Underrated Milestones

My second kid turned eight months old yesterday. He has a few teeth, we’ve started easing him into baby food (with disastrous results), and he’s looking to crawl any minute, which is going to severely complicate my life and increase my stress level.

Meanwhile, the original kid started first grade last week. He is about to lose a few teeth, tried oysters for the first time over the summer (loved them!), and, most significantly, is dangerously close to being able to read the channel guide, thus preventing me from lying about his shows not being on.

This is all very momentous, obviously, but when do my kids’ developmental milestones start benefiting me?

Most developmental milestones are great for the kids, but pretty lame for the parents.milestones, parenting, dad and buried, children, growing up, family, fatherhood, dads, toddlers, babies, development, skills

Sure, it’s exciting to see your kids grow up and start to morph from useless wormblobs to useless miniature human beings, but if my five-year-old is any indication, most of the skills kids acquire usually end up making your life more difficult. Like I said: lame!

I’ve compiled a list of underrated milestones; milestones that actually improve the quality of your life, rather than make it worse.

Underrated Milestones

  • Can hold own bottle – My arms are tired, bro. (I just turned 40.) Pick up the slack already!
  • Can hold own head up/sit up without being held – Finally, you don’t have to worry about his head falling off and/or concussions. Plus you have a hand free for your phone, or your beer, or to stop your other kid from doing something stupid.
  • Can turn on the TV – Detective Munch reached this stage shortly before we had The Hammer, and it was glorious. It allowed Mom and Buried and I a few extra winks while he gorged on (a maximum of) two episodes of some insipid children’s show. Then we had The Hammer and I literally can’t remember a time when I wasn’t awake so it’s hardly matters anymore.
  • Can get dressed – Not only does this one also buy you a little extra time to yourself in the morning, it’s also often hilarious. It also allows me to blame my son whenever I accidentally dress him in something that clashes. I’m colorblind, get off me!
  • Can wipe own butt – This could be the entire list. It’s basically all I care about anymore. There is nothing more humiliating than wiping another person’s ass, unless you count wiping his ass after he prefaces his trip to the bathroom with his customary “I wipe then you wipe!” process, unless you count being summoned to the bathroom for your portion of the wiping process with shouts of “Ding dong! Ding dong!”, unless you count being summoned to the bathroom for your portion of the wiping process with shouts of “Hot dog! Hot dog!” because for some reason that’s the code word he chose to let me know it’s my turn to clean his feces because parenting is a goddamn DELIGHT.
  • Can go to bus stop alone – This happens eventually, right? I can just send him down the street alone? Please tell me this happens eventually. Today I stood there for 30 minutes (bus was late) while he and his friends repeatedly ran up and down the block, screeching as they passed, long before I had any coffee.
  • Can get own breakfast – Another entry in the “please let me get five more minutes of sleep” category. I should probably just start putting his cereal bars and mini-muffins somewhere he can reach them. God I’m an idiot.
  • Can cook my breakfast – Just stand on a stool and put some bacon in the microwave, dude. Help a brother out.
  • Can catch – Detective Munch can throw like a champ. (He often reminds me by whipping things at my crotch.) But unless you’re talking about colds, or the Dothraki virus, or a whipping, he can’t catch anything to save his life. It won’t exactly improve my life when he acquires this skill, but I’ll at least stop having to make fun of the goofy little butterfingers!
  • Can Google – BECAUSE ENOUGH WITH THE QUESTIONS ALREADY.
  • Can stay home alone – Babysitters are expensive!
  • Can take care of younger siblings – Babysitters are expensive!
  • Can pick me up from the bar – Uber is expensive!
  • Can do chores/do homework – I didn’t make it to 40 just so I can repeat the crap I hated doing when I was a kid. Why do you think I had kids in the first place?!

Click here to respond to this post on Dad and Buried’s Facebook page.


