Eat... Everything
Of course you still allow yourself to indulge in sweets and junk food every once in a while, but now that you have children, you have to act as a good role model to them. Saying things like, "No dessert before dinner," won't work if they catch you munching on some ice cream during lunch. And by during lunch, I mean as your lunch. I know, I know... life is tough, but just think about how lethargic you'd feel trying to play and run around with your kids if you ate like you did as a student! Yikes.
Sleep Until Noon or Later
Ah, remember the times when you could sleep late into the day and wake up just in time to eat lunch? Yeah, well that's not going to happen anymore. Right when your first baby enters the world sleep will never be the same. When they're young you'll be up in the wee hours of the morning, because you're getting them ready for school or because they're waking you up for their morning breakfast and cartoons. By the time they're old enough to get themselves up, your body clock will already be scheduled for 7 a.m. or 8 a.m. every day. sigh.
Be Bored
Everyone has experienced what it feels like to do absolutely nothing, even when they could be doing everything. How many times have you sat around watching TV, thinking "wow, I'm SO bored," even when it's a beautiful day outside and there's so much to do? Sometimes it's just nice to let yourself relax and veg out. You deserve it. However, when it comes to having kids, you'll never have a dull moment again (whether you want it or not). Even when they grow up and eventually leave you to become empty nesters, they'll always keep life exciting.
Go Out Every Weekend
First of all, the movie "P.S. I Love You" says it best with this quote when Hilary Swank's character asks her friend what happened on the night of her 30th birthday: "Lemon drops and Tequila, my friend. The moment where a 30-year-old body does not recover quite as fast as a 29-year-old body." True. Second, not only do you become a lightweight when you're older, but with children to take care of there's not much room for partying and getting drunk. You'd have to hire a babysitter, which is just a huge hassle, and then if you did go out you'd be nursing a hangover the next day. And kids show no mercy even when you have a headache.
Do the Deed Wherever You Want
Sex doesn't have to die when you get married or when you have kids, but it definitely can't happen on your living room floor anymore. It's difficult enough to get kinky in the bedroom without your child walking in, so unless your son or daughter is out of the house, you'll have to keep things low key. Your kids do NOT want to be scarred for life, and you certainly won't want to explain it to them later.
Travel On a Whim
Two people taking a vacation is one thing, but three, four, or even more is a whole different game. With the expenses aside, taking your little ones on a trip requires much preparation. When they get older it's a lot easier, but then there's still the cost. All the effort would be worth it of course, but you can't just go backpacking through whatever countries or stay in hostels. Instead, holiday's will likely consist of taking a trip to grandma and grandpa's house just a town away, if that.
Keep Your House Clean for More Than a Week
Pre-babies, cleaning your apartment was probably a rare deal and you were able to keep it looking all shiny and new until the next monthly cleaning. Those were the good days. Now, especially if you have boys, keeping things spick-and-span is a major feat. You're lucky if you have a neat child who will actually help with chores around the house.
Go On Dates All the Time
Once upon a time dates actually used to be a thing with you and your significant other. Movie dates, museum dates, dinner dates, bar dates... all the dates imaginable! Now you're typically stuck at home watching the kids and deciding who's in charge of putting them back to bed when they wake up in the middle of the night. Your dinner is homemade, your movie is from Netflix, and you both hit the sheets around 9 p.m. That is your "date."
Never Censor Yourself
If you curse like a sailor you'll probably have to take it down a notch when you're around your kid. Although this decision obviously varies based on parenting style, it seems that most parents keep the swear words to a minimum with children. After all, kids say the darndest things and they're probably saying those things because of you. Let's just say it would be awkward if your child got in trouble for throwing the F-bomb around at school because he/she learned it from his/her household. Oops!
Watch the TV Shows & Movies You Actually Enjoy
"Game of Thrones" and "Orange Is the Black" are definitely not suitable TV content for children. Sigh. Sadly you'll have to wait to watch all those shows after your young ones go to bed, but on the bright side, they'll just join in on the fandom when they get older!
Only Prepare Dinner for Two
Cooking for yourself was already difficult, and then cooking for both you and your sweetie became even more of a task. Then all of a sudden you have kids and you're cooking for what seems like the entire world! Agh, how did that happen? Having children is a blessing but preparing meals for the family can be stressful when you're a busy parent... and unfortunately microwaveable meals is not gona' cut it. At least not all the time.
What do you miss about your days before kids? Tweet us @SofeminineUK
This article was written by Emma Goddard. Follow her on Twitter @egoddardhokie.
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