Children are a blessing in many ways, but once you have them, you may find yourself romantically thinking about what your life was like before they arrived. Whether you’re planning on having kids right away or in 10 years, here are few things you may want to do before you become a parent.
1. Sleep Until Noon … Or at Least Until 10
Once you have kids, you can say goodbye to sleeping in — at least until your kids reach the age where they can occupy themselves … Or until the age where you’re OK with them occupying themselves in the morning (Hello, juice on my couch!). And take advantage of sleep in general. Instead of staying out all night and sleeping all day, you’ll be up all night and still up all day.
2. Go to the Bathroom Alone
Kids have a sixth sense when it comes to their parent’s bathroom break. No matter what you’re doing in there, get ready for some company. If it’s the only room in your house with a lock, it may become your “me time sanctuary.” Oh, while we’re on this subject, get ready to have conversations about body parts and bodily functions. You will be amazed at how many talks you’ll have about bowel movements.
Protect your family with a life insurance policy made for the unexpected.
3. Buy Your Dream Car … Before You Need to Trade it in for a Minivan
It’s going to be a while before you can drive a fast, little car, so you might as well purchase your dream vehicle before you have to trade it in when baby arrives. Yes, the Mustang is gorgeous and fun to drive, but they really aren’t practical when you’ve got to put a car seat in there. Enjoy the car while you can, like taking it on a spontaneous road trip (see No. 4). Just make sure you get your car insured, no matter what kind it is!
4. Travel … And Travel Lightly
Before you have kids, you can be spontaneous and take off without worrying about who’s watching your children or about everything you have to pack. Seriously, there’s no packing light with kids. Just some of the things you’ll need to bring include:
- Stroller ✓
- 500 diapers/training pants/wipes/changing mat because you just never know ✓
- Bottles/milk/snacks for you, your kid and your significant other so nobody gets hangry ✓
- Extra clothes for all seasons because someone will get messy ✓
- A bag to carry everything ✓
- Whatever else you probably missed and don’t realize until you are halfway to your destination ✓ ✓ ✓
5. One-on-One Time With Your Partner
Once you have kids, it’s not just the two of you anymore. Your world is going to revolve around making sure you and your child survive, and it’s going to be easy to lose sight of your relationship with your partner. Before you add kids to the equation, take advantage of the time you get alone together. You may not get another quiet, romantic date night for a while.
6. Think About Your Future And Start Saving Money Now
I know, I know, but kids are expensive. Pregnancy is expensive. Doctors and hospitals are expensive. Add on diapers, formula, babysitters, school fees, extracurriculars and you’ve got a lot of money that’s going to someone else. Plus, you’ll also need to save for future unexpected events. What would you do if something happened to you or your partner? By having a life insurance policy already in place before your little ones arrive, you can protect your partner and anyone else who will depend on you for financial support!
Contact Block Insurance today to see what life insurance options fit your budget.
7. But Pamper Yourself
It’s important to get some “me time” in before you have kids. Sleep in, take a bubble bath, get a massage, have a facial, read a book, whatever it is that makes you happy. It could be going to a movie (one that you actually want to see, not the latest Disney film) or just taking a walk and not having to worry if your kid is going to run into the street or cover himself in mud.
8. Pack Away Those Expensive Clothes
It’s no secret: Kids are messy. Those bodily fluids referenced in No. 2 are going to end up on you. Get ready to walk around and not be sure what that brown smear is on your shirt … Just don’t taste it to be sure. We’ve been there.
9. Binge Watch Your Favorite Shows
Obsessing over “The Handmaid’s Tale” or GoT? Get those shows in now because, for the next years of your life, you’ll be sharing your TV/phone/tablet with a remote-hogging mini-me and watching the same show or movie every day. Every day. You’ll still be able to watch your shows, but it’ll be after the kids are asleep … And you’ll probably fall asleep before the end anyway (see No. 1).
10. Get Your Home Just How You Want it … It Will Never Be Cleaner
Toys all over the floor, food in your couch cushions and the lovely smell of dirty diapers: Welcome to a home with kids. Before you have kids, you can buy your dream home (don’t forget to sign up for homeowner’s insurance!), renovate it and clear the clutter. Once kids come along, say goodbye to that perfectly clean home and hello to the stabbing pain that comes with stepping on a Lego in the middle of the night.
Get Ready to Say Hello to a Love Like No Other
Kids come with a lot of unknowns and a lot of changes, but really there’s nothing like the love you will feel for them. You may get upset with them at times and even a little annoyed (get used to hearing your name over and over and over again), but don’t forget to enjoy the little moments because you won’t be able to imagine your life without your kids once they’re here!
Remember, we’re here to help you protect your future family with an affordable life insurance policy — for whatever else life throws your way.
{{cta(‘30275cd0-c388-49f5-938e-f6da5c418f8a’,’justifycenter’)}}
