Being a parent is a funny old game. Just last night I found myself watching television with the kids. It was a show almost 25 years old that I avoided in my youth because I thought it was dire. Second time around, it had me laughing out loud. I think I have no choice but to add this show to my expanding list of guilty pleasures, pleasures I have been introduced to because I am a father.
Of course, you’re no doubt sat there wondering what on Earth this programme was. I reveal all below, as well as a few other guilty pleasures I have discovered as a dad.
The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air
Yes, I found myself watching The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air. It was a confusing experience because I found myself laughing at times.
It transpires Helen watched an episode at school because her class will be reproducing the theme tune in a music lesson. Having enjoyed what she saw at school, she asked to watch it at home.
I didn’t want to agree to this at first because we were supposed to be going swimming. The local pool, however, was closed and so as a consolation prize, I agreed to her request. That said, I had to go on a ridiculous search of every streaming service imaginable until I eventually tracked it down.
When we watched the show, I confess I laughed at the gags. I won’t deny it though, some of the characters were ridiculous stereotypes and Will Smith’s acting was, ahem, questionable. This may well be why I didn’t like it when I was younger.
I am a confirmed Swifty
Of course, Fresh Prince of Bel Air is just one guilty pleasure. The children have also introduced me to the joys of Taylor Swift.
My (so-called) taste in music is diverse. I will listen to everything from reggae and jazz to thrash metal and electronica. I would never have considered listening to Swift. There’s a bit too much fascination in the media, no doubt manufactured, about her boyfriend(s). Her appearance is a bit too perfect and there was all that fuss about #TheSquad.
Only thing is, it’s not quite that simple. There’s no question that she’s an incredibly talented multi-instrumentalist, a great performer and an absolute first-rate lyricist. Being a writer myself, it’s her skills as a lyricist that really stand out for me and I’d rather my kids were listening to Taylor Swift that Little Mix. Anyway, we’ll move on shall we?
The wonder of the onesie
My kids have introduced me to the Wonder of the Onsie. No, no, no, I do not own a onsie myself and I have never worn one. The onesie is, frankly, a shocking garment.
My kids, however, love them. They are so useful when I take the kids swimming. They just change into their onesie once they’re out of the pool and have a bath or shower at home. I’ll summarise by saying onesies are great for kids, not for grown-ups and as a parent, they are a wonderful labour saving garment.
Swimming
Talking of swimming, it’s is an activity I avoided like a plague once I’d left school. The water is just so germ ridden and filthy.
My kids, however, love swimming and so I grin and bear it. Over time, and it has taken a lot of time, I have come round to swimming myself and even enjoy it.
Just don’t ever expect me to put my face in the water. No way, absolutely no way.
Animated films
In my pre-fatherhood days, I simply wouldn’t watch a film that was animated. They just didn’t appeal at all.
How life has changed! I suspect 90% of films I watch these days are animated. Big Hero 6, Zootropolis, Trolls, Frozen (remember Frozen?), the Despicable Me films, yeah I have seen them all. What’s more, I enjoy most of them!
What are your guilty pleasures?
Those are a few of the guilty pleasures I now enjoy as a father. How about you? Are you a onesie loving mum or dad? Perhpas you love Justin Beiber? Maybe you’re into, dare I say it Katy Perry? Go on, leave a comment below explaining what pleasures you have come to enjoy now you have kids.
Post shared via #ThatFridayLinky hosted by the Diydaddy blog.
28 thoughts on “Guilty pleasures I have as a parent”
I wore a onsie way past the age I should have. Funny about the Fresh Prince, I often listened to the opening then changed the channel. I did enjoy his songs on the MTV though. Kids shows and movies seem way better now than when I was a kid although I wouldn’t pass up an opportunity to watch Johnny Quest or Beanie and Cecil.
Okay Jeanna, I confess I am not familair with Johnny Quest or Beanie and Cecil. Must be kids shows that never made it over to this side of the Atlantic. As for the onsie, I shall keep a dignified silence!
Swimming is a firm favourite in this house too! My son loves it. I also really enjoy taking him to the cinema, time to spend together, plus it’s a chance to chill out!
Ah yes, going to the cinema. That’s a firm favourite in this household. A great way to spend quality time.
I have 2 grown kids so I’m going to refer to being a dog owner – and they have introduced me to blankets. We now have a home filled with blankets. Blankets turn a sofa from comfy to cosy! (and there isn’t any guilt involved haha). Wear your onesie with pride my friend xx
Now this begs the question: Aren’t the blankets covered in dog hairs??
