I think the skill set acquired through parenting is immensely valuable for coping with life in general. Things like organization, scheduling, versatility and self discipline come to mind, but the list is varied and endless. You will improve at everything from shopping through cooking and depending on the ages of the kids, the subset of skills you hone will surprise you. For instance, by the time my son was a toddler, It occurred to me one day that I could identify the makes & models of baby strollers at surprising distances. Which reminds me, does anyone know if Aprica’s still around? The baby through toddler period is also the era where you’re initiated into gossiping networks at parks and playgrounds. Looking back, those were heady days. I could switch out a diaper in record time. Seriously, I’d go at it like a rodeo event, with my pocket watch layed out to time the race before cheering moms and nannies. Those were the glory days.