Parenting is a sucker's game, or at least that's what my dink (double income no kids) friends tell me. I'm not sure if they're trying to convince themselves more than me. However, there times that I just wonder.

This week, I've had to deal with vomitting, crying, racing for a potty, screams for something or another, all prior to leaving the house in the morning. When I get to work, I actually relax. Its funny to think that work used to be stressful. Truth be told, it still is, but compared to kids... Well, its child's play. Its like comparing waterboarding to cold showers.

The issue with people calling parenting a sucker's game is that taken at a distance, there truly is not gain from parenting. The financial, opportunity and mental cost is enormous. They suck resources like vampires crave blood. The whole benefit of parenthood is emotional.

Yes, emotions. Before one scoffs, please hear me out. While the mornings sound horrible. I also, got kisses (wets ones too), hugs and "Daddy, I love you"s. I got "I did it!", when my eldest "went potty". My youngest ate cereal with me. I saw them grow and interact. I heard them sing and giggle. I smelled their wonderful scent and felt their ultrasoft countenances. All sensory, non-material rewards.

Exhausted? Times two. Frustrated? And them some. Happy? Delirious (I would have to be).

max