What was the biggest "nobody mentioned this thing would be great" after your kid was born?
Posted by cable54@reddit | AskUK | View on Reddit | 232 comments
Let's have some positivity about having children.
We allways hear of sleep deprivation, constant feeding, constant pooing, hormones going haywire.
But what was something that was/is great that you didn't realise until you experienced it? Or just something positive you want to share.
CaveJohnson82@reddit
Watching another human being that you made with your own body, growing up and going through different stages of development, and seeing yourself in those stages, is genuinely amazing. My kids are teens now, and while I kind of miss when they were little, I love to see the men they're growing into.
DoItForTheTea@reddit
toddlers are legitimately hilarious
life_apart@reddit
I kept a list of things I never thought I would say to another human, all responses to unhinged things my toddler was doing.
They are not a toddler now but I want to go find that list and relive the moments
takhana@reddit
Mine stared me straight in the eye the other day at the dinner table and said “no mummy, you don’t talk with your mouth full” (whilst he had food in his mouth)
durkbot@reddit
"We do not fight with our penises"... being the mum to 2 boys is a joy.
Bungles_Balls@reddit
"Why have you Sellotaped the cat to the floor?" was a memorable one of mine. Along with "STOP LICKING THE WINDOW!" shouted in Tesco.
Round_Grand_4716@reddit
Don't lick the bear enclosure
EdgarAlansHoe@reddit
Don't lick the dog.
Don't lick the floor.
Don't lick the car.
Don't lick the bin.
LectricVersion@reddit
"Could you please not mop the dog" is one from this morning for us.
CouchKakapo@reddit
God this week alone I probably have some good ones:
Stop licking the window
I'm not getting in your bum
Do you want to eat your weetabix in the bath?
No more mooing please
Please leave mama's breasts alone
OkSun8521@reddit
FYI, they're hilarious to you.
When you repeat what they've said to other people, it's not funny at all.
allthatgoodstufff@reddit
Ah, boo. I was smiling throughout this whole thread
Evening_Lack9831@reddit
This. Absolutely. My son and nephew are only 3 weeks apart and spent lots of time together at their grandparents place.
They were in the back garden one day when they were 2 and my nephew was munching on a packet of chipsticks. He went down a small step and managed to get one lodged in his nose. Those things are flimsy so there was no danger of him getting hurt but he was running around scream crying with it hanging out, grandad trying to catch him and the rest of us losing it. He loves running into patio doors too. I'm always telling him to just slow down 😂
Ok_Distance5583@reddit
Mine was absolutely feral but agree lol
raspberryamphetamine@reddit
My son has come out with some crackers recently. He very seriously told me the other day after looking very thoughtful “cartwheels go in a circle”. And his older cousin was being a smartarse by trying to show off how much more she knows than him by asking him “who made the world then?” and his response was to lean in carefully and completely deadpan ask her “who let the dogs out?”
hattorihanzo5@reddit
My 3-year-old nephew has no filter at all.
I recently went over to my mum's house when she was looking after him and she told him she'd take him to the park once I'd gone home.
The little shit looked me in the eye and said "go on then, leave!" 😂
AcademyCat1719@reddit
Old people also get away with this. Could be sitting in my grandad's with a half drunk cup of tea but if he'd had enough of you he'd just go 'right well it was nice seeing ye' and get up and open the door, like ok I guess that's me off then. I miss the old bugger.
Miss_Nothing78@reddit
My son did similar to my sister. The minute she was through the door and set her coat and bag down, he picked them right back up, walked them to the door, opened the door, looked at my sister and said bye auntie 😂😂
_pankates_@reddit
Yes! She's just so incredibly funny. Even when she says brutal stuff I can't help but enjoy it and find it adorable. No filter in an adult isn't advisable, but in a toddler it's so funny.
mlo_66@reddit
Got a toddler. Can confirm. I just watch him do wacky shit all the time.
Amda01@reddit
They are like mini drunk adults 😆
daddywookie@reddit
Kinda the opposite end to most posts but I was hanging out in the kitchen with my 17yo, chatting about sport and toenails and snacks and whatever else came up and I realised I will really miss them all when they eventually leave home.
Having kids has filled up so much of my life with good memories and I’m happy to see them now start to move into their own lives.
limedifficult@reddit
This is beautiful.
Spare_Airport_6002@reddit
As an introverted autistic parent: getting to use my child as a cop out in social situations lol
burnafterreading90@reddit
This probably isn’t the type of answer you’re asking for but I have LOVED watching my son’s personality develop.
I don’t know how else to explain that but just watching him slowly become ‘himself’ is amazing to me and I don’t know where he gets his confidence and social skills but I enjoy watching him.
neverendo@reddit
This is the bit I wasn't prepared for. How much absolute joy there is in watching them develop into themselves. From their first smile, first words, little tantrums, their weird obsessions, things they like and things they hate. Mine isn't even 2 yet, and I wonder if he'll be in high school and I'll still be thinking "omg, I can't believe you are able to do that!" Or "where did my little baby go??"
burnafterreading90@reddit
Mines 10 now and so far the random weird obsessions continue 😂 I am constantly thinking where has my little baby gone.
I’m a little jealous of you because yours isn’t 2 yet - I’d give anything to go back and cherish it more!
Affectionate_Team572@reddit
That phase around age 7 where they become a cheeky twat wasn't great but we are past that now. hes joined the boy scouts and is genuinely helpful and pleasant to be around.
purrfectly-cromulent@reddit
Mine joined Scouts at seven, too. Nearly 10 years later, he's a Young Leader and is absolutely thriving. It does them a whole world of good.
Glad your boy enjoys it!
Exotic_Process_8235@reddit
I was a scout but not by choice. In my country it was compulsory. Would you say it's worth to sign him up to it? Is there any stigma around it like only nerds are scouts or something?
Serious_Escape_5438@reddit
Yes, and a completely different personality to us, and her own interests.
Jennypie77@reddit
Having a better understanding of my own parents - it was easy to criticise based on the anxiety and mental health difficulties I have worked through. But not until I had my own children did I truly understand how stressful parenthood can be, and how difficult it is to make parenting decisions knowing the lasting impacts they may have.
paper_truck@reddit
After you've cleaned and changed them and they're lying there kicking their chubby little feet and gurgling happily and looking up at you like you are their entire universe because, for just a short period of time, you are.
Ok-Swan1152@reddit
I love this too! I miss her chubby chubby legs.
Present-Effect-9855@reddit
There is nothing that can compare to hearing and making your child laugh for the first time. It’s incredible.
jesuseatsbees@reddit
Just watching them grow is awesome. My eldest son was such a shy kid with really low self-esteem and now he’s a teenager with bags of confidence, got a different group of friends to hang out with each night of the week and just seems to be smashing life. He’s sitting his GCSEs at the minute, has a summer job lined up and it’s just great to see the person he is becoming. It’s crazy because you can have one child but know loads of different versions of them as they grow up.
CanWeNapPlease@reddit
As someone that waited until 35 to try as I wasn't ready, fail, miscarriages, several IVF egg retrievals, and is currently 17 weeks pregnant at 38 (with a pregnancy that I've guiltily hated every day so far due to nausea and fatigue that's still there in the 2nd trimester), this thread brought tears to my eyes.
