I was talking to some friends about my plans for Jackson’s 5th birthday party and one of them who happens to read my blog, said don’t you hate kids birthday parties? And I do. But there are lots of things that come with this parenting gig that I don’t love, that make me uncomfortable or put me in situations that I would never have put myself in during my pre-kid days. But I do them, with a smile on my face because I’m a parent.
So while I don’t enjoy kids birthday parties, I am still throwing my son a superhero party because it’s what makes him happy. It’s also why I spent most of Sunday afternoon walking through the zoo at a friends son’s birthday party. And it’s why just about every weekend for the next month I will be at a kid’s birthday party. It’s not because I love these events but it’s because my son does. It’s because it’s a way for him to see his friends and celebrate with them, because I’m not going to deprive him of that childhood experience.
And because I’m a parent, I get out of bed on Saturday mornings and sit in the cold and cheer on my sons soccer team, even though youth sports are right next to birthday parties on the list of things I dislike.
I go to play dates at places that I wish served alcoholic beverages. And I listen to the Frozen soundtrack on repeat while he runs around a gym full of screaming children, not because that’s how I dream of spending a Friday afternoon but because he loves it.
I’ve sat awkwardly at play groups where I didn’t fit in, because he was having fun. I’ve brought children’s museum memberships and theme park admissions and waited in line for 45 minutes to meet a Baymax because he loves these things.
And I do them because I’m a parent, and while there might be hundreds of other things I might want to do with my time or many other ways I would want to spend my money. And I do them because I love him and I love doing what makes him happy even if it’s not always what makes me happy.
Yes! Great post and so very true! Just this morning feeling awful after not sleeping last night (sick) as I dragged myself out of bed extra early to once again cook my oldest a hot breakfast before middle school, I said sweetie, please remember all of the things I do for you 🙂 Happy birthday to your son!
I’m sure he will remember all the things you do for him.
I’m not sure if the list of stuff that I do now, that I do not enjoy is a longer list of the stuff I said “I’d never do” before I had kids.
It’s amazing how much we’re willing to do, to make them smile, isn’t it?
I definitely agree that the list of things I do is longer than my “I’d never do list”.
I love this post a a parent I do a lot of things I often hate. Currently, I am working with my teenager on a writing assignment.. discussing why capitalizing a sentience and title is important. I hate to edit and yet I am doing it for my child. Or spending hours testing him in Spanish.. yea I hated languages in high school. Here I am again at 44 forced to work with him on studying spelling and flash card.. not happy.
I told my husband I need alcohol and I don’t drink. You are at 5 with your boy it only gets worse…
The only thing that makes it worth while is after every paragraph he asks for a hug as a reward for finishing it.. so that is my happy place.
That’s really the best reward and I’m so no looking forward to helping with homework.
Parenting totally takes me out of my comfort level. It’s crazy how it makes me feel. But, yup comes with the territory!
I know exactly what you mean I’ve been out of my comfort zone more in the last 5 years than in my whole life.
Great post. I’m with your friend on the birthday parties, but I have do admit that sleepovers are the one that really makes me feel like I’m only in it because I’m a parent. I dread all those kids making so much noise and staying up way too late, but I do it because I’m a parent.
I would feel the same way about sleepovers, I’m kind of obsessed with sleep and kids getting enough of it.
Oh, yes! There are definitely things I do for my kids that I don’t enjoy. Birthday parties rank right up there. My oldest has stopped wanting the big parties and just wants a sleepover with 2 friends plus some really cool LEGO set… I’m all for it. But for my other two that love big parties, we still do them. I try to keep my groaning to places they can’t hear me. 😉