We have a dog that sheds like it’s her job. This golden retriever runs and rolls around with the kids all day and leaves dog hair in every corner of the house. I have put more miles on my vacuum than my car this year. That dog hair is everywhere, and she’s just half as messy as my kids, who recently left LEGO pieces in my bathroom. It’s very inconvenient to be vacuuming constantly and finding toys behind the toilet.
But I’ve started to notice that the things that once bothered me greatly don’t get me as ruffled as before. Not because my house is any cleaner. I assure you it’s not. My perspective is changing as my kids get older. What I once considered inconvenient I now see as opportunities, and there are a lot of them. That simple mind shift has helped me grow as a dad. Here are 25 inconveniences we should embrace.
1. Noise, Noise, Noise
Yes, it’s unending. But that’s the sound of a house full of kids you have the privilege of raising.
2. Laundry Piles
This is an almost-hourly opportunity to serve our families.
3. Crumbs
My goodness. So. Many. Crumbs. But the way I see it, this means I’ve provided for my family.
4. Toys Everywhere
Yep, even behind the toilet. But it’s a sign your kids recently had fun.
5. Costco Runs
It takes so much time and money buying food for my family, but I know it’s an important way to serve them.
6. Bedtime Stories
Yes, the dishes in the sink are calling out to you. But they aren’t going anywhere, so it’s safe to spend bedtime bonding with your kids.
7. Endless Questions
“Why!?” My daughter asks this about 600 times an hour. She is curious and sees me as wise. Both are a gift.
8. Your Job as a Pro-Bono Chauffeur
Taking the kids to sports or other activities drains your gas tank, but that quality time can fill your love tank.
9. Putting Your Family First
Your kids will never doubt their worth when your family is your priority.
10. Leaving Work at Work
Guarding your time at home means you’ll be able to engage fully with your family without distraction.
11. Interruptions
It means they need you.
12. Kids Wanting to Be Carried
Unless you can lift 150 pounds and don’t mind looking awkward with a teen on your shoulders, this phase will end. So, enjoy lugging your kids around while they’re young.
13. Lack of Personal Space
Having a few minutes to yourself is good, but kids won’t always ask to snuggle. So enjoy this while it lasts.
14. Kid Sniffles
You may have to stay home from work today, but this is a golden chance to show your sick child that you care for his or her needs.
15. Rainy Weekends
Nope, you didn’t make it to the beach. But indoor days are opportunities for imaginative play and making memories with Dad.
16. Bedtime Battles
“I’m not sleepy” once sounded like “I don’t care what you say” to me. Now it sounds like, “I want to hang out with you longer.” So, extend bedtime by a few minutes. Compromise can be a great thing.
17. “Helping” That’s Not Really Helpful
Sure, half the cookie dough is on the floor, and you’ll have to spend 20 minutes cleaning the kitchen, but we learned some things and had fun, right?
18. Repeating Yourself
What a great way for you to exercise and demonstrate patience at the same time.
19. Flat Tires
There’s no other way to say it. Flat tires stink. But your kids are watching you handle adversity from the back seat.
20. Hearing the Same Joke for the 748th Time
Knock, knock. Who’s there? Joy. Try to share theirs, even if you know the punchline.
21. Stickiness
Are kids made of honey? No, but they’re exploring and creating in a place where they feel safe.
22. Meltdowns
Do you see this as an embarrassing tantrum or a chance to teach your kids about how to express emotion in healthy ways?
23. Getting Asked to Play When You’re Busy
Yes, you need to finish the grocery list, but that can wait.
24. Watching Frozen (Again)
You’ve heard the songs a million times, but let it go. It makes them happy. This should make you happy.
25. Being Late
It pains me to even write this because tardiness is my personal pet peeve, but if the worst thing that happens to me is we’re five minutes late because my son couldn’t find his left shoe, I’ll take it.
Yes, all these things are inconvenient, but they’re going to disappear eventually, and when they do, you’ll miss them. If you don’t believe me, find an empty nester. I’m willing to bet he’d trade places with you in a heartbeat just to have one more day with those precious kids in his home. It would be worth the inconvenience.
Sound off: Which of these inconveniences we should embrace are hardest for you?
Huddle up with your kids and ask, “What is an inconvenience?”