Print page

132 thoughts on “Underrated Milestones

  1. I am a stay at home mother of five. Although i don’t agree with everything you say, I do admire how honest you are about parenting. (Especially the wiping of small butts lol) because let’s be honest….it’s not all birthday cakes and smiles all the time! Parenting is hard and exhausting sometimes. I’m sure it feels good to let your thoughts and frustrations out on your blog. Will be following. Sincerely -nearlyhalfadozen.

  2. Pingback: New Year's Resolutions Parents Wish Their Kids Made

  3. Pingback: The World's Most Stressful Accessory - Dad and Buried

  4. **vitrafoxin**

    vitrafoxin is a premium brain enhancement formula crafted with natural ingredients to promote clear thinking, memory retention, and long-lasting mental energy.

  5. **hepatoburn**

    hepatoburn is a high-quality, plant-forward dietary blend created to nourish liver function, encourage a healthy metabolic rhythm, and support the bodys natural fat-processing pathways.

  6. **femipro**

    femipro is a dietary supplement developed as a natural remedy for women facing bladder control issues and seeking to improve their urinary health.

  7. **sugarmute**

    sugarmute is a science-guided nutritional supplement created to help maintain balanced blood sugar while supporting steady energy and mental clarity

  8. **prime biome**

    The natural cycle of skin cell renewal plays a vital role in maintaining a healthy and youthful appearance by shedding old cells and generating new ones.

  9. **tonic greens**

    tonic greens is a cutting-edge health blend made with a rich fusion of natural botanicals and superfoods, formulated to boost immune resilience and promote daily vitality.

  10. **oradentum**

    oradentum is a comprehensive 21-in-1 oral care formula designed to reinforce enamel, support gum vitality, and neutralize bad breath using a fusion of nature-derived, scientifically validated compounds.

  11. **biodentex**

    biodentex is an advanced oral wellness supplement made for anyone who wants firmer-feeling teeth, calmer gums, and naturally cleaner breath over timewithout relying solely on toothpaste, mouthwash, or strong chemical rinses.

  12. Hey There. I found your blog using msn. This is a really well written article. I’ll make sure to bookmark it and return to read more of your useful info. Thanks for the post. I’ll definitely return.

  13. Fantastic goods from you, man. I’ve understand your stuff previous to and you are just too fantastic. I actually like what you’ve acquired here, certainly like what you are stating and the way in which you say it. You make it entertaining and you still take care of to keep it smart. I cant wait to read much more from you. This is really a wonderful web site.

  14. Just wish to say your article is as surprising. The clarity in your post is simply spectacular and i could assume you are an expert on this subject. Fine with your permission allow me to grab your RSS feed to keep up to date with forthcoming post. Thanks a million and please keep up the gratifying work.

  15. Can I just say what a relief to find somebody who truly understands what they are talking about on the internet. You actually realize how to bring a problem to light and make it important. A lot more people must check this out and understand this side of the story. I was surprised that you aren’t more popular given that you most certainly have the gift.

  16. Wow that was odd. I just wrote an very long comment but after I clicked submit my comment didn’t appear. Grrrr… well I’m not writing all that over again. Anyway, just wanted to say fantastic blog!

  17. Wow that was odd. I just wrote an very long comment but after I clicked submit my comment didn’t appear. Grrrr… well I’m not writing all that over again. Regardless, just wanted to say great blog!

  18. Hey I know this is off topic but I was wondering if you knew of any widgets I could add to my blog that automatically tweet my newest twitter updates. I’ve been looking for a plug-in like this for quite some time and was hoping maybe you would have some experience with something like this. Please let me know if you run into anything. I truly enjoy reading your blog and I look forward to your new updates.

  19. Right now it appears like WordPress is the best blogging platform out there right now. (from what I’ve read) Is that what you are using on your blog?

  20. Hi there, You’ve done a fantastic job. I’ll definitely digg it and for my part recommend to my friends. I’m confident they’ll be benefited from this site.

