There are times in which kids can come in handy as an excuse. Perhaps you’ve been invited to a social event that you don’t really want to go to? Or maybe you’ve managed to avoid that really tough gym class with your friend because there’s no one to look after the kids. You know the one that actually hurts for a week afterwards!
While kids may be the perfect excuse in some instances, there are times in which we can deny ourselves happiness by using kids as an excuse. We may abandon personal goals and let golden opportunities pass us by because we have kids. While it’s important to attend to your kids needs and they are always our number one priority, you shouldn’t have to sacrifice all of your own needs too. Here are five times in which you shouldn’t use kids as an excuse.
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Chasing your career
The right career could help you to feel more satisfied and allow you to make a greater income to provide a better life for your family. While it can be harder to work certain jobs with kids, you shouldn’t feel that you have to give up on career goals. Many employers now offer more flexible roles and the option to work from home – which could make it easier to juggle a job and parenthood if you can’t afford childcare. Family and friends can also offer support if you need someone to look after kids while working.
Getting fit
Many of us give up on exercise when we have a child. However, there are many ways to stay fit while looking after kids. From hiking with a baby in a sling to going on a cycle trip with kids to playing games with your kids, there are plenty of ways to get in your daily work out. Alternatively, you can get someone to babysit while you go to the gym. Seeing you exercise is likely to be an inspiration to your kids. Plus it could encourage them to lead an active lifestyle.
Travelling the world
You don’t have to put off travel plans when you have kids. Many couples travel with kids. It’s more expensive and potentially more stressful if kids are young, but it’s still very achievable. Travelling with your kids could help to give them valuable experiences that they treasure for the rest of their life. Certain places may be a little dangerous to visit with kids, but there may still be the option to travel to these places alone when your kids get older.
Ending a bad relationship
Staying in a bad relationship for the sake of the kids is not worthwhile. You may think that it gives them stability. However it could simply produce more problems and give them an unhealthy model of what a relationship should look like. Breaking up when you have kids isn’t easy and requires planning. It may benefit you to look into grounds for divorce and parental legal rights if you don’t think it can be solved amicably. It’s important to keep the kids out of the conflict and support them through the process, especially to help children deal with separation.
Taking up a new hobby
It’s also possible to take up new hobbies when you have kids. You may even be able to take up hobbies with your kids. A hobby could help you to grow as a person; whether you’re learning a musical instrument, making your own crafts or taking up a new sport.
If you could do anything this year such as travel, learning a new skill, upgrading you career, etc, what would it be and why? Let me know in the comments below.
