Every parent expresses their affection for their children, often stating, “I love my kids.” We tell them, “I love you,” and embellish it with phrases like, “I love you to the moon and back.” We fill their storytime with titles like Love You Forever and Mama, Do You Love Me? Yet, we often gloss over what that term really encompasses. In our society, love is frequently presented as a simple noun, an endearing sentiment that suggests warmth and joy.
However, love is not merely a static concept; it is a dynamic action. It begins long before the child arrives, manifesting as nine months of physical discomfort, sleepless nights, and countless moments of anticipation. Love is the brave perseverance through labor, the struggle with the reality of a newborn’s unpredictability. It involves grappling with the realities of parenting—like the exhaustion that comes with sleepless nights as you rock a crying infant, unsure of the cause of their discomfort, while fighting the urge to scream in frustration.
Love is evident in the physical changes a parent experiences—stretch marks, tired eyes, and the relentless cycle of caring for a child, all while maintaining your own identity. Love is the willingness to put your own needs aside, rising again and again to tend to a fussy baby or a toddler throwing a tantrum in the middle of a store. The judgmental stares of strangers become just background noise as you navigate the chaos of parenthood.
It’s in the small moments: cleaning sand out of a child’s eyes while they squirm in distress, cooking dinner for the umpteenth time despite your disdain for it, or reading Hop on Pop until the words are etched into your memory. Love is making sacrifices, like giving up your favorite TV shows for your child’s entertainment, or assembling furniture from Ikea in a race against time, all to create a space that feels special and safe.
Love is a verb, an ongoing commitment. It requires active participation. It’s about doing what needs to be done, no matter how tired or unkempt you feel. It’s the relentless work, the tireless effort, and the moments of frustration that ultimately define what it means to be a parent.
For those on their journey to parenthood, whether through traditional means or exploring avenues like home insemination, resources such as the CDC provide valuable insights. You might also want to explore this guide to navigate the intricacies of artificial insemination.
In conclusion, love is not simply a feeling; it’s an action—a series of deliberate choices made every day in the name of raising your child. It’s the hard work, the determination, and the endless capacity to give, even when it feels overwhelming. Love is indeed a verb.
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