In recent years, the concept of a bucket list has gained significant popularity. It got me thinking: if I were to create a Parental Bucket List, what would that entail? Instead of common milestones like achieving success or mastering life skills such as putting on clothes, I’m considering the subtler, yet equally vital aspirations I hope my children will accomplish before they eventually take flight—if they ever decide to leave home.
- Dress themselves in a way that doesn’t scream “I did it myself!”
- Remember to grab their backpack and lunch before heading to school.
- Avoid using their clothes as makeshift napkins.
- Master proper hygiene after bathroom visits.
- Engage in play without my constant supervision.
- Take a thorough shower and rinse out all shampoo and conditioner.
- Return from school with everything I sent them with just eight hours prior.
- Complete homework independently, without my nagging reminders.
- Put away their snow gear neatly instead of leaving it scattered on the floor.
- Remember to lift the toilet seat.
- Tidy up their rooms before I reach my breaking point.
- Respond with more than just “Fine” or “It sucks” when asked about their day at school.
- Go to bed and actually remain there all night.
- Brush their teeth twice daily without needing a reminder or a tantrum.
- Not track dirt throughout the house when rushing to the bathroom.
- Place dirty laundry in the basket or, even better, in the laundry room.
- Refrain from saying “I’m bored.”
- Not toss tissues or socks on the floor.
- Put their clean laundry away without being prompted, and not all in one drawer or under the bed.
- Wash and store the dishes—at this point, I’d even settle for them being in the sink. If I’m feeling particularly ambitious, perhaps they could load the dishwasher too.
While this list may seem like a collection of lofty hopes, it’s not unreasonable to dream that one day my child will remember to cap the toothpaste.
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In summary, this Parental Bucket List is a reflection of the everyday milestones I hope to see in my children as they grow. It’s a blend of humor and realistic expectations, reminding us all that parenting is about the small victories as much as the big ones.