The Joy and Challenges of Parenting: A Compilation of Quotes

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A compilation of parenting quotes for expectant parents as well as all those who enjoy parenting.

If you have never been hated by your child you have never been a parent. ~Bette Davis

Your children need your presence more than your presents. ~Jesse Jackson

A parent’s love is whole, no matter how many times divided. ~Robert Brault

A mother who is really a mother is never free. ~Honore de Balzac

The moment a child is born, the mother is also born. She never existed before. The woman existed, but the mother, never. A mother is something absolutely new. ~Osho

It’s not only children who grow. Parents do too. As much as we watch to see what our children do with their lives, they are watching us to see what we do with ours. I can’t tell my children to reach for the sun. All I can do is reach for it myself. ~Joyce Maynard

A baby is born with a need to be loved – and never outgrows it. ~Frank Howard Clark

If you want children to keep their feet on the ground, put some responsibility on their shoulders. ~Abigail Van Buren

Even as kids reach adolescence, they need more than ever for us to watch over them. Adolescence is not about letting go. It’s about hanging on during a very bumpy ride. ~Ron Taffel

Mothers – especially single mothers – are heroic in their efforts to raise our nation’s children, but men must also take responsibility for their children and recognize the impact they have on their families’ well-being. ~Evan Bayh

Mothers all want their sons to grow up to be president, but they don’t want them to become politicians in the process. ~John F. Kennedy

The most important thing a father can do for his children is to love their mother. ~Theodore Hesburgh

How pleasant it is for a father to sit at his child’s board. It is like an aged man reclining under the shadow of an oak which he has planted. ~Voltaire

To enjoy good health, to bring true happiness to one’s family, to bring peace to all, one must first discipline and control one’s own mind. If a man can control his mind he can find the way to Enlightenment, and all wisdom and virtue will naturally come to him. ~Buddha

We never know the love of a parent till we become parents ourselves. ~Henry Ward Beecher

Let parents bequeath to their children not riches, but the spirit of reverence. ~Plato

Success for me its to raise happy, healthy human beings. ~Kelly LeBrock

Girls are the future mothers of our society, and it is important that we focus on their well-being. ~Miriam Makeba

Children that are raised in a home with a married mother and father consistently do better in every measure of well-being than their peers who come from divorced or step-parent, single-parent, cohabiting homes. ~Todd Tiahrt

Love is staying up all night with a sick child – or a healthy adult. ~David Frost

We are apt to forget that children watch examples better than they listen to preaching. ~Roy L. Smith

If kids come to educators and teachers from strong, healthy functioning families, it makes our job easier. If they do not come to us from strong, healthy, functioning families, it makes our job more important. ~Barbara Colorose

Studies show that children best flourish when one mom and one dad are there to raise them. ~John Boehner

Having a baby changes the way you view your in-laws. I love it when they come to visit now. They can hold the baby and I can go out. ~Matthew Broderick

Children are educated by what the grown-up is and not by his talk. ~Carl Jung

I get whatever placidity I have from my father. But my mother taught me how to take it on the chin. ~Norma Shearer

I regret not having had more time with my kids when they were growing up. ~Tina Turner

Each day of our lives we make deposits in the memory banks of our children. ~Charles R. Swindoll

Parents should not smoke in order to discourage their kids from smoking. A child is more likely to smoke when they have been raised in the environment of a smoker. ~Christy Turlington

Few things are more satisfying than seeing your children have teenagers of their own. ~Doug Larson

I’ve said it before, but it’s absolutely true: My mother gave me my drive, but my father gave me my dreams. Thanks to him, I could see a future. ~Liza Minelli

We criticize mothers for closeness. We criticize fathers for distance. How many of us have expected less from our fathers and appreciated what they gave us more? How many of us always let them off the hook? ~Ellen Goodman

I had no idea that mothering my own child would be so healing to my own sadness from my childhood. ~Susie Bright

To me luxury is to be at home with my daughter, and the occasional massage doesn’t hurt. ~Olivia Newton-John

If you’re asking your kids to exercise, then you better do it, too. Practice what you preach. ~Bruce Jenner

The well-being and welfare of children should always be our focus. ~Todd Tiahrt

Most American children suffer too much mother and too little father. ~Gloria Steinem

My father was a farmer and my mother was a farmer, but, my childhood was very good. I am very grateful for my childhood, because it was full of gladness and good humanity. ~Roberto Benigni

You have to support your children to have a healthy relationship. ~Connie Sellecca

Parentage is a very important profession, but no test of fitness for it is ever imposed in the interest of the children. ~George Bernard Shaw

The family teaches us about the importance of knowledge, education, hard work and effort. It teaches us about enjoying ourselves, having fun, keeping fit and healthy. ~Kamisese Mara

We all have an interest in making sure teens grow up healthy and drug-free. ~John Walters

Parenting is an incredible journey filled with ups and downs, laughter and tears, and a whole lot of love. It’s a journey that starts long before your child is born and continues throughout their lives. As Bette Davis once said, “If you have never been hated by your child, you have never been a parent.” This quote captures the essence of parenting – it’s not always easy, but it’s incredibly rewarding.

