Having kids is probably one of the hardest things you will ever do but it is also the most rewarding. There may well be days you feel like running and hiding from them, but all parents get like that and you have to remember we aren’t machines and that we are only human. Every day I count myself lucky that I was blessed with my kiddies, though the feelings of utter exhaustion are an everyday occurrence it is worth every shred of tiredness for the love I feel and here are a few reasons why I am so glad to have kids. 
They taught me more than any school teacher could- kids ask a lot of questions and because of that you will find you become an expert in things that they love like dinosaurs, space and fairy tales. We can read books and learn together every single day and if it wasn’t for them I wouldn’t know nearly as much as I do now about love, sharing, and putting someone else first all the time. 
I can use them as an excuse to not go somewhere boring- I am not afraid to admit I use my kids as an excuse to avoid going to some places and it is brilliant! Sorry I have the kids and my partner is busy so I won’t be able to make it, when in reality I’d rather spend the evening cuddled up with my small people. 
It turned us into a family- I adore my husband but once we had our first child our dynamic changed and for the better. It was us bonded tightly, both unified in our shared love for the little ones and no one else understands that. Our house is filled with love and every day I yearn for us all to be together at home in the evenings, right where we should be. 
Having kids made me healthier- Keeping my family and I healthy are foremost on my mind as if a little green salad means I can watch my grandkids grow up why not? I get out and do a bit of exercise to be a good role model to my children and if I didn’t have them I’d probably still be living on chips. 
They made me happier and gave me greater self-esteem- To have a little person adore you and hang onto your every word like you are the most incredible person in their life is an amazing feeling. You are their world especially in their younger years when their wings aren’t ready to fly, no one will ever love you like they do-ever.
I am never lonely and have company everyday- To be lonely must be the most devastating thing to ever happen to someone but with kids around you won’t have time to feel lonesome. Even when they can’t talk they will communicate in other ways and will touch your heart in a way you will never have felt before. 
They will make you laugh and cry- The kiddies are the world’s best entertainers and little things like them making funny faces will make you laugh and giggle. With laughter comes crying and they will make you cry when they get hurt or feel sad, parenting brings those emotions when you thought they were long buried. 

Kids are the best thing and we all joke about the trials and tribulations of parenting but would any of us change it? 

Written by Emma, Irish mummy blogger and staff writer at  www.familyfriendlyhq.ie 
Check out her own blog at emmasmadjotters.com