It's been a long journey, my mind and body is so tired, with other types of tiredness still to come. But it's all worth it.
Ok-Swan1152@reddit
Good luck! I was the almost the same age as you and I had terrible nausea and fatigue that lasted well beyond the first trimester, so I know how you feel.
Squeak_Stormborn@reddit
My 3 week old sounds like Donald Duck... so there's that.
Nothere481@reddit
I’m currently 2 months pregnant and I swear all I hear about is how awful my life is going to be when baby arrives. This thread has been so heart warming thank you to everyone that has shared these lovely stories
Squeak_Stormborn@reddit
I'm 3 weeks postpartum and it's HARD... but it's also just lovely, I promise. It's only the lack of sleep that makes it so difficult. Babies are awesome.
androidfifteen@reddit
Mine is specifically after having a second child, but watching your kids interact with each other is so special. My heart has never felt fuller than when my son first saw my daughter when we got home from the hospital. They're 21 months apart and he always takes care of her plus she looks at him like he hung the moon.
Ok-Swan1152@reddit
I'm one and done but this is the one thing I'm sad to be missing out on!
ci_newman@reddit
Christmas regains all of the magic you remember from your own childhood.
TheMarvelMunchkin@reddit
Yes, the fist Christmas your kid is old enough to understand what’s happening and seeing their face lit up since “Santa came” - that’s really amazing
limedifficult@reddit
I know everyone hates the Elf, but I love seeing the look of joy on my kid’s face and hearing his belly laugh every single morning for an entire month when he seeing what “Kevin” has been up to.
Sickandtired91@reddit
We do a magic Christmas tree where we put a pine cone in a bowl and some glitter and sing a song then he goes to bed, we put up the tree and he comes down in the morning amazed at the magic it’s such a beautiful moment
Evening_Lack9831@reddit
Yes! Also creating your own family Christmas traditions!
Mine is to make french Hot Chocolate on the stove and play card games on Christmas Eve.
BobBobBobBobBobDave@reddit
And this time, you can be drunk too.
BaBaFiCo@reddit
Don't you presume I wasn't drunk the first time!
Ancient-Awareness115@reddit
I remember being given babycham as a kid on special occasions, so I probably was too
Familiar-Candidate-7@reddit
I had babycham as a kid at Christmas. One year I stumbled into a table carrying my little glass. I still have the scar.
magicmango2104@reddit
Its better! Now I get to be the magic
TimedDelivery@reddit
Watching my son come down the stairs on Christmas morning to see his new ride on car was EVERYTHING.
EmmaInFrance@reddit
Yes!
My family has always believed in Father Christmas.
We msintained the belief of Father Christmas for the kids, up until they were 9 or 10, and then they slowly switched over to believing in the magic (or spirit) of Father Christmas.
That means that anyone staying in the house over Christmas Eve gets a stocking (long hiking socks bought just for this) filled with bits and bobs, plus some presents under the tree.
It's really surprised - in a very good way - some guests over the decades!
New partners also got taken aside at some point during the autumn and had all of this explained!
Our Christmases have always been very warm and welcoming, and friends who'd otherwise be on their own, are always welcome too.
rizozzy1@reddit
I do t have children. But my friend said this and also, the Easter bunny, the tooth fairy, Halloween and bonfire night.
Kitchen-Lab-2934@reddit
This is the best one!
underwater-sunlight@reddit
Im not overly bothered about my birthday, it holds a little more meaning seeing the joy it gives my daughter to get me something, even if it is a box of chocolates so we can share
EmperorsGalaxy@reddit
Today my 1 year old had me awake at 4am due to leaking through his nappy. Finally got him back to sleep after 5am and I was awoken at 07:30 to him stood up in his crib looking at me repeatedly say aww dada and blowing kisses.
It makes me feel things I have never felt before in my life. Of course I love my wife to death, but it's a different type of love
SwansEscapedRonson@reddit
Guys, thank you. This is really off topic and I’m sorry but I wanted to share - I don’t have kids and there’s a man in my office who obviously loves his children but he couldn’t make it clearer (not that he knows this) that he doesn’t really want to be a dad. Like, you can tell if he could turn the clock back, he would. None of my friends have kids so he’s pretty much all I have ever heard about parenthood, and it’s put me off massively.
At a wedding last weekend there were LOADS of children there, and my husband leaned over and basically said that he wants what those parents have - no pressure, nothing immediate, but “wouldn’t that be amazing to have one of our own?”. I totally froze up and was obviously stressed, and all I’ve been thinking about the last week is how trapped I would feel and how much work it would all be and how relentless it all sounds. I’ve been with my husband for 11 years and I’ve been so scared that this could be one and only thing that wouldn’t work between us.
Reading this thread has made me ugly cry. This is the stuff I’ve never heard about from my colleague, and I feel like it’s the first time I’ve ever come even close to understanding why people embark on the journey of having children. I know the hard stuff is still there, but reading your experiences finally gives me some explanation I think I’ve been lacking.
Ok-Swan1152@reddit
If it helps, my husband and I only grew closer to each other after having our child. It's added a new dimension to our relationship, emotionally - we see sides of each other that we've never seen before.
socratic-meth@reddit
You get to do lots of fun stuff you did as a kid, but would be weird to do as an adult without a kid.
PmMeLowCarbRecipes@reddit
I’ve been buying all the Polly Pockets I owned as a child and I’m having the best time playing with them with my toddler.
ManicPixiRiotGrrrl@reddit
I wouldn’t recommend giving polly pockets to a toddler that’s an extreme choking risk
Vequihellin@reddit
As an aunt to a 10yo, I'm ngl, once he gets over that phase of hating roller coasters I'm looking forward to taking him to Thorpe Park. My sister hates roller coasters and I never get to go as an adult anymore. Having my nephew as an excuse counts as a win.
Prior-Beach-3311@reddit
My sister lives for this with her Nibblings, first one diving into the soft play or up a big climbing frame
snowdrop0901@reddit
Not got kids yet.....but this is the plus i know of!
I want to go to bluey land at alton towers! I want to go to legoland! I want to play in a sandpit and get my face painted....but i cant as a childless adult.
BastardsCryinInnit@reddit
I tell all the kids in my family "you are never too old for a park".
chipscheeseandbeans@reddit
Yes! Clambering around the soft play and going down the slides is great fun!
raspberryamphetamine@reddit
Love soft play! And being only 5 feet tall nothing is uncomfortable or a squeeze because I’m barely over the “maximum heights” which always have a few inches leeway anyway!
Ok-Humor-5672@reddit
Just to name a few. Soft play is legit so much fun, you just gotta make sure you're wearing workout clothing and not like jeans and a jumper haha
Apsalar28@reddit
The big soft play place near mine does an adults only event with beer on one Friday evening a month which is hugely popular.
BabaSarah@reddit
Skipping rocks with my daughter for hours is my idea of a perfect day, just chatting and skipping.
