20 Experiences to Enjoy Before Parenthood Begins
Before the feeding schedules and preschool tours take over, there’s a brief and often underappreciated window where time feels like it belongs to you. It’s not selfish to use that space. Parenthood may be the most rewarding job ahead, but here are 20 things you’ll be glad you did while life still moves to your rhythm.
Travel the World (or Just a Little Further)
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Travel provides the freedom to explore without having to consider kid-friendly hotels or the chaos of airport stroller logistics. Take time to enjoy new cuisines, cultures, and landscapes while you still have the time and flexibility to go wherever the wind takes you.
Get Your Beauty Sleep
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Sleep deprivation becomes your reality in the first months of parenthood, and long, restful nights will be a distant memory. So, relish those lazy weekends where you can sleep in, nap, or binge-watch Netflix until the early morning.
Purge Your Home
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Before the baby arrives, it’s a great idea to declutter and create a clean, organized space. Not only does this give you more room for baby essentials, but it also helps in reducing stress. Plus, you can donate the stuff that’s still good to those in need.
Spend “Us Time” With Your Partner
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Date nights become a rarity once you’re knee-deep in diapers and baby schedules. Now is the time to reconnect with your partner. You can reinforce your bond through a dinner date, a weekend getaway, or simply enjoying a movie marathon at home.
Attend That Concert or Festival
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There’s no time to experience live music or your favorite artist in concert like the present. After becoming parents, spontaneous outings may become a thing of the past. So, if there’s a show, festival, or concert you’ve been dying to attend, go for it!
Experience the Luxury of a Fancy Dinner
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Savor the gourmet dishes, and enjoy a peaceful, uninterrupted meal. Dining out post-parenting becomes a bit more chaotic, and you deserve to treat yourself to a night of fine dining while you still have the luxury of a quiet table for two.
Live Alone
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Living alone might seem like an obvious experience for some, but many people skip this stage by jumping straight into relationships and family life. Taking the time to live solo allows you to create your routines, reflect on personal goals, and enjoy the freedom of your space.
Go On an Impromptu Adventure
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These little adventures create memories that can’t be planned, and you’ll look back on them fondly as you settle into the parenting routine. Parenthood doesn’t leave much room for the “spontaneous” in your schedule.
Work On Your Fitness
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Exercise helps you feel great and prepares your body for the changes ahead. Fitness can become a challenge when you balance sleep schedules with daycare pickups. Forming good habits is easier when you don’t have the time constraints of having a kid.
Take a Road Trip
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Hit the road and take a long road trip. You can stop at quirky roadside diners and explore small towns. A road trip is a fun way to experience new places at your own pace, and it’s a perfect activity to enjoy with your partner.
Pamper Yourself With a Spa Day
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Take advantage of those quiet moments. Book a relaxing spa day with massages, facials, and time spent in peaceful bliss. After all, your body will undergo significant changes, and the time for solo relaxation may soon become scarce.
Eat as Much Sushi as You Can
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Before pregnancy food restrictions kick in, make the most of sushi and other foods that might be off-limits. Indulge in fresh rolls, nigiri, and sashimi without hesitation. Appreciate this culinary delicacy before your little one arrives, and your food choices become a bit more kid-friendly.
Spend Time with Close Friends
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Friendships are important, especially once you have kids. But after parenthood, it’s easy to let friendships slip into the background as you focus on your little one. Before the baby arrives, nurture those close relationships as much as you can.
Live in a City (Just Once)
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If you plan to settle into suburban life with your growing family, try living in a bustling city first. Experiencing city life will give you a taste of excitement that can’t be found anywhere else. Explore your city’s food, art, and culture before everything shifts.
Create a Hope Chest
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Starting a tradition or preparing meaningful keepsakes for your child is a great pre-baby activity. A hope chest filled with sentimental items—perhaps a blanket, childhood books, or handwritten letters—can be a touching memory for your family in the years to come.