A lot of the ‘work’ we put into shaping our kiddos into happy, healthy members of the world we do so without thinking.  Other parts of it we do because we have researched the mess out of the ‘right’ parenting style.  And some because it is what was done for us.  But most of it goes unnoticed on a day-to-day basis and can be overlooked, and even thankless.  But I want to take a minute to tell you I notice.  I see you.  And I thank you.

-To the mama who breastfeeds her baby in the presence of others and doesn’t apologize for it, I’m thankful for you.  You are helping to normalize something so ridiculously natural and *in my best mom voice* ‘remind us all that breasts are tools, not toys.’

-To the mama I see running in her yoga pants in the morning, I’m thankful for you.  You remind us that it’s important, and okay, to also take care of ourselves.

-To the mama in yoga pants who doesn’t know a single yoga pose.  Thank you.  You make dressing for the job comfortable. (That’s a selfish one for me).

-To the daddy who takes his daughter to see superhero movies, I’m thankful for you.  Of course girls can be superheroes too.

-To the daddy who stays at home.  Thank you.  You remind us that hands-on parenting is an equal opportunity employer.  And to me, you’re a whole other level of superhero.

-To the mama rocking her career game, I’m thankful for you.  You remind my daughters they have choices.  I salute you.

-To the daddy who worships the ground his baby’s mama walks on.  You are showing girls what their expectations should be in a relationship and showing boys what should be expected of them.  I’m thankful for you.

-To the parents who have a firm ‘no technology at the table’ policy during mealtime and whom make time to put down their devices and be the old fashion kind of social, thank you.  You are reminding the kids who will someday be the ones holding the devices that people > things.

-To the mama that teaches her kiddos not only to say, “I’m sorry,” but also “how can I help make it better,” I’m thankful for you.  Someday it may be my kid who needs the help.

You see, I may not know you.  Our paths may never cross.  But the paths of our kiddos may, and it might be my kids’ heart, or thoughts, or skinned knee on the receiving end of your efforts.  So in case that ever happens, let me take a minute to tell you in advance; thank you.

To the parents that love big, make mistakes, cry in their bedrooms, but then dust it off and do it all over again for the sake of raising the best possible humans you can: I see you, I pray for you, I’m rooting for you-keep up the good work!  I’m thankful for you.