Being of a certain age, I would never have seen, not to say immensely enjoyed the Pixar canon of wonderful movies. Toy Story(s), The Incredibles and WALL.E. I loved Despicable Me (s) too! #BlogCrush
yeah, i have a biased opinion when it comes to Despicable me because I met and interviewed Steve Carell when the last film came out. Wall.E is an absolute classic, just so calming for the kids. As you know, sometimes you just want to watch something calm!
I was a convert of The Fresh Prince as a child, so when the kids suggested we watch as a family I jumped at the chance and for a while it became the staple goto series in our house too. As to Taylor Swift and Onesies (not together), I’m flatly refusing. While I feel I have some good Dadding Skills and happy to try most things (painted nails, dress up, et al.), I have avoided so far Swift and onesies!
That’s fine, I can live with you not liking Taylor….just don’t tell me you’re a Katy Perry fan.
I love all the CGI movies. The Incredibles in particular. Listening to the nips music e.g. soundtracks from their movies and the songs, I pretty much know all the words to the majority of them at this stage and find myself humming them/singing them on a regular basis!!!! I’ve also discovered scootering with them. My wife bought me an adult scooter for Christmas and I’m just gonna put it out there – it’s MEGA FUN !!!!! Try it before ya knock it is all I’m say hehehehe. #ThatFridayLinky
Oh adult scooters are great! I had one and watch this space, might be doing something more about scooters in the near future.
Love the Fresh Prince, can still sing every word of the theme song! I agree about onesies but still can’t get into animated films. #blogcrush
Took me a long time to accept animated films in fairness. It’s been fascinating writing this post. There are so many fans of Fresh Prince out there!
Animated films are a particular joy or enjoying toys you were never allowed. #BlogCrush
Ooo, I hadn’t thought of toys I wasn’t allowed. That’s a good one. I’ll have to give that some thought, see if I can think of anything my kids have that I wasn’t allowed.
Im ashamed to say that I still know all of the words to the Prince of Bel- Air theme tune hahaha. Ive got so many guilty pleasures….Take That, Britney Spears (lol) and absolutely love a onesie!
Britney Spears, yes that is a guilty pleasure! Not one of mine, I must say. My kids know all the words to the fresh Prince theme tune too. They’re constantly singing it.
I used to love Fresh Prince back in the day but when it is on I still watch it. I feel you with films and do like Despicable Me and minions. Not a fan of frozen makes me gag X #thatfridaylinky
Yeah, I like the Despicable Me films but then I did get to interview Steve Carrell when the last one came out so I am a bit biased! Must say frozen doesn’t quite have effect on me but Greatest Showman seems to have taken the place of Frozen (and it’s not animated!).
Haha! Fab read John my guilty pleasures well Katy Perry is definitely one to the point where I went to see her live in concert she was awesome. Oh yes always loved the Waltons probably makes me sad that lol Thanks for linking to #Thatfridaylinky hope to see you next week
Oh dear Nigel. As a confirmed taylor Swift fan, I’m not sure what I am to make of your love of Katy Perry. I am not sure I can look at you in the same way ever again.
My seven year old loves Taylor Swift and I have a hard time complaining. When our teen was about 12 and TS was still a country singer I took her to a concert and have to say that it was one hell of a performance. I’ve always liked the Fresh Prince. No judgement from me there either. I enjoy introducing the kids to stuff that I liked as a child. The old Dungeons and Dragons cartoon was a pretty big hit. #thatfridaylinky
Oh Dungeons and Dragons, that brings back memories! As it happens, the kids have developed a huge affection for Doctor Who. Having started on the up to date episodes, we’ve been going backwards watching episodes from the 80s, 70s and 60s. No doubting, TS is a superb performer.
Haha yes to all of these (and I do actually own a onesie, although it is only reserved for the coldest of winter nights!). My husband’s guilt pleasure as a parent is My Little Pony – he always tells people how great the storylines are and how easily he gets drawn in! Haha.
And just a little heads up – someone chose to this post to the BlogCrush linky for you. Hurray! Feel free to pop over and collect your “I’ve been featured” blog badge #blogcrush
Thanks Lucy. sorry I’ev had a manic week so not had a chance to pop over to the linky. Will do on another occasion I promise! I think your husband is what;s called a Bronnie? That’s what you call an adult My Little Pony fan. I will keep a dignified silence about the onesie.
My guilty pleasures include watching Banana Man & Super Ted on YouTube – the kids love it! #ThatFridayLinky
Oh Banana Man and Super Ted. Good grief that brings back memories! I’ve started watching 70s and 80s Dr Who episodes with the eldest. They are so bad they’re great.