As I scroll through my Facebook newsfeed, there is definitely a difference between posts of people with children and those without children. Members of both camps will give an eye roll to the oodles of baby pics posted by new parents and the numerous “going to the gym” posts by those without children. As much as a picture of someone’s dinner makes me roll my own eyes, I would be lying if I didn’t admit that it also makes me a little jealous.
So here they are – the top 4 Facebook posts, typically from people without young children, that make me green with envy.
1. Accomplishing Errands
Anywhere. It can be CVS for all I care. The fact that you are happy and able to spend a few minutes to tell us about it while running errands is miraculous to me. Shopping has taken on a new time low since having two kids. It typically mirrors an episode of Supermarket Sweep, whether I have children with me or not.
If I have the kids, I am trying to make it out of the store alive before a major meltdown or the food bribes run out (whichever comes first). If I am without kids, it is usually after 9 p.m. and I am frantically filling my cart before the store closes. Either way, it is never my finest moment in life, and I usually don’t want to talk about it on Facebook!
You will also never find me hitting more than two stores on a given outing. What used to take 15 minutes takes double the time with children. If I can get it on Amazon, it is not worth braving a trip to the store. Oh, how I love my smiling boxes, but I also yearn to walk down store aisles at a leisurely pace!
2. Delicious Dinners (That most likely get eaten sitting down!)
Once upon a time, I had the time and energy to try new recipes and make exciting meals for my husband and me. Those days are temporarily gone, at least during the work week. Even if I do get a chance to make something other than a veggie burger or heat up leftovers, I am almost never able to sit and enjoy it.
Most nights, the minute I sit down, someone needs more milk or food needs to be cut up or juice gets spilled, the list is endless. I miss making good food and actually being able to take my time eating it. So all of you posting pictures of those gorgeous dinners, why don’t you deliver an extra plate for me, and assist my kids while I eat it!
3. Beach Vacations
I used to pack 4 or 5 books when I went on vacation, and I would usually get through most of them. For the next few years, I have realized that a beach vacation will never be the way it was before having children unless my husband and I sneak away on our own. Not to take away from the amazing fun that vacations with children now offer, but a small part of me longs for the part of traveling which involved loads of quiet time filled with reading and napping. Keep those pictures of your feet in front of the ocean coming; I am living vicariously through you all!
4. Brunch
This meal does not exist in its original form if you have children. If you do plan a brunch, more than likely you have been up since 7 a.m. and already have eaten something for breakfast. Your kids have definitely eaten and may or may not be ready for an early lunch if you bring them along. And who wants kids at brunch, anyway, when all you want to do is enjoy mimosas over an uninterrupted conversation. There will come a day when my children want nothing to do with me and brunch will be mine to enjoy again. Until that day, I will have to take the coveted afternoon nap time as a consolation prize.
I love my children dearly, and they have given me an infinite amount of new joys that I couldn’t possible ever imagine. However, we wouldn’t be human if we didn’t occasionally get jealous of our friends on Facebook who are able to still partake in activities that we used to enjoy.
