City parents face all kinds of unique challenges—and prevail (see 25 things only NYC parents would ever put up with)! This being said, there are plenty of things in your day-to-day lives that might not make sense or apply to other (*cough* suburban *cough) folks. Fortunately, you'll experience plenty of laughs along the way, and you're not in this journey alone. Cheers to you, NYC moms and dads, for living without modern amenities of the 21st century like, say, a dishwasher (and being totally chill about it).
1. Your kids are two and they're already street smart. Country kids are still learning to look both ways while your tykes are telling YOU to stop at the crosswalk.
2. No car? No problem. You know which grocery stores nearby deliver (woo Steve's!) and you’re an expert at comparing prices with food delivery services like FreshDirect, Urban Organics, AmazonFresh, Peapod.
3. “Amenities” like washer/dryer, full-sized sink/tub and dishwasher are not always easy to come by. If you find all of the above in an apartment, you’ve found the holy grail. Suburban parents often wonder how you’ve made it out alive.
4. There isn’t a day from April through October when you don’t have to argue the pleas for a treat from Mister Softee, because those trucks are legitimately everywhere. Just give in...it's Mister Softee.
5. Your tot might not know your cell phone number right away, but he does know your cross streets and subway stop.
6. You’ve not only memorized every restaurant, cafe and shop that has a bathroom within a mile radius of your apartment and the nearest parks, you’ve also figured out the most secluded al fresco spots for just letting your child—er—answer nature’s call in case of a #1 emergency.
7. You’re comfortable with bringing your baby to a beer garden like Greenwood Park during daytime hours (and all your friends do it too).
8. You know that the MTA’s official stance—children over 44” must pay for a ride on the subway or bus—is more of a casual suggestion than an actual rule.
9. Sure, there’s other competitive school systems in this country, but your child has been studying to get into the gifted and talented program since before they could say “dada.”
10. While visiting families pay to take pictures with costumed characters in Times Square, your kid is far too jaded to stop and wave at Elmo. Also, you’re never in Time Square unless you can help it.
11. Forget your average stroller toys. Your kid's ride doubles as a full-blown entertainment/play center with toys, games and maybe even an iPad, because New Yorkers are used to long waits (and your kids definitely can’t deal).
12. You’re so used to seeing celebrities at the playground that you’re not even fazed by the occasional paparazzi flood.
13. You’ll do anything to get your kid into the best school district (including stalk co-op board directors of the best district apartment buildings).
For more fun from Time Out Kids, check out 14 things that will definitely happen when your family moves to NYC, 21 things no one tells you about being a parent and 31 things you'll never hear a NY parents say.