6 Reasons I’m Grateful for My Kids (Seriously)

“Dinner’s ready!” I call out, placing a steaming pan of homemade lasagna on the kitchen table. A minute passes, then another. No sounds of little feet rushing in. I wait a bit longer before shouting again, “Hey, everyone! Dinner time!” Finally, they come in, bumping into each other and dragging their chairs.

“I don’t want lasagna,” one of them scrunches her face up in disgust. “Is this spinach? I’m done with spinach,” another groans. And the youngest chimes in, “I want chocolate milk!” I can’t help but roll my eyes and let out a dramatic sigh. That’s when my oldest, Mia, asks, “Mom, why did you even have us? We’re loud, annoying, complain all the time, and we fight constantly.” She forgot to mention that I hardly get a moment to myself and have a never-ending list of tasks like driving carpools and packing lunches.

“Seriously, why did you want kids?” she presses. I flash back to my 30-year-old self, newly engaged and blissfully unaware. My husband and I hadn’t really discussed the whole kids thing much. It wasn’t that I didn’t want them; it just felt like the natural next step. Nine months after our honeymoon, I was pregnant.

Fast forward twelve years, and while I can’t pinpoint exactly why I chose to become a parent, one thing’s for sure: I wouldn’t change it for the world. The delightful moments far outweigh the chaotic ones. Here’s why having kids is so rewarding:

Pure Joy

As much as my three girls can test my patience, they also fill my heart with joy like no one else can. Whether it’s Mia’s stunning voice during her first solo recital, or when little Lily proudly shows me her letter “L,” or when Ava, my 10-year-old, leaps into my arms just to say, “I love you, Mom!”—these moments of pure bliss are simply irreplaceable.

Living in the Moment

My three-year-old, Lily, is a master at being present. She doesn’t dwell on yesterday or worry about tomorrow. And you know what? It makes her really happy. I’ve realized that by taking a break from my busy life to get down on the floor and build a doghouse out of foam blocks with her, I feel that same happiness too. Being in the moment is such a precious gift.

Leadership Skills

I’m in charge of keeping three little humans safe and happy. I’m the go-to person for everything from skinned knees to friendship advice. I set the rules for bedtimes and mealtimes, and I’m constantly making decisions on the fly. This role has really boosted my confidence in ways I never expected.

Embracing Imperfection

As a former perfectionist, I quickly learned that perfect parenting is a myth. There will be tantrums, missed bedtimes, and times when dinner is cereal. Unless you’re Mary Poppins (who, let’s be real, was a nanny), parenting is all about trial and error. It’s messy, but that’s part of the journey.

Deepened Gratitude

While I’m thankful for the big things in life—like my health and a cozy home—having kids has made me appreciate the little moments. Whether it’s when the baby’s fever finally breaks, the rain clears up for outdoor playtime, or when my girls cooperate to build a Lego Eiffel Tower, these ordinary moments become extraordinary.

Comic Relief

Kids are hilarious. Just the other day, while driving, Lily was whining about being hungry. “Sorry, kiddo, I don’t have any snacks,” I replied. Then Mia chimed in, “Yeah, Mom’s not dealing with you. Been there, raised that.” A good laugh can really lighten the load of everyday parenting chaos.

Sure, there are days when I wonder what life would be like without my kids, but that thought doesn’t last long. There’s usually a little one asking for snacks, sharing a story, or wrapping their arms around me for no reason at all.

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Summary

In summary, while parenting can be overwhelming, the joy and growth that come from raising kids far outweigh the challenges. Each moment, big or small, adds depth to life, and the laughter shared makes it all worth it.