Sometimes, I Actually Prefer My Kids' Company

by Kori Rodley Irons | More from this Blogger

It seems to be a secret-the fact that we parents actually sometimes (often?) prefer our kids' company and hanging out doing the family thing to other options. I don't know why, but people often assume that parenting is overwhelmingly hard and that I must be aching to get away from my teenagers (or, when they were younger-preschoolers, pre-teens, etc.) and do something "grown-up." Sure, sometimes I do like a little adult company, but to be honest, I often prefer just being with my kids and spending time as a family!

Now, granted, I am a parent on purpose. And, as a single parent, I have always worked and had to move around in the adult working world, in addition to taking care of my family, so there is some built-in balance there. I've also dated and I do have adult friends to do things with-but sometimes I would much rather go to the movies and out to dinner with my kids, or just hang out at home in our bare feet watching movies and eating popcorn-than going out on the fanciest date at the fanciest restaurant. Honestly!

I tend to get a little irritated because people assume that being a mom is boring or overwhelming and that I am dying to get away from my kids. Well, sometimes it is overwhelming and I do need a break-but it is NEVER boring. EVER! Since my kids were little, I often can't wait to walk through the door at the end of a long day and even if things are messy or hectic, having a kid or two sit across the counter on the high stools while I prepare dinner as we tell stories of our respective days is absolute perfection.

I don't think I'm particularly anti-social or overly-domestic-but family life is the life for me. I enjoy my kids' company and doing all those things that other people assume to be drudgery. I like the unpredictability of family life, which is just the opposite of what many people assume it is like-they think it must be so dull and ordinary and stressful. Sure, it can be darn stressful, but it feels like grand living to me!

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