Apsalar28@reddit
This is why I love doing the fun Aunty part. The soft play center ballpools and big foam blocks to build forts out of are awesome and I can pretend it's all in service of keeping a 3 year old entertained.
scrotalsac69@reddit
Exactly this, going to a trampoline park on my own would be odd at my age, but with a kid is hilarious.
Also getting to see those moments of astonishment as kids learn things we have taken for granted for years
Alyssa9876@reddit
Spent a chunk of yesterday playing in a sandpit and dancing and singing to the wiggles with my grandson, definitely more fun than a session at the gym lol.
Love Christmas when everyone fills the house. Or a couple of weekends ago when we had a BBQ with grown up kids, partners and grandkids. Just laughter and joy. Cannot imagine getting that loving happy feeling anywhere else-I am sure people who don’t have kids have their own joys and happy place but for me this is the best.
Also did a week at Easter with 9 of the various generations and it was fun and great from days out to noisy games at night was just lovely.
TMI2020@reddit
Getting to channel my inner Kane and chokeslam my kid at an Innoflate has been the highlight of being a parent.
imawomble@reddit
Not to mention the fun stuff you wanted to do as a kid but never did!
AmbitiousAd543@reddit
Pantomime!
TheMarvelMunchkin@reddit
I came to say this! You get to act as a kid and no one thinks you’re weird - people just say you’re a “great parent”
Actually it was me that wanted to go down the gigantic slide on the soft play… but no one needs to know that
brendayabastard@reddit
There is so many amazing things we all know like first smiles or words or hugs all the firsts but one thing I miss the most from when my babies were babies is in that sleep deprived haze in the dead of night it’s just you and them and you’re exhausted and overwhelmed but there’s always a moment when they look at you and it’s like the world melts away, just an indescribable feeling of overwhelming love. It’s honestly pure magic, the truest love I’ve ever felt is in quiet moments with my children.
melanie110@reddit
My favourite part of babies is the weaning stage. All my friends pass me their kid and say “you do this bit”. We have some random concoctions. But I am a legitimate feeder
_pankates_@reddit
Ah the random concoctions. Tuna and vegetable porridge was a favourite when we were weaning my daughter. Personally I wouldn't touch it with a bargepole but it was highly nutritious, easy to make, easy to eat for her, and she just loved it. I enjoyed making random purees to find out what combinations she'd go for. I even found her gummy yucky face covered in food goo funny and adorable.
Ok-Swan1152@reddit
Tuna and vegetable porridge sounds like congee tbh which is eaten all over Asia
melanie110@reddit
My friend was that much against mess, she used to feed her kid in a high chair in the bath. Her face or horror when I used to lt him get spag Bol wedged up his nose lol
Exotic_Process_8235@reddit
I loved waking up in the middle of the night to feed. It was silent, time stopped for awhile, and felt like it was just the two of us in this whole entire world.
TermAggravating8043@reddit
You get to go on the water slides with them when it would be kinda weird if you just went in yourself
Ok-Pie-712@reddit
We’re off on holiday shortly and due to a recent surgery I am not allowed on the water slides and I am GUTTED! There’s nothing like hitting the bottom of the slide together, getting up with a wedgy and a face full of water and laughing about how fast and amazing it was.
BobBobBobBobBobDave@reddit
It is great until you get told off by a teenage employee at Center Parcs for riding a slide that was kids-only on your own to "test" it.
taltallytalia@reddit
I love that this follows the heartfelt sentiments 😹
ClumsyandLost@reddit
Their laughter. Babies, toddlers and small children laughing is so uplifting.
Muggerlugs@reddit
My baby has a specific spot on one of his chins where if I nuzzle or kiss it he absolutely loses it with hysterical laughter and I swear that sound could cure depression.
GenericBrowse@reddit
Exactly this. My son is 10 so a bit older, but last night he laughed at something on TV and I just sat watching him.
I love hearing the neighbours kids playing in their garden, even at 8am on a saturday.
Don't know if you have ever been to BeWILDerwood, but its amazing. There is no music , no noisy machines, all you can hear is the chatter of families and children laughing and screaming (nice screams)
ClumsyandLost@reddit
My boys are 10 and 11 now too. I do still enjoy their laughter but there is something particular cute about babies and toddler's laughter. I hadn't heard of BeWILDerwood but I just looked it up and it looks like a great place. It's too far from us for a day out but if we ever stay over that way I'll definitely look into going there. Thanks for the recommendation.
Bubbly-Wallaby-2777@reddit
That you get to make them into humans that you like, not just love. My kids are both teens now and I legit love spending time with them because they are awesome company.
Particular_Piece2965@reddit
It made losing my dad more bearable. I miss him like mad but having my daughter to look after, seeing some of his traits in her and knowing she’s 25% him has really made me view life and loss differently. Also, I like being able to feed the ducks again.
Tattycakes@reddit
Can you not feed ducks as an adult?!
Great-Enthusiasm-720@reddit
Well if you can't I have been breaking the rules for many years!
Love feeding the ducks as an adult with no children.
Lopsided_Soup_3533@reddit
Every so often me and my husband get a bag of peas and go to Roath Park in Cardiff and feed the ducks geese and swans. They go mental for peas and it brings me joy. Im 50 hes 45
Glittering_Echo_7963@reddit
Hell yes, love to see people giving them food that's good for them. Peas are some of the best food we can feed them, and we should kinda avoid bread altogether ❤️
One_Nefariousness547@reddit
I feel this. My dad wasn't perfect but he was a good Dad and losing him made me want to be an even better father for my own children because all those memories from when I was small and the things we did together came flooding back.
His death hit me hard, but because of my own children I, IMO took it better than my brother and sister who are childless and didn't have the distraction.
BobBobBobBobBobDave@reddit
My grandad meeting his great granddaughter before he died is something that I am always glad happened.
She was too young to have any memory of him, but it is nice that it happened and there is that small link between generations.
Kindly_Buy_1891@reddit
Seeing the amazing baby you’ve created grow (cos you feed them), develop cos you put the effort in to teach them things, become an independent child with confidence cos you taught them that. But also being their own person. I’ve only got one daughter & I love her to bits. She’s put me through it at times too!
Prize_Ride7717@reddit
Everybody talks about how great babies and toddlers are in term of cuteness but my 5 year old bowls me over with her understanding of world. It is so unreal sweet having little people. It fills you with hope for the world 🌎 ✨️
froggle1988@reddit
Toddlers say funniest things. The other day, I put on Africa by Toto for some reason and my 2 year old said, ‘mummy, turn that music off right now! It’s hurting my teeth!’
BiscuitCrumbsInBed@reddit
My son is a lot of fun! He has a great sense of humour, always has done since he was a toddler. He makes up jokes now, which are mostly terrible but they still make us laugh! We go on walks to the woods, he likes pointing out toadstalls/flowers/bird calls etc. We go to the beach to look for shark teeth, he likes going to the library. He enjoys days outs. These are all things I love so its great to have his company! We have film nights and eat pizza. He loves going to Kaspas as a treat and so do I!
SkeletorOnLSD@reddit
I don't have kids myself, but my 3 nephews are my gaming buddies. We have a blast, and I get to wind them up as reptile on MK1.
Kind-Set-2326@reddit
Seeing them experience something for the first time and the joy they get from it. It’s like also experiencing it for the first time again yourself. I showed my 20 month old how to blow a dandelion, she found it to be the most hilarious thing ever and had so much joy in her little face. Moments like that sound like nothing but are so amazing.
jurwell@reddit
My son is only just over a year old and he’s *fucking hilarious*. Like, he can’t really even make words yet and he’s just got me dying laughing at everything he does. It’s crazy how much personality they exhibit from so early on in their lives
fwendy123@reddit
honestly, all of it! I have a fourteen week old baby and I love every second. I love the night shifts when we get to stay up together in the dark and cuddle. I love watching her learn new skills, which she does literally every week. I love hearing her make her silly baby sounds, they're so funny. I love it when she sneezes or coughs, even when it's right in my face, because it's just really cute. I love hearing her fart! farts are funny! it's all great and I never thought I would love having a baby as much as I do.
Ok_Distance5583@reddit
The first time the say mama, or say I love you mama! Absolutely melts your heart ❤️
lookhereisay@reddit
The world got brighter when I had him. I didn’t realise it wasn’t before but now there’s magic in finding a snail or seeing a dog with an extra wiggle bum.
MaterialCucumber6561@reddit
Showing a tiny, cute person the wonders of the world is the greatest privilege.
yearsofpractice@reddit
Hey OP. 50 year old married father of two here. Kids are 8 and 11.
A few things
For me, as soon as I saw my baby a switch flicked in my brain - I just suddenly found every single baby utterly adorable. Wasn’t bothered by babies before my first. Now, I have to bite my tongue when I see a stranger with a baby because I just want to tell them how adorable their baby is… and no-one wants a 50 year old man doing that!
From about 3 months old when they become more… person-like? they become really funny. Like properly hilarious with their antics and reactions to things. Honestly, it wasn’t something I expected - kids are really entertaining!
This one might be specific to me, but MILFiness is a really powerful thing. After having kids, my wife has just become even more sexy. She’s done the most feminine thing imaginable - produce life - and it’s very powerfully sexy to me. She’s become even more woman. I don’t know what the male equivalent would be.. killing a bear with a sword? I dunno. But MILFiness is real and it’s POWERFUL
Icy-Year9020@reddit
This is such a refreshing and wholesome question
cityfrm@reddit
Everything, I love everything about motherhood (eldest almost an adult). It's fulfilling in a way I couldn't possibly have imagined.
I didn't really feel comfortable in my family growing up, but being appreciated for being fully myself in my own family gives such a sense of comfort and peace.
BrightSignal8032@reddit
Not a parent but how everyone just falls in line and accepts the new baby as their leader. Whatever the baby wants, goes
saanij@reddit
My 3 year old woke up before me and opened the curtain a bit and said see it's morning .. wake up time. Never thought I would like waking up with bright light shown to me. But the innocence wins.
She then slept over me - it was another out of the world feeling!
(Spontaneous questions that otherwise would feel offensive or stupid but because your child asked it they are so funny)
And then she asked what did you eat in the morning before waking up? I asked do you hear my heartbeat? She said no that's not what I am asking! what did you eat..... I think you hear my tummy rumbling. She says no it's like listening to bubbles pop in you. (I have irritated gut due to antibiotics)
Rasty_lv@reddit
My kid is almost 11. I got to experience a lot of stuff I loved as a kid. Theme parks, lego. Now board games are our hit. We play a lot of different board games, like catan (for which you need at least 3 players) and he is pretty solid opponent. He is also really good in games like uno, labyrinth, lego monkey palace and azul. He even beat me once in carcassonne which is usually my game. I wasn't even mad then.
I also teached him how to play durak (fools, Russian card game, popular in post soviet countries) and he is pretty decent in it as well.
The thing is, I grew up with 2 younger brothers and best friend was around all the time, so growing up, we always played some board games. Later (my 20s) I played some with my wife, but that wasn't it. Now when my son is at this age, it's fun to play as trio.
TooMuchBrightness@reddit
When you’ve been showing them ways of being kind for their whole lives then they do something for someone else that’s so mature and beautiful, unprompted. The pride is indescribable.
raspberryamphetamine@reddit
Just by knowing the names of birds, insects, animals, dinosaurs etc and facts about them that I am the smartest being in the world to him. It’s a bit of an ego boost but I love seeing the happiness in his face when he learns something new, and that I got to teach him something and have that bonding moment with him.
themanfro1@reddit
Alot of it come a little later on, like teaching your kids things you know and can do and the joy you get when you see them figuring something out for themselves. But honestly, the greatest joy I had first, besides from them being born, was hearing my kids laugh for the first time, like really belly laugh. Nothing is better than knowing your kid enjoys your company.
AcademyCat1719@reddit
My oldest is a tween and she's so different from me, in every way. Watching someone I created be so much their own person is a wonder, sometimes I just look at her and think where did you come from. She's incredibly creative and she has these little mini notebooks she'll fill with sketches which I can spend ages looking at, it feels like an insight into her brain.
My youngest is flat out hilarious, one of the smartest people I know, just an excellent little guy. It's also very funny to watch my husband argue with a tiny version of himself.
I'll be honest I found the baby stage rough going, looking back is a little sad that I didn't appreciate their tiny brand newness because I was so exhausted but seeing them grow into their own people is it's own kind of special.
Weekend evenings where we're all just playing board games or watching a film together and I look around the living room there's just a sense of content and completeness that's hard to put into words. Then someone calls someone else a fart brain and we're back to reality.
Spike_Milligoon@reddit
Seeing their sense of humour develop. My eldest, from when he was about 3 laughed his head off when darth vader threw the emperor down that hole.
‘Dart dader chuck him down hole’ 😂😂😂
Again when vision gets thrown out of the window on wakanda.
To this day he bursts out in uncontrollable laughter at physical comedy or someone getting yeeted somewhere.
evb666@reddit
You can describe how hard it is but cannot express the love, joy and happiness you feel from your child
D-1-S-C-0@reddit
My son is two weeks old. I'm 43 and not as resilient as I once was, plus my wife is still recovering, so I'm doing the lion's share.
It's been so tough getting through each day with little sleep, relentless calls to action and ear-piercing screams.
Last night I finally got my head down at 1am after two nappy explosions and a feed, then he needed another change at 2am and a feed at 4am. In those moments I hate my life and would sell my house for 8 hours sleep.
But every other moment with him is beautiful. As you say, the love I feel for him and the happiness he gives me just by sleeping in my arms are immeasurable. I wouldn't change this for the world.
Just don't ask me if I still feel this way when he's pissing on me at 3am.
PastRecedes@reddit
The gasp and running in circles with excitement from my toddler when I come home from work is the best feeling
sihasihasi@reddit
My kids are 21 & 17. I still miss the "Daddy!!", when I walk in the door.
First-Lengthiness-16@reddit
I was coming to say something very similar. I have 3 girls and every time I walk through the front door (even if I have been gone 10 mins), they say “daddy’s here”, “he’s home”, excitedly together and run to the door.
Gets me every time.
Being a dad is the hardest thing I have ever had to do, by far. It’s also the best thing.
Effective-Pea-4463@reddit
My dogs do the same…lol
CornelliSausage@reddit
The way you love your child is not anything like your love for anyone else, not your parents, siblings, friends, lovers, anyone. It’s a completely new and amazing experience.
philsrice@reddit
I really love this. So true
Broken_Woman20@reddit
Play. Adults don’t do enough of it IMO. When you have kids it’s a great excuse to buy toys and play.
-_Error@reddit
It's great When they get to the age that you can start actually enjoying your hobbies with them.
My girls all come fishing with me and I honestly cherish every minute of it.
My 7 yr old wanted to start a YT channel so we've been messing around making fishing videos.
GrabbedByTheGhost@reddit
Just the smiles.
Such genuine, innocent, genuine displays of happiness at recognising your face is absolutely golden.
I didn't care about babies before I had one. Now, I'm in love.
purplesun42@reddit
Being present for my child in ways my parents never were, and it makes my inner child heal.
throwaway_321236@reddit
I have never been this in love with anyone in my life. It's such a good feeling. He's 7 now but I still stare at him when he sleeps, I miss him when he's not in the room, his jokes sound so much funnier that they actually are. I'm genuinely rooting for him in every aspect of his life. And it gives me even much more pleasure to see that his father feels the same way.
After having a child, I wanted to be a better person. I am much better at work, I am a better friend, a better partner... All because I want to be a good example for my child. And I want him to have a good life and a happy mother.
Lynvor@reddit
I don't have kids but I imagine Christmas becomes much more enjoyable again.
Independent-Loan-581@reddit
When they grow up and leave probably
Agitated-Honeydew-41@reddit
I am a single mum to a 9 year old daughter and while there have definitely been times I’ve felt exhausted and overwhelmed there are WAY more wonderful things that far outweigh any of that.
• truly, no one makes me laugh like she does. Whether it’s because your humour influences theirs or what I don’t know, but we have always been silly and constantly do ‘bits’ with each other seamlessly even from when she was tiny. We are always ‘in’ on the constant joke together.
• you get to have so much fun, you get to give yourself permission for things that before kids didn’t seem okay. If it’s raining we can craft all day, we can play video games, we can go to the beach straight after school because it’s baking hot and drive home a bit wet and full of smiles. Bending the ‘rules’ that you made for yourself in the name of fun! I always thought I was pretty fun and spontaneous and having my daughter made me realise how boring I was before!
• the snuggles, oh my word the gorgeous, heart warming, soul soothing snuggles.
• I’m not sure how to word this one but, witnessing yourself and how loving, patient and giving you can be from this seemingly endless well. Most people describe themselves as selfish before having kids (I did!), but experiencing a total shift in my own nature is marvellous. Particularly hits if you didn’t have great parents yourself and worried you’d be anything like them!
• the big swirly swell of awe that comes over you far more often than you’d think for them.
• sounds narcissistic but feeling truly loved. At your ugliest, shittiest self, that little girl runs into my arms at school pick ups and koala cuddles me with huge smiles every morning no matter wether I’m on top of the housework, feel good about myself etc etc so that really helps me to be gracious with myself.
• events and occasions! Christmas?! I didn’t even celebrate Christmas before she came alone. Now December is a full on Santa’s grotto at our house. Easter fun, birthday fun, my own birthday is even more fun!
• seeing all of your gentle parenting efforts pay off. When I have a reactive moment, my emotions feel overwhelming or whatever else, I can see her actively holding space for that knowing that big feelings pass. She doesn’t burden herself with my emotions and she doesn’t immediately react to them. She will smile at me knowingly and offer me grace. Just as I met all of her tantrums and meltdowns (and still do!) Our house is a very loving, patient place to be and having grown up in chaos I feel I’ve hit the jackpot to have broken that curse!
I could go on forever. I have the most fun and feel at most peace with and because of my daughter. I truly believe parenting is what you make it and what you allow it to be!
baddymcbadface@reddit
Your kids are real people you can have conversations with.
Other people's kids usually aren't. They're kids rather than people.
I can speak to my kids in a more relaxed manner than even my nephews and nieces. Much closer to how I speak with an adult. It's more natural and there's is more to them when you get along on this level.
marvelatmymarbles@reddit
A lot of people moan about it, but I actually love the new language Gen Alpha seem to have come up with. Children are so creative and funny and I love having that link to the new generation, where you have a little translator in your house trying to explain all the new terminology going on.
Novel_Alexander@reddit
Nobody told me how good it feels when they fall asleep on your chest, like nothing else in the world matters for that moment
SongsAboutGhosts@reddit
I am absolutely livid my second (and probably last) baby has never been into this
HelenLizMT@reddit
My second wasn't into cuddles until she was about 18 months old. She was such a wriggler! Now she loves a snuggle!
SongsAboutGhosts@reddit
My first was as a baby but not so much as a toddler (unless he's tired), so I'm hoping my second is the opposite!
donkey-oh-tea@reddit
Spending a whole day doing stuff you havent done for years - lego, hot wheels, arts and crafts, hunting bugs etc.
Seeing pure innocent joy at stuff youd been desentised to: butterflies, fire engines, cows.
Having an excuse to go to a petting zoo.
Snacks being a "core" requirement like bread and milk.
Leftovers (be careful on this one... daily chicken nugs & half packets of crisps are dangerous)
Learning how to put someone else way above yourself.
And... of course... bed time / nap time. The sense of relief and peace is astounding. Like taking your boots off after a hike, or a cold drink on a hot day.
All in all 10/10 would recommend.
BrutalOnTheKnees@reddit
I kind of like the way it quietly reshuffles and settles all your priorities in life. Babies safe and well? Ok great, then literally nothing else in the whole universe matters at all. The terror of anything bad ever happening to them is so overwhelming that it makes all other fears pale in comparison. There's also a comforting sort of certainty about how far you'd go to protect them. No moralising, no questioning, no need to wonder what you'd do or how you'd do it. I will do anything to protect my babies. Anything. Nothing is impossible, I will just make it happen.
I guess it just levels the mental playing field.
Sluggybeef@reddit
You get to see the joy of your little one having new experiences and being in awe of such simple stuff. They are so innocent and happy by default its truly a pleasure
Prestigious-Net9629@reddit
Not a parent, but spending time with nieces and nephews has reminded me that kids are funny as fuck. The death stares, the looks of utter disdain, the awkward, inappropriate questions shouted in the worst possible places, toddler logic.
I melted the first time my niece said my name - I'd just come in and she was genuinely excited to see me. And with kids, you 100% know it's genuine! The honesty is brutal but wonderful.
I love it.
ThinkLadder1417@reddit
So many cuddles!
The funny things they say and do. Nothing makes me happier than my 2 year old singing a song she made up about how happy she is.
SouthCulture6230@reddit
Having a little buddy to show all the things you loved as a kid, getting to enjoy them again as an adult and seeing your kid enjoy and get into those things too, is a gift you can't put a price on!
