Most will agree that being a mom or dad is one of the most challenging (and rewarding!) jobs on the planet. We asked parents like you why they think raising their kids is absolutely the best job in the world—and their responses were amazing! Check out all of their wonderful words of wisdom below, and feel free to share yours in the comments!
“It’s been the one job that never felt like a job but brought me the most joy and pride of accomplishment. It’s the only job I looked forward to every day!” —Wanda, Michigan
“I love being a dad because it makes you a nicer person. Even when you get frustrated you still try and be better.” —Scott, Massachusetts
"Maybe a little late, but parenting gives me new perspective on the things my mom used to say to me!" —Chani, New York
"Parenting is my excuse to eat ice cream with every meal, because I'm a 'cool' mom." Ella, New York
"Parenthood is the best job in the world because in certain moments you see the light of love in your kid's eyes— it just SHINES— and you give it back, and it's simple and real, and gives you the strength to deal with all the hard things. No matter what happens to our relationship later in life, we will always have this." Erica, New York
“They test limits you didn’t even know you had. It makes it so you can handle absolutely anything.” —Jessica, New York
“I always say I loved my husband first but I love my daughter best. There’s no job more horrific and joyful than being a parent. It’s the most rewarding job and an experience that I wouldn’t trade for the world!” —Mary, Connecticut
“Because you get to watch your child grow up and turn into a lovely adult.” —Sandy, Michigan
“Kids are amazingly weird and they bring out your weirdness.” —Monica, Rhode Island
"Being a parent to me is the best job in the world because I believe that God sent my children to me to save me from myself! From the moment I first held them in my arms I was inspired to be a better person, never wanting to let them down or disappoint. They taught me the meaning of selflessness and unconditional love. We are suppose to raise our kids but in truth they raised me." —Paula, Maryland
“Being a parent is the best job in the world because you get to be a kid again! From splashing in the water park to exploring how the world works, it has been so much fun to rediscover life through the lens of an inquisitive child.” —Aviva, New York
"No matter how rough the mornings started, or the madness that unfolded thereafter, I ended each day reading a storybook to my minty-fresh, wriggly, pint-sized, captivated audience. The greatest job in the world ended each shift curled up with a good book." —Lisa, Connecticut
“It’s the best job in the world because I get to go to Disney World and geek out on the new Elsa Frozen show and not feel like a complete idiot.” —Carla, New York
"Being a stay at home mom is having a job that never ends. You are overworked, underpaid, taken for granted—and you still love it because your kids mean the world to you!" —Laura, Mississippi
“Because a smile and a hug will instantly erase a day’s worth of stress.” —Brian, New York
"Being a parent is the best job in the world because it gave me a chance to re-experience the world with so much innocence and just pure love. My son helped me overcome some of my greatest weaknesses by the small age of 2—and that's something I'll always be indebted to him for." —Gabriela, North Carolina
Looking for more great content like this? Check out our favorite summer activities for kids, our list of the best kids' movies and even learn about the most popular baby names of 2016.