Kid's Are Great!
By Steve Newton

I hear this statement often and I agree, I even use it myself from time to time. But why are kids so great? I know that without my 3 munchkins I would have a much healthier bank balance, I would spend less time worrying, my wife and I would have more time alone and I wouldn't have to stand in line to use the toilet.

I would be able to sleep the whole night through, my boots and hat would be where I left them and not scattered around the house by a 4 going on 40 year old. I am pretty sure the smells that waft through the house from time to time would fade and I know my old dog would appreciate the absence of little "cowboys" who are forever stabling him or worse, trying to saddle him up.

We'd be able to say "Yes" to invitations, instead of, "If we can get a babysitter". (Even though lately it's more like "If we can afford it").

Hmm, it does seem life would be better without them. I mean I would probably not get as many kisses without my kids around but I am sure the ones I did get would be slobber free. And I am fairly certain I could find another excuse to sit and watch the cartoon channel. Although I could be hard pressed to explain sitting out in the backyard sipping imaginary cups of tea and talking to a stuffed dolphin.

With all the money we save not having kids, we could go to the movies more often. Without the kids we could go to any 'M' movie showing. Although I have to admit, some of the best movies I have watched were chosen by my nine year old.

I don't really enjoy dragging all the pillows and blankets into the lounge room and making a fortress to protect ourselves from the onslaught of the vicious dinosaur robots.(a.k.a. my 4 year old and a few plastic reinforcements!) I know it seems like I am having fun but I would much rather be sitting quietly reading a book.

And despite what my middle animal obsessed son believes, I have seen a bug before. Even one with black 'pots' on it's back! I may put down whatever I am doing at the time and smile and have an indepth discussion about how 'Beauty the bug', his new friend, was floating in the dog's bowl, but this does not mean I enjoy discovering the world all over again with my sons.

I am 28 years old so I have seen sunsets before. I like sunsets, always have. They aren't anymore beautiful just because a small boy with a curious mind and a heart of gold takes your hand and points it out to you. And you know, it is amazing the wonderful stories that one beautiful rainbow can fire in the imagination of a small boy.

And I have always had a soft spot for my wife (obviously). So the lump I get in my throat and the warmth I feel in my heart when I see her dancing with our baby in the morning sunlight are nothing new.

So in the face of all this evidence, why are kids great?

I think I have just answered that question.

Steve

About the Author

Steve Newton has 3 sons and still most of his hair! He is a teacher and his kids are 9, 4 and 2. He enjoys sports, computers, reading and movies. He is 28, married to another teacher and lives in Queensland, Australia.
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