High chairs and living rooms do not go together. Even when you are past the high chair stage, the living room is like a lost eater's paradise. Little people spill things and unless you want your couch and carpet to have short life spans, dinner in the living room is out. You also can no longer snack at will. If you eat, the child demands to partake and there is no point in screwing up that precious Schedule for a bowl of chips.
Privacy is a freedom of the past.
My husband dresses in the closet because at least the bedroom door bursting open gives him a two second warning. You must sleep dressed as if you are expecting a fire, in preparation for the middle of the night wail or the 6 a.m. pair of big eyes standing silently beside the bed, staring at you. Sex used to be a free and lazy pleasure. It is now something you must steal late at night - or if you are daring, behind a locked door. Your ear must always be cocked for the slightest sound and you must have a plausible explanation ready should your little strict parent question you.