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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

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Original poster

To ask you to tell me something you love about being a parent

73 replies

Orangeandgold · 03/12/2023 22:11

Today I met up with a friend and her mum. Me and my friend are in our early 30s. We had a 4 way conversation which included me and my daughter who is a tween. We were laughing, bantering, talking about school, childhood and general life (My daughter has quite engaging conversations that my adult friends tend to enjoy - I often really enjoy conversations with her too!).

Although my friends mum was a working parent (so am I) they were sharing so many memories and I loved how close they were.

AIBU to think that most people complain about their children although there are so many gems about being a parent. Obviously not for everyone but I can’t be part of a minority group that enjoy it.

I just want a thread where people share what they love about parenting.

OP posts:

PelicanPopcorn · 03/12/2023 23:06

The cheekiness - when our toddler does something sneaky to make us laugh and you can just see the mischievous look on her face❤

jelly79 · 03/12/2023 23:08

My DD21 is my best friend and I love deep chats and lovely lunches with her but I know when she needs me and I scoop her up

My DS6 is so affectionate and smothers me with kisses but my all time favourite is his reaction to me in the morning. His face lights up. Every morning

Nugg · 03/12/2023 23:09

Mine are 30/21/18. Incredulous and so proud of these humans I've made - staking a hold in this world and making a difference.

Dogcatmousecat · 03/12/2023 23:15

My three are all in their 20s ,all completely different ,but the most lovely human beings and so chuffed that we made them 🥰

Dilbertian · 03/12/2023 23:17

"Oh, Mummy, I love your wobbly tummy!"

Uncritical love when you struggle to love yourself really puts into perspective how unimportant beauty stereotypes are.

shmivorytower · 03/12/2023 23:17

I love getting to know them as they grow up. That and cuddles.

Ofa · 03/12/2023 23:19

I adore being a mum. It’s given me the best times of my life. I loved the baby years, I loved the toddler years (so much!), and I loved all the other years. Best bit? The long evening cuddles from someone who knows me utterly and loves me just as I am. My DC think the grey in my hair is pretty. They don’t care if I have chin hair or live in sweatpants. They don’t expect me to be cool or successful or witty, they’re happy just to hang out with me.

Minniliscious · 03/12/2023 23:19

I love how he gets excited about EVERYTHING 🤣 Things that are so mundane to us. No one actually makes me laugh like him - he’s 5 and has a brilliant sense of humour. He’ll always cuddle me whenever I ask for a cuddle - even if he seems in a mood and cross. Christmas is also better with kids around - so magical.

Xtraincome · 03/12/2023 23:20

Their senses of humour- both are wicked funny in different ways

Their amazing friendship- have 2 girls almost 3 years apart and they are fab at playing together

The different types of empathy they show- eldest is responsive to my mums limitations due to chronic illness and at almost 9 years old is amazing at knowing how to be helpful. Youngest, 6, is great at dealing with people being sad and offering affection and love.

The fact they acknowledge mine and DHs interests- something dinosaurs = mummy loves that, something about London or music = daddy will like that.

I also pat myself on the back, as does DH, as they are like that because of us and our desire to be super-focused in our parenting.

gertygirl · 03/12/2023 23:22

Mine are 3 and 5, only 18 months between them, so it's been hard at times but they both give incredible cuddles and kisses and are so loving and I love seeing them being their own little people, seeing their likes and dislikes, seeing their little friendships and seeing them do the things they enjoy. This year they both seem to fully get the concept of Christmas and it's amazing seeing their excitement and the joy in their faces. My DD 5 is so funny and makes me laugh out loud on a daily basis and her little brother seems to be following suit. He's becoming such a little character after being a bit of a slow talker but now he's really coming in to his own and it makes me so proud. Just little things like seeing him running around with his friends after school and just being so happy and carefree. They make me so happy and proud every day and make me appreciate the small things and small moments in life ❤️

discopoodle · 03/12/2023 23:23

My four year old and I were proper belly laughing tonight because she discovered her eye squeaked when she rubbed it, we both got the giggles and were laughing for ages. She's like my little best friend and we can chat for hours.
I've loved something different about each age though, it's just amazing seeing the world through your child's eyes.

Gowlett · 03/12/2023 23:24

My child is very cuddly & thrives on affection. Always kissing, hugging, stroking my face & saying “I love you”. It’s pure magic.

Maddy70 · 03/12/2023 23:24

Having a best friend ;)

wideawakeinthemiddleofthenightagain · 03/12/2023 23:26

Mine are 14 and 11.
It hadn't occurred to me that you essentially train them to have the same sense of humour as you as they'll see you laughing at some things and not at others.
I find it really funny when they mimic me. I find it even funnier when I catch them unconsciously using particular turns of phrase that I regularly use.

TulipTuesday · 03/12/2023 23:30

Last night it had snowed but I wasn’t aware, 18yo DS came to me and took me to the front door to show me ‘a surprise’

We went outside at midnight to be the first to walk in the the fresh snow and laughed while we built a snowman in the dark.

