Resisting Constant Temptation?

Today I was perusing my Facebook page and noticed a very interesting news article that my cousin posted on her page.  The article was about having friends with kids.  It was a Q & A type of article that a reader has sent in a question about why her stay-at-home mom friends never have any time for anything.  I was apalled at her questions and concerns with her friends that were mothers.  It was almost as if she were accusing them of lying about being so busy with their children.  Working in the early childhood field I just could not believe that somebody would question the amount of time spent with one's children.  After all, this is the number one most important job that we have in life--parenting!

The author of the column answered this question like a rockstar!  She threw the question right back in the girl's face, so to speak.  She rightfully explained what the role of a parent really is and put her accusation of her mom friends being liars to rest.  My favorite quote from the article was "It's resisting constant temptation to seek short-term relief at everyone's long-term expense."  This could not explain the role of a great parent any better in my opinion.  As parents it is our job to put our short-term needs aside and respond to our children's short terms needs for the long term benefit of the child and the family as a whole unit.  I am not saying that parents should set their own personal needs aside for the greater benefit of everyone else but this is a large aspect of parenting.  You sacrifice your temptations, wants, desires, and impulses to enjoy something even greater with your children.  You sacrifice for an opportunity to watch your children grow, to mold your child's life the best that you possibly can, and to truly experience the joys of being responsible for the life of another person.  It truly is a joy and it is hard work but it is certainly worth every drop of blood, sweat, and tears that you will experience.  I encourage anyone who does not understand being a parent not to jump to conclusions about what it takes to be a parent.  And for all people who are already parents, refer back to the quote above and LIVE through it for the sake of your precious family!