Parenting is awesome. Really.

Parenting is hard work. No one would deny it. But it’s also an act of love, and a source of joy. A new study tells us parents exaggerate the happiness they get from parenting. Maybe. But we don’t have to exaggerate much. Being a mom or dad really is a pretty sweet gig.

Ask any mom or dad what the happiest moments of their life have been. Those peak experiences probably feature their kids. I know the birth of each of my daughters is high on my list. Kids aren’t just responsible for our peak experiences. They also contribute to our overall satisfaction in life. We may not be happier than non-parents day to day, but those of us who’ve chosen to have kids reap the reward of a deep, abiding joy that comes from rising to the challenge of parenting and building relationships with the precious people we’ve raised.

Our friends at Being Pregnant have assembled an awesome list of things to love about being knocked up.

Here’s our list of things to love about being a parent. Please add your own in the comments. I for one plan to pocket this post and break it out when the going gets rough. Which it doubtlessly will later in the afternoon.

1. Watching them sleep. There’s nothing more precious than the site of a sleeping baby, and that stays true no matter how old your “baby” gets.
2. Baby smiles. So sweet, so contagious, a baby’s smile just lights up a room.
3. First words. Whether they go for classics like “Mama” or something funky like “Tickle” and “Kitty”, the first words from your baby’s mouth are unforgettable.
4. First steps. I’m a sucker for firsts of all sorts, and the baby’s first steps are one of my faves.
5. A sense of the ridiculous. Kids are endless sources of absurdity.
6. Reminders of what really matters. There’s no getting too attached to plans or material possessions when kids are in your life. They keep you grounded in what matters most.
7. Second chances. While I love firsts, kids are experts at reminding us that when we make mistakes, we get to try again the next time.
8. Learning together. As your kids grow and learn, you’ll be learning, too. There’s something deeply fullfilling about the discoveries you make together.
9. Children’s museums. Kids are your built-in excuse to go play at the Children’s Museum. Likewise the playground, kid’s concerts and all the other fun places you’re too old to go without a tiny chaperone.
10. Sharing your joys. Your kids have a whole world to discover, and that includes discovering all the things you love. You’ll get to share your favorite books, movies and activities with them. They may not love all the stuff you love, but you’ll build some great memories trying things out together.
11. Watching your parents become grandparents. Suddenly, they’ll give your kids all the treats they’d never let you have in a million years, and smile while your darlings turn feral before their eyes.
12. Did I mention watching them sleep? There’s nothing like watching your child in peaceful slumber to end a long, joyful day together.

And another 30 quick hits on stuff to love:

1. Crayons
2. Cute outfits
3. The cute outfits they make themselves
4. Craft projects
5. Mom friends
6. Laughter
7. “Help” with your shopping
8. Dancing in the streets
9. Stopping to smell – and pick, and sometimes eat – the flowers
10. Baby overalls.
11. Bathtime!
12. Finger paints
13. Believing in fairies
14. Tasting everything
15. Bedtime stories
16. Saying grace
17. Family movie night
18. Favorite colors (that change every day)
19. Slumber parties
20. Finding the perfect babysitter
21. Snow days!
22. Baby kisses
23. Mother’s Day cards
24. Helping with homework
25. Family bike rides
26. Picnics
27. Mud pies
28. Sledding
29. Reading together
30. Naps

If you’re noticing a theme, and that theme is sleep, its only because I love sleep so very much these days. My kids and I took a red-eye flight home from California together this weekend, and later on we had a family nap that will live forever in my memory as one of he most delicious naps of my life.

What do you love about parenting? Add your favorites to the list in the comments.

Photo: Tanya Little

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