So I've written a lot of songs about what it might be like to be a kid
The little I remember and the lot I observe as I've parented
Now you get to hear, kids, what it's like to be a parent, see
It's the best and in some ways the toughest job there can be

First, little babies' bodies are made for nap and wake and nap and wake
Parents, not so much, our brains turn into mushy, mushy sponge cakes
But we survive since you're so darn cute, even with drool and spit up
The first smiles are precious and delicious and next thing we know you can sit up

Then parents don't agree on how to do everything, I don't do anything right
The bottle's too hot, the blanket's too cold and the diaper's not tight
Book time and song time are cuddly fun and great, don't get me wrong
But over and over and over and over again really, that song?

There's nothing like a napping itty bitty kid on your shoulder
As I drift off too, I can feel you getting older

Soon you can talk, and oh my gosh what a relief
I know what you want when you want it, but good grief
The whining tone, you honed to perfection
And for finding the get-under-my-skin tone, you have impeccable detection

Really, most of parenting's great, I guess this is just my time to complain
And take a step back and attempt to explain
We're trying our best, even when we lose patience
As parents we're still learning all the many gradations

Just when we know you, you change and have different needs
We try to keep up and support you like sprouting seeds
Each new leaf is amazing, small accomplishments we feel so deep
And when you're just a little bit older, we relish the sleep

But the challenges I listed are washed away with a drop
Of pride for who you now are, and who you will be, so don't stop
Being you, fully you, not me and not them
Your unique being is complex and perfect and just a gem