happy couple looking at each other

10 Lesser Known Benefits of Starting a Family

This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

The choice to embark on the adventure of parenthood is often influenced by a multitude of factors, some of which may not be readily apparent. In this article, we delve into the serendipitous and less-explored benefits that frequently accompany the journey of being a parent. The motivation for this exploration arises from a question posed by a member of an online forum: “What are the drawbacks of choosing not to have children?” Interestingly, some of the responses offer unexpected and enlightening perspectives.

1. A Gauge for Time

woman holding a clock time shocked
Photo credit: Shutterstock.com.

A childless Redditor shares a realization they had: “You don’t have the same perception of time. When I run into a friend and his kids have aged ten years you realize how old you are.” Moms agree that the reality of time is hard to ignore as their kids grow up way too fast right before their eyes.

2. People Stop Asking When You’re Having Kids

Attractive funny lady with a secret in pink
Photo Credit: Deposit Photos.

“When you’re someone who doesn’t have kids because of infertility and health reasons, people feel like they can interview you about your private medical information.” Shares one user. People tend to get nosy in matters that aren’t their own when couples don’t have kids, even though it’s none of their business.

3. The Lasting Memories Across Generations

grandma and girl
Photo Credit: Shutterstock

A user recalls her priceless childhood memories as a kid: “Some of my best memories are sitting with my mom and grandmother and sisters around a table, just talking and working crossword puzzles together. There’s a closeness there that can’t really be replicated, even with your best friends, a lifetime of memories. I’ll never have that with my adult children, because I don’t have any. I don’t regret not having kids, but those times around the table are gone forever now.”

Having generations of family hanging out together is definitely a blessing.

4. The Cozy Forever Home

happy family of four holding a drawing
Photo Credit: Shutterstock.com.

“The absolute best feeling in my life as a mom is when my 19 year old son, who had moved out, comes home with half a dozen of his friends and they raid my kitchen and pull out monopoly, or risk and just relax like teenagers, taking a break from adulthood for a minute. I will cook a big meal and they’ll stay for hours. It’s pure bliss. I couldn’t imagine life without moments like that.” Shares a Redditor.

While this isn’t the reality for all families, those that have this special bond know its special.

5. Deeply Connecting with Other Families

stroller moms
Photo Credit: Shutterstock.

Users without kids talk about how they lost some of their friends with kids due to changes in priorities and resentment. While this isn’t always the case, connecting with parents with kids the same age and understanding a parent’s life is easier.

6. Making New Friends as an Adult

happy women playing laughing smiling friends
Photo Credit: Shutterstock.com.

Many adults share it’s hard to make new friends outside of work (if that’s even possible). One dad shares, “If you are an introvert, you can make new lasting friends from parent groups because you have a lot of child play date activities.

It’s not something that should be looked down on because even quiet autistic fathers [like myself] get to socialize with the pretext of attending children’s events along with their wife.”

7. Having a Forever Partner in Crime

silly dad and son
Photo Credit: Shutterstock.com.

One user gushes about all the fun he has as a parent. “For me, I have the most fun with my kid. Literally they’re just the coolest hangout buddy. Want to go to a science museum and write “fart” in the sand table? Hell yes. Want to watch animals do dumb sh** on YouTube for an hour? Don’t have to ask me twice. Want to make popcorn at 9 a.m.? Why the hell not. We have dumb inside jokes, scream sing to music, do experiments like make a cake using the recipe from Minecraft (it’s… Not good), watch Star Trek, look at ants, have pun battles, you name it. It’s just so fun.

8. All the Little Moments

Cheerful father and child in toy crowns laughing at camera
Photo Credit: Deposit Photos.

“It’s hard to explain. The special moments with kids. Something so mundane can happen that just grabs your heart and makes you wish harder than you’ve ever wished for anything before that you could freeze time and just stay in that moment with your child forever.” Shares one mom. Other parents agree, saying little moments like unexpected hugs or a sweet conversation are the best.

9. Feel Like a Real Superhero Just for Being Yourself

super dad
Photo Credit: Shutterstock.com.

“Nobody will ever be as impressed with you as your own 4 year old. I made rolls that didn’t rise once and she ate 3. I am a biology major and I can tell her very basic things about sharks or birds and blow her mind. I taught her how to play Mario Kart and she congratulates me on doing well every time we play, even if I did an objectively poor job. She tells me good job for going to the bathroom. I’ll never have this kind of support again in my life.” Shares a parent. So true; kids are the best at this.

10. Stay Sharper?

boy thinking brainstorming idea smart lightbulb
Photo credit: Shutterstock.com.

One dad shares, “As an older parent, I think my brain had become less malleable. Kids have been good for me because I’ve had to re-learn how to be patient and break some of my bad habits.” Some parents agree that kids keep them learning and changing, although some moms disagree and say they lost their brains to sleep deprivation.

source

24 Hilarious Things Kids Thought Were True About Pregnancy

laughing girl on white background
Photo Credit: Deposit Photos.

Ideas surrounding conception, pregnancy, and childbirth can appear abstract and bewildering to the impressionable minds of children. Yet, their boundless imagination often sparks the creation of remarkably creative interpretations of the entire pregnancy journey.

24 Hilarious Things Kids Thought Were True About Pregnancy

18 Phrases Parents Should Never Say to Their Kids to Preserve Their Self-Esteem

Sad child with her angry mother
Photo Credit: Deposit Photos.

The manner in which we communicate with our children possesses the potential to create lasting effects on their self-esteem, confidence, and mental well-being. Harsh words and phrases have the capacity to inflict emotional wounds as profound as physical injuries

18 Phrases Parents Should Never Say to Their Kids to Preserve Their Self-Esteem

70 Early Signs of Pregnancy

woman thinking finger to mouth
Photo Credit: Shutterstock.com.

Most pregnancy tests can show accurate results only on the day of your missed period. And many tests recommend waiting at least 2 days after your missed period for the most accurate results (to avoid those potentially disappointing false negatives!).

70 Early Signs of Pregnancy

Do You Know Your Birth Month Flowers? A Fun Way to Celebrate Birthdays

woman yellow flowers chrysanthemum
Photo Credit: Shutterstock

You might know your birthstone or your zodiac sign. You might even have a few pieces of jewelry with your stone or secretly browse your horoscope in a monthly magazine. But did you know people have birth flowers?

Do You Know Your Birth Month Flowers? A Fun Way to Celebrate Birthdays

The Best Shoes for Pregnancy-According to a Physical Therapist

Happy pregnant woman showing thumb up while holding sneakers isolated on yellow
Photo Credit: Deposit Photos.

Going for a walk or strolling around the block can be relaxing, especially when pregnant. However, even a short walk can feel like an arduous journey if you don’t have the right shoes. With the crazy weight gain (thanks to the weird pregnancy cravings) and pressure on your lower body, finding the best shoes for pregnancy and your growing bump is crucial. 

The Best Shoes for Pregnancy-According to a Physical Therapist

Similar Posts

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *