Okay, I know - those of you who are parents are already saying to yourself, “There are SO many things good about it!”  Or you may also be reading this during a parent pity moment (don’t feel bad we all have them - the trick is to remember to flush after getting off your ‘pity potty’) and thinking to yourself, “Remind me again what’s so great about this?” 

Have you looked around lately to observe those around you and their temperament?  I’m finding some interesting generalities.  People who don’t have to care for or be responsible for a child generally are less civil.  The world is still about them and their needs/wants.  They have a low tolerance for everything and anything that upsets their expecations.  There is so much of negative in the world, so much of unkindness and complaining.  As a parent you get a double dose because your child falls into this bracket for many years.  But it is this very experience that teaches you how to be a better person.  Crazy how that works but it does. 

You can’t lift another if you’re not on higher ground already.  Our children are a mirror image of us in many regards.  This means we have to learn how to be the type of person we’re trying to encourage them to become.  We can’t yell at them and then tell them not to yell or we just defeated our verbal lesson through action.  And we all know actions often speak louder than words.  And if you’re saying to yourself right now, “Yeah, but I’ve seen plenty of parents yelling at their kids or being selfish” just know they’re obviously still in the lesson stage of learning successful parenting, and yes some sadly never graduate.  But it doesn’t mean they’re not in a learning process for becoming a better and kinder person, they’re just opting for more practice at it. *wink* 

Back to observing those around you - have you ever noticed a warm smile from someone who watches a child/parent moment - regardless of whether it’s positive or negative?  These people do exist!  And I guarantee you they have experience caring for others (most of the time they’ve had a few generations of experience.)  I’ve even watched my own reactions.  When I see another parent with a child I have positive feelings be it empathy, sympathy or tenderness.  I wasn’t an unfeeling teen/young adult but I had very different reactions at that time in my life to such scenes.   They say that to truly understand something you must experience it.  I agree.  In my own life I see that experience really is the master teacher.  What better way to experience love and kindness than by being responsible for a precious child?  I am a better person for my experience being a parent.  Here’s a short list of why being a parent is a good thing for me:     

• I now know what unconditional AND conditional loves are. 
• I get to visibly see the results of my daily energies and efforts and know I’m making a difference in the world. 
• I’ve grown out of my comfort zone of self and explored the world of others. 

Here are some perks of parenting for me:   

• I’m a wiz at *magic* solutions for stain removal, DVD repair and odor elimination. 
• I get a daily “get of our work free” card to play with my kids. 
• I appreciate my own parents so much more. 

Okay, there are countless other items that could be added to both lists but you get the idea.  Today I’m especially grateful that I’ve learned to be a little kinder, a little better and a little wiser just because I’ve been blessed to be a parent. 

Technorati Tags
Family Adoption Parenting Sharing Emotions Positive Impact Potential Inspiration Motherhood

Jennifer just reminded me to share with readers The Carnival of Family Life! The Carnival of Family Life! It’s a really fun way to share and learn more! I’m so new to it that I forgot to mention how to go learn more. You can also learn about it at Jennifer’s Site.