I hear that becoming a parent is one of life’s greatest joys.

TheBuzzFeed Communityrecentlysharedsome of the difficulties of parenting that are probably very relatable to many.

Here is what some shared:

1.

Close-up of an adult holding a baby's leg and foot tenderly in their hands, symbolizing parental care and affection

The first year is simultaneous mourn and joy and it goes by FAST."

jjvegas

3.

“I waited until quite late to have kids, and I’m so glad I did it.

A woman is lying on a couch with her eyes closed, cradling a baby who is also lying peacefully on her chest

My sister decided kids were not for her, and she lives a wonderful, truly fulfilled life.

susanfletcher

4.

There are days when I’m so tired by dinner time, I’m getting on my own nerves.

A parent gently kisses their child on the cheek while the child eats a snack

But I wouldn’t change it for the world.

mrtylor3

6.

“I struggled a lot when my kids were younger like, toddler and preteen years.

A baby lying on a blanket, crying with eyes closed and arms flailing

Kids of that age are loud, unpredictable, and hard (or impossible sometimes) to reason with.

It’s exhausting.”

They developed interests I could share with them, like rock climbing and cycling.

Two women walking in an airport with suitcases, each dressed in casual travel outfits including shorts, skirts, and comfortable tops. Other travelers are in the background

So I guess I’m saying, if it’s hard right now, hang on!”

axj66

7.

“Every kid is different.

My daughter is a great traveler.

em1023

8.

Im not necessarily a ‘kid’ person.

I couldnt ask for a better daughter, shes amazing and social, I am not social at all.

So many outside factors can affect not wanting kids other than the kids themselves.”

mas1987

9.

“Having a child is the most rewarding and best thing I have ever done.

I feel both blessed and honored to be a parent.

That being said, their hurts become your hurts.

But you should probably put that aside to help them.

When someone hurts your child intentionally, it is the worst feeling in the world.”

ellie4me

10.

“Babies are hard.

Both my kids are neurodivergent, and one has been dealing with severe depression.

khandcock

12.

“There’s no need to be a martyr when you’re a parent.

If your kids don’t handle travel well, don’t take them!

They may actually enjoy the experience a lot more when they’re older.

I didn’t go on a long trip with my kids until they were around 9 and 12.

Trying this when they were younger probably would have been annoying and miserable.”

“More people need to realize you WILL make mistakes raising or even helping to raise children.

Some decisions I made regarding my 22-year-old stepdaughter have me thinking, ‘Wtf was I thinking?’

I have four nieces, two nephews, and my beloved stepdaughter.

None of them are little anymore.

The youngest will be 12 shortly.

Those early years really do fly, so yo, yo enjoy them.

I’m not saying there’s anything wrong with parenting a teen/young adult.”

ggraffitiwoman

14.

“People want to have BABIES to cuddle.