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

[mommabear12]

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?!!

Bigger breasts and more orgasms?!!! Love Mumsnet - you never know what kind of reply you're going to get!!!

Definitely that light bulb moment when I realised that just as my little ones needed a routine, so did I! Less booze, more early nights, knowing where I am with life generally makes me a much happier bunny.

Loved the sociable side of being pregnant/ babies. The fact that the rough looking man on the street who you might have steered clear of, ends up being the one who helps you with your buggy.

Rediscovering all my favourite childhood books and films.

Kids clothes.

Kitchen discos - both my kids firmly believe that all the best music was made in the 80's and 90's.

waving at firemen.

There's always milk in the house now.

Having a much more organised life - through necessity!

Realising that the way I feel about my kids is how my mum feels about me - and appreciating her that bit more for it.

Becoming much less selfish.

Being able to accomplish huge amounts in my tiny snatched bits if free time.

Truly appreciating being alone now and again.

Getting to revisit all my favourite books from when I was a child.

Being part of a little club with other parents.

Revitalising my poor liver which had had a good battering during my more sociable pre-child years!

Trampolines, bouncy castles, face painting, animal balloons, lego and play dough. My ultimate favourite perk is building elaborate train sets.

'Waving at firemen' - I do this too! And love it

Cuddles. Mostly the cuddles.

An excuse to bake more.

Reading all my favourite old books with DS1, who loves books like me.

Also the fact that he is interested in my favourite geeky subjects andlikes to teach his wee brother.

Lego/duplo/brio/playdough - yup. (except cleaning after playdough).

Excuse to visit aquariums/castles/parks etc.

Keeping fit by transporting small people in a sling. (ok and the more cuddles)

Have also made lovely friends. :)

The amazing product that is a baby wipe!
Rereading all those fabulous stories and enjoying them even more.
Rewatching all classic kids films/cartoons, made a huge list to watch with dd, she's really enjoying it!
Playing with Lego-enough said

Seeing the world through a childs eyes is pretty amazing. The excitement of seeing a plane/ train/ bus/ cat.
I love fish fingers and chicken nuggets and sweets too.
Watching their faces when they see a child misbehave, they don't understand why. (Granted, they are not 100% angels but are not really naughty)

Ah, yes, waving. At trains, buses, planes in the sky, tractors, Disney characters. Massive amounts of cheery waving when you have kids, great fun.

I really enjoy that we are own community that other people want to be part of and people asking me to please bring the kids so they can socialize with them and spoil them. My 3 are 8-14 at the mo and it's so nice to realize that people want to be invited over because they enjoy being with all of us.

Just went to London for 10 days and DH had to stay home so other than seeing friends and family I really prioritized what they wanted to do and we had so much fun: Harry Potter Studios, The Lion King, movies, museums etc. Being the 'token' adult and enjoying all their excitement.

It's also awesome when they decide to clean the house unexpectedly or happily make you a cup of tea or a sandwich (!). All those year of breastfeeding and broken nights sleep were worth it!!!

Love realizing we have 'family traditions' like movie night with take-out every Friday and dressing our tree twice at Christmas (long story!).

Best parts are the love, cuddles and sitting on the sofa together hysterical with laughter.

I've made my best friends since being a parent. I think I'm nicer, and have more confidence. I was a real doormat and 'pleaser', and though I still have those traits, I suppress them much more successfully than before I had children.

Definietly when eating out and you find there are 4 2 different puddings you want. You can order the other three one for one of the dc and get a taste of them all. Of course it's only for the good of their health if I eat half of each isn't it?

Watching Disney. My local theatre has loads of "toddler" productions which I would actually go to on my own. May have to kidnap a toddler when she goes to school.
I love tree climbing but have been told by the local teenagers they will not be rescuing me if I get stuck.
Best thing for me though was probably giving me the incentive to sit down and teach myself to play piano properly so I could teach my other 2 DDs.

DIGGERLAND! If I hadn't had children I wouldn't have driven a backhoe loader!

I know more about tractors then I ever imagined I would

An excuse for forgetting things ("sorry I've not done ... DCs been full on/unwell etc")

Discovering the uk. Before DCs we only holidayed abroad, but now we have discovered some great places in our own country!

Yes yes yes to baby wipes. Marvellous invention.

My DD is just like a mini me. She likes all the music/films/books that I love/loved. Loving introducing her to them so I can enjoy them again. We are currently reading Sweet Valley High and just watched Ghost. Plus we went to see Kylie Minogue in concert last year.

Appreciate a really hot cup of coffee whilst staring out of the window whilst DS is safe at nursery.

More social perks too, you look a bit silly petting goats alone

Parenthood really makes you appreciate the small things.

Also, you dont sweat the small stuff. Chaos at work? Ha, that's nothing, try a one year old waking up with projectile gastro

I've noticed that people sans enfants at work get more stressed about everything, since having kids I just take stuff in my stride.

Work has took on a while new light. It's pt so easier hours and it's actually enjoyable as it's a completely different pace to being at home

Indulgent days out. Love a day with oldest ds(6) doing bowling, skating ect and going out for lunch.