They are loud. They are messy. They don’t listen. They hate bedtime. They fight with their siblings. They break their stuff…they break your stuff.

They are kids. This is what they do.

Why are you surprised by it? Why do you fight it?

Not only is it what you signed up for, it doesn’t last. Each time, each example—however overwhelming or frustrating in the moment—is bringing you one step closer to the last time, bringing you closer to the empty nest, to the quiet house, to that day when, as we’ve said, you’ll be jealous of the person you are right now.

This is what having kids is. This is what kids do. Enjoy it.