Parents: What is the best thing about having kids? What's the worst?

[Arugula Latte]

For me, I guess it's that constant state of amazement that you created these incredible, amazing, funny, intelligent beings. They make me smile and laugh several times a day. I can't imagine life without them.

The worst part is thinking about the possibility of outliving them. :cry:

[hippiechick]

1. The best ? When they sleep thru the night.

The worst ? The other 17 hours of the day, nonstop for 18 years.

And no, I am not being a smartass.
I put forth what could be called a rather valiant 10 year effort at single parenthood and was miserable until I got up the courage to admit that I couldn't do it any longer, and let her go live with her father.

[Maddy McCall]

2. Best: having a kid who makes me laugh...

Worst: having a kid who makes me bang my head against the wall.

[AlienGirl]

3. The best...

The best is having an intellectual discussion with the older one and having him come up with something I wouldn't have thought of. Discussing books we both like is great too. With the younger one, the best is listening to his wonderful, incredibly creative stories about "Frank from the 21st dimension," or hearing him say something so adorable it sticks with me forever, like, "Mommy, when you are a cup, I drink you. Glug glug."

The worst? When they are at their dad's house, and I know they are calling someone else "Mom."

Tucker

[cosmik debris]

4. Kids are like puppies

If you treat them ok they will love you unconditionally. That's the best deal you are gonna get on this planet.

[LynzM]

5. For me, so far...

(Bearing in mind that our daughter is barely three)

I love hearing her laugh, seeing her smile, the smiles she brings to others, and watching her sense of humor develop! I love the wonderful, unsolicited hugs and kisses!

I don't much enjoy giving up my independence or being able to sleep through the night, comfortably, in my own bed.

[Pithlet]

6. The best is watching them learn

I just love watching them go through life and experiencing things for the first time and learning about everything. And I love it when they laugh.

The worst part is the fear that something awful will happen to them.

[gollygee]

8. Ditto

you beat me to it. On both counts.

It's so fun watching kids learn new things and develop new skills.

But I can't stop worrying.

[AndyTiedye]

7. If I Had Kids, I'd Be Worried Sick About Them Getting DRAFTED

[greeneyedpookie]

9. I totally agree with you!

:hug:

Granted my daughter can aggravate me beyond belief, however, she is my light, my joy. I cannot imagine life without her, or her life without me. It pains me to think of her living without life without me in it. :(

GEP

:bounce:

Edit: spelling

[glarius]

10. Seeing them turn out to be the caring, generous, fair-minded people

you hoped you were raising them to be....I can't think of anything bad at the moment....Perhaps it's the times you worry about them when they're ill.....

[medeak]

11. the best...

when they grow up to be smarter and quicker than you are

the worst...when they grow up to be smarter and quicker than you are.

[ScreamingMeemie]

12. The worst? Five hours of back to school shopping with a 15 year old.

And having to explain the rotten parts of life. The best? That feeling like you want to swallow them up whole when you gaze upon them.

[PassingFair]

13. Best: When they are laughing.

Worst: When they are sick.

[fortyfeetunder]

14. Kids are OK

The good: Cheap entertainment when they are babies, and when they are completely potty trained...

The bad: Very high maintenance when they are older.

[lpbk2713]

15. When you get old (like me) it feels good to share

the contentment they have with their lives. And I'm not at all saying anything about their career paths or their bank accounts. Just to know they are happy with the way their life turned out.

The bad part would be sharing their misery if their life didn't turn out as they would have preferred.

[Not_Giving_Up]

16. The best..

When they were tiny and cuddled up sleeping or exploring the big world.

The worst...Sibling rivalry!

[applegrove]

17. Or if you child grows up and is hurt & victimized & traumatized.

That would be hard too. Not as bad as outliving them.

[tjdee]

18. The worst is always worrying about them. Their health, their friends,

their love life, their schoolwork.... my kid isn't even 10 yet and the worry is ridiculous.

The best is that she just friggin rocks. She's the best person I know. Not boring, not mean, likes pie...

I'd recommend having kids to everyone. Plus, you learn a lot about yourself too.