By Bethany Kandel
Being a parent is the most difficult and the most rewarding job in the world. We don’t get paid in dollars; our currency comes in hugs, kisses, smiles and lots of LOVE…worth more than any paycheck, especially when it's doled out by our children.
We asked some of our readers for their best words of wisdom and heartfelt emotions about being parents. Here’s what they had to say:
- “Nothing makes you feel as special as your child's arms around your neck. Your child's smile when you lay them down to change them is all the appreciation you need for being a great caregiver.” – Andrea Adams-Miller, CEO, TheRedCarpetConnection.com
- “No word makes me happier than the word ‘Daddy’ uttered by one of my children. In terms of wisdom, to be honest I feel like I'm learning a bit more every day, and my aim in fatherhood is to create a better example for my son to grow up in, with the
belief that he's going to follow my example, not necessarily my advice.” -- Han-Son, blogger
- “Lead your kids and shape their values, then sit back and enjoy the ride as they explore the world on their terms. Let them lead you places you never thought you'd go. Meet their friends. Listen to what they have to say. Watch them turn into amazing
people.” -- Susan Helene Gottfried, freelance editor
- “When your child asks you to lay in bed with them and snuggle; do it. You'll never have another chance to share that moment and some of the best conversations come from just stopping and listening to what they have to say. If you make the time to listen
to your children you will realize that they are taking the time to listen to you.” – Aaron Kreais, director of an egg donation and surrogacy agency
- “When I think that I can't handle life with children, I take a deep breath and remind myself that they can't stay young forever. I know that I'm going to miss so much, including the tiny hands that fit so perfectly into mine. I love when I pick them
up from school and they run into my arms as if I’ve been gone forever, even though it was only six hours. So I try to savor every moment, even the messy fingerprints and naughty things they get up to." -- Leora Lambert, writer
- “Having just recently lost my Mom and this being the first Mother's Day without her, I can share this: There is not one single greater, unconditional love than that of a mother. Cherish her. Make time for her.” – Sandra Loznjak, jewelry designer
Image : Getty