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OK, parents, why do we do it?

Do we do it just for the moment of joy we see on our kids’ faces, or are we just secretly gluttons for punishment?

You know we all have gone through the debate with ourselves while at the pet store, or at a neighbor’s/friend’s house, or a relative’s house…the debate is always the same. Ami I right?

I don’t really want to get this animal because I am gonna end up taking care of it. But it would make my child so happy and I do want them to be happy. But, I am gonna be the one feeding it, walking it, cleaning up after it, paying for it, etc., etc., etc.,…Oh, look at her/him smile! This would make me such an awesome parent (maybe even their favorite???). I should totally do this. NO, WAIT, what I am saying, I don’t want more animal puke, animal drool, animal poop and pee, animal whatever whatever whatever. Dang, it is kinda cute. Couch snuggles would be nice. UGH, I am stupid because I know that joy on the face will only last for two days and then it will be battles trying to get him/her to take care of it. I don’t want it. I hate animals. But, it is awful cute. Where will be put it? Who will care for it when we are out of town? This is a really bad idea. I am just gonna say no.

OK, we’ll take it. 

Followed by screams of joy and many smiles and “Thank you, thank you, thank you”s.

And now all you can think about is, What have I just done???

Followed by dread and loathing until the animal dies or disappears.

Parents, why are we so dumb? I don’t want more pets and yet the kids still get them and we still end up taking care of them. We knew it and we still did it anyway.

We are lame.