This could be thought of as a recurring theme around here, for very obvious reasons. Since my Maddie is turning 13 next week, and Moses is turning 9 the very next day, aspects of raising children are first and foremost.

Lara and I have had quite a few talks about what makes a parent. I’m sure every single one of you have seen those internet memes on a father not being the one who creates the child, but the one who raises the child. The same applies to motherhood. Of course, our small conversations have been surrounded by national media coverage of a 22 month old baby who died when left by his father in a parked vehicle, so we’ve been taking the memes and saying, “yes, but what else?”

As a result, today you get your quotable quotes about raising children, and family, and parenthood.

“What it’s like to be a parent: It’s one of the hardest things you’ll ever do but in exchange it teaches you the meaning of unconditional love.” ~ Nicholas Sparks

“If your kid needs a role model and you ain’t it, you’re both [screwed].” ~ George Carlin (yes, I changed his wording there)

“Each day of our lives we make deposits in the memory banks of our children.” ~ Charles R. Swindoll

“Always kiss your children goodnight, even if they’re already asleep.” ~ H. Jackson Brown, Jr.

“You have to support your children to have a healthy relationship.” ~ Connie Sellecca

Just some food for thought today. Blessings, and never give up!