Ask any mom or dad the best thing about parenthood, and they're likely to wax poetic about how wonderful their kids are, the unconditional love, and any number of variations on that theme. And they're completely, totally right. But what about items No. 18, 29, and 46 on our lists? There are plenty of less-pronounced (and OK, less important) reasons that being a parent rocks. Here, a few that make our lists . . . whether we like to admit them out loud or not!
You know you were psyched to learn that these were still around.
There's no one quite like the Elf on the Shelf to get those creative juices flowing.
You know you've been plotting it since you found out you were pregnant.
Making decisions, both big and small, is suddenly easier, as you have a more obvious top priority than ever before.
No matter what your role is in the office, you call the shots at home.
Prekids, news of Winter weather was a total headache. Now you're as excited about snowball flights and sledding as they are.
The other 15 percent is jumping for joy inside to have an excuse!
I'm not one to advocate flaking on plans — with friends, family, work, or anything else. But once you have kids, you can always pull "The little one's come down with a cold," or "We couldn't get a sitter!" card when need be. Little white lies aren't the end of the world . . . when you only employ them just once in a while.
File this one under things that you never in a million years thought would happen. Source: Instagram user dbloom1
No matter how sophisticated your palate, there are some days when you simply can't beat a grilled cheese or a burger with fries.
Seriously, you haven't had this much fun since you were in the single digits yourself.
After a sleepless night, a Venti is more than justified.
Date night can constitute binge-watching your favorite show and a glass of wine, and you're not just OK with it — you're ecstatic about it.
Needs no explanation, right?