Before embracing parenthood, you may have found yourself rolling your eyes at friends who bailed on plans last minute due to “the babysitter canceling,” or colleagues who couldn’t contribute to office gatherings because their baby had a restless night. Now, as a parent, you understand that caregivers indeed cancel, and a sleepless night can be a valid reason to forgo certain obligations. The sheer exhaustion of parenting often leads to attributing your absence from activities to your little one. Below are seven scenarios I have personally navigated, using my baby as a perfectly acceptable excuse.
1. Brunch
While brunch is a beloved tradition for many, I never quite understood the appeal. The lengthy waits at popular eateries are not my cup of tea. When I discovered that brunch often coincided with my daughter’s morning nap, I felt a wave of relief. Friends may not readily accept “not a fan” as a reason to skip out, but no one can contest a baby’s naptime. Thus, brunch became a thing of the past for me.
2. Overnight Bachelorette Parties
Bachelorette parties can be enjoyable, at least for the initial hours. However, the chaos of cramming the entire bridal party into a single hotel room post-party can be less than appealing. Throughout the 16 months my daughter nursed, I made sure not to miss a single evening or morning—this served as a convenient excuse to catch an Uber home and enjoy the comfort of my own bed.
3. Extended Family Visits
A new baby tends to attract long-lost relatives like moths to a flame. While these gatherings can be delightful for reconnecting, they can also extend longer than anticipated. My daughter was a finicky napper, and I admit to using her unpredictable napping schedule as a reason to leave early on several occasions. When the situation demanded I stay, I cleverly utilized the opportunity to sneak in a nap myself while she dozed off.
4. Maintaining a Pristine Home
I wish I had taken a good look around my home before heading to the hospital because it has never been that clean again. Fortunately, no one has held me to unrealistic expectations! Since my daughter’s arrival, whenever guests have raised an eyebrow at the dishes in the sink or the laundry piled high, I simply shrug, point to the baby, and carry on.
5. Destination Weddings
Destination weddings can be a source of joy, but they often come with significant expenses and logistical challenges. Although my child is generally a good traveler, we have faced difficulties flying with her. As a result, we’ve opted out of these costly events, and we haven’t hesitated to communicate our reasons to others. For more insights on traveling with children, check out this resource on pregnancy and home insemination.
6. Prolonged Conversations
We’ve all found ourselves stuck in lengthy phone calls with relatives eager to share unsolicited advice or recount every detail of their day. Pre-baby, I was patient, but now I occasionally use my little one as an excuse to end such chats. If the baby is indeed eating the dog’s food, that’s a valid reason, right?
7. Unwanted Commitments
I strive to be honest about my plans and avoid unnecessary commitments, yet there are times I’ve agreed to events and later regretted it. Canceling at the last minute is often frowned upon; however, a well-timed call a few days prior explaining that I can’t secure a sitter feels justifiable. Sometimes, the allure of sweatpants, takeout, and a Netflix night with my partner is too tempting to resist.
Babies, while undeniably adorable and cuddly, often seem less than useful in many ways. However, they can also serve as your ultimate get-out-of-jail-free card when it comes to responsibilities. Use this newfound power wisely.
In summary, parenthood brings unique challenges that can often be creatively navigated. From brunch to bachelorette parties, the presence of a child provides ample opportunities to gracefully decline obligations. For more tips on enhancing your fertility journey, consider exploring this fertility booster for men or check out the impregnator at home insemination kit.
Keyphrase: Baby as an excuse for responsibilities
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