Chapter 1 Parenting: A Rewarding Choice 25
adjustment. Mild and short-lived stress is not
harmful. Severe and long-term stress harms
parents’ physical and mental health.
Parents need to find ways to cope with
their stress. Outlets for stress relief can
include time to themselves (to read or pursue
other interests) and time for activities they
enjoy with other people who can provide
emotional and social support. A satisfying
marriage is a major source of emotional
strength, too. Many authorities say parents
should view their marriage as their primary
relationship and work to keep it strong and
healthy. Such a marriage creates positive
feelings and it enhances parent-child
relationships, 1-11.
The Rewards of
Parenting
Why do so many people choose to
become parents and accept all these
responsibilities? For most parents, parenting
has rewards that far outweigh the challenges.
No other job offers the satisfaction that
parenting does. Nothing can compare to the
opportunity to watch your children grow and
develop. Here are some examples of rewards
that parents often feel.
Parenting sparks a wide variety of
emotions. Parents feel content when they
rock a baby to sleep. They feel happy
when they hear “mama” or “dada” for
the first time. They feel proud when their
child learns to read.
Parenting can help people experience
new or deeper emotions. They may feel
a new tenderness within themselves
when they care for a sick child. Parents
are often amazed at how much they
are able to love their children. Parental
love is a unique kind of love, unlike any
other love. After becoming parents, a
couple may grow closer and find they
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love and respect each other even more.
This type of personal growth is a unique
opportunity of parenting.
Parenting offers a sense of satisfaction
in children. As parents watch their
children grow and succeed in the world,
they often experience a sense of personal
satisfaction in how they have parented
their children. This satisfaction comes
from knowing that they are loving,
competent parents.
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1-11 Parents can be better parents by maintaining
good health. Keeping their marriage strong and
healthy is also important.