Being a mommy or daddy is a one-of-a-kind experience, especially in D.C. where families from across the globe come to set up roots. But there are some overarching—often hilarious—truths about parenting in The District (i.e. the year-long waitlists for preschool, the cupcake wars—one kid wants Georgetown and the other wants Sprinkles, and how your little one learned some of their colors by studying the metro map). Read on for the 15 signs you’re a DC parent, and then let us know in the comments section below which signs ring true for you.

#1 A trip to the Mall involves museums, not stores or a food court.

Photo courtesy of thisisbossi via Flickr

#2 While running errands you’ve stopped in Maryland, Washington, D.C. and Virginia…on the same day.


Photo courtesy of Kethaneni1 via Flickr

#3 Your kids try to guess if the helicopter they just spotted was carrying President Obama.

Photo courtesy of John M. Dollan via Flickr.

#4 Your kids know to stand to the right.

Photo courtesy of Joe Architect via Flickr

#5 Your three-year old can count to 10 in English, French, Spanish and Mandarin.

Photo courtesy of Jackie Popp via Flickr

#6 “August recess” is something Congress does, and has nothing to do with your kid’s school.

Photo courtesy of Bethany Christian via Flickr

#7 You know how to say and spell Clemyjontri Park without hesitation.

Photo courtesy of drewsaunders via Flickr

#8 You have pictures of your kids with George,  Teddy,  Abe and Jefferson, and they’re all playing baseball.

Photo courtesy of wallyg via Flickr

#9 Your child is a regular watcher of “Meet the Press.”

Photo courtesy of DWSforCongress via Flickr

#10 Your kid is a cupcake connoisseur.

Photo courtesy of amanda_face via Flickr

#11a You’ve looked at every preschool in a five mile radius and they all have waitlists.
#11b Your friend is on the same school waitlist and she isn’t even pregnant yet!

Photo courtesy of Horseaholic via Flickr

#12 “I got stuck behind a motorcade” is an excuse you use often when dropping off or picking up your kid late. Except it’s not an excuse.

Photo courtesy of Allen Stephens via Flickr

#13 Your kid wants to take up rowing.

Photo courtesy of esti- via Flickr

#14 Your kids have friends who don’t know what their parents do because it’s top secret government work.

Photo courtesy of willowbendic via Flickr

#15 You listen to go-go music while cleaning the house.

Photo courtesy of The Chuck Brown Band

#16 Fast food comes from a truck, not a drive-thru.

Photo courtesy of majunznk via Flickr

Did we miss anything? Tell us in the comments below what makes you a bonafide D.C. parent. 

—Ayren Jackson-Cannady

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