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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To ask if you have found any unexpected perks that come with becoming a parent?

221 replies

mommabear12 · 01/04/2015 23:15

Was just wondering as I used my default excuse for not attending another tedious fourtieth birthday party "we can't get a babysitter" (haven't even asked!). How on earth did I shirk these things before ds came along?!!

OP posts:
Roomba · 03/04/2015 13:25

Watching them learn things, and getting to pass knowledge on to them - never get tired of the look of wonder my kids get on their faces when they are fascinated by something.

On a cruder note - breasts! Grin I went from a 30AA pre children to a rather nice (if I do say so myself) 30C/D afterwards. Definitely a perk, clothes fit me properly now and my figure looks much more balanced (big hips and shoulders).

areyoubeingserviced · 03/04/2015 13:41

-I was always the sensible oldest child.
Having dcs has enabled me to behave like a child again.

  • the fact that my dcs are ecstatic when I return home from work.
  • get to attend birthday parties and eat all the sweets ,
-
areyoubeingserviced · 03/04/2015 13:45

Forgot about Christmas.
I only started to enjoy Christmas again when I had children.

80schild · 03/04/2015 21:35

Having people who appreciate my inner child and embrace it with me.

And, biggest plus of all is the two little people who think I am good at everything - I am making the most of this last one as it won't last long.

YoullLikeItNotaLot · 03/04/2015 21:42

Going to have to lower the tone here...

Really good orgasms after DC2 Blush

It could be a sexual peak/age thing I suppose (when IS that?) but from literally the first time after having sex after DC2 I've orgasmed really easily, in pretty much any position (as opposed to on top only previously) and they're really strong.

As you were Blush

minionsrule · 03/04/2015 22:15

Oh OP thank you - have been a long time lurker but this thread has made me join.
Fave thing has to be watching kids movies (Ice Age, Despicable Me etc) without DH giving weird looks in my general direction.
Main one is Xmas - I was youngest of five kids so whilst xmas was lovely, it was a bit limited on presents. I confess to going OTT on xmas and love the whole putting up tree and seeing DS's face on Xmas morning.
Might be my last magical xmas though, Year 6 looms..... sob! Sad

TeaAddict235 · 03/04/2015 22:24

Getting to sing your heart out at Rhyme time just because you love the songs! And dancing too, with DS in my arms to keep fit Grin

Arriving everywhere late and having an excuse in your arms/ hanging off your ankles/ running off

making a quick exit from somewhere or someone due to DS running off

getting to wear jeans and a t-shirt. all. of. the. time.

TeaAddict235 · 03/04/2015 22:26

tusk tusk YoullLike

Easter Wink
ld7675 · 03/04/2015 22:38

Being a parent is amazing - all of what's already being mentioned, I have been guilty of using one of my children's minor illnesses as excuse for not doing things they would have been OK to do (I am slightly antisocial at times!)
Being a parent has also steered me towards a career I would never ever have considered, starting with volunteering at the playgroup, then becoming an EYP and last year qualifying as a teacher, which I am really enjoying (hard work though). Not all bad!

locketpocket · 03/04/2015 22:43

Running-
Ds1 runs for school and the athletics club, and has been nagging me to run too. As a result I am now half way through c25k and we run together Smile

Camping-
I was adamant that I would never go camping, until we borrowed a friends tent and the dc loved it. We now have a campervan and are planning lots of trips

Patience & picking battles-
Often use this in workGrin

blueshoes · 03/04/2015 22:47

Having a common point of reference with senior people at my workplace and safe neutral topic of conversation when I bump into them in the lift or the pantry area.

serin · 03/04/2015 23:25

Live piano and harp recitals after dinner every evening. That's a reason to have kids in itself!

God I will miss her next year when she goes to uni Sad

JugglingFromHereToThere · 03/04/2015 23:46

Yes, music has been an unexpected bonus here too - has especially given me a new appreciation of the trumpet. Dance as well, especially Irish!

molehillormountain · 03/04/2015 23:52

You can jump airport queues once checked in!

Lioninthesun · 04/04/2015 01:16

Listening to her giggling in her sleep.

Being woken up by chubby hands on my face and a "Mummy is daytime! Look!"

Listening to the 3yo turmoil of friendships and why she likes or dislikes things - very entertaining.

Her imagination is the best and she reduces me to hysterical laughter at least once every two days. Not many people can do that!

Having ice cream, chips, crisps and chocolate in the house at all times with no guilt if I 'have' to finish hers (better known here as "I should finish it or she will").

Knowing I will never love anyone quite so completely as I do her. That is quite sobering but also makes me feel invincible at times.

yearofthegoat · 04/04/2015 06:50

Fantastic conversations every evening on subjects as diverse as the war in the Pacific to the best Youtube clips.

Willing partners for cocktail bar visits, coffees out and restaurant visits.

Their friends are interesting and bring energy, humour and music to the house.

PunkrockerGirl · 04/04/2015 07:04

When they reach 18 and take you to the pub for meals/drinks Ok, I usually end up paying for most of it, but they're such lovely company it's worth every penny Grin

For dh when they were little, it was the hours days spent building fantastic layouts with the Brio trainset.

millionsofpeaches · 04/04/2015 09:00

Omg Punkrockergirl I have just come on to say about brio train set! We were given a box full of stuff by friends last night (their ds has out grown it) and I have just spent an hour setting out a massive track in the living room. The only thing is the dcs are at my mum's and I was doing it alone while dh has a lie in Blush

pombearsforbrunch · 04/04/2015 09:13

The babyswitch queuing at Disneyland - never managed to do so many rides in so little time. Total perk ;)

DisgraceToTheYChromosome · 04/04/2015 09:14

Having farting contests again, just like when my DBs and I were little.

elQuintoConyo · 04/04/2015 10:36

DH is one of six, he has 3 brothers. Their farting contests in the car driving through France for their holidays were epic! DS is only 3yo, but giggles like mad when he hears farts - his or anyones Easter Grin We were at the zoo yesterday and he was delighted when a rhino did a big explosive fart!

PunkrockerGirl · 04/04/2015 15:41

millions Grin

Jenni2legs · 04/04/2015 16:21

When they look after you!

I am pregnant and have been a tad emotional a few times, DS has aspergers and it's so nice that he knows to go and make me a cuppa and bring me a biscuit.. often makes me cry harder Grin
DD making excuses for me, I farted in our shared bath this morning and she smiled and said 'it's OK, that's just the baby burping'... then confessed she'd weed already anyway, nice.

MagicMojito · 04/04/2015 16:50

Don't flame me
I love going into the toy shops and looking at all the barbie section. I used to have hundreds as a child and I love that I have a legitimate reason to spend 20 minutes just wandering up and down the aisle admiring all the different types there are now and checking out their beautiful dresses Its just a pity that DD is more of a moshi fan!Grin

MrsWembley · 04/04/2015 20:57

Unbelievable power...

Bwah ha ha...