My kids are far from spoiled, and I myself had a wonderful upbringing, but every once in a while I look at their lives and say to myself, “In my next life, I want to come back as one of MY OWN kids.”

It happened last week. We had cousins visiting from overseas and it was all kinds of crazy fun. After several late nights, I allowed them to sleep in and be late for school one morning. This is something I’ve never done before and certainly something my mother never allowed. If we wanted to stay up and party like it’s 1999, I can assure you my mother had us up bright and early to greet that first sunrise of 2000. That makes sense to me – why protect them from natural consequences? But I let them sleep in last week. That one time.

They are currently experiencing something else that makes me think I should come back as them in my next life. They are on a cruise ship performing with their dance troupe: 

Yes, it’s rough – I know.

I managed to finagle my way in as “Stage Manager” because there was no way these privileged tweens were going without me.

So, you’ll have to excuse me – I have to meet Gopher on the Lido Deck for a cocktail. Can’t wait to see what Isaac is serving up!

What about your kids – do you see them experiencing things and having opportunities that were completely off your radar as a child?

Julie Cole is the co-founding VP of Mabel’s Labels, the leading provider of labels for the stuff kids lose!

Like her on Facebook – Mabel’s Labels or follow on Twitter @juliecole and  @mabelhood