Even when they grow up kids still love to have fun with their parents. I love that we can still share so much fun and laughter.

Treaclesandwich · 03/12/2023 23:33

She’s only 3 but love re-learning about the world through her eyes, and the ridiculous stuff she comes out with. I was ambivalent about having kids and the first couple of years were tough but she’s absolutely brilliant, I’m so glad we decided to start a family.

SnowWineBooks · 03/12/2023 23:40

They are just the light in my life. I know that it's now becoming unpopular to say that here but they are. It's the most difficult thing I've ever done, I always think I'm not good enough but they are just now my reason for everything.

They make me laugh, they give the best hugs, they make me so proud, we have the best chats, they are the best people ever to explore or go on adventures with. Watching them grow up is an absolute privilege. Being Santa is magic, going sledging is magic. The little notes and presents they make for you. Making friends with kids the same age and forming a lovely little gang. Watching how much they love life and everything is new. The million and one things they do to take you proud. As they grow up, seeing the challenges they take on and the things they can achieve.

It's hard, awful, different and heartbreaking but it's also the best thing in the world.
.

Bbq1 · 03/12/2023 23:41

Loved being a mum from Day 1 and loved every stage for different reasons but now my ds is 18 and it's wonderful watching him become a thoughtful, kind, funny, loving, mature young man. He still hugs and kisses me and is close to his dad too. He has so many great qualities. He's also following his dream in life which we encourage and support. I am super proud he has chosen to not just automatically go down the uni route and is brave and focused to aim for his dreams. I wish I had had the drive and commitment to do the same.

JanglingJack · 03/12/2023 23:43

My adult son visiting with my Granddaughter.

My 14 year old loving life, friends and the first year of her GCSEs.

Seeing my 14 year old with her niece. Likewise son and daughter!

Single parent to both. I've been very blessed.

larkstar · 03/12/2023 23:44

They are both around 30 now but I remember DD2 ringing me at 3am - it's a miracle I managed to wake up and answer my phone which happened to be under the bed. She's never done that before or since. She was at her lowest point - ill, staying in temporary accommodation while on a work placement (medical student) having a really horrible time with sh!tty consultants, understaffing, a lost a mile long of training objectives she needed to get signed off, etc the wind was howling and blowing bins around outside, she couldn't get to sleep and was very worried about the day ahead, tiredness, the workload, the unhelpful people she was working with, how ill she felt... I'm so glad I took that call - it's always struck me that at her lowest point I was the person she rang - it's a real honour to be that person. I offered to drive up but she declined - it was a 3hr drive but I would have gone even if it was to make her breakfast and drive her in... anyway - I think that says something about our relationship. The second thing is that I learn from her - I'm inspired by her - about how to live my life better - how to make the most of it. My other DD is the person, next to my wife, that I trust the most in life. It's good to have such good people, as adults, in my life. I miss having my "young kids" - they are like a dream now - it's taken me a long time to get over them growing up... the "empty nest" but I realised it's important to be able to show them that I'm happy in life - I make the effort to be because I'd feel I was letting them down if I wasn't.

Zanatdy · 03/12/2023 23:44

I’m just so proud of my kids, they’ve genuinely never caused me a day’s trouble (now 19 & 15). They’d never dream of being rude to me. Being a parent is a privilege, obviously hard moments - years, but one day you realise they are nearly grown up and look at them and feel darn proud. Also have an adult son who I had age 16, we are super close and I’m also super proud of him every day too. I love being a mum, it’s what life is all about. My life is my own again now which is odd but I’m enjoying it too, knowing my kids will always be in my life

Charliecatpaws · 03/12/2023 23:44

Highlyflavouredgravy · 03/12/2023 22:16

Mine are adults now and absolutely fantastic human beings. I love looking at them and thinking.....we made you!

This sums it up for me, I love them and I'm so proud of both of them

Lavender14 · 03/12/2023 23:45

When ds (1) is upset at night and I lift him and he just melts into my arms and I know he feels safe with me.

Ladyj84 · 03/12/2023 23:48

Adore being a parent 3 toddlers and a teen, love every stage even when the twins were new getting up in the night didn't matter how tired I was feeding and cuddling while the house was quiet and adoring each little one. Love watching the 3 toddlers develop all in very different ways and how they respond to fun and teaching etc. Our teen he is 13 and we chat and laugh all the time. We have brought him up so he can talk about anything and.we have some great family debates once the little ones are in bed lol. It also helps a super supportive hubby when he isn't at work to help everything tick along.

Original poster

Orangeandgold · 03/12/2023 23:52

Ah these replies are making me nostalgic of the toddler days! They are hard when you are juggling work but the love they give is insane and the speed that they learn and grow is heartwarming.

@Echobelly I agree when you said the small things they do that they pick up from us. Especially as they get older and you realise some of your words/actions have sunk in!

@PelicanPopcorn the cheekiness is hilarious. Especially when you are trying to be in “parent mode” and you want to burst into fits of laughter.

OP posts:

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