The struggles of parenthood are real and valid, especially right now. And while it’s important to shine a light on the hard stuff to show parents they’re not alone, it’s equally vital to talk about all the good parts for the same reason. And a recent, viral Twitter thread accomplished just that.
Rose Stokes, a UK-based journalist, is a first-time pregnant mum. And like all of us the first time, she worries about what lies ahead. Recently, she took to Twitter to urge parents to share what they love about parenting, and the tweet quickly went viral.
Without wanting to question the struggles of parenthood, which I know are huge, I get a little anxious with lots of people telling me how hard and difficult being a mother is going to be. As an antidote: Twitter parents, what do you like, big or small, about having children?
—Rose Stokes (@RoseStokes) January 7, 2022
“Without wanting to undermine the struggles of parenthood, which I know are huge, I’m getting a little anxious with a lot of people telling me how hard and difficult being a mother will be,” she tweeted. “As an antidote: Twitter parents, what do you love, big or small, about having kids? »
And oh, did the parents deliver. In one of the most beautiful Twitter threads this author has ever read, moms and dads showed up in droves to share all the heartfelt, funny, and loving reasons why they love parenting.
Just read some of these answers and try not to smile. Or cry. I defy you!
I think the reason it seems like parenthood is bad is that it’s easy to describe the bad sides and impossible to describe the good sides because they’re so good they’re from another world.
— Lucy Huber (@clhubes) January 7, 2022
But for me, it’s often the fun, mundane moments that make me so happy to be a parent. For example, my 19mo leaving my whole family, everyone trying to get him to say goodbye, he refuses to talk and then says “bye Mac” (the dog). 😂😂
— Lucy Huber (@clhubes) January 7, 2022
This is such a beautiful and just explanation. The best way to describe it is that being with my son opened up a whole new level of joy for me. When it’s good, it’s better than anything else.
— Arianna Rebolini (@AriannaRebolini) January 7, 2022
Perfectly written. Tonight we had a bedtime family affair for some reason and we cried with laughter (I definitely peed a little) trying to sing “Into The Unknown” from Frozen. It seems silly to try to describe this feeling of love and joy, but easy to say sleep deprived!
— Emma Steward (@EmmaSteward14) January 7, 2022
So many things. Waking up with their arms wrapped around me, constant hugs. Say “I love you” every time we leave a room. Hearing their worries and crazy made-up stories about imaginary fox families; silly cooking discos every weekend, dinner with “fake wine”
— Victoria Richards (@nakedvix) January 7, 2022
It may be the hardest job in the world, but it’s also the best and most meaningful. What I can promise you is that it’s getting better and better. Mine are now 9, 10 and 14 and I wish I could stop the clock here. Not pure joy. But many moments of it.
— Isabel Oakeshott (@IsabelOakeshott) January 7, 2022
It’s 2 lives. Before and after. But you fall in love again and discover an intimacy you never thought possible. You learn that your capacity for love is limitless. For me, the best bits are moments that no one else would understand or appreciate. When you and your child ‘know’.
— KarenLisaLaing (@KarenLLaing) January 7, 2022
It’s not always easy, but nothing worthwhile ever is. It’s stopping to look at birds’ nests in a tree and thinking “woah, this is the best day of my life”. Many days are the best ever. These are the hugs, the giggles and the I love you. and stories like these for almost 4 years pic.twitter.com/09VjuxS3Mw
— Katy Gartside (@KatyGartside) January 7, 2022
I like their curiosity. They ask questions I never thought I would ask. They also help you see the world without prejudice or fear… nothing like chasing your little one down a hill yelling “be careful” 😅. The days are long but the years are short. Enjoy this moment ❤️ pic.twitter.com/fQTJbe27TG
– nam kiwanuka (@namshine) January 7, 2022
When my daughter was 6 months old, I made a recording of her laughter and kept it on my desk. Now she’s a funny, smart 15-year-old who doesn’t give a fuck and I love adolescence more than anything. But I still listen to this recording and I feel a burst of joy every time. It’s crack, basically
— Fiona Sturges (@FionaSturges) January 7, 2022
Honestly, hard things melt when you feel their hand wrap around your finger. Being a parent is like starting life over again: their joy becomes your joy, their curiosity revives yours. Everything will be more intense: hard things, of course – but love too. It’s the best. pic.twitter.com/YcKWTMhdwK
-Oli Franklin-Wallis (@olifranklin) January 7, 2022
I remember when my son was little and we fell asleep and I woke up and saw him cuddled up in my arms thinking “this is one of the best times of my entire life”.
Do not worry. Human beings have been doing this successfully for millions of years. It will be fine.
— Helen Osborn 🦖 (@joeanddan) January 7, 2022
The thread clearly resonated with many parents, including yours truly. It’s exactly the kind of stuff we all need to read right now, not necessarily because we need a reminder of how much we love our children. But because it’s so good to think about all the parenting moments that feel good, isn’t it? And so many of those moments are universal — and all of those wonderful moments are the things we need to share with expectant parents, too.
Rose tells Motherly that she didn’t expect such an overwhelming response, but is so grateful for everyone’s stories.
“I was quite upset to be honest!” she says. “I felt pretty anxious and the response was so amazing and positive. It really gave my mental health a boost and I then sent it out to every pregnant/new mom or veteran mom I know. “
When you have children, times can be tough whether or not there is a global pandemic. And, as Rose said in her original tweet, all of those feelings are valid. But even though it’s hard to put into words what we love about our children and our roles as parents, we must try – for the Roses of the world, for our children and above all for ourselves.
“I’m sure there will be tough times,” she said. “But it’s important to know that these can co-exist with a lot of beauty and joy.”
twitter, parenting, positive parenting
