Who Said Parenting Was Easy?

Everyone knows that you don't get an owners manual when you have a child. It's up to our “instincts' to do the right thing. We learn by our mistakes, we learn to be parents by jumping right in doing what comes natural.

No one said that this job was going to be an easy one! Not only do we have to change dirty diapers, wipe snotty noses, clean up chuck off the high chair, but the endless nights of no sleep…

Fast forward to the toddler years, terrible two's; you can't turn your back on your little one for thirty seconds without her drinking the dog's water! They are constantly exploring, trying to cram as much data into their little brains as possible.

Finally, first day of kindergarten! You will finally have a day all to yourself! Well, if you were like me, I cried all day long because my baby was “all grown up.” I kept looking at the clock, waiting for it to be time to pick her up from school.

Soon your little one isn't so little anymore; they've become a teenager. All the arguments about staying out late, wanting to go places with their friends. When finally you've done all your research, back ground checks on the parents and every extended member of their family to make sure you kid is going to be safe, you give in and let them go; only to sit up worrying about them every second!

The most difficult thing as a parent is the first date! I was so proud and scared for her all at once. My husband actually told our daughter's date that he would “break his legs if he brought her home late.” Of course he was joking… I think. But none the less we still worried. She came home just fine.

The next thing you know, your kid is getting a drivers license. I was really worried at first, but I taught her how to behave behind the wheel. I explained to her how dangerous it can be if she isn't paying attention. Soon, I discovered anything I needed, but didn't want to have to go to the store to get; my daughter was volunteering to go for me!

I cried like a baby the day she graduated from high school. I was so proud of her walking across the stage to get her diploma she had worked so hard for. That was last year.

I never knew how hard it would be watching my daughter pull out of the drive way with her truck loaded up, heading for college. I was so proud of her, but yet I was sad all at the same time… only a parent knows what that feels like.

I only hope I instilled some good values into her and she may pass them along to her kids someday.