I want to know from moms and dads the joys and challenges you had in parenting

When my kids father left, my eldest was 4, my son was 10 months, & I was 7 months pregnant. I guess that's been my biggest challenge - raising them on my own from then. I've had no help from their father who does not bother with them (selfish jerk). But as much of a challenge being a single mother is, it's also very rewarding. My kids are now 13, 9, & 8 & I have enjoyed watching them grow, learn, & develop. I've got to share their accomplishments, too, which would be my greatest joy - seeing the rewards they've received at school. My eldest is in year 8 in high school &, at the end of year 7 last year, she received 3 major awards & was put up into the Selective Class (the highest class, for the smarty-bums, lol) **proud grin**. My son (the 9 year old) has developed a very good talent for drawing & I love seeing his pictures. My youngest is just the sweetest little girl you could ask for. Yes, I'm very proud of all my children & am proud of myself for raising them right. They are well-mannered, grateful, & respectful. They're not perfect - no child is - but they are great. They are my greatest achievement in life.

Wow that is a lot to tell. I can say that everyday my daughters bring me joys. It can be something as silly as them just plopping down on my bed saying oh what a day. That usually causes me to laugh. Sometimes they just say the funniest things even when they are serious like my 15 year old coming home and saying mom I got 100% on my S T D test. Now that made me laugh. Not to worry it was only because we have talked about what can happen. She was really proud of herself. My 23 year old is married and she still makes me laugh when she calls me. I think I am just so proud of my daughters and I hope that the laughs we share will always be there. The hardest was when my youngest was so sick when she was little. She was in the hospital all the time and on a feeding tube at home. It was a struggle but it showed me that I can get through anything so I learned from my child. So enjoy the moments you have now and look forward to them for a life time.