Every Mom Who's a Reality TV Junkie Can Secretly Relate to These Struggles

Published on 3/15/2016 at 12:51 PM

Sometimes you take advantage of the fact that your kids can't tell time yet just to get them in bed early on reunion night. Or other evenings you pair their late-night bottle with a glass of wine for yourself as you both settle in for an epic rose ceremony. Maybe the most romantic gesture that your partner could do would be to take the kids out and let you order in while you sift through the five channels (read: Bravo, E!, TLC, HGTV, and ABC) that all happen to have heavy reality TV schedules. And while there's no shame in loving these "nonscripted" shows (besides, ahem, the judgment of loved ones), being a die-hard reality fan and a parent comes with its own unique set of challenges. If you or a "friend" is potentially a reality TV junkie mama, check out these struggles to see how many of them ring true.

You think you're the cool mom because you relate to the cool Real Housewives.

You definitely recognize life on Survivor, you just have a different name for it: motherhood.

There was legitimate cause for concern that your kid's first word might be "bloop."

You already know exactly what you'd say about the other moms in play group given the chance to have a video diary interview.

You put way more pressure on dinner even though your little ones are thrilled with chicken nuggets and plain pasta.

You feel judged for how you spend your "mommy timeouts" just because they don't involve scrapbooking or quality programming.

Bedtime is ALWAYS before your favorite show, never during.

You've considered making couponing your newest family hobby.

You forget that you don't actually know these people and aren't going to see them at school drop-off.

Your kids waking up during prime TV time is the worst thing they could do.

These two are your relationship, parenting, and career goals.

You expect potential drama from mommy's night out even though you guys usually just talk about the kids.

You make your kids watch to appreciate you even more for all of the things you don't put them through.

Your friends' problems about the PTA just can't even compare.

You unintentionally start picking up certain lingo and are constantly reminded by your kids how uncool you are.

You catch yourself daydreaming about all of the things you "need" — but then you remember you have college tuition to save for.

After years watching lousy auditions, you now have a new appreciation for your child's music teacher.