Need a Little Parenting Positivity? This Twitter Thread Is for You

If you’re a soon-to-be parent, chances are you’ve already heard plenty of opinions from friends, family and even strangers on how your parenthood journey will go. From foreboding warnings to those who make those first couple of months seem like a breeze, the truth often lies in the middle and is completely unique to you and your family.

One soon-to-be dad, Harris Fanaroff, recently got fed up with the unsolicited negativity and decided to turn to the internet for a little lift and to hear what others had to say about the best parts of raising a kid. “I’m tired of hearing the… ‘You’ll never sleep again’ ‘Your travel life is over’ ‘Say goodbye to your weekends,’” he wrote. “My first baby is joining us in the next 3 weeks and I’m excited, nervous, anxious, and grateful. I’d love to hear your favorite parts of having a newborn/baby/kids.”

Within days parents, medical professionals and people from all over the world responded with heartwarming stories and advice—proving there’s plenty to look forward to. Check out some of our favorites below

Pure magic, love at first sight and a built-in nap buddy? Author Mary Katherine Ham makes a pitch for kids as your new best friend.

What could be more purpose and perspective-changing than raising a child?

Running out of phone storage because you’ve taken a thousand photos of your kids playing with the neighborhood pup—we’ve been there.

Morning wakeup calls remind us to be grateful for another day.

Exhaustion and overwhelming happiness can coexist.

But at the end of the day, there’s power in enjoying the ride and doing what works for you.

In the tough days of parenting or in the anxiety-ridden times before baby, it’s nice to reflect on the precious moments that make it all worth it.