Before becoming a parent, you might have rolled your eyes at friends who bailed on plans at the last minute with excuses like “the babysitter canceled” or colleagues who missed out on events because their little one had a rough night. Now, as a parent yourself, you understand that sitters can indeed flake out and that sleepless nights are a valid reason to skip a company potluck. Often, the sheer exhaustion of parenting catches up with you, and you find yourself using your baby as a convenient excuse to opt out of various activities. Here are seven situations where I’ve definitely used my child as a reason to bow out.
1. Brunch
While some people enjoy brunch, I’m not one of them. I prefer to enjoy multiple meals throughout the day without waiting in long lines at trendy spots. When I discovered that brunch time coincided with my baby’s morning nap, I felt a wave of relief. After all, no one can argue against a baby’s nap schedule, so I happily waved goodbye to brunch outings!
2. Sleepover Bachelorette Parties
Bachelorette parties can start off fun, but the late-night cab rides back to a cramped hotel room are often less than enjoyable. During the 16 months I was nursing, I had the perfect excuse to leave the festivities early. I could simply call an Uber and retreat to the comfort of my own bed, away from the chaos of a shared room filled with giggling bridesmaids.
3. Lengthy Family Visits
When a new baby arrives, long-lost relatives suddenly reappear, eager to meet the little one. While these gatherings can be heartwarming, they sometimes drag on too long. My baby was a notoriously poor napper, and I’ll admit I used his crankiness to make a quick exit more than once. And on those occasions when I couldn’t leave, I took advantage of the situation and snuck upstairs for a nap myself!
4. Maintaining a Pristine Home
I wish I had taken a good look around my house before heading to the hospital because it has never been the same since. However, no one seems to expect a spotless home from a new parent. Whenever guests arrive to see the dishes piled up or laundry scattered everywhere, I simply shrug and point to the baby, deflecting any judgment.
5. Destination Weddings
Much like bachelorette parties, destination weddings can be a blast, but they also drain your wallet and vacation time. Traveling with a baby can be challenging, and the extra costs often lead us to decline such invitations. We’ve been open about this reasoning, and honestly, it’s been a relief to avoid the hassle.
6. Tedious Conversations
We’ve all been stuck on lengthy phone calls with relatives who love to share unsolicited advice or with a young family member eager to showcase their latest talent. Pre-baby, I would have endured these chats, but now I often use my baby as an excuse to get off the line. After all, it’s hard to ignore a baby who is about to eat the dog’s food, right?
7. Plans You’d Rather Skip
While I usually try to be straightforward about my commitments, there are times when I’ve agreed to social plans, only to dread them as the date approaches. It’s not polite to cancel last minute, but a well-timed call a few days before to explain that I can’t find a sitter is perfectly acceptable, right? Sometimes, a cozy night in with sweatpants, pizza, and Netflix with my partner is just too tempting to pass up.
Babies, while undeniably adorable, can sometimes seem a bit useless. However, they can also serve as your ultimate excuse to opt out of various obligations. Use this newfound power wisely!
For more insights into parenting and fertility, check out our other posts, including a guide on couples’ fertility journeys for intracervical insemination at Make a Mom. For expert advice on reproductive health, visit RMA of Connecticut. If you’re looking for an excellent resource on pregnancy week by week, don’t miss March of Dimes.
In summary, while parenting comes with its challenges, it also provides ample opportunities to gracefully bow out of social obligations. Embrace your new role and remember that your little one can be your best excuse!