I’ve been visiting my parents this week, and at 31 years old, I can tell you this: I didn’t make it easy on them. They sacrificed and held their ground, and it was thankless work 99% of the time. Now that I am the age they were when they raised me, I have a new appreciation and try to express it to them. While they appreciate my effort, it took me three decades to give them their due credit.

It seems that parenting is a constant conversation with a small human being that often feels one-sided at best. There is no user manual or sure-fire way to get children to listen, obey, contribute to society, and keep the cupboard doors closed. It can feel defeating seeing other people seemingly thrive in similar situations, but it feels like you're barely surviving.

“The Myth of Happy Parenting” by Rachel Marie Stone is a compassionate look at how the work is still worth it, even when things get tricky. My hope is that it reminds you that you aren’t alone in feeling short-changed. The work you’re putting into the next generation is making a difference—even if it takes three decades to see.