The Best Things About Being a Parent

In between all the tantrums, sibling rivalry and mess clean ups, it is sometimes hard to be levelheaded and remember why  being a parent is so worthwhile. 

Here is a reminder to you (and to myself, as we battle through a particularly challenging week with a pre-schooler who is being uncharacteristically defiant and a toddler who has learned the word no and the fine art of those rolling on the floor tantrums) as to why being a parent is such a rewarding experience and why, other than the fact that you are genetically programmed to do so, you love them so much.

THE LOVE AND AFFECTION

You will not experience love as unconditional and forgiving as when you become a parent (and this works both ways).  The hugs, kisses and cuddles cannot be compared. No currency can compare to the reward of watching them smile, laugh or say 'I love you'. 

THE FEELING OF BEING NEEDED


This little person is dependent on you for everything and there is a certain sense of fulfillment in being able to meet their physical and emotional needs. And for a fleeting moment in time, you will be the centre of their universes and they will believe that you are a superhero that can do anything and knows everything.

YOU HAVE AN EXCUSE TO RELIVE YOUR CHILDHOOD

When you have kids, you have a legitimate excuse to play games with them, watch cartoons, pop over at Milkylane or Wakaberry or go to theme parks. Without kids, you will just look like a weirdo doing these things. 

IT BUILDS CHARACTER

No single task in your lifetime will teach you as much about patience, commitment and selflessness as parenting. You will shift mountains for this little person and you will consider their best interests in every major decision that you make forever after. Also, as a role model for this little person, you will hopefully reflect on your own actions more and force yourself to improve on your own character.
 
YOU LEAVE A LEGACY

Everyone has that egocentric part of them that enjoys having a mini-me, a tiny person who resembles them in some  way. You have the chance to shape that little person's future and witness all the exciting firsts in their lives and you have bragging rights when they reach new milestones or achieve new things. Watching their personalities develop and watching them gain independence is rewarding in itself. 

If you are lucky, maybe they will even take care of you in your old age!  

THAT MOMENT WHEN YOU GET IT RIGHT

A large part of the parenting journey involves pondering as to whether you are in fact being a good parent or whether you are screwing them up for life. There is no feeling of satisfaction that compares to that moment when, suddenly, that moment comes when your child does something particularly kind, caring or smart all on their own. 

THEIR INNOCENCE

Being around little individuals who have not yet experienced negativity and who have not had their views jaded by life experience will remind you of all that is good and pure and innocent in this world and we can all do with a little more of that. Listening to their world views is a reminder of how simple things really could be. 

What are your favourite things about being a parent?What are the moments that make it all worthwhile? Please share here.