As I set down a bubbling dish of homemade lasagna on the kitchen table, I call out, “Dinner’s ready!” Silence envelops the room. A minute ticks by, then another. Still, no sign of my girls. I raise my voice again, “Hey, dinner time!” Finally, they shuffle in, bumping into each other and dragging their chairs across the floor.
“I don’t want lasagna!” one of them pouts, nose scrunched.
“Is this spinach? I can’t take any more spinach,” another groans.
“I want chocolate milk!” the youngest wails.
Cue the eye roll and a dramatic sigh from me. That’s when my oldest pipes up, “Mom, why did you even have us? We’re loud, annoying, and always fighting!” She forgot to mention the part where I can’t manage a moment alone—no bathroom breaks, no meals in peace, and an endless cycle of carpools and school lunches.
“Seriously, why did you want kids?” she presses.
I drift back to my younger self, blissfully engaged at 30. My husband and I hadn’t really discussed the prospect of kids; it just felt like the next logical step. Nine months post-honeymoon, I was pregnant and ready—or so I thought. Twelve years later, I still can’t pinpoint the “why,” but I can certainly share the many reasons I’m thankful for my kids. The small joys definitely outweigh the chaos of parenting. Here’s what I love about having kids:
Unmatched Joy
While my three girls can test my limits, they also fill my heart with joy like nothing else. Whether it’s my oldest hitting a high note in her first solo or my preschooler proudly showing off her letter “L,” those blissful moments are indescribable. And when my 10-year-old runs up for a hug and exclaims, “I love you, Mommy!” for no reason at all? Pure magic.
Living in the Moment
My youngest is a master of enjoying the present. She’s not bogged down by yesterday’s troubles or tomorrow’s worries, and guess what? She’s incredibly happy. When I join her on the floor to build a doghouse out of foam blocks, I too find that happiness. Embracing the moment, even if just for a short while, is a true blessing.
Accidental Leadership
I’m the captain of this ship, responsible for the safety and well-being of three growing humans. I’m their go-to for everything from skinned knees to friendship advice. I set the bedtimes, the meal plans, and make countless decisions daily. This kind of responsibility has built my confidence in ways I never expected.
Embracing Imperfection
As a former perfectionist, I quickly learned that parenting is all about trial and error. There will be tears, missed bedtimes, and plenty of cereal dinners. Unless you’re Mary Poppins (and she was a nanny), parenting is a journey of learning from our mistakes and adapting as we go.
Deepened Gratitude
While I’m grateful for the big things in life—health, shelter, food—having kids has heightened my appreciation for the little moments. Whether it’s the joy of a fever breaking, sunshine after days of rain, or my girls working together to build a Lego masterpiece, these small triumphs bring immense joy.
Comic Relief
Kids are inherently funny. Just the other day, my youngest was whining about being hungry. I told her there were no snacks until we got home. My middle child then chimed in, “Yeah, mom’s not dealing with you. Been there, raised that.” Nothing lifts the spirit like a good laugh amid the daily grind of parenthood.
Sure, there are days when I wonder what life might’ve been like without my kids. But that thought rarely lingers because there’s always a little one asking for a snack, sharing a wild story, or wrapping their arms around me for no reason at all.
For more insights on parenting and the journey of motherhood, check out this excellent resource at Progyny. And if you’re curious about home insemination, consider exploring this post on intracervical insemination, which is another topic we cover.
In summary, while the chaos of parenthood can be overwhelming, the joy, gratitude, and laughter my kids bring into my life are worth every hectic moment.