Parenting is a no mean task by any measure. It often gets tough, and when it does, there is very little you can do at the moment. The best option then is to sit back, shut it out with some music, and relax. It is a journey for every parent, where no two experiences are alike.
Here is a list of parenting quotes that capture the essence of parenting. A few of these parenting quotes also have an element of humour to lighten your mood. At times, looking at the fun side gives you the motivation to get going.
“Parenthood chooses you. And you open your eyes, look at what you have got, say, ‘Oh, my gosh,’ and recognise that of all the balls there ever were, this is the one you should not drop. It is not a question of choice.” ― Marisa de Los Santos
Becoming a parent means a lifetime of responsibility. Embracing it will make the journey easier. If you keep questioning your choice, it is only going to make matters worse.
“Having a child is like getting a tattoo… on your face. You better be committed.” – Elizabeth Gilbert
Although you can choose to get your tattoo lasered out, there is no opting out of parenthood. It requires the highest level of commitment one can have. When you start doubting yourself, remember that there are no good or bad parents. Everyone is trying to be the best version of themselves and learning along the way.
“You can learn many things from children. How much patience you have, for instance.” – Franklin Adams
I genuinely feel that children make us better people. Although they test your patience, anxiety, and overall control over your emotions, they also make you stronger. And the best part is that they don’t judge you and allow a safe space where you can let your guard down.
“If you have never been hated by your child, you have never been a parent.” –Bette Davis
If this is what has been bothering you, it may help to look at the bigger picture. Your children are too young to understand the logic behind your actions. It is a part of growing up, and your bond is way bigger than these occasional differences.
“Why don’t kids understand their nap is not for them, but for us?” – Alyson Hannigan
Babies hitting the sack is no less than music to our eyes. For most parents, it is the time when they can finally get down to clear their to-do lists. Whether you want to catch that new show on Netflix or finish your house chores, the nap times sure come to your rescue.
“On our 6 a.m. walk, my daughter asked where the moon goes each morning. I let her know it’s in heaven, visiting Daddy’s freedom.” – Ryan Reynolds
This dishy daddy sure has a funny side to him. You may miss your carefree days, but you also get a free pass to visit Disneyland.
“Trust yourself. You know more than you think you do.” – Benjamin Spock
For the times when you feel overwhelmed and bogged down, give yourself some credit. Every parent does the best they can. For every one or two things that go wrong, you are doing a hundred others that are right.
Everyone should have kids. They are the greatest joy in the world. But they are also terrorists. You’ll realise this as soon as they’re born, and they start using sleep deprivation to break you.” — Ray Romano
Sleep can become a touchy topic for new parents. The best way is to find your way around it. Sleep when the baby sleeps or take turns to care for the baby. Take as much help as you can, both from your parents and friends.
“Children are unpredictable. You never know what inconsistency they’re going to catch you in next.” – Franklin P. Jones
Children are sharper than you can imagine. They are going to catch your lies. The best option is to accept when you get caught. Tell them how you are thankful to them for bringing it your notice and how you are going to correct it for the future. It teaches them that it is alright to err and that admitting your mistakes doesn’t make you weak.
“If you want your children to improve, let them overhear the nice things you say about them to others.” – Haim Binott
You may not know, but children look up to you. You are their first influence in life, and they perhaps idolise you. When you appreciate them, you not only validate their behaviour and choices but also give them confidence. You don’t have to wait for big moments. Instead, it is the small ones that count.
“Before I got married, I had six theories about raising children. Now I have six children and no theories.” – John Wilmot
Before you became parents, you may have observed others and decided how you would like to raise your children. However, parenting is rarely about plans and sticking to theories. Every child is different, and so are the circumstances.
“There is no such thing as a perfect parent. So just be a real one.” – Sue Atkins
I couldn’t find a better parenting quote, to sum up, parenthood. You will get a lot of advice, often unsolicited, along the way. You may want to be the perfect parent at the cost of losing yourself in the process. However, children want to see the real you. Do what you think comes naturally to you. That is the best thing you can do for your children.