The Gift of Presence over Presents

Jesse Jackson reminds us that “your children need your presence more than your presents.” In a world that often emphasizes material possessions, it’s essential to remember that what children truly crave is your time and attention. Your presence in their lives is a precious gift that can shape their future.

A Love That Knows No Bounds

Robert Brault beautifully describes a parent’s love as “whole, no matter how many times divided.” This quote illustrates the boundless nature of a parent’s love. It doesn’t matter how many children you have; your love for each of them is complete and unconditional.

The Sacrifices of Motherhood

Honore de Balzac poignantly states that “a mother who is really a mother is never free.” Motherhood is a 24/7 commitment that requires selflessness and dedication. Balzac’s words remind us of the sacrifices that mothers make for their children’s well-being.

The Birth of Motherhood

Osho offers a unique perspective on motherhood, saying, “The moment a child is born, the mother is also born. She never existed before. The woman existed, but the mother, never. A mother is something absolutely new.” Becoming a mother is a transformative experience, and it reshapes a woman’s identity in profound ways.

Leading by Example

Joyce Maynard’s quote, “It’s not only children who grow. Parents do too,” highlights the reciprocal nature of parenting. As parents, we not only guide our children’s growth but also grow alongside them. Our actions and choices serve as powerful examples for our children as they navigate their own paths in life.

Forever Needing Love

Frank Howard Clark reminds us that “a baby is born with a need to be loved – and never outgrows it.” Love is a fundamental human need that continues throughout a person’s life. As parents, our role in providing love and support is constant, even as our children grow into adulthood.

The Weight of Responsibility

Abigail Van Buren’s advice, “If you want children to keep their feet on the ground, put some responsibility on their shoulders,” underscores the importance of teaching children responsibility from a young age. Giving them age-appropriate tasks and responsibilities can help them develop valuable life skills.

Navigating Adolescence

Ron Taffel emphasizes that “even as kids reach adolescence, they need more than ever for us to watch over them.” Adolescence is a challenging phase marked by rapid changes, and it’s a time when parental guidance is crucial. It’s not about letting go but rather providing steady support during a bumpy ride.

Shared Responsibility

Evan Bayh stresses the importance of shared parenting responsibilities, especially for single mothers. He notes that “mothers – especially single mothers – are heroic in their efforts to raise our nation’s children, but men must also take responsibility for their children.” Parenting is a shared journey, and both parents play essential roles in their children’s lives.

The Politics of Parenthood

John F. Kennedy humorously observes, “Mothers all want their sons to grow up to be president, but they don’t want them to become politicians in the process.” This quote highlights the complex aspirations parents have for their children, balancing ambition with the desire for a fulfilling and ethical life.

Love and Partnership

Theodore Hesburgh’s quote, “The most important thing a father can do for his children is to love their mother,” underscores the significance of a loving and healthy parental relationship. Children learn about love, respect, and partnership by observing their parents’ interactions.

The Legacy of Parenthood

Voltaire’s words, “How pleasant it is for a father to sit at his child’s board. It is like an aged man reclining under the shadow of an oak which he has planted,” emphasize the lasting impact parents have on their children’s lives. Parenting is about nurturing and supporting future generations.

Inner Discipline for a Better World

Buddha’s wisdom reminds us that “to enjoy good health, to bring true happiness to one’s family, to bring peace to all, one must first discipline and control one’s own mind.” Parenting begins with self-awareness and self-improvement. By cultivating inner discipline, parents can create a positive environment for their children.

A Parent’s Love Unveiled

Henry Ward Beecher’s quote, “We never know the love of a parent till we become parents ourselves,” highlights the depth of a parent’s love and the newfound understanding that comes with the experience of parenthood.

Instilling Reverence

Plato suggests that parents should “bequeath to their children not riches but the spirit of reverence.” Teaching children to respect and honor others is a valuable lesson that goes beyond material wealth.

The Ultimate Success

Kelly LeBrock defines success in a profound way: “Success for me is to raise happy, healthy human beings.” Ultimately, the well-being and happiness of our children are some of the most significant markers of success for parents.

Nurturing Future Mothers

Miriam Makeba reminds us of the importance of focusing on the well-being of girls, as they are the “future mothers of our society.” Supporting and empowering girls sets the foundation for strong and resilient future generations.

Family Structure and Well-Being

Todd Tiahrt’s quote highlights the impact of family structure on children’s well-being. He notes that “children that are raised in a home with a married mother and father consistently do better in every measure of well-being than their peers from other family structures.” This emphasizes the importance of stable family environments.

Love’s Endurance

David Frost’s words capture the enduring nature of love: “Love is staying up all night with a sick child – or a healthy adult.” Love knows no bounds and extends to caring for our loved ones in times of need.

Leading by Example

Roy L. Smith reminds us that “we are apt to forget that children watch examples better than they listen to preaching.” As parents, our actions and behaviors serve as powerful lessons for our children.

The Importance of Strong Families

Barbara Colorose emphasizes the vital role of strong, healthy families in a child’s upbringing. She notes that “if kids come to educators and teachers from strong, healthy functioning families, it makes our job easier.” However, for children from more challenging family situations, the role of educators becomes even more critical.

The Ideal Family Structure

John Boehner’s quote underscores the importance of traditional family structures, stating that “studies show that children best flourish when one mom and one dad are there to raise them.” It highlights the significance of both maternal and paternal roles in child-rearing.

The Evolution of Relationships

Matthew Broderick humorously reflects on the transformation that parenthood brings to relationships. He says, “Having a baby changes the way you view your in-laws. I love it when they come to visit now. They can hold the baby, and I can go out.” Parenthood can reshape our perspectives and relationships in unexpected ways.

Learning Through Observation

Carl Jung’s quote, “Children are educated by what the grown-up is and not by his talk,” emphasizes the importance of modeling behavior for children. Our actions and attitudes shape their understanding of the world.

Inherited Traits

Norma Shearer acknowledges the influence of her parents on her personality, saying, “I get whatever placidity I have from my father. But my mother taught me how to take it on the chin.” Our parents’ traits and lessons continue to influence us throughout our lives.

Regrets and Reflection

Tina Turner reflects on the importance of spending time with one’s children, expressing regret about not having had more time with her kids when they were growing up. Her words remind us of the fleeting nature of childhood and the importance of cherishing every moment.

The Legacy of Parental Influence

Charles R. Swindoll beautifully illustrates the lasting impact parents have on their children. He says, “Each day of our lives, we make deposits in the memory banks of our children.” The values and lessons we impart shape our children’s futures.

Smoking and Parenting

Christy Turlington draws attention to the influence of parental behavior on children, particularly in the context of smoking. She notes, “Parents should not smoke to discourage their kids from smoking.” Our actions can significantly impact our children’s choices and habits.

The Joys of Grandparenthood

Doug Larson finds joy in seeing his children become parents, saying, “Few things are more satisfying than seeing your children have teenagers of their own.” Grandparenthood brings new dimensions of love and happiness.

The Gift of Dreams

Liza Minelli acknowledges the influence of her father in shaping her dreams and vision for the future. She expresses gratitude for having had a parent who inspired her to see a brighter tomorrow.

Appreciating Fathers

Ellen Goodman challenges us to appreciate fathers more, stating, “We criticize mothers for closeness. We criticize fathers for distance. How many of us have expected less from our fathers and appreciated what they gave us more?” Fathers, like mothers, play unique and valuable roles in their children’s lives.

Healing Through Parenthood

Susie Bright discovers healing in mothering her own child, stating, “I had no idea that mothering my own child would be so healing to my own sadness from my childhood.” Parenthood can provide opportunities for personal growth and healing.

The Luxury of Family

Olivia Newton-John finds luxury in spending time with her daughter, emphasizing the importance of family and the simple joys it brings. Family is a source of comfort and happiness.

Leading by Example

Bruce Jenner advocates for leading by example when it comes to encouraging kids to exercise. He advises, “If you’re asking your kids to exercise, then you better do it, too.” Setting a positive example is a powerful way to instill healthy habits in children.

Prioritizing Children’s Well-Being

Todd Tiahrt emphasizes that “the well-being and welfare of children should always be our focus.” Children are our future, and their happiness and success should be at the forefront of our concerns.

The Role of Fathers

Gloria Steinem points out that “most American children suffer too much mother and too little father.” Highlighting the importance of both maternal and paternal influences, she advocates for balanced parenting to benefit children.

Cherishing a Simple Childhood

Roberto Benigni fondly recalls his childhood on a farm, emphasizing the importance of simple joys and good humanity. It’s a reminder that a nurturing environment can shape a child’s outlook on life.

The Value of Support

Connie Sellecca stresses the importance of support in maintaining a healthy relationship. She says, “You have to support your children to have a healthy relationship.” Supporting one another within the family is essential for creating a harmonious and loving environment.

The Noble Profession of Parenting

George Bernard Shaw highlights the significance of parenting as a profession, noting that “parentage is a very important profession.” While there may be no formal tests for becoming a parent, the responsibility of shaping the future generation is immense.

The Family’s Impact on Values

Kamisese Mara recognizes the family as a primary source of values and education. He states, “The family teaches us about the importance of knowledge, education, hard work, and effort.” Families provide the foundation for a child’s character and beliefs.

Combating Drug Use

John Walters underscores the importance of ensuring that teens grow up healthy and drug-free. Protecting children from the dangers of substance abuse requires collective effort and vigilance.

In conclusion, parenting is a journey filled with love, challenges, and the continuous growth of both parents and children. The quotes presented here offer insights into the various facets of parenthood, from the importance of presence over presents to the enduring impact of strong family structures. Parenthood is a remarkable and transformative experience, one that shapes not only the lives of children but also the hearts of parents. As we navigate the joys and difficulties of raising the next generation, these quotes serve as reminders of the profound significance of the parental role in shaping the future.

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