Being a parent can be a thankless, tiring job.
Not only do you have the stresses of pregnancy, the hospital bills, and sleepless nights, and the never-ending chores, but you’re also responsible for making sure your brand new baby grows up to be a wonderful, productive member of society.
Thankfully, the benefits far outweigh the drawbacks.
Recently, on a popular social platform, someone asked,
“Tell me about a moment you felt you had succeeded as a parent. Big or small doesn’t matter. I just like to read the positive stories you share. My baby is still very small, but every time I can get her to fall asleep without breastfeeding is a success for me.”
And parents were quick to chime in with their favorite feel-good moments that made all the challenges worth it.
1. My Kids Chose to Read (On Their Own!)
While most toddlers love a good bedtime story, eventually, many children grow out of their love of books as they progress through elementary and middle school.
For those parents who are able to instill a lifelong love of reading in their children, it can be a major source of pride.
One person shared, “Yesterday, my 8-year-old declined to use his screen time because he wanted to read his new library books instead.”
Another person responded, “My son’s love of reading is something I will always shamelessly be proud of myself for. Such a good feeling knowing you gave your kid a great start.”
2. My Kids Didn’t Give Up
Every person has their own set of unique gifts, skills, and abilities. Some tasks simply come easier to some children than others.
This should never stop us from continuing to learn, grow, and improve, however.
One parent said, “My son (2.5) was getting frustrated with his puzzle pieces not going together. He stopped, took a big breath, tried again and got it.”
3. My Kids Chased Their Dreams
Too many people give up on their dreams as they get older and realize how much work accomplishing their goals would actually take in the real world.
Those who never give up despite the obstacles they face can be a real source of pride and inspiration — both to their parents and others.
Someone shared, “My 23-year-old stepdaughter was an aspiring artist almost her entire life- certainly in the 11 previous years I have known her- and when she graduated HS, she moved closer to us at the time & began her career with tattooing. She’s been doing it for about 4 years now & she’s learned so much, including her taxes, & she’s been in a committed relationship just a little longer, & he is also a great tattoo artist. It makes us proud to see how she’s achieving her dreams & becoming such a wonderful woman.”
4. My Kids Had a Good Report from School
While grades certainly aren’t everything, receiving a good report card from school is an accomplishment worth celebrating.
One person said, “My 3-year-old’s last childcare observation (like a school report) said she is ‘extremely caring and thoughtful.'”
Another person said, “My son is getting an award at school for being a leader and an all-around good kid. There’s a whole fancy award breakfast and everything. Hearing the things the teachers are saying about why he is getting it makes me so proud- he is always looking out for other kids and helping in any way he can.”
5. My Kids Used Good Manners
You wouldn’t think proper manners would be a huge accomplishment, but seeing how some adults behave these days, apparently, it can be.
It makes sense, then, that parents would be proud of their children for being considerate of others and having great manners.
One parent is proud “when my son says ‘please’ and ‘thank you.'”
Another parent said, “My 5-year-old daughter was SO grateful after opening her Christmas presents, she wouldn’t stop thanking us and saying things like ‘it’s so nice of granny to have sent me this present, we’ll have to call her to say thank you’ and it felt so rewarding.”
6. My Kids Were Kind to Others
There’s so much constant negativity in the world… Kindness is a trait the world could definitely use more of these days.
So, of course, these parents are rightfully proud of their kiddos for helping make the world a kinder place for everyone.
Someone shared, “Recently my nine-year-old daughter absolutely insisted that I take her to the grocery store so she could use some of her Easter money to buy her teacher a bouquet of flowers (it was the teacher’s birthday).”
Another person said, “My daughter heard her friend was in a car accident and went and bought all her favorite junk foods and went to her house. Did the same when her friend broke up with her boyfriend.”
7. My Kids Talked to Me About Problems
While hearing your child’s or teenager’s constant negativity can be emotionally draining, you want your children to feel comfortable coming to you if they have a real problem.
This way, you can give your children solid life advice, based on your years of experience, and guide your child in the right direction.
One parent said, “My daughter (8) said after she came to me with a problem – ‘Mommy, I am really glad I can come to you and talk about things. It makes me feel much better.’ I listen to her and treat her with respect and have been working on open communication, and for her to feel she has a safe place to talk about anything. Success!”
8. My Kids Tried New Foods
Feeding picky children can be a challenge. While some children have legitimate reasons to be wary of new foods, such as allergies or other intolerances, others simply don’t like to try anything new, different, or unfamiliar.
It can certainly make a parent proud, then, when they are able to raise kids who will eat – and like! – anything they’re given.
Someone responded, “Both boys will try new foods and say, ‘I’ll try 6. If I don’t like it, I won’t eat it.'”
Another person shared, “Every time I watch my 2-year-old be presented with a new meal (which in fairness happens a few times a week). Last week he tried laksa noodle soup, tacos and lamb tagine and had a really good go at all of them. He’s not suspicious of new foods at all, really adventurous with flavors and always excited to try things.”
9. My Kids Helped with Chores
Keeping the house clean can be exhausting — especially for parents of little ones, busy working parents, or those with large families. There’s always more laundry, dishes, and vacuuming to do.
Most parents love it when their children are finally able to help out with the chores — especially if the kids do a great job with a cheerful attitude. It just makes our lives so much easier!
One person said, “My little one (14 months) helped with hanging up laundry on Sunday. It took us ages to get through it, obviously, but he was so proud of himself. It still blows my mind how he went from a baby to a little person who can understand instructions so quickly!”
10. My Kids Did Their Homework (Without Being Told!)
Overseeing your kids’ homework can be frustrating, time-consuming, and exhausting. If you’re lucky enough to have children who do their homework on their own — without you having to nag them! — that’s a major win.
A person said, “My 12-year-old comes home and immediately gets her homework out and does 30 minutes of reading without me saying a word.”
Another person shared, “When my 8-year-old daughter talks about how she likes to be “diligent” and does her homework first thing when she comes home, and is happy to do so.”
11. My Kids Handled Their Emotions Appropriately
Dealing with big emotions as a little kid can be a lot to handle. It’s understandable that little ones would have meltdowns and tantrums sometimes, especially if they’re hungry, tired, or overstimulated.
It’s a major win, however, when children start to learn to regulate their emotions on their own. This is enough to make any parent proud!
Someone said, “My 10-year-old is autistic and had years of explosive meltdowns. We have been working on emotional regulation and communicating negative emotions instead of reacting to them for YEARS. The other night she came to see me with eyes red from crying and told me very calmly that it hurt her feelings that I had asked her sister to babysit the toddler while I took a bath instead of her. We talked about it and reached an agreement that she could help the next night. There was no screaming or throwing things. I was SO PROUD of her progress.”
Another person said, “For my little kid, when she started saying, ‘I mad’ or ‘I sad’ instead of biting, hitting or spitting.”
12. My Kids Made Me Feel Loved
Infants aren’t yet capable of showing love and concern for others. This is developmentally appropriate and normal.
It’s so sweet, however, when little ones develop the thoughtfulness and empathy to care for others. This tenderness makes the toddler, preschool, and early elementary years so sweet and enjoyable.
One person responded, “Whenever I’m sad or upset, my 4-year-old daughter comes up to me and says, ‘Please smile, momma,’ and tries to literally make me smile using her fingers on my mouth. That’s the moment I feel like I’ve won at life and don’t need anything else!”
Someone else shared, “When I come home from work and my 2-year-old’s face lights up, runs to me and hugs my knees. If I could freeze that moment forever I would.”
13. My Kids Showed Love to Their Siblings
It’s one thing when your children show you love. It’s another when they act lovingly toward their older and younger siblings.
Few things melt a momma’s heart as much as seeing her children love on each other.
A person said, “When one twin is scared or worried, the other tends to go grab a favored toy or stuffy to help her feel better and get through it. Unprompted.”
Another person said, “Walking in on my 7-year-old reading to my attentive 4-year-old.”
14. My Kids Told Me They Loved Me
Being a mother can be a thankless job. You spend years growing, nurturing, and taking care of a little one… only for them to show very little thanks and appreciation for all you do.
This can make those years when your children think the world of you so sweet. Everyone loves hugs and kisses from little ones!
One person shared, “My 15-year-old randomly tells me he loves me throughout the day- I most certainly did not have that kind of relationship with my parents- makes me know I’ve done something right!”
Another person said, “When my kids look at me and just say ‘I love you mommy!’ because I know they feel loved by me.”
15. My Kids Chose Healthy Foods
Everyone loves treats at times, but only choosing treats simply isn’t healthy.
Many parents shared how watching their children make healthy food choices made them so proud as a parent.
A person said, “Watching my kid abandon a cookie, because he saw an orange.”
Someone else said, “Yesterday at dinner when my 5-year-old asked for more vegetables.”
20 Common Parenting Mistakes Even Experienced Parents Make
Nobody’s perfect. But that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t strive to be the best parents we possibly can.
If we’re being honest, all of us — even really great parents — have room for improvement somewhere.
The best way to be a better parent? Figure out where you’re falling short and come up with a plan to fix it!
Here are 20 of the most common parenting mistakes even experienced parents make.
20 Common Parenting Mistakes Even Experienced Parents Make
23 Parents Confess: I Let My Kids Do “Bad” Things (And I’m Not Sorry)
Do you consider yourself to be a stricter parent or a more permissive parent?
“What ‘bad’ thing do you let your kids do?
For example, I let my kids draw on the bedroom walls. It makes them happy to express themselves and it makes me happy to see their art. They know they can’t draw on other walls so it feels good to let them have this little win.
I’m curious if other parents do similar things.”
23 Parents Confess: I Let My Kids Do “Bad” Things (And I’m Not Sorry)
Brittany Ann is an ECPA bestselling author and founder of Equipping Godly Women and Monetize My Ministry. She’s also a Christian speaker, podcaster, and conference host. Her work has been featured on numerous TV, radio, and online ministries, including CBN, MSN, Christianity Today, Evangelical Alliance, Patheos, Crosswalk, and more.