Also, as they get older, teaching them banter and seeing their personality grow and develop as they learn to give you as much cheek as you give them...
PacificNWCryptid@reddit
It's getting to relive your childhood again but the way you would have wanted it. Birthday parties, family outings, a world of first discoveries, etc.
Christmas is pure childhood magic again. Nothing like going to see Santa through their eyes, little Christmas treats, baking cookies, the countdown to the big day. Making every memory they will have forever.
I may be sleep deprived and have to split my income to more costs, but boy can every day life be a lot more magical when through their eyes. I was dreading going to work one day and then we stopped because there were snails "racing" and had to cheer them on...the work day just felt lighter after that.
Hour-Estate-2962@reddit
At social gatherings, if you want a bit of peace and quiet, going to a separate room to feed/calm the baby. I'll happily feed the baby anywhere but when boring Uncle Barry is over, suddenly I need to do it in private ;)
The amount of activities (often free) there are for new parents.
How easy it is to make friends. For those first few months if I met another mum you can guarantee within 1 hour we'd be swapping birth stories.
A weird one but loads of my friends have tried my breast milk (not from the source). Being able to produce milk does make me feel kinda cool. I gave a bit to my husband and it made his cold better. Could have been coincidence but it made me feel like Jesus.
My nights are so disturbed I'm an expert at going back to sleep once woken.
Three_Nuns@reddit
It probably did help him with his cold -
An amazing breastfeeding fact everyone should know is that it's a 2 way process. The baby's saliva passes into the mum's bloodstream through their nipple and gives feedback on what nutrition they need, and the milk composition adapts accordingly. If the baby is ill, then the milk is loaded with the needed antibodies. Breastfeeding mothers often seem to get ill a lot less, partly because their body gets the "advance warning" from the baby and makes antibodies in advance. Your husband likely had the same cold as your baby, and so your milk gave him a strong dose of antibodies.
I'm a dad of three. I always knew my partner was magical, but seeing what she does (And her body does!) in creating and sustaining life it's been confirmed many times over
Amylou789@reddit
The sleep one is the one I miss the most now (although not the sleep deprivation in the day that goes with it!). Now mine is sleeping better sometimes I just can't get to sleep and I had forgotten that was a thing!
BobBobBobBobBobDave@reddit
They do provide a great excuse sometimes.
Appropriate_Log1654@reddit
Having children makes me feel whole, even though it's incredibly hard. Yes I had more money, more free time, and more rest before I had them - but I often look back on that time I feel like it was hollow and almost materialistic.
Seeing the joy my children get out of the most simple things in life - playing in the garden, seeing a rainbow, playing on the beach, drawing/painting etc. is beautiful and makes me in turn appreciate the little things.
Chatting to my eldest about his interests and watching my youngest develop is just gorgeous.
I wish I could bottle this feeling, and before children it's something I couldn't have imagined.
throwawayonathrow@reddit
Absolutely agree. I feel like I’ve fulfilled a purpose i didn’t know I had and finally feel like I’m where I’m supposed to be in life. I had a great life before but now feel so much love and happiness in the simplest things like just sitting and watching my little boy slowly learning to eat and getting better and better each day brings me so much joy. Having him is hands down the best thing I have ever done in my life and I feel so blessed that I’m at the start of my parenting journey and I get to do this again and again if I want to.
thewatchbreaker@reddit
I’m not a parent yet but I think I know a little about this feeling already. I like going on holidays and I’ve been enjoying these last few holidays before my husband and I decide to start a family but there’s a tinge of sadness about it already, my holidays are far less stressful without kids but I couldn’t help but think that I’d be a lot more fulfilled and overall happy if I was somewhere cheaper but with my children.
I know it’s going to be mad hard but I’m really looking forward to having kids, I’m personally starting to think my lifestyle at the moment seems a bit hedonistic and materialistic.
Ok-Swan1152@reddit
I feel exactly the same way. Bottling the feeling. It moved me to years of happiness. My previous life was fun but also a bit hollow in retrospect.
But it's impossible to understand when you're not a parent, as I didn't understand until I became a mum.
DoItForTheTea@reddit
this is also me! my life was easier but without a purpose in a way that i just didn't realise
Elegant_Plantain1733@reddit
Playing with young kids is where you get to be a kid again yourself. Just drop the act and do stuff like noones watching (they arent).
Also kids TV, at least the right programs (CBeebies is the channel), is really fun.
purrfectly-cromulent@reddit
My child is such good company. We have great conversations. He's wise, perceptive, kind, and has great critical thinking skills.
I don't think I ever thought it was possible to have a parent/child relationship like ours. It wouldn't have crossed my mind that it's possible to enjoy your child, because I didn't experience that.
H0vis@reddit
This is so true. There is so much talk about what is wrong with kids today (and there always has been as fair as I am aware, it's a recurring thing society complains about) but they're good people.
purrfectly-cromulent@reddit
Absolutely. There has never been a golden age, there have always been wonderful children and horrible children.
I'll be forever grateful that my son's friends are all a really good bunch. They go walking, fishing, cycling, have baking competitions. Most importantly, they talk to each other!
From my point of view, we've got some great people moving up into the world. It makes me feel better.
antiquebiscuits@reddit
Apart from the things that others have mentioned (Christmas, doing kid stuff like trampoline parks and feeding the ducks) the best thing is watching my child's personality and interests grow. He's in year 4 and is staring to become hilariously adult in certain ways. We were walking to cubs the other night and he said 'So, how's work treating you?'. I was also absolutely elated when he started riding the bike without stabilisers for the first time. I actually jumped in the air and fist pumped shouting 'Yes! I knew you could do it! Get in lad!'. I must have looked nuts!
TimedDelivery@reddit
My 4 and 8 year old have started saying “hmm, I don’t care for it” when they try or see something they don’t like, I love it.
thethirdbar@reddit
my kids are almost 6 now and they're starting to pay dividends - they've mastered the coffee machine; and last night i absolutely trashed one of them at mario kart and she LOVED it.
i also really really LOVE seeing them learn to read and love and enjoy stories, it is incredibly rewardng.
and morning snuggles. my husband is a 'gets up immediately' person but i am a 'takes a few minutes to move' person, so the kids quite often come traipsing in and pile on me, and sometimes make daddy get back in for a 'family snuggle' which is a pretty nice way to start the day honestly.
but otherwise, man they are hard graft.
TimedDelivery@reddit
My 8 year old has just in the last week or two started reading for enjoyment and I am so freaking pumped. It’s been an uphill battle as he’s found reading really challenging (he’s autistic, possibly has ADHD and dyslexia too) and was at least a year behind his peers but has always loved stories and over the last couple of weeks seems to have finally reached the point where reading isn’t to hard for him to enjoy it. Last night I had to tell him to put his book away because it was time to get ready for bed and I was THRILLED.
louloubelle92@reddit
Mine is only 3 now so doesn’t know what a video game is, but I can’t wait to smash him at mario kart when he gets older!
Right-Response-3308@reddit
This is a fantastic post! Love the positivity and the comments!
Simpy158@reddit
Oh God - just their very existence! I find motherhood really hard and very challenging but God, I love them so damn much. And when their little bodies are curled up against me, I think I’m the happiest I have ever been.
