• Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

Adam Kirk Smith

- A. Smith Blog - Leadership in Life

  • About Adam
  • The Bravest You
  • Blog
    • Leadership
      • Creativity
    • Communication
    • Relationships
    • Focus
  • Podcasts & Video
    • Podcast: Live Life with Purpose
    • Podcast: Ideas with Adam Smith
    • asmithvideo
  • Coaching & Consulting
  • Speaking

Adam Smith | October 20, 2010 | 39 Comments

positive about parenting

Since I have been telling people that we’re having a baby, all I’ve heard are the bad things.

You know how it goes…

“You better take that trip before the kid comes. The fun just stops.” or “Go ahead and buy what you need because kids will take all your money.” or “Spend as much alone time with your wife because that won’t happen anymore.” or “You probably want to sleep because you won’t get any for the next ten years.”

I get it. Some people just like to be negative.

But, there’s gotta be something good about it, right?

Filed Under: baby

Adam Smith

I teach people how to have a greater impact through their work and their time. You can read more about me on my about page.

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Brad Crabtree says

    October 21, 2010 at 6:12 am

    We had the same problem with ppl we knew when we were first pregnant.
    It was crazy! Everyone wanted to tell us how bad life was going to be.

    My response? “I’m sorry your life sucks so bad!”

    We are now 3 kids in and a 4th on the way!
    Life is different, sure! But it’s by no any means bad! You change the way you plan things to accommodate the kids, but life doesn’t end.

    We enjoy our life and we want our kids to enjoy theirs. We want them to share our experiences and passions. For example, we used to hike and backpack often. We love it! With kids, we still hike and camp, but it looks a little different, that’s all.

    You will not be able to be a good parent and have a great life by accident! You have to do those things on purpose. Sure, it’s not as easy as it was without kids. But so was life before you were married, right? Life as a bachelor is the easiest. But that doesn’t stop you from marrying the girl of your dreams!

    It’s the same with kids. If you don’t reach out and grab life with both hands, it will pass you by. But if you make a decision to enjoy your life and give your kids (and spouse) some great memories, it’s not hard at all!

    Our oldest is now 5 and she has already travelled overseas with us 3 times. It’s all a matter of perspective and determination!

    Kids are the best! They have filled my life with a joy and love like I have never experienced before! Congratulations!

    Reply
    • jackalopekid says

      October 22, 2010 at 5:24 am

      thank you for this!

      Reply
  2. Brad says

    October 21, 2010 at 12:12 am

    We had the same problem with ppl we knew when we were first pregnant.
    It was crazy! Everyone wanted to tell us how bad life was going to be.

    My response? “I’m sorry your life sucks so bad!”

    We are now 3 kids in and a 4th on the way!
    Life is different, sure! But it’s by no any means bad! You change the way you plan things to accommodate the kids, but life doesn’t end.

    We enjoy our life and we want our kids to enjoy theirs. We want them to share our experiences and passions. For example, we used to hike and backpack often. We love it! With kids, we still hike and camp, but it looks a little different, that’s all.

    You will not be able to be a good parent and have a great life by accident! You have to do those things on purpose. Sure, it’s not as easy as it was without kids. But so was life before you were married, right? Life as a bachelor is the easiest. But that doesn’t stop you from marrying the girl of your dreams!

    It’s the same with kids. If you don’t reach out and grab life with both hands, it will pass you by. But if you make a decision to enjoy your life and give your kids (and spouse) some great memories, it’s not hard at all!

    Our oldest is now 5 and she has already travelled overseas with us 3 times. It’s all a matter of perspective and determination!

    Kids are the best! They have filled my life with a joy and love like I have never experienced before! Congratulations!

    Reply
    • asmithblog says

      October 21, 2010 at 11:24 pm

      thank you for this!

      Reply
  3. Coenraad says

    October 21, 2010 at 6:34 am

    All I can say is that it all depends on the attitude you take into parenting. I believe we as Christian parents, who see this blessing as a ministry to our children view it from a different perspective.

    Me and my wife simply adore our kids, but we are also not shy to leave them with people we trust to go and spend some alone time together as well.

    As far as this trip argument. Take them with you. They will gain immeasurably from an experience like that, provided they are big enough to understand.

    Kids are, IMO, one of the greatest blessing from God I can imagine, and from that perspective, everything is just great.

    Reply
    • jackalopekid says

      October 22, 2010 at 5:24 am

      awesome. beautiful

      Reply
  4. Coenraad says

    October 21, 2010 at 12:34 am

    All I can say is that it all depends on the attitude you take into parenting. I believe we as Christian parents, who see this blessing as a ministry to our children view it from a different perspective.

    Me and my wife simply adore our kids, but we are also not shy to leave them with people we trust to go and spend some alone time together as well.

    As far as this trip argument. Take them with you. They will gain immeasurably from an experience like that, provided they are big enough to understand.

    Kids are, IMO, one of the greatest blessing from God I can imagine, and from that perspective, everything is just great.

    Reply
    • asmithblog says

      October 21, 2010 at 11:24 pm

      awesome. beautiful

      Reply
  5. mohan37 says

    October 21, 2010 at 12:47 pm

    I hear this all the time too. our son comes in December.

    just tell people youre doing it for the tax break, and they stop giving weird advice.

    Reply
    • jackalopekid says

      October 22, 2010 at 5:23 am

      thats good advice

      Reply
  6. mohan37 says

    October 21, 2010 at 6:47 am

    I hear this all the time too. our son comes in December.

    just tell people youre doing it for the tax break, and they stop giving weird advice.

    Reply
    • asmithblog says

      October 21, 2010 at 11:23 pm

      thats good advice

      Reply
  7. Barb Ezell says

    October 21, 2010 at 2:29 pm

    Kids give a new perpective on life, one less self-centered. It’s like LOVE personified. They bring a freshness, newness and sparkle to each day. There is nothing like it!

    Reply
    • jackalopekid says

      October 22, 2010 at 5:23 am

      thanks:)

      Reply
  8. Barb Ezell says

    October 21, 2010 at 8:29 am

    Kids give a new perpective on life, one less self-centered. It’s like LOVE personified. They bring a freshness, newness and sparkle to each day. There is nothing like it!

    Reply
    • asmithblog says

      October 21, 2010 at 11:23 pm

      thanks:)

      Reply
  9. becky says

    October 21, 2010 at 4:45 pm

    You get Grandkids out of the deal 🙂
    Seriously it will be the hardest and best thing after marriage you’ve ever done….enjoy

    Reply
    • jackalopekid says

      October 22, 2010 at 5:23 am

      ha. well thanks

      Reply
  10. becky says

    October 21, 2010 at 10:45 am

    You get Grandkids out of the deal 🙂
    Seriously it will be the hardest and best thing after marriage you’ve ever done….enjoy

    Reply
    • asmithblog says

      October 21, 2010 at 11:23 pm

      ha. well thanks

      Reply
  11. TheQuietInTheLand says

    October 25, 2010 at 9:45 am

    Having had one child, who was then followed by twins 3 years later, I’d say being a father is by far the hardest thing I’ve ever done – but it, along with my marriage, has been the great adventure of my life. It’s also taught me a huge amount about sacrifice and learning not to be selfish. I remember hearing a preacher saying years ago that nothing is worth doing unless it’s hard – that definitely applies here! Hope that helps – and thanks for the follow on twitter 🙂

    Reply
    • jackalopekid says

      October 26, 2010 at 6:13 am

      i need the not selfish part

      Reply
  12. TheQuietInTheLand says

    October 25, 2010 at 3:45 am

    Having had one child, who was then followed by twins 3 years later, I’d say being a father is by far the hardest thing I’ve ever done – but it, along with my marriage, has been the great adventure of my life. It’s also taught me a huge amount about sacrifice and learning not to be selfish. I remember hearing a preacher saying years ago that nothing is worth doing unless it’s hard – that definitely applies here! Hope that helps – and thanks for the follow on twitter 🙂

    Reply
    • asmithblog says

      October 26, 2010 at 12:13 am

      i need the not selfish part

      Reply
  13. Krister Dunn says

    October 26, 2010 at 4:48 am

    Being a parent is the most incredible thing ever! You truly will see the world through different eyes. Don’t even know you, but man am I excited for you! Enjoy every second! Re: haters…let ’em hate. Move on to the excitement!

    Reply
    • jackalopekid says

      October 26, 2010 at 6:13 am

      love it

      Reply
  14. Krister Dunn says

    October 25, 2010 at 10:48 pm

    Being a parent is the most incredible thing ever! You truly will see the world through different eyes. Don’t even know you, but man am I excited for you! Enjoy every second! Re: haters…let ’em hate. Move on to the excitement!

    Reply
    • asmithblog says

      October 26, 2010 at 12:13 am

      love it

      Reply
  15. deborahruth says

    October 26, 2010 at 10:21 pm

    I had the same experience when I was pregnant. People would tell me not to rush my pregnancy because once that baby was out I would just wish for her to go back in. This is such a lie, I do not understand why some people are so negative towards their own children and what their lives have become.

    Being a parent is one of the best experiences of my life. I can not imagine what I would be like without my daughter. You will love being a dad no matter what you life may look like with a child in it.

    Reply
    • jackalopekid says

      October 27, 2010 at 4:24 am

      awesome

      Reply
  16. deborahruth says

    October 26, 2010 at 4:21 pm

    I had the same experience when I was pregnant. People would tell me not to rush my pregnancy because once that baby was out I would just wish for her to go back in. This is such a lie, I do not understand why some people are so negative towards their own children and what their lives have become.

    Being a parent is one of the best experiences of my life. I can not imagine what I would be like without my daughter. You will love being a dad no matter what you life may look like with a child in it.

    Reply
    • asmithblog says

      October 26, 2010 at 10:24 pm

      awesome

      Reply
  17. hippieyouthpastor says

    October 26, 2010 at 11:13 pm

    The best thing is you get to go to places like Toys-R-Us and the play land at Chic-fil-a and have all this fun. If you didn’t have a kid with you, you’d probably get thrown out. With a kid, everybody just thinks your an awesome dad cause your in there playing.

    Reply
    • jackalopekid says

      October 27, 2010 at 4:25 am

      i like it

      Reply
  18. hippieyouthpastor says

    October 26, 2010 at 5:13 pm

    The best thing is you get to go to places like Toys-R-Us and the play land at Chic-fil-a and have all this fun. If you didn’t have a kid with you, you’d probably get thrown out. With a kid, everybody just thinks your an awesome dad cause your in there playing.

    Reply
    • asmithblog says

      October 26, 2010 at 10:25 pm

      i like it

      Reply
  19. Anonymous says

    November 4, 2010 at 1:56 am

    Yes, Adam there is Santa Clause. There are tons of positives that come with having a child. To list them. Well its hard because for every person its different. Now, I would be wrong to say that these people are not speaking some truth but in reality just watching them grow and watching them look at the world. They are amazing teachers. The best lessons I have learned are to have no fear, more faith, and breathe in everymoment because someday “You’re gonna miss this.”

    Reply
  20. DerekDRobertson says

    November 3, 2010 at 7:56 pm

    Yes, Adam there is Santa Clause. There are tons of positives that come with having a child. To list them. Well its hard because for every person its different. Now, I would be wrong to say that these people are not speaking some truth but in reality just watching them grow and watching them look at the world. They are amazing teachers. The best lessons I have learned are to have no fear, more faith, and breathe in everymoment because someday “You’re gonna miss this.”

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Primary Sidebar

About

Hi, my name is Adam Smith and welcome to asmithblog.com. I am the author of the book, The Bravest You. Because of my work as an entrepreneur, consultant, writer, and speaker, I have been named a top industry influencer by American Genius. I live with my wife, Jasmine, and three children in Shenandoah, IA.

[Read More…]

Podcast: Ideas

Ideas with Adam Smith Logo

Podcast: Live Life with Purpose

Life With Purpose Podcast Icon

The Bravest You by Adam Kirk Smith

Youtube: ASmithVideo

asmithvideo icon

Latest Posts

  • FREE BOOK… for a limited time!
  • Add Value
  • Books I’m Listening To…
  • Motive Matters
  • Books and Other Stuff

Adam Smith · Leadership in Life · asmithblog.com © 2025 · Adam Kirk Smith's blog on leadership, relationships, communication, creativity, and focus.