Secret Joys of Parenthood

There are many positive blessings that come from having a baby; such as the warmth of their smile, a love stronger than anything ever known, and personal fulfillment of having created a human life. However, there are some less deep aspects of being a parent that I’m really excited about it.

First, without any shame or fear of getting caught, I can watch Sesame Street again. I never felt comfortable watching it on my own in fear that someone may find out, even with the volume turned really low, the risk was just too great. I didn’t want to be seen watching a show that’s geared for young children and provide further reasoning for my mental development to be questioned. It’s been so long since I’ve visited Sesame Street that I miss the witty banter between Bert & Ernie, Oscar’s put-downs, and Grover’s lessons on near/far plus over/under. Are Big Bird and Snuffleupagus still even friends? There’s been a huge void in my life without Sesame Street. I’m also hoping that maybe The Count can help teach me this new age style of doing Math as I’m totally clueless. I struggle enough with the old way. There’s also a whole new collection of children’s programming that I’m anxious to start watching, as me and the little one find new favorites. Thankfully Mr. Rogers Neighborhood is available on Netflix as no child of mine will go through adolescence without visiting the Neighborhood of Make Believe and learning the catch-phrase ‘Speedy Delivery…Speedy Delivery.’

Another bonus of having a child is amusement parks become much more appealing again. I will now be allowed onto the ‘kiddie rides’ rather than getting denied while preparing to board. When they ask, ‘Do you have a child to ride with?’ I will proudly state, ‘Yes, I do.’ No more getting laughed at for trying to get on the ‘kiddie coasters’ by myself. As long as I can fit in the seat, I’ll be ready to go, and maybe even let go and raise my hands up in the air. In addition, I can also go to Chuck E. Cheese again, it’s been way too long.

Though very young, babies can serve multiple purposes, such as a perfect exit strategy or an excuse to not even go. When grandma starts to tell the same story for the third time in an hour or when the aunts and uncles start to compare scars from their surgeries it’s the perfect opportunity to change the diaper or put him/her down for a nap. It will be easy to come up with a reason to excuse myself for a few minutes while with the baby, verses always having to claim I had to go to the bathroom.

I love the baby already, I won’t have to sit through any classical piano recitals because of it, as I can just say that the baby wasn’t feeling well that day. If asked over to yet another family gathering, and the finale of Big Brother is on the same night, then the baby has just been really cranky and would be better off just staying in.  

From the McDonald’s Playhouses to shopping in the toy aisles, being a parent is sure to bring lots of joys.