I was telling my friend this today:

Parenting makes me less happy but imbues my days with more purpose.

It’s a worthwhile endeavour - no doubt - but I would enjoy it more when they grow into their teens and allow me to have snippets of my life back haha

On some days, I can’t even eat what I want without pandering to their preferences. This loss of autonomy is difficult for me.

Is DINK the norm in your country?