FriendshipTrue3980@reddit
I prefer baby, toddler and child hugs to adult hugs. They can be so snuggly. It will be sad the day my children stop wanting to cuddle us so much.
EliteSSM@reddit
I had my kids young. Looking back, everything. Even the sleep deprivation.... which in our case was 9 years of broken sleep multiple times a night was ace. Would love to go back to those times.
herefortheworst@reddit
Mine belly laughed for the first time in a random car park after meeting some friends. Genuinely one of the best moments of my life. I wasn’t prepared emotionally for how much happiness they bring.
Competitive-Chest438@reddit
It’s the fact that when it’s good it makes up for all the other trials 10 fold. Now mine is a little older the conversations, the silliness and the fact I’ve got a little buddy who adores me is completely unmatched.
I was never paternal before kids but my daughter changed my life for the better and I want to be the best I can be for her everyday. Sure my personal time is a little more compressed but I don’t miss the old times.
LJ161@reddit
When they lay their head on your shoulder when you pick them up and they give a deep sigh like they just got to sit down after a long shift.
TheMarvelMunchkin@reddit
Toddler kisses!
When they just come to you and demand hugs and kisses for no other reason than they want to!
bopeepsheep@reddit
It's a science experiment happening in your home - from blank slate to functioning human. Each day, your infant learns something new, or changes some aspect of their physical being. Your toddler practises and perfects. School-age kids learn new things (and if you're lucky share their enthusiasm with you). You can learn from them and they learn from you. It's fascinating.
I was always very amused when I could see my toddler emulating one of her grandparents - phrases or gestures. This is one of the ways we live on - my (now adult) daughter still uses phrases I remember my grandmother using 50 years ago. And that's a nice way to stop for a moment and remember my grandmother, who died 20 years ago.
floppymitralvalve@reddit
In the last month or two, my 17mo has started giving proper bear hugs just because he wants to, not because I want him to. He’ll just wander over with his arms out for no good reason. Especially given how much of a wriggler he was when he was younger, there’s something great about knowing this little thing that you’ve loved so much since they were born loves you back enough to just want to cuddle on a regular basis.
Jess_atDamar@reddit
Mine was putting the shopping away last night (his favourite job) and stopped partway to run back and lean in for a kiss, then promptly got on with what he was doing. Could've burst into tears right then.
floppymitralvalve@reddit
So cute! The other night he was alternately flumping on to me and then his dad to cuddle each of us in turn. We were teasing him like ‘no, it’s my turn now!’ and he was giggling, then looked slightly confused and stuck his arms out extra wide so he could hug both of us at the same time. 🥺
AccomplishedRice7427@reddit
My 10 year old has been an utter delight since he was about 3. He's kind, funny, and empathetic. He's a great kid to spend time with. He has his moments (as they all do), but I would choose to spend time with him even if I didn't have to (e.g if he was my nephew or something).
inspectorgadget9999@reddit
You have a legitimate excuse to not go to social events, or to leave early
mu5tbetheone@reddit
Pure overwhelming happiness. A feeling you just can't explain fully until you experience it, I thought I knew true love, this was nothing like I have ever felt before, it was the purist feeling of I need to love and protect you with every fibre of my being.
Oh, and if you're breastfeeding and bend down without a bra on! If those puppies are full the will spurt like a super soaker!
Ok-Swan1152@reddit
I'd unquestioningly die for my child. I'd do anything. I finally understand the feeling, but it actually gives me peace.
melanie110@reddit
Kids are just easy. Not easy but simple. I absolutely love kids being actual kids. I love watching them play, I love hearing them laugh at the most bizarre things. I love their toilet humour as in farting is funny.
Mine have grown now so I’m living it again with my god son who’s 5. He’s a proper canon but I love him. I love how he’s not tainted by the world
IansGotNothingLeft@reddit
Christmas. I was a Grinch. I had gotten to a point where I was willing to just sack the whole thing off and hibernate in December. Then my daughter came along and suddenly Christmas was magical, exciting and fun again. Even now, she's 15 and I still look forward to it.
danishbluevase@reddit
The feeling of their little arms reaching up around your neck for a cuddle.
The smell of their sweaty heads when they're asleep.
The absolute joy of seeing them interpret the world around them.
Family film time!
StockholmGirl29@reddit
Nothing negative from this mum! Kids are just the best thing that can ever happen to you. I hate seeing moans and groans from parents! My kids make me proud every day. One of the best things I've found is experiencing the world with them and seeing their simple joy at chasing a butterfly or watching "The Goonies" for the first time! They grow up too quickly!
ForArsesSake@reddit
Rediscovering old films with your kids is great - from Wizard of Oz to things like Stand By Me. It’s fun when they start to get a bit older. I watched Fight Club with my older teen the other day.
not-my-circus1992@reddit
Watching my kids develop their own interests and throwing themselves into it has been the BEST. My son is obsessed with dinosaurs, space and board games. Watching him learn something new about any of those things is honestly amazing.
My daughter is only 2 but she is also the funniest person I've ever met. She is fearless so throws herself into everything her big brother is doing and it's so good watching them play together.
Is it hard? Yeah, sure, can be. Mostly when I'm overstimulated, stressed or tired. But they are my entire world and I would fight bears, pirates, or a fucking meteor for them if I had to.
AdApart5035@reddit
It changed the way I thought about my body. I'd been very ill as a child and my body had felt kind of like the enemy. After drug-free childbirth and nearly two years of breastfeeding, I felt like my body was capable of hard things. I stopped feeling ugly - who cares about that when I have brute forced a whole human being that I also grew into the world?
CouchKakapo@reddit
How do I feel about how my body looks?
My body made a human. That's amazing.
End of discussion!
cable54@reddit (OP)
I'm loving reading these responses, thank you everyone
marmighty@reddit
All the Lego!
Successful-Special76@reddit
I cannot tell you how good the feeling is when your baby/toddler/child is cuddled into you sleeping. It’s just such a content joyful peace
jeansontoast@reddit
I'm not a parent but a step parent. I've been in my step kids lives since they were 2 and 4 and the eldest is now off to high school soon.
It has honestly been amazing watching them learn to read. I remember the early days I would just read to them. Then they start primary school and start with the phonics and sounding out basic words. Then they can just about read, but are very clunky and need lots of help. Then all of a sudden they are fluently reading proper books, managing complex words which aren't pronounced the way they are spelled but they manage it anyway. I always feel a bit emotional but in a happy way when they read a book to me that I used to read to them. Sounds daft but we never miss reading at bed time because I enjoy it so much! They're great kids and it has been amazing watching them grow up through primary school.
Also, Christmas with kids is honestly magical. I LOVE christmas and since I had step kids I've got the perfect excuse to decorate the house from top to bottom. I love leaving the glass of milk and mince pie out on Christmas eve, and their faces when they come downstairs on Christmas morning is honestly the best.
My step kids are the best little guys!
SongsAboutGhosts@reddit
Contact napping/sleeping (when you have nothing else you need to do - less so when you're desperate for a wee or lunch)
Any and every little increase in communication. My 7mo old will put his hands in mine if I offer them and he wants help or cuddles. My 2yo spent last summer saying 'hi Mama' constantly just to check in with me; now he says 'talk to me, Mama!' The first smiles and laughs are often talked about, but the subsequent ones aren't any less magical. Them picking up new signs is fab, whether it's really helpful (baby signing for milk) or them just showing up on the they're watching and listening and building their skills (baby waving, toddler signing anything I hadn't specifically taught him).
Watching their personality shine, finding out their interests, and being able to cater to that to help them follow their passions. And sharing our passions with them (reading 20 books a day with my toddler, seeing my baby take to splashing around in water immediately at 3mo).
Seeing them learn and understand and be more empathetic.
Watching them physically grow, from a potato your hormones are telling you is super adorable but in hindsight is actually a bit scrawny and puffy and learning how to exist in its own skin, into a little person made of a whole new combination of features from various people you love.
Sharing the things you loved from your childhood, and giving them the things you wanted but didn't have, and enjoying these together and/or through them.
kestrelita@reddit
Shamelessly encouraging my tween in whatever she's into. Emo music, great! You think magic is real? Here's some information about Wicca. You like video games? Here are my favourites, let me know what you think!
SeymourDoggo@reddit
It is difficult to explain the disproportionate amount of joy I get from the most seemingly mundane act of picking them up from school.
Next-Suit-9579@reddit
When they're still little, and you get them up first thing in the morning and they flop their little head on your shoulder, it used to make me melt.
dervish666@reddit
I spent a year co-sleeping with my daughter in a big double bed, I know it's supposed to be taboo but it was the only way we could get sleep at first, then became routine. Waking up to a cute cuddly baby every morning was just the best.
MrsOpie@reddit
My daughter can be challenging, but she gave me purpose. You just cannot describe how much love and joy they bring to your life. Every day watching her learn new words, emotions, skills is truly a blessing!
wawbwah@reddit
Ah balls I shouldn't have read this post I'm getting super broody.
Mysterious_Fox_8058@reddit
So so many positives, mine is still very little, so I'm yet to experience a lot. Some of my favourites so far are:
We laugh every single day, he is absolutely hilarious and we both share the same sense of humour.
When they reach up to hold your hand without you asking them when you're walking beside them.
When they experience basically anything for the first time, and you feel like you are too.
Jumping in puddles with them.
Going down slides with them.
Listening to them singing a song (thats not a nursery rhyme or kids song) for the first time.
piccalily19@reddit
Forces you to slow down and appreciate the important things
gna7103@reddit
How much fun it is to see things through your kids eyes! Even the most underwhelming things feel like the most exciting thing ever, kind of makes you reframe your thinking on really shit days!
VRS38@reddit
I have my own and have worked / do work with kids/ young adults. They feed me useless information. Sometimes the info comes in handy when I watch quiz shows and know the answer from something they've told me.
Ok-Middle8656@reddit
Talking. Having that little mind grow and learn and be able to hold a conversation - it’s magical!
sonicloop@reddit
The joy that my toddler brings to the little old ladies when we’re out at the supermarket and cafes etc. I would otherwise have just ignored them and not made any conversation.
Kyber92@reddit
I have a little goblin that lives in my house and is the funniest person ever. She's almost 2.5 and she's got a specific ACK ACK ACK type laugh for when she knows she's being a menace.
My other fave thing is she has no idea of like world events, politics, war, work shite whatever. She just wants to play and go to the park. Makes everything else seem insignificant when I'm with her.
mlo_66@reddit
You can leave parties early!
deccann@reddit
You never stop learning. About yourself, each other, everything and they make you pause and appreciate the tiny wondrous things in the world that you wouldn't have given a second thought to.
peachandbetty@reddit
You get to experience the workd once more through new, wonderous and joyful eyes.
Recent-Walrus-3366@reddit
They're so funny. The cuddles are so nice. Seeing them develop their interests is wonderful. Some kids TV is great.
summers_tilly@reddit
When my eldest was born, I remember holding her in the mirror and having this weird overwhelming feelings that I was looking at myself twice. I just felt like she was my twin and had duplicated myself. It was probably just hormones as she’s grown up to be the double of her dad.
One thing no one told me is how lovely it is to be someone’s favourite person. How they light up when they see you and think your the best thing ever.
Still-BangingYourMum@reddit
The sounds of them laughing and playing in the garden. Pops straight to mind, but my favourite is seeing them at the sitting room window as I got back from work, followed by the over enthusiastic hubbub that followed the moment you open the door, the mad rush for hugs and the excited chattering, the hustle and bustle as they try to tell you what they've done that day.
Just my favourite part of being a Dad
JumpinJackCilitBang@reddit
Weekend mornings watching cartoons in bed with the kids, drinking tea and eating biscuits.
Ok-Swan1152@reddit
I love watching her develop, learning to explore and interact with the world, learning to play. The way her speech is developing. Her babbling is so so cute. The way she tries to hide her dad's and my stuff. The way she tries to mimic our actions. The way she laughs and smiles at us.
Yes, I can't just go anywhere as I wish. But the joy from parenthood is unexpectedly profound and so moving.
BerryOk966@reddit
Holding them, sleeping, in your arms.
Millionth-throw-away@reddit
When they hold your hand. The first time the imitate or copy something you do all the time. Falling asleep on you over the age of 1. Using the toilet independently. That laugh. When they finally go to sleep and all you hear is that little snore, but its pure relief because you can now sleep
DameKumquat@reddit
Suddenly my parents started treating me as a grown-up. Hitting 30, getting married, getting a PhD - didn't really cut it. Presenting them with a grandchild who was growing and thriving - suddenly I knew what I was talking about, even when it was nothing to do with babies.
Baby smiles, threenager logic, snuggle,.and those pictures drawn for you, all great. But teenagers have their own charms, fetching and carrying, sending you memes, going to shows with them, them introducing you to 'new' music that you know all the words to because it's from the 80s...
Alternative-Fox-7255@reddit
Having my first kid stopped my addiction and cured me . She doesn’t know it but she saved my life
mrbios@reddit
No greater feeling after a crap day at work to your child running up to you, giving you a big hug and telling you they love you.
My daughter(3) did that yesterday as I got out of the car, she grabbed my leg and said "love you daddy" completely unprompted. Best feeling ever.
eikerir@reddit
A combination of being sad and proud when they start doing everyday things by themselves and don't need you anymore. Brushing teeth, wiping themselves, cutting their own food, etc.
Also, being able to park in the extra wide family spaces at carparks.
Material-Water-6892@reddit
I don’t have a child, but my whole life I felt uncomfortable eating in public, but when I’m with my little brother I’m happy and enjoy doing it
Difficult-Cup4279@reddit
A child’s ability to make you laugh at yourself and act super silly is amazing
BobBobBobBobBobDave@reddit
When they laugh or smile at something you have done.
Very new babies won't, but it happens sooner than you think. Used to spend hours just making my daughter giggle.
ATSOAS87@reddit
Being able to go the park and play on the swings without having to wait until a playground is empty is pretty good.
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