There are many great things about having kids. There are many tough things you need to deal with when you have kids. Before I became a dad, I had a decent insight into the good and the bad.

One good thing that surprised me is the immense inner joy I feel when I see them enjoying themselves. Whether it is watching them laugh uncontrollably, seeing them learn something, or watching them immersed in play.

These are things I used to enjoy, but with age, I either have fewer opportunities to do myself, or they became less enjoyable. Watching my kids go through these experiences stirs up all those same emotions once again.

I'd never think I would enjoy Santa's visits or the great feeling of learning to ride a bike again as an adult, but through my kids, I get to do it again.

Strangely, I don't get those feelings watching other kids doing these things. The chemistry of our minds and relationships is baffling.