Cons:
1. Nobody’s hand to squeeze in that we=dun-good kinda-way when the kids do something super cute or amazing
2. Nobody’s hand to hold in that we’ll-get-through-it kinda-way when things get ugly
3. Three against me, with nobody on team-Jen but the cat (and even then… )
4. No secret sex-capades in the laundry-room while the kids are in the next room watching 101 Dalmatians
5. Nobody to share Santa/Tooth Fairy/Easter Bunny duty with
6. Nobody to split the cost of diapers/braces/bail with
7. Nobody who cares as much and as deeply as I do
8. No co-pilot for the tough decisions like public school vs private school, is it time to put the dog down or is it wrong to smoke the pot you confiscated from your teen
9. Nobody to equally share the guilt of bad parenting with on a run to the dep for munchies
10. Temporary insanity and/or running away from home isn’t really an option when there is nobody to hold the fort while you’re gone
Pros:
1. Bonding more profoundly with the kids as a result of the emotional intimacy in a single parent family.
2. Instilling personal values without interference
3. Full credit for every awesome thing the kids say and do
4. Nobody to hold me accountable when I serve popcorn and carrot sticks with hummus for supper (See #2)
5. Nobody to stop me from getting begged, bullied and guilt tripped talked into taking in stray cats, dogs, fish, guinea pigs, axolotls etc… (this also fits nicely in the list of cons)
6. Realizing my independence the first time I have to deal with the spider in your kid’s room yourself – who needs a man when you have a cat?
7. Painting walls bubblegum pink in any damn room I want to
8. All that Halloween candy (you know, the Halloween candy that disappeared in the tragic overnight infestation of carpenter ants) is mine – Even the Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups
9. Wearing pyjamas all day without being questioned
10. I’m not going lie. That’s all I’ve got. I’m sure there are more but even the 9 was a bit of a stretch. Help me out here people…