  21. Hey I know this is off topic but I was wondering if you knew of any widgets I could add to my blog that automatically tweet my newest twitter updates. I’ve been looking for a plug-in like this for quite some time and was hoping maybe you would have some experience with something like this. Please let me know if you run into anything. I truly enjoy reading your blog and I look forward to your new updates.

  22. Aw, this was a really good post. Taking a few minutes and actual effort to make a top notch article… but what can I say… I procrastinate a whole lot and don’t seem to get nearly anything done.

  23. Wow that was unusual. I just wrote an really long comment but after I clicked submit my comment didn’t show up. Grrrr… well I’m not writing all that over again. Anyway, just wanted to say superb blog!

  24. May I simply say what a comfort to find somebody who actually knows what they’re talking about on the internet. You actually understand how to bring a problem to light and make it important. A lot more people have to read this and understand this side of your story. I was surprised that you are not more popular given that you most certainly have the gift.

  25. Pretty component of content. I just stumbled upon your blog and in accession capital to assert that I acquire actually enjoyed account your weblog posts. Anyway I will be subscribing in your augment or even I achievement you get entry to persistently rapidly.

  26. Aw, this was an extremely good post. Taking the time and actual effort to create a really good article… but what can I say… I put things off a whole lot and don’t seem to get nearly anything done.

  27. Wow that was unusual. I just wrote an very long comment but after I clicked submit my comment didn’t show up. Grrrr… well I’m not writing all that over again. Anyway, just wanted to say great blog!

  28. Hi there! This post couldn’t be written any better! Looking at this article reminds me of my previous roommate! He constantly kept talking about this. I will send this information to him. Fairly certain he’ll have a very good read. Thanks for sharing!

  29. Wow that was unusual. I just wrote an incredibly long comment but after I clicked submit my comment didn’t appear. Grrrr… well I’m not writing all that over again. Anyway, just wanted to say superb blog!

  30. Hello there, You’ve performed a fantastic job. I’ll certainly digg it and personally suggest to my friends. I am sure they’ll be benefited from this web site.

  31. Hey I know this is off topic but I was wondering if you knew of any widgets I could add to my blog that automatically tweet my newest twitter updates. I’ve been looking for a plug-in like this for quite some time and was hoping maybe you would have some experience with something like this. Please let me know if you run into anything. I truly enjoy reading your blog and I look forward to your new updates.

  32. Hey I know this is off topic but I was wondering if you knew of any widgets I could add to my blog that automatically tweet my newest twitter updates. I’ve been looking for a plug-in like this for quite some time and was hoping maybe you would have some experience with something like this. Please let me know if you run into anything. I truly enjoy reading your blog and I look forward to your new updates.

  33. Hey I know this is off topic but I was wondering if you knew of any widgets I could add to my blog that automatically tweet my newest twitter updates. I’ve been looking for a plug-in like this for quite some time and was hoping maybe you would have some experience with something like this. Please let me know if you run into anything. I truly enjoy reading your blog and I look forward to your new updates.

  34. Aw, this was an exceptionally good post. Taking a few minutes and actual effort to make a good article… but what can I say… I put things off a whole lot and don’t manage to get anything done.

  35. Hey I know this is off topic but I was wondering if you knew of any widgets I could add to my blog that automatically tweet my newest twitter updates. I’ve been looking for a plug-in like this for quite some time and was hoping maybe you would have some experience with something like this. Please let me know if you run into anything. I truly enjoy reading your blog and I look forward to your new updates.

  36. At this time it appears like BlogEngine is the preferred blogging platform available right now. (from what I’ve read) Is that what you are using on your blog?

  37. I used to be suggested this website via my cousin. I’m no longer certain whether or not this publish is written by means of him as nobody else understand such unique about my difficulty. You’re amazing! Thanks!

  38. Can I just say what a comfort to uncover someone who genuinely knows what they are discussing over the internet. You certainly understand how to bring a problem to light and make it important. More people ought to read this and understand this side of the story. I was surprised you are not more popular since you certainly have the gift.

