Parenthood is all about compromise. But so is adulthood in general. So is life in general. You learn this from a young age. For example, if you live in a colder climate and celebrate Halloween. You’re probably so excited to go about the town in your costume. You picked it out and you’re thrilled to wear it around the town. But odds are, it’s made out of something flimsy. And it doesn’t exactly keep you warm. Your mom forces you to wear a puffy jacket over it, ruining the whole vibe. You learned, in this moment, that life is cruel. You may not always get what you want, and you have to be okay with that nonetheless. 

It’s that time of year when being a kid is awesome. Halloween is the most fun when you’re a kid, and anyone who says anything other than that is lying. Trick or treating is the best. People aren’t as willing to give you free candy when you’re an adult. Nobody prepares you for that moment. But if you’re a parent, you can take the parent tax.