Why parenting is the hardest job:

1. Your health takes a huge toll

You thought exercising, eating healthy, and getting enough sleep were hard to do before? Little did you know that when your kids came along those healthy habits would be even harder. Now you're constantly tired, your kids won't eat that salad, so it's going to be pizza again, and you consider running after your children at the park to be your weekly exercise.

2. Your time with your spouse is slashed

You were so excited to spend all your time with your spouse when you got married. Then kids came along, and all that alone time that made marriage so great is gone. And you're still trying to figure out how to get it back.

3. You never get appreciation for all the work you do

You stay up for hours washing the dishes or cleaning up the messes of the day, only to wake up early to make lunches for school. But do you get any thanks for that PB&J sandwich without the crusts? No, it's just simply expected of you.

4. Keeping up with the latest fashions and trends has become a low priority

You never wanted to be that parent in the minivan. And it's probably time to buy yourself some new clothes, but you're saving up for back-to-school clothes for your kids. You hate how people look at you when you go to the grocery store in sweats and just pray that you don't also have food in your hair.

5. You have to be the bad guy

Growing up, whenever your parents did something mean you thought, "I'm never going to do that when I have kids!" Until you realized that you have to do some of those mean things, like set a curfew, or send them back to dress in something more appropriate, or even, yes, make them eat their vegetables.

6. You have to give up on some dreams

Sometimes you still wonder if having kids was worth it to have given up on traveling the world or starting your own business. You hope those dreams are still a possibility in the future, but you often feel down on how it might have been and if it still could be.

7. It isn't about you anymore

Suddenly, you are overly aware and concerned for another human being, more than you ever have been in your life. Time you would have spent for you is now spent running to soccer practice, helping with a science project, or cleaning that applesauce off the floor after you already cleaned it today (twice).

Why it's the best:

1. Your health takes a huge toll

You have moments where you start body shaming or wishing that you could be fit again. That is, until the baby fat rolls, the c-section scars, and the bags under your eyes become those scars that you will proudly tell stories about when people ask you what your life was made of.

2. Your time with your spouse is slashed

You miss how it used to be, but those moments you do have together are now more precious and valuable than ever. You find yourself amazed that someone who came between you and your spouse actually has brought you closer together.

3. You never get any appreciation for all the work you do

It would be nice for a spoken thanks to get through the day. Then one day you realize that you don't really need the spoken appreciation. You start seeing how your kids show their appreciation in other ways. In the end, you just need them.

4. Keeping up with the latest fashions and trends has become a low priority

Those fads that spent up so much of your time before don't seem to matter anymore. Instead, you spend your days focused on what matters most, and for some reason you're happier because of it.

5. You have to be the bad guy

You make cabinets baby-proof, you download apps to monitor your kid's online activity, and you tell them they can't always go out with their friends. It's hard to see your kids hurt when you restrict something or set up a boundary, but you have someone you care enough about that you would jeopardize being liked by them because you are more concerned about their safety. That's pretty amazing.

6. You have to give up on some dreams

You thought those would be the dreams that would make your life fulfilling and meaningful. They weren't. Not like this is.

7. It isn't about you anymore

Suddenly, you are overly aware and concerned for another human being, more than you ever have been in your life. They are your future and your life. And it's better than it's ever been before.

Because you are a parent, you would do anything to love and protect your kids. You care about their safety, wellbeing, and future more than your own. Download the app designed to help you with this, the hardest job in the world. WebSafety helps parents to monitor and protect their children from harmful online activity. With features that check if your child may be a victim of cyberbullying or may be involved with inappropriate material online, WebSafety can give you that extra help to keep your children safe, now that your life is all about them.

So be the mom in the minivan! Be the mean parent who sets boundaries and rules. Give up some things that made you happy before. Because you're already on your way to being happier than you could have ever hoped for.