Cost of being a parent

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By Dr James Dobson

Considering how expensive and difficult it is to be a good parent, many people wonder these days why anyone would want to even have children.

I’m reminded of a woman whom I met a few years ago. Her hair was a mess and the black circles under her eyes revealed a state of utter exhaustion.

As she stumbled past me with seven youngsters, I asked: “Do all those children belong to you? Or is this some kind of picnic?” She replied: “They’re all mine and believe me it’s no picnic”.

The woman is right. Parenthood is an assignment that demands everything we can give it. And to do the job right requires some sacrifice and maybe even a few tears. And yet nothing worth having comes cheap. Speaking as a father, there’s never been a greater moment in my life than when I gazed into the eyes of my newborn daughter and son. What could be more exciting than seeing those tiny human beings begin to blossom, grow and learn?

And what reward can be more meaningful than having my little boy or girl hug my neck and whisper “I love you, Daddy”? Yes, children are expensive, but they’re certainly worth what they cost us.

From TODAY, Voices - Friday, 02-April-2010
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