12 Things You Can Get Away With When You Have Kids
There’s a secret world that opens up the moment you become a parent. Suddenly, the rules of polite society loosen just a bit, and the expectations you once held yourself to? They start to shift. Being a parent comes with a level of built-in chaos, and thankfully, the world often cuts you a little slack for it. From mismatched socks to full-on meltdowns in public, there are just some things you can get away with when you have kids—no questions asked. Whether you’re deep in the toddler years or wrangling teens, here’s a list of perks and parent passes we all secretly (or not so secretly) enjoy.
1. Wearing Pajamas in Public Without Judgment
When you’re pushing a stroller at 8 a.m. in flannel pants and yesterday’s sweatshirt, no one bats an eye. People assume you’re surviving a sleepless night or dodging a juice spill, and honestly, they’re probably right. The “I have kids” look is its own category of fashion—and it’s incredibly forgiving. Bonus points if you manage to remember shoes that match. Being stylish takes a backseat to being semi-functional.
2. Canceling Plans Last Minute
Need to bail on a dinner invite or playdate? Just mention that your kid isn’t feeling well or nap time ran long. Everyone nods with understanding because children are the ultimate schedule destroyers. No one wants to argue with a parent dealing with teething or a stomach bug. It’s the most socially acceptable “get out of plans free” card you’ll ever hold.
3. Eating Mac and Cheese for Dinner
When you have kids, no one questions your 5:00 p.m. bowl of boxed mac and cheese or the fact that chicken nuggets are a food group. Feeding tiny humans means eating like one more often than you’d think. And if you sneak a few dinosaur-shaped pieces off their plate, you’re just saving food from going to waste, right? Gourmet meals can wait until after bedtime.
4. Watching Kids’ Shows Without a Kid Around
You might tell yourself you’re watching Bluey because your child is in the room—but let’s be honest, you’d probably watch it even if they weren’t. Children’s shows have leveled up, and many are legitimately funny, sweet, and full of life lessons. No one will judge you for humming the theme song under your breath at the grocery store. In fact, you’ll probably hear someone else join in.
5. Bringing Snacks Everywhere
No one questions why your bag is stocked with applesauce pouches, crackers, and gummy snacks. In fact, it’s expected. Being a walking snack bar is part of the parenting identity, and it comes in handy when you get hangry too. Plus, pulling out a granola bar during a meeting is way more acceptable when people know you’ve been managing a toddler all morning.
6. Saying “Because I Said So” Without Explaining Yourself
In the grown-up world, people want explanations and thoughtful reasoning. In the parenting world, sometimes “Because I said so” is the final word—and it flies. No one blinks when a parent cuts off a debate with that classic line. Sometimes you’re just too tired to give a TED Talk on why bedtime exists. And sometimes, the power move is the only move.
7. Using Kids as a Social Buffer
Stuck in awkward small talk? Cue the kid. Whether they’re climbing something they shouldn’t or needing a bathroom break, you’ve got a built-in excuse to dip out. Children are like tiny walking icebreakers or emergency exits, depending on your needs. Either way, no one blames the parent who follows their kid mid-conversation. It’s just part of the gig.
8. Taking the Elevator for One Floor
Yes, it’s just one floor. Yes, you could take the stairs. But when you’ve got a baby carrier, a diaper bag, and the emotional weight of four hours of sleep, you’re riding that elevator—and no one’s stopping you. Parents get a pass for choosing ease over effort, and rightfully so. It’s called survival.
9. Listening to the Same Song 42 Times in a Row
“Let It Go” isn’t just a song—it’s a way of life when you’re in the thick of parenting. If your playlist looks like a Disney soundtrack on repeat, people understand. Kids have favorite songs, and parents have Stockholm Syndrome. The repetition may drive you a little wild, but it’s also a weird badge of honor.
10. Turning Down the Car Volume for Directions
Parent or not, this one’s universal. But parents get extra credit because they’re already dealing with a chorus of “Are we there yet?” from the back seat. That moment when you need to concentrate and everything—including the music, air conditioner, and breathing—must pause? Totally justified. Even Siri gets quieter out of respect.
11. Asking for Help (and Getting It)
When you’re holding a baby and trying to open a door, someone will help. When your toddler throws a shoe in the grocery aisle, someone will pick it up. Strangers go out of their way to help parents in public, and it restores a bit of your faith in humanity. It’s one of the best things you can get away with when you have kids—the unspoken village that shows up when you least expect it.
12. Getting Away with Saying “I’m Tired” Anytime, Anywhere
Whether your child is six weeks old or sixteen years old, you’re allowed to say you’re tired. People nod, smile, and totally get it. There’s no need to justify it or pretend otherwise. You’re a parent. Of course you’re tired.
A Little Perk in the Parenting Chaos
Parenthood is hard, messy, and unpredictable—but it comes with unexpected perks. These things you can get away with when you have kids are small victories in the daily whirlwind. They’re the tiny parenting privileges that make you laugh, connect with other parents, and occasionally save your sanity. So go ahead, wear the pajamas, eat the snacks, and sing the theme song—no explanation needed.
What’s something you totally get away with now that you have kids? Drop your funny parent-pass moments in the comments!
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