45 Reasons to Have a Baby. Right. Now.
Cold feet? A few good reasons to dive right in.
by the Babble Staff
May 21, 2008
Don't get us wrong — we don't think everybody should have kids. In fact, there are lots of people we expressly think should not breed. But for those of you who would make perfectly fantastic parents but are just not sure if you're ready for the sleepless nights and diaper-changing days — this list is for you. Here are 45 reasons that having a kid right now is a great idea. Forward it to a couple of friends and start planning playdates. — Gwynne Watkins
1. Splitting It 50-50
Maybe your dad never changed a diaper, but when you become a parent, you'll be expected to share the load equally. Which, in the end, works out best for everyone.
2. It's Saturday Morning All Over Again
Between classic kids' shows on DVD (like Sesame Street: Old School and Schoolhouse Rock) and revivals, like the new Electric Company, you can re-live your childhood favorites while you watch your kids fall in love with Bert and Ernie.
3. Perfectionism Is Overrated
According to a 2006 study, parents are spending significantly more playtime with their kids than ever before — and sacrificing housework. Sounds like we're getting our priorities straight.
#4 Free stuff abounds on Craigslist.
4. Hand-Me-Downs
If you have parent-friends, they're probably dying to give you their kids' old bulky swings, toys and clothes. If not, free stuff abounds on Craigslist, Freecycle and local parenting groups.
5. A New Era
By the time the baby's born, there's a 2 in 3 chance that a woman or a black man will be President of the United States for the first time. And if not, it's almost certain to happen in your kid's lifetime.
6. You Can Share Mix CDs
There's plenty of music that spans generations, but it's even easier to find common musical ground now that indie musicians like They Might Be Giants, Stephin Merritt and Kimya Dawson are releasing children's albums.
7. Technology Is On Your Side
You can buy a breast pump the size of a stopwatch, a video baby monitor, a pocket-sized digital camera and a dozen other impressive gadgets that will make your parenting life that much easier or more fun.
#8 Meeting other parents is like dating again.
8. Meet Cute
Being a parent opens you up to a whole new group of friends. If your social circle has been closed for a while, it's almost like dating again. Shy? Check out Babble's Ning community!
9. Parents Just Do Understand
Your parents have done this before, and even if they're too far away to be go-to babysitters, you can still call your mom for advice. You may even start to like her more.
©2008 Babble
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