3 months pregnant and just read the AIBU post about downsides of parenting... what's the best stuff?!

[GingerIdiot]

Hello all,

I just read the really interesting thread here that PhoebeGeebee posted: AIBU To ask what makes being a parent so hard?www.mumsnet.com/Talk/am_i_being_unreasonable/2685737-To-ask-what-makes-being-a-parent-so-hard?pg=1

The answers are very useful to read - some stuff I had anticipated (sleep deprivation, toddler years, relentlessness of parenting, lack of money, free time etc). I'm glad to know all that stuff, I don't want to go in blind, but oh god this thread has terrified me!!

I don't want to be an ostrich about it all, I know it's going to be difficult, and I don't want to undermine all the honest answers that were given, but for the sake of some more lighthearted balance, could some parents tell me some of the good stuff too?

A lot of the posts ended with a positive tone - after listing all the difficulties that lay ahead, they often say about it being the best thing you'll ever do .... but why, specifically? Just general overriding love?

Thank you all so much for your beautiful answers. They are funny, lovely and really moving. I am no less daunted but much more excited about next January! Thank you again x

I think it's really important to be aware of both sides. I HATED the newborn and baby stage and what comforted me was having heard from other mothers about how they hated it too. I avoided all my friends who said it was amazing and they were so happy because I wanted to throw things at them! I do however LOVE the toddler stage. She makes me laugh so much and amazes me every day with her joy and excitement.

Snuggly time

The funny things that children say when learning new words (my username is what DS1 called Caravans)

The tickle attacks

The many and varied hugs (up hugs, squishy hugs, everyone hugs...)

The giggles - there is nothing quite like DS1's giggles. He's famous for them

The taking notice of the world

The understanding how people learn and develop because you can see it and influence it

DS1 is nearly 3.5 and as you know I'm due the same time as you. I've loved every stage except the sleep deprivation (I'd do that whole side differently now I know more) and the time he threw up in my eyes (I was wearing glasses thankfully).

He's my adorable squidge

That's lovely. Carrotvan what would you do differently re the sleep deprivation? Feel free to send me a private FB message if easier!

When they cuddle you for no good reason other than they love you.

The way they smell (maybe I am weird but they each have their own scent i could recognise a mile away).

Baby chuckles are the best thing in the entire world.

Having a fully formed rational conversation with my three year old is amazing! They are so smart and funny.

Mine have started making up their own jokes and they are so not funny but they are amazing. Such as this beauty
Q: What does a deer have on it's tail? A: Seaweed! Hahahaha???? WTF lol

How much they love each other (obs only applies if you have more than one and if they actually like each other )

The feeling of satisfaction when they finally work out how to wipe their own bum. I feel like my job is complete lol