My sister and I discuss our kids all the time. Mainly we discuss the hilarities and milestones, but we also discuss the difficulties and challenges we face as mommies. On a recent run, my sister mentioned how often she’ll hear someone talk about the cost of having a kid. I’ve heard people say that before too, but I agree with Martha, I didn't really think about the cost of my kids, I just always knew it came as part of the package. As Martha said we pay for the life we want to live. Kids are just a part of the cost of living the life we want to live.
Our conversation got me thinking about the actual “cost” of kids.
Sure there is the monetary cost of raising kids (which is what most people are talking about) but I never really worried about dollaring it out. Sure it’s nice not having to purchase diapers for Miri now that she’s potty trained, but there are dental and doctor bills, new shoes they’ll outgrow in a week, school supplies, etc. Spending money is just part of raising kids. I believe, and I think others will agree, I will PAY for good day care, good food, and other necessities for my kids. I want them to be well taken care of.
Money aside there are other “costs” to raising kids. Loss of sleep, lack of alone time, baring stretch marks and a mommy tummy, listening to 2 year tantrums, washing endless loads of laundry and dishes, eating interrupted meals because of meat cutting, food cooling or needing more drink, worrying about things you never thought possible to worry about, lack of freedom to just go somewhere, listening to never-ending stories and songs when all you really desire is a moment of silence…the list can go on and on.
Each of us mommies has a list. Many items on that list are shared and some are unique to our own set of circumstances. We all signed up for this, okay maybe not (there are surprises you know!). However, once you become a mom there is an unexplainable bond with your child that never ends. That bond is another “cost” of having a child.
While there are “costs” to having children, I don’t mind them, and (here’s the kicker) I really don’t see them as “costs” but rather blessings. Sure I have those days where I am definitely not paid enough to listen to my children fight or clean up puke, but I have been blessed with three happy, healthy children. My kiddos bring me more joy than the extra mile I could’ve ran or the clothes I could have bought with money saved from not having to buy diapers.
They are a source of wonder and entertainment. I love watching my kids have new experiences and make discoveries. Their stories and ways of thinking make me laugh. And when I look into their big blue eyes they remind me of their daddy and make me wonder what they will do with their lives. Watching them grow up is like being a part of the best movie or book ever. I really could not ask for more.
All these things, they aren’t costs, all these things are blessings. Blessing that are just a part of living the life I want to live.
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| My little blessing makers |
