrums. It’s almost universally accepted to say “Sorry, I have children” as an excuse.
Smile when you arrive 30 minutes late at brunch with unmatched socks, cereal in your hair, and unmatched socks. You’re on time (according to parenting standards).
5. You Have a Legitimate Excuse to Watch Kids’ Movies
You can say goodbye to movie snobbery and hello to the magic of animated movies. You can now watch all Disney, Pixar, and DreamWorks movies without anyone batting an eye.
What do you think? Some of them are brilliant. “Encanto”? “Encanto”? “Inside Out”? “Inside Out”? “Moana”? Iconic.
Kids’ movies tend to be short, inspiring, and include popcorn. Win-win-win.
6. You Will Always Be Beautiful in Their Eyes
Bad hair day? Stain on shirt? Have you not slept well in weeks?
Doesn’t matter.
To your children, you’re the most beautiful woman in the entire world. They don’t see your messed-up hair or tired eyes; they just see comfort and love. When they admire you, that’s the kind of unconditional appreciation money can’t purchase.
Enjoy the teenage years while they last, because there is a new kind of honesty that comes with them.
7. You Can Be a Hero Even if You’re a Slob
You can’t draw for your life. Do you miss every kick when playing footy? You sing off-key?
You’re still considered a rockstar by your children. They think you are the best at anything, whether you play air guitar or draw wobbly stick figures. This kind of blind admiration is incredible.
8. Your Patience Hits Jedi Levels
Waiting in line for five minutes was torture before kids. After children? With a snack and a toddler screaming in your face, you could endure a 445-minute wait.
You will learn to be patient when faced with bedtime battles, spilled milk, or endless questions. You can learn to remain calm in the face of bedtime fights, spilled Milk, or endless Questions. You can take your newfound calmness to the office and beyond.
Even the most annoying coworker(tm), a two-year-old who is sleep-deprived, pales in comparison.
9. Enjoy VIP Access to Public Toilets
You can bypass almost any line when your child needs to use the toilet urgently.
Saying “My child has to go now” opens the door in any place, whether it is a café, shopping mall, or roadside stop. When you are out with a potty-trained child, this fast access is crucial.
Bonus: You always know the location of every toilet within a 10-mile radius.
10. It’s Always Someone to Fetch You Toilet Paper
There is a silver lining to the fact that you may never have to pee alone ever again. What happens when you run out? You can expect one of your little ones to fetch the toilet paper for you.
They might give you half of a roll. They might even barge into the call to hand it over. They’re also learning how to help, which is pretty cool.
11. Christmas Becomes Magical Again
Children will make the holidays sparkle again if they have lost some of their sparkle over the years. It is heartwarming to see their faces light up when they see a Christmas tree or Santa Claus.
What do you think of the Elf on a Shelf? Creepy. It’s creepy.
The magic of Christmas, or any holiday for that matter, through a child’s eye, is one of the best experiences you can have as a parent.
12. Theme Parks are a Great Place To Go
No kids? A theme park with an adult raises eyebrows. With children? You are a great parent.
You now have an excuse for visiting every roller coaster and animal farm within driving distance. Guess what? You are tall enough to ride every ride. Jackpot.
13. Your Bad Jokes Finally Land
Know those dad jokes and puns that have never been laughed at before? You have an audience who lives to hear them.
If it’s funny, your children will love it. It’s refreshing to be the most funny person in the room by simply saying “butt.”
Enjoy it. Enjoy it.
Conclusion
Parenthood can be challenging, unpredictable messy. It’s not all bad. There are also small joys to remind you that the sleepless night and stressful moments were worth it.
The benefits of being a parent are far more than just the obvious. They include magical holidays, theme park adventures, and unconditional love. These are funny, surprising, and touching moments that make your journey even more memorable.
Next time you find yourself knee-deep with toys, wiping spaghetti from the walls, or dealing with a tantrum at the grocery store, don’t forget that you are also experiencing some awesome benefits only parents can enjoy.
