10 Reasons Why Parents and Zookeepers Are Alike
(Posted on Thursday, March 7, 2019)
I’m pretty sure being a parent gives us the credentials to be a zoo keeper. Here are 10 reasons why parents and zookeepers are alike.
1. I can clean up poop like it’s my job.
Baby poop, toddler poop, poop where it shouldn’t be, identifying if something is in fact poop—we can do it all.
2. Taming wild animals—check!
Wrangling animals— another check! Sometimes having a baby with reflux is like wrangling an alligator… the kicks, the twists, the arching.
And then there are toddler tantrums… Need I say more?
3. Physical strength and endurance from chasing and constraining toddlers—got it!
If you don’t believe me, try to put shoes on a toddler.
4. Feeding animals who can’t seem to be satisfied—I got that one down as well.
One word: Toddlers. If I can con two toddlers into eating a bite of broccoli, I’m sure I can feed wild animals.
Speaking of feeding, we can even empathize with the animals. There have been many times I have felt like an actual cow. Breastfeed, pump, get baby situated, clean pump, and repeat… all day and night.
5. Then there are the feeding schedules—another check!
Baby needs to eat every two to three hours. Toddler needs to eat at 8:00, 12:00, 4:00… and then have snacks at 8:30, 9:00, 9:15, 9:20… You get my point, right?
6. Taking care of the sick—got it!
Between three kids, I feel like someone is always sick. But, this makes us pretty good at dealing with illness, and we know exactly what our kids need to feel better.
7. Giving medicine—got that down too!
In my house, sometimes bringing out medicine leads to immediate chaos. The “yucky medicine” can lead to tears, pleading, and sometimes even throw up. Nothing a little added chocolate syrup or a quick treat can’t solve.
8. Getting bit—check!
Does every baby go through a biting stage? Ouch! Whether it’s biting during breastfeeding, a bite while trying to pry something out of a child’s mouth that shouldn’t be there, or biting due to toddlerdom, every parent has probably been bit at a one time or another.
9. I have accepted the fact that I will always have something sticky or gross on my clothes—or in my hair.
Snot, poop, milk, spit-up, syrup, a squished fruit snack, food… you name it! Something is always there.
10. And finally, we truly love and care about our little animals!
Seriously, how could we not?
Sometimes we don’t give ourselves enough credit for all the things we do for our children and families! Do you ever feel like you aren’t enough? Well, the truth is, we are enough! We are everything and MORE to our kids!
To learn more about me and my blog, check out: About Lauren
You may also enjoy: The Best and Worst Parenting Advice from the Real Experts: Parents or 17 Time-Saving Parenting Tips