  39. Can I simply just say what a comfort to uncover someone that truly understands what they’re discussing online. You definitely know how to bring a problem to light and make it important. More and more people must check this out and understand this side of the story. I can’t believe you are not more popular given that you definitely have the gift.

  40. Hi there, You’ve performed an excellent job. I will certainly digg it and for my part recommend to my friends. I’m confident they will be benefited from this site.

  41. Aw, this was a really good post. Taking the time and actual effort to generate a great article… but what can I say… I put things off a lot and don’t seem to get anything done.

  42. Hey there, You’ve done an incredible job. I will definitely digg it and in my opinion suggest to my friends. I am confident they’ll be benefited from this website.

  43. Hey I know this is off topic but I was wondering if you knew of any widgets I could add to my blog that automatically tweet my newest twitter updates. I’ve been looking for a plug-in like this for quite some time and was hoping maybe you would have some experience with something like this. Please let me know if you run into anything. I truly enjoy reading your blog and I look forward to your new updates.

  44. May I just say what a relief to uncover someone who genuinely knows what they’re discussing on the web. You actually realize how to bring an issue to light and make it important. More and more people need to read this and understand this side of your story. It’s surprising you’re not more popular since you definitely have the gift.

  45. Currently it looks like Movable Type is the best blogging platform out there right now. (from what I’ve read) Is that what you are using on your blog?

  46. Aw, this was a very nice post. Taking the time and actual effort to create a really good article… but what can I say… I hesitate a whole lot and don’t seem to get nearly anything done.

  47. Currently it seems like Movable Type is the top blogging platform out there right now. (from what I’ve read) Is that what you’re using on your blog?

  48. Wow that was odd. I just wrote an very long comment but after I clicked submit my comment didn’t show up. Grrrr… well I’m not writing all that over again. Anyways, just wanted to say wonderful blog!

  49. May I simply say what a comfort to uncover a person that truly understands what they’re discussing online. You definitely realize how to bring an issue to light and make it important. A lot more people ought to read this and understand this side of your story. I was surprised that you’re not more popular given that you surely have the gift.

  50. Aw, this was an exceptionally good post. Taking the time and actual effort to generate a great article… but what can I say… I put things off a whole lot and never manage to get nearly anything done.

  51. Wow that was strange. I just wrote an very long comment but after I clicked submit my comment didn’t appear. Grrrr… well I’m not writing all that over again. Regardless, just wanted to say superb blog!

  52. Wow that was strange. I just wrote an really long comment but after I clicked submit my comment didn’t show up. Grrrr… well I’m not writing all that over again. Anyways, just wanted to say superb blog!

  53. Hey I know this is off topic but I was wondering if you knew of any widgets I could add to my blog that automatically tweet my newest twitter updates. I’ve been looking for a plug-in like this for quite some time and was hoping maybe you would have some experience with something like this. Please let me know if you run into anything. I truly enjoy reading your blog and I look forward to your new updates.

  54. Aw, this was an exceptionally nice post. Taking a few minutes and actual effort to create a good article… but what can I say… I put things off a whole lot and don’t seem to get nearly anything done.

  55. Aw, this was an incredibly nice post. Taking a few minutes and actual effort to create a superb article… but what can I say… I procrastinate a lot and never seem to get anything done.

  56. Can I simply just say what a comfort to discover someone that truly understands what they’re discussing on the net. You actually realize how to bring an issue to light and make it important. A lot more people should check this out and understand this side of the story. It’s surprising you aren’t more popular given that you definitely possess the gift.

  57. Aw, this was an extremely nice post. Spending some time and actual effort to create a great article… but what can I say… I put things off a lot and never manage to get nearly anything done.

  58. Aw, this was an extremely good post. Taking the time and actual effort to generate a superb article… but what can I say… I hesitate a lot and don’t seem to get nearly anything done.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.