LONDON — The greatest joys of parenting include children’s cuddles, witnessing their personalities evolve, and sharing in their laughter, according to a new poll.
According to 1,300 parents, guardians, and caregivers of children under 13, 84 percent consider parenthood to be the most significant and rewarding experience of their lives. This sentiment is fueled by moments such as hearing their children’s unique questions and humorous comments.
Other joys parents revealed include watching children’s movies together, seeing kids apply lessons they’ve learned from you, and sharing bedtime stories. However, the survey, conducted by U.K.-based infant medicine brand Calpol, also found that two in three parents said their mental well-being has been affected by the responsibilities of parenting.
The period leading up to a child’s third birthday was cited by 38 percent as the most challenging time for their mental health. Furthermore, 24 percent admitted feeling significant pressure to instantly bond with their newborns.
Scroll down to see the 25 best things about being a parent
“Parenting can look different for everyone. Whether your approach to parenting is inherited from previous generations or uniquely your own, a strong support network is invaluable,” says Kam Thandi, spokesperson for the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children Helpline, in a statement. “It’s just as crucial to take care of your own mental health as it is to ensure your child’s well-being.”
The study also shed light on other aspects of parenting. For instance, 14 percent of those surveyed enjoyed eavesdropping on the conversations their children had with each other. Twelve percent relished moments when they felt like a “hero” for accomplishing minor tasks, such as changing a toy’s batteries. Nearly a quarter (23%) felt that experiencing new things for the first time alongside their children was a remarkable joy. Additionally, 19 percent believed that having children helped them appreciate the smaller things in life more deeply.
However, only 61 percent of the respondents felt they had sufficient support and resources on how to be a parent during the first six months. Also, 35 percent reported lacking a strong network of support in raising their children.
For parents with multiple children, polled via OnePoll, 72 percent believed their parenting skills improved with the second child. When asked about the most important qualities for a caregiver, 41 percent ranked patience as the top attribute, followed by a loving nature (30%), and the ability to adapt to unexpected situations (20%).
25 Best Things About Being a Parent to Kids Under 13:
- The cuddles
- Watching their personalities develop
- They make you laugh
- Hearing some of the funny things they say
- Having new experiences with them for the first time
- They make you appreciate little things in life more
- Reliving the magic of Christmas through a child’s experience again
- Seeing them do something you’ve taught them
- The many quirky and wonderful questions they ask
- Birthday celebrations
- Seeing the world through their eyes
- Learning new things alongside them
- Watching kids’ films together
- Reading bedtime stories together
- Listening to conversations they have with other children
- Feeling like their hero when you do something minor like replacing the batteries in a toy
- The cute compliments they give
- You appreciate your own parents more
- Taking them to the zoo
- Getting to make friends with other moms, dads, caregivers
- Hearing them talk to themselves in bed at night
- Buying them toys you secretly want to play with yourself
- Still being able to go into soft play as an adult
- Getting to buy toys and browse in toy shops
- Baking at occasions like Easter
