As a mother of two boys, I can attest to the monumental effort required to prepare for a day at the beach. While summer is a cherished time for me and my kids, there are moments when I reminisce about the simplicity of beach outings past—when all I needed was a towel and a captivating book. Those days are long gone, and it’s clear who has children and who doesn’t upon arrival at the shore. Children have a knack for making their presence known long before you even see them.
Families with kids arrive at the beach with an astonishing amount of gear. Seriously, it’s as if they’re moving in for the summer. You’ll spot boogie boards, kickboards, pool noodles, buckets, shovels, rakes, and an array of plastic toys shaped like stars and turtles. Then there are the coolers, chairs, and an excess of towels—enough to accommodate a small army. Not to mention the eight different types of sunscreen (baby-friendly, sweat-proof, spray, cream, stick, and more) and a large beach blanket that could cover a small tent.
In contrast, adults without kids typically carry a towel, a chair, and a cooler.
The cooler for families is packed to the brim with juice boxes, sandwiches, pretzels, goldfish crackers, watermelon, grapes, granola bars, water, cookies, chips, and even a baked ham. It’s as if their entire kitchen has been transported to the beach! Adults without kids, however, tend to pack a more minimalist selection, usually just beer, water, and perhaps a sandwich (if they’re wise).
Before they even set up their spot, parents look utterly worn out. They often appear in dire need of a nap, an IV drip of coffee, or even a brief hospital stay. Meanwhile, those without children may look either refreshed or slightly hungover, with little in between.
Once families with kids settle in, their beach chairs often remain unused for long stretches. Instead, they are busy building sandcastles, fetching snacks, chasing after children, soothing tears, applying sunscreen, and ensuring little ones don’t venture too far into the ocean. Relaxation seems like a distant dream as they take on the role of vigilant overseers.
On the flip side, adults without kids lounge in their chairs, engaging in conversation, sipping drinks, or simply enjoying the soothing sounds of the waves. They may even take the rare opportunity to close their eyes and nap—just thinking about it makes me feel drowsy.
When it’s time for families to leave, it’s often due to cries, squabbles, or a swim diaper catastrophe. The packing process takes an eternity, roughly 45 minutes and 12 seconds, as they attempt to gather all the items they brought. By the end, they truly might need a hospital stay. Loading everything into their minivans or SUVs is just the start; they then have to wrangle tired kids into the car before heading home—not to relax, as one might imagine, but to give baths, feed ravenous children, and hopefully coax them into bed before collapsing themselves, possibly face-first into a plate of cold spaghetti.
In contrast, child-free adults simply fold up their chairs and stroll off to a nearby bar. After that, they can enjoy a peaceful shower and a well-deserved 14 hours of sleep.
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In summary, a day at the beach can look drastically different for families with kids compared to those without. While parents are often overwhelmed with preparations and constant supervision, child-free adults enjoy a more relaxed experience, complete with leisure and spontaneity.