The Emotions of Parenthood That Catch Us Off Guard

Updated on 9/4/2014 at 10:28 AM

As moms and dads, we all show up for the first day of kindergarten with tissues on hand and know that missing a major event like baby's first steps will send us into a tailspin. But there's a whole lot that happens in between those milestones. Whether it's a televison commercial, a "just because" hug from a normally rambunctious toddler, or discovering an old pacifier in the bottom of your drawer, it doesn't take much to pull at a parent's heartstrings. Here, the most unexpected emotionally charged moments that we've encountered as our kids grow up (many of which came from you, our very own readers!).

Transitioning Into a New Size For Clothing

Kids grow so quickly; it can be frustrating to replace jeans or a sweater after just a wear or two, but each new size also symbolizes a rung in the ladder of growing up.

A Little Thanks Goes a Long Way

"I give my 4-year-old $1 allowance for cleaning his room. Yesterday, I cleaned house while he was at school. When he got home from school, he said, 'Wow Mommy, you cleaned everything.' He started walking to his room and said, 'Let me go get my dollars for you.' My heart melted."

— Kristin H.

Seeing What They Do Away From Home

Whether they come home from a playdate with a new piece of artwork or you get a first look at classroom projects at back-to-school night, there's something so sweet about seeing what kids do when they're on their own.

Time For the Tooth Fairy

"I started bawling when my son lost his front top tooth. Didn't even know it was coming. Cried my eyes out. #nomorebabyface."

— Facebook user Denise C.

Watching Them Sleep

Sometimes that's all it takes.

When You Discover That They're More Than Just Siblings

They're best friends, too.

Behind the Wheel

"When my daughter was about 7 or 8 years old (she's 18 now), I was singing along to the radio in the car. She was listening quietly, and after the song ended, she asked me, 'Mumma, why aren't you famous?'"

— Facebook user Rachel M.

Goodbye, Onesies

Sure, all those snaps can be a pain, but the day that you discover your baby's bursting out of their final onesie (and they don't make them any bigger!) is a quiet milestone of motherhood.

Sharing Is Caring

"When my 3-year-old daughter, unprompted, gave her helium balloon to a little boy who was sad when his mom said she wouldn't buy him one."

— Facebook user Rae Cann

Princess Mom

"My son said I looked like a princess in my wedding dress — it was really sweet!"

— Facebook user Mary Jane I.

Look Mom, No Tears!

"In the shampoo aisle of Target with my then 10-year-old son. We were picking out a bottle of shampoo for him, and he said he didn't need kids' shampoo anymore, he needed grown-up shampoo. I tried to explain that grown-up shampoo would make him cry. It made me cry, anyway!"

— Facebook user Lisa R.

Moving

Leaving the house that you first brought your babies home to can stir up surprisingly strong emotions for a sentimental mom or dad.