The joys of parenting

[Noshadealltea]

Just that really! Being a parent is the hardest thing I’ve ever done. BUT my daughter gives me so much more joy than I’ve ever experienced before.

Today’s joy was watching her roll over and be so pleased with herself.

Yesterdays joy was seeing her try Apple purée for the first time and loving it.

Every nights joy is the dream feed, where it’s just her and me and she’s all snuggly and sleeping and just so reminds me of the teeny tiny baby she was only a few months ago.

The hard times are crap. But there’s always at least one moment of joy in every day too.

What was yours today?

My DC are 18 and 16 and they are beautiful.... but that doesn't mean there are beautiful moments in every day .

It can be incredibly hard , frustrating, exhausting, and worrying, with times of panic and sadness.

I have been a parent for nearly 30 decades and am still loving it.

@mytuppennyworth 30 decades?!! Wow - that’s impressive stuff… (feeling my own 2 decades are somewhat pitiful now!)

Still loving the hugs! Although I have to stand on the bottom stair to get the full benefit these days 😂Love being cooked for, love seeing my adult 6 foot man still go all soppy over his childhood pet cat, now in her dotage! love the enthusiasm and hope and optimism and plans for the future, love the obsession with football, which is the one teenage past time I sunk most money into, so it really paid off, as it has been a source of exercise and social life for all of them for a long time now. Love them explaining new technology to me... Just have always loved being a parent. I spent some time with a close friend with toddlers a few days ago, and the toddlers were so gorgeous and of course I don't have that any more, but I am hoping for grandchildren one day, if not, I will just have to enjoy other people's toddlers.

Well if we're getting competitive, DS1 is almost 30 so I've got three decades done

My favourite parenting moments these days are when one of my three boys suggests we meet up for coffee or dinner. I love it, just getting together for a good old chat.

As for my moment of joy today - I didn't need to pick DS3 up from a gig tonight because he messaged to say he was staying out with DS1. I opened the wine!

Today my 16 month cuddled me for the first time. He’s always been cuddly and affectionate but he actually cuddled ME today, wrapped his arms round my neck and buried his head into my neck and it was so beautiful. My three year old has been learning about feelings at nursery and she said “mummy I’m feeling like I love you very very much” it melted my heart. Of course I had lots of tears, tantrums and sibling fighting today also but it’s nice to take a moment and remember the lovely parts of parenting. Thanks for making reminding me why it’s all worth it.

Every single time my 2yo reaches up with her tiny hand to take my hand to walk with me. I love it.

My son is now a beautiful 18 year old and i look at the wonderful man he is turning into and i feel so proud. Love the daily hugs, the laughs we have together and our cinema trips together. He's still very affectionate. I also see him following his dream. We fully support and encourage him and i am happy to see his bravery and determination in doing that.

Everyday is tiring as hell! But we live for them to see their smiles day in day out thats my best moments..each day the smiles their happiness

The smiles are amazing! And the laughter too. Makes my whole day hearing my daughter giggle.

My 8 year old teaching his 6 year old sister how to get on the paddle board. Watching the two of them roaring with laughter as they fell off it 🤣 They are at a great age now to enjoy holidays.

It just gets better! I loved the baby years but mine are in their 40s now and wonderful adults with partners who I also love dearly. And the icing on the cake - grandchildren! Ours are having regular sleepovers in the school holidays and it's magical to see the world all over again through their eyes.

Also almost 3 decades and my oldest (27m) sent me a pic of his first proper holiday in Portugal with his girlfriend. Took a long time to get where he is with lots of troubles along the way and he has a job he loves, 2 cats, rents a home with his girlfriend, and is loving life. Win win!

30 decades?!

We're in the teen years and tbh it's more challenging for different reasons. I miss the snuggles and hand holding. I do get a begrudging cuddle still.

Watching my eldest dd 24 helping my youngest ds 4 try his school uniform on, he's starting at the same school she did 20 years ago 😊

That’s adorable!!

My DS is 6 months old and I noticed today that when he was playing with a toy plastic mirror he realised it was shining on the ceiling. His little face following it all around was so cute 🥹

This is a nice thread…needed this after a rubbish day. Thank you :)

You’re welcome ☺️. And I bet it was lovely to see your son’s face as he discovered something new! The firsts are just so amazing aren’t they! I love seeing DD experience new things.

don't worry, the cuddles will come back

Watching mid-teens DD2 lark about in the garden with her dad, uncle and seven year old cousin after a family barbecue. Plastic toy golf clubs were being used as light sabres...