Once we graduate, we all tend to experience "baby fever." We're all ready to settle down long term with the "love of our life" and start our own family that we swear will be better than the family we grew up in. Well that's what we think we're ready for anyway. Although the day we get to look into the eyes of our baby boy or baby girl will probably be the best day ever, there are so many things in the world that we should experience before we have to take on the responsibilities of being a parent.
Before you say goodbye to going out weekly and having your alone time whenever you want it and before you say hello to dirty diapers and crying 24/7, here are 18 things you should experience before you become the best mom or dad out there.
1. Travel to an exotic island.
Once you have children, you don't always have the money or time to go somewhere out of the ordinary. Book a flight and take a trip to Bora Bora, Bali or the Maldives, whether it's alone or with your other half.
2. Have a steady career.
Typical, I know, but knowing you don't have to worry about finding a long-term job makes life easier and allows you to focus on other things.
3. Go to a music festival.
Music festivals are amazing. Attend a festival, any festival, before having kid,s because once you have a little one running around you'll probably end up only listening to the "Little Einsteins" theme song over and over again.
4. Help change someone's life.
Once you have a child, you're constantly shaping their lives because it's your duty. Before you're given this responsibility, go out in the world and help either someone you know or a complete stranger with something that will impact them forever.
5. Become a shopaholic for a day.
Every penny you have goes towards your precious bundle of joy, so why not spoil yourself for a day or maybe a week before you can't in the future.
6. No sleep, just play.
Whether it's with your friends or your other half, go out and have fun for 24 hours. You'll probably be tired, but once you have a baby you'll be wishing for a night out.
7. Learn something new.
Learn how to play an instrument, speak a new language or cook an extravagant meal. It might seem dumb, but it'll be a while before you're able to learn something new on your own.
8. Understand who you are.
When stressed out we tend to re-think our whole existence on earth. Try finding yourself and become comfortable with who you are.
9. Go to Oktoberfest in Germany.
Whether you drink or not, experiencing an event known worldwide is something you won't regret attending.
10. Start a rainy day piggy bank.
Life costs a lot in general, so put some money aside so you aren't stressing out about funds later on.
11. Do something you'd never see yourself doing.
Whether it's going to a nude beach, eating frog legs or tree camping, do something that scares you before you have to act tough all of the time.
12. Visit one of the "Seven Wonders of the World."
While only the Great Pyramid of Giza remains from the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, create your own modern version. Christ the Redeemer in Brazil, Machu Picchu in Peru, The Great Wall of China and the Taj Mahal in India are great international contenders. You could also create an American version and include the Grand Canyon, the Golden Gate Bridge, the Empire State Building and so on. Which leads me to ...
13. Drive across the country.
Plot those seven wonders on a U.S. map and take a road trip! Although gas is expensive, seeing the nature and monuments of each city is a sight to experience.
14. Go to an amusement park.
When you have kids, you don't get to act like a kid anymore. A day spent at Disneyland or Six Flags is the best way release the inner kid in you.
15. Figure out your living situation.
Buy a house or rent an apartment that you can see you, your significant other and a baby living for a long time.
16. Read your life away.
Read those books you've had on your to-read list before you constantly get interrupted.
17. Express your youth.
They say, "You'll never be as young as you are today," so take advantage. Go work out, go hiking or just show off that 20-year-old body you have.
18. Find your true love.
None of us want to even think about the idea of being divorced, especially when we have children together. So date as much as you can and find the right one for you, because it's better to date all of the wrong people to find the right one than to marry the wrong one.
