"I think one of the hardest parts of parenting is coming to terms with the idea you had of parenting and what the reality actually is. There's a spectacular quote that essentially says, 'We are all the best parent we will ever be before having children.' I think of this all the time.
The other thing I find challenging is the push and pull of them growing into their own people. They need you and want to be near you one moment, and the next you are the most embarrassing, ridiculous person they have ever met and want nothing to do with you. Some version of this is present in every stage from toddlerhood to adolescents." — Angie