STARTING SCHOOL: Nicola Young's first-born, Mitchell, heads off to class.
Out of the mouths of babes, goes the saying ...
And 15-year-old Kiwi Georgia Hageman was quoted in the paper talking about the reality of becoming a mum, saying birth was the easy part. Too true, whether you're a first time mum at 37 like I was - an elderly primagravida thank you very much - or still a child yourself like Georgia.
"Nobody talks about how breastfeeding actually hurts a lot, nobody talks about how it feels like labour all over again every time you pee," Georgia said.
"Once you've had difficulty sleeping, everything kind of gets drained out of you so everything gets on top of you but once you have your baby in your arms, it is genuinely all worth it."
The reality is that pregnancy, childbirth and raising a baby is an incredible, life-changing leveller.
But it isn't a level playing field for all mums and dads out there. That's why I'm so pleased with the Green Party's policy announcement this week that they will extend access to 20 hours of free early childhood education from three and four-year-olds to cover two-year-olds.
It's hard raising children, even if you are, like me, one of the lucky ones.
While technically I had two "geriatric pregnancies" (thanks, medical terminology), I bloomed through my pregnancies. Then, somehow, I had an extended adrenalin rush that lasted me through the extended sleep deprivation, although it fails me now.
I also had a supportive partner, family and friends around me, but - most importantly for me as an individual - I had a great part-time job and access to quality childcare near my home. That meant I could leave my boys in an environment where they thrived while I got to continue my career and escape from the endless laundry and nappies.
Now that doesn't mean I didn't, and don't today, occasionally let a bit of the parenting guilt sneak in. This week my first-born started school and I've enrolled him in afterschool care till 4pm four days a week so I can keep up with my job.
It's no different to the childcare hours he's been in, but it still took a bit of consideration.
Some choose to stay home with their children while young because that's what works in their family. Some choose to work because, like me, they enjoy it. Some people are forced to work to bring in enough income to survive, whether a two-income family or a single parent. Some rediscover study when they become a parent and gain qualifications. Some renovate their houses, making it warