Most moms would agree that being a mother is the most difficult job in the world. As a mother of three, I know it's true. What keeps us going despite all the challenges? Here's a list, with ideas contributed by actual moms, of 15 ways mothers are "paid," making it the best job in the world.

1. The second chances to experience all the firsts in life.

Remember how great it was to be a kid? To go on your first roller coaster? See the ocean for the first time? This year, we took our kids to their first baseball game, and I loved seeing them soak it all in. Reliving these moments through the eyes of your child is worth more than gold.

2. The way a child's eyes light up when they learn something new.

There is nothing more magical than witnessing a child learn a new skill, whether it be riding a bike or using the toilet. Reaching milestones with your child means your hard work has paid off, and the sense of fulfillment you will experience far outweighs a paycheck.

3. The kisses, hugs and cuddles with your child.

No matter how hard the day has been, when you feel those chubby toddler arms around your neck, all the troubles melt away. Same goes for kisses and cuddles. These are just added bonuses to being a mother, which make everything you do worth it.

4. The laughter and smiles from your child.

Every mom knows that seeing your baby's first smile is priceless. I can remember the first smile of each of my children and feeling that new connection. Similarly, hearing a baby laugh can hush all the fears and worries you might have.

5. The way your child always loves and adores you, no matter what.

All moms make mistakes with their children, and this might cause guilt. Your child will love you regardless. On a horrible mom day, I asked my children to tell me, on a scale of 1-10, how much they loved me as their mom. Without hesitation, they shouted, "10, Mom! 10!" Moms, you are doing great. And if you doubt it, just ask your children.

6. The way your child is honest and genuine.

Let's face it, children are funny. Their ability to be honest about a person or situation brings so much joy to parenting. In addition, they are much more genuine and heartfelt than most adults. There is so much we can learn from them, in this regard.

7. The ability to become a better person.

There's no greater motivation to be good than knowing your children are watching you. This pushes you to be an even better person because you want to set an example for your child. But don't be afraid to let your child see you are human, too.

8. The ability to learn patience.

I thought I was patient until I had children. I still remember overhearing a mother yelling at her child when my oldest was an infant. I thought, "I'm never going to become that mom." Well, I did. But that doesn't mean I'm not learning patience in the process. We develop this attribute day by day.

9. The opportunity to develop empathy.

When you have a child, suddenly your feelings aren't as important. If your child hurts, you hurt. You want to take the pain away, which isn't always possible. This characteristic comes with being a mom, and I would guess it starts once you know you are expecting.

10. The opportunity to guide someone on the right path.

You want what is best for your child. Guiding them as they grow is more rewarding than any salary. I love walking along the path of life with my children and being there when they both stumble and triumph.

11. The ability to create memories you both will treasure.

Memories are created every day as a mother. Little things, like when my daughter makes up a funny joke or big things like seeing my son play in his first piano recital. Capturing these memories, whether on camera or by simply retelling them as a family, enriches my life as a mom.

12. The opportunity to be a teacher.

Perhaps the number one job we perform as moms is that of a teacher. Our examples teach our children the most. If I were to sit down and make a list of all the things I need to teach my children, I would feel defeated. But they are learning from us and right alongside us.

13. The chance to share your passions.

You enter your role as a mother armed with your own culture, passions and traditions, and these can be shared with your children. Seeing my son progress on the piano has been so rewarding to me. This sharing of passions and talents can bond generations.

14. The ability to focus on a few people and make a big difference.

Being a mom might seem simple - you're only responsible for your own children. However, what you are doing as a mom is making a difference. Think of the impact you are making in the world by raising children.

15. The opportunity to do service every day.

Babies need constant care. Children need help tying shoes and getting dressed. The tasks you perform can feel monotonous, but what you are really doing is selfless service; performing work that cannot be done by your children. Eventually, you will get to see the fruits of your labors.

Being a mother means your paycheck is infinitely large. And to top it all off, you get to experience the deepest love imaginable. Motherhood is a job worth living - no monetary payment required.

The post 15 things that make motherhood the best job in the world appeared first on FamilyToday.

Every parent wishes they had a handbook to guide them through the journey of raising children. But somehow, through trial and error, and a lot of prayer, we make our way, raising our kids the best way we know how. When you have a child who is diagnosed with special needs, that handbook would sure come in handy even more. As a parent of three children, each with their own set of challenges, I wanted to share some tools that have helped me so far.

Courage

Without a doubt the first emotion that you feel when your child is diagnosed is fear. You fear what the future holds for your child. You fear your ability to care for your child now that things will not be easy. We all fear what we don't understand. But fear does not allow you to help your child. Your child was not given to you by chance; you do have within you the capability to be a wonderful parent to that child. You just need to push those fears aside and go forward with courage.

Knowledge

Once you are ready to face the challenge ahead, just like any challenge in life, you need knowledge and understanding. So call every doctor you can think of, seek out therapies, read books and good medical websites having to do with your child's condition. Learn as much as you can. Find all available resources in your area. Find a support group. The more knowledge you gain, the more you can help your child.

Acceptance

A diagnosis is a hard pill to swallow. I know this well, having three children diagnosed with different challenges. You start to see the diagnosis more than your own child. But this can be detrimental to your own happiness as a parent. You must see your child for who they really are, and realize that the diagnosis is a part of them, and makes them unique and special. Don't be afraid of what your child does or doesn't do; accept it and love your child no matter what.

Determination

This one is crucial, because no matter how many doctors you have on your side, no matter how many people are supporting you, in the end, the one person who will do more for your child than anyone else is you! You are your child's biggest advocate. Don't let anything stop you from getting help for your child and the answers that you need. Don't ever give up.

Patience

Having special needs children means things will be hard. There's no way around that. You will be dealing with behaviors, delays in development, lots of doctor visits, long nights, unanswered questions... the list goes on and on. You have to be willing to wait for results, for answered calls, and for answered prayers, too. Progress will never happen overnight, so have patience and keep doing the right things for your child, even if it seems like nothing is improving.

Endurance

Life is all about enduring to the end. Special needs children must learn to endure with the specific challenges they have been given. Some might be temporary, and some last a lifetime. Our job as parents is to help them learn to endure in this life and give them the knowledge and tools necessary to do so. At the same time, we must learn to endure as they face these challenges. It can be exhausting, but as long as we know we are doing all we can, we can endure.

Hope

There are going to be dark days, days where you feel all alone, where you feel like you just can't go on as a parent. There will be days you cry yourself to sleep, worrying about your child's future and well-being. These days are inevitable, but they are only days. Do whatever you can to keep the spark of hope alive in yourself as a parent. Remember, this child was given to you for a specific purpose, so you are capable of being a wonderful parent. Hope will sustain you during those dark days.

Joy

Even amidst those dark days, there can be moments of joy. Joy in seeing your child achieve a new skill that took months, even years to accomplish. Joy in hearing your child speak for the first time. Joy in getting the help you have been seeking from a specific doctor or teacher. Joy in progress, big or small. These moments are what keep our hope alive, what keep us going every day. Don't let yourself get weighed down by the burdens and worries you feel. Pay more attention to the joyful moments.

Love

We all love our children dearly. No matter what challenges our child may have in this life, we love them just the same. Show your child you love them by giving more of your time. Play with them, laugh with them, be with them. Don't allow your child's disabilities to rob you of the love you feel, because love is eternal. Say "I love you" every day.

No matter what your child's challenges are, face them. Accept them. Fight for them. Find joy in them. And above all, love them. No one can do this but you. Trust in your abilities as a parent.

This column was originally published at http://powerofmoms.com.

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