After moving to a new neighborhood, I encountered a senior neighbor just a few blocks away. Her reaction to my four kids was almost comical; she gasped, “Four? Really?!” Then, locking eyes with me, she declared, “Well, I suppose that’s fine, as long as they’re quiet.” Her seriousness made me chuckle awkwardly, masking the embarrassment I felt for simply existing with my family.
I can appreciate where she’s coming from. This is likely her street, one she’s called home for over 50 years. Adjusting to new faces and sounds can be challenging, and I get that my lively crew might feel like an invasion to her. Yet, I often sense that our mere presence is seen as a nuisance—not due to our actions, but because of the potential chaos children might bring. While waiting for our tickets at the airport, I’ve caught annoyed sighs from other travelers, as if our family’s presence was a disturbance. Honestly, I wanted to turn around and say, “Just so you know, we bought six tickets. We have every right to be here just like you.”
Kids are a natural part of society. You don’t have to be a parent or seek out child-free spaces to enjoy life, but expecting a world devoid of children is unrealistic. We all share public parks, sidewalks, grocery stores, and yes, even restaurants (and I unapologetically take my kids to dine out).
We teach our children respect, encouraging them to offer their seats to the elderly and to engage with others meaningfully. They might not be perfect, but they’re learning. And while I aim to guide them, I will not apologize for their existence, nor for their enthusiastic laughter while riding bikes in the neighborhood. Kids are meant to be joyful, and a little noise is just part of that.
In one instance, when we applied for a rental, the property manager replied curtly, “Sorry, this house is too small for your family.” It was a three-bedroom—plenty of space for us, but clearly, the manager didn’t want to deal with the “inconvenience” of kids. (If you find yourself in a similar situation, remember your rights.)
That “annoying” baby screaming on an airplane? They’re probably in discomfort, while you can just turn up your music and zone out. Trust me, it’s tougher for the little one and their parents than it is for you.
I’m not here to stir up conflict or vilify anyone for feeling annoyed by children—believe me, I get annoyed too. Maybe we could commiserate over a glass of wine! But, let’s be real: kids are a part of life, and they bring so much joy and light into the world. I love mine dearly.
Recently, we visited a welcoming church where people of all ages came together, and my kids were treated like family, even receiving crayons and handshakes. It felt heartwarming.
We need everyone in our communities: the grandparents, the toddlers, and even the rambunctious 4-year-olds. That’s life—like it or not.
For more on home insemination, check out this post on artificial insemination kits. And if you’re looking for reliable information about pregnancy, the NICHD is an excellent resource. If you need to change healthcare providers during pregnancy, this guide can help.
In summary, children are a vital part of our communities, and their presence should be embraced rather than resented. Let’s create a society where families feel welcome and valued.