The biggest addiction of all

There is an addiction so infectious it is an epidemic. It affects 1 out of every 3 people, and stays with you for life. It costs you money, time and your entire lifestyle will change. It’s called parenting.

Warning signs that you are about to become addicted:

You become broody every time you see a baby. You have the need to nurture and take care of something other than yourself. You feel your biological clock start ticking and you feel the urge to procreate.  You “ooh” and “aaah” over your friends Facebook pictures of their children. Your mother starts hinting that she wants grandchildren.

You can tell straight way upon entering someone’s home if they are addicted, there will be photos of their children on walls in frames on canvases almost everywhere. They will have child friendly furniture, gadgets to plug up holes in their electricity sockets. Strange vices around their home called toys, designed to help ease them into their new lifestyle. They will seek out family friendly places to go, where like-minded addicts can hang out and swop stories of their addiction.

Side effects:

Lack of sleep for the first few years, hours of soiled nappies, bedding and clothing. Potty training, sleep training and toddler tantrum sessions. Your life will never be the same, half your income will now be spent keeping up with this addiction.

All is not lost, there are websites, magazines and even support groups out there designed to help you cope with this particular addiction. Some people even feel the need to do it over and over again, by having more than one child.

There is good news though; it will make you far happier than anything you have ever experienced. The joy of being a parent (birth or adoption) is more than worth the sleepless nights and the damage to your financial security. I am happy to say, this is one addiction I will never beat.

I have however, discovered and new and just as dangerous addiction, grand parenting!!!