Celebrate 30th anniversary of Five Minutes' Peace and share the little things that make being a parent amazing for a chance to win the book + a pampering hamper

So many amazing things about being a parent. The little one's magical smile when he sees you first thing in the day. The excitement all over his face at receiving a new colourful toy. When he, without prompting, holds up one of his sweets with the intention of sharing with you.

Ultimately, just having a child in one's life is a gift that keeps giving.

My daughter just turned 6...6 magical years where I've laughed harder than I never thought I could, cleaned more bottoms than I ever want to...ever, gave and received the "best hugs EVER", know the words to numerous Barbie songs and Frozen, tripped over countless toys while screaming "can you put it away" for the 3 millionth time. I've stopped nose bleeds, held vomit (trying to get to the toilet in time), kissed knees, elbows, hands, heads and everywhere in between.

I've tracked down Russian Masha dolls (before you could buy the UK version as it was "the best programme ever").

I've blown up over 300 balloons (lacerating finger once in the process - who knew these thing can rip result in paper like cuts).

I've organised birthday parties, wrapped presents, written invites and thank you letters. I've sat through tantrums, meltdowns and screaming matches. I've better diplomacy skills than the UN sorting "best friend ever" issues. I've carried scooters, bikes and cuddly toys past people without batting an eyelid.

I've been a teacher, vet, astronaut, doctor, post office attendant, bus driver and taxi driver (plus other odd jobs) but only received plastic money for the privilege.

I've made castles, bracelets, cakes and cookies - some of which went straight in the bin buy it was fun making (albeit messy).

I've checked for nits (none thankfully so far). I've read more books in the last 6 years than the previous 6...granted, many stories are about animals or princesses.

I've cried, I've hid (bathroom) and at times wondered what I ever did to deserve this!?

But looking back, I've now got a smart, funny, adorable, cute, caring and gorgeous little lady (ok I'm slightly biased). Someone to laugh with, to go shopping and when I'm old and drooling, it'll be her turn to wipe my butt!!! Mwah, ha ha!!!

My 6 year old will only kiss me, no one else and the snuggles from my 18 month old. Doesn't matter what else is going on, those moments make me ache inside with love.

My baby boys smile when he sees me first thing in the morning

My baby boy is 7 months old today! On the day he was born the midwife said to us "you've got a spirited one there" and boy did we! I love how his personality shone through from the start and how i get to learn more about him every day. I love my new identity as a mama, I love how busy we are with lots of fun activities and how much I'm learning from him... patience being the main thing! When he's being particularly 'spirited' I've often told him to calm down but he's recently been poorly with croup and not himself at all and I longed for my spirited baby back... it's been a valuable reminder to appreciate him every day. Never having time for yourself is part of what makes being a parent amazing as it's because I'm his whole world at the moment... I won't be forever so this time is precious!

I love when my dc do something they didn't think they could do, or for the first time, and how they are so proud. My 3 year old will exclaim "I did it!" and my 1 year old will just beam delightedly. The best part is they way that they will include me in their achievements, either by running to show or tell me or seeking me out, knowing that I will be delighted for them.

I love it when I come home from work and my children have missed me, and come running to the door when they hear me coming in and I'm greeted with smiling faces, kisses and cuddles

Loved snuggling up with my 2 daughters years ago to read 5 minutes peace, they are 21 and 20 now. Digging the same book out to read to their little sisters who are 6 and 3 has been equally magical. Nothing beats those snuggly times.

Just hearing 'I love you' from my 3 year old and 13 year old makes me smile x

The way that DD runs to give me a hug with a big smile on her face when I pick her up from her nan's house... Shortly before she wipes whatever she has on her hands and face all over me

When my 2 year old walks into the bedroom at silly o'clock and lies next to me. Kisses my head and say "mummy tired, night mommy love you" and rubs my back to help me go to sleep. Every time my heart melts a little more!!

Or when we are at the playground and a child falls my beautiful daughter always wants to pick them up and take them the "doctors". Thankfully we've never seen accident where a child needs to go to the doctors!!

Her caring nature at such a young age makes me burst with pride.

Being a parent is amazing when little chubby arms and hands of your 2year old toddler clasps you around the neck and whispers, mummy I love you! Even at 5am my heart melts!!

My little boy gives the best cuddles and giggles an awful lot, just at those most needed moments. When he walks into our bedroom at 4am and comes up to your face saying 'Hi mummy, the sun is out' in his mega cute voice my annoyance of being disturbed melts away. Listening to him string sentences together and saying please and thank you for everything makes me a very proud mummy. Who could ask for more??