As I call out, “Dinner’s served!” and place a fresh, bubbling lasagna on the table, I realize how quiet the house is. Moments pass, with no footsteps echoing from the stairs. A little more time ticks away before I raise my voice again, “Dinner time!” Eventually, my kids shuffle in, colliding with each other and dragging their chairs.
“I don’t want lasagna!” one of them complains, wrinkling her nose in distaste.
“Is that spinach? Ugh, enough with the spinach!” pipes up another.
“I want chocolate milk!” yells the youngest.
I can’t help but roll my eyes and exhale dramatically. That’s when my oldest, Mia, asks, “Mom, why did you even have us? We’re noisy, annoying, and we argue all the time!”
She forgot to mention that I rarely get a moment to myself—whether it’s to eat, use the bathroom, or drive without kids in the backseat asking endless questions like, “Why is poop brown but sometimes the color of peanut butter?”
“Seriously, Mom, why did you want kids?” she presses.
I think back to my 30-year-old self, newly engaged and blissfully in love with my husband. We hadn’t discussed our plans for kids in detail; it was just an unspoken expectation. Nine months after our honeymoon, surprise! I was pregnant.
Now, twelve years later, I can’t pinpoint exactly why I chose this path, but I can confidently say I’m thankful for my kids. The joy they bring often outweighs the overwhelming chaos of parenting. Here’s what I cherish about having children:
Unmatched Joy
Despite the challenges, my daughters have a remarkable ability to fill my heart with joy. It could be during my eldest’s first solo performance, her voice soaring beautifully, or when my preschooler proudly shows me the letter “L” she’s carefully crafted. Even a simple “I love you, Mommy!” from my 10-year-old can make my heart swell. The bliss of witnessing their growth is simply indescribable.
Living in the Moment
My 3-year-old has mastered the art of being present. Unlike adults who fret about the past or future, she finds happiness in the here and now. When I take a break from my busy schedule to play alongside her with foam blocks, I discover a rare happiness too. Being fully engaged in the moment is a precious gift.
Leadership by Nature
As the go-to person for my kids’ safety, health, and emotional well-being, I’ve naturally stepped into a leadership role. I handle everything from skinned knees to bedtime routines and make countless decisions every day. This responsibility has instilled a newfound confidence in me that I never thought possible.
Embracing Mistakes
As a former perfectionist, I quickly learned that parenting is a messy, trial-and-error adventure. There will be moments of lost tempers, skipped bedtimes, and breakfast for dinner. Perfection is a myth when it comes to raising kids, and that’s perfectly okay.
A Deeper Sense of Gratitude
While I appreciate the big things in life—health, shelter, and food—having children has made me more thankful for the simple moments. Whether it’s celebrating when my toddler’s fever breaks or enjoying the rare occasion my older girls cooperate to build a Lego masterpiece, these small victories bring immense joy.
Comic Relief
Kids are natural comedians. The other day, my youngest was whining about hunger, and I said, “Sorry, kiddo, I don’t have any snacks.” That’s when my middle child chimed in, “Yeah, Mom’s not dealing with you. Been there, raised that!” Humor like this adds levity to the daily grind of parenting.
Sure, there are days when I contemplate what life would be like without my kids, but that thought rarely lingers. There’s always a child asking for a snack, sharing a story, or wrapping their arms around me for no reason at all.
In conclusion, while parenting comes with its fair share of chaos and challenges, the joy, growth, and laughter my kids bring to my life make it all worthwhile. For those considering the journey of motherhood, check out this resource for more on home insemination and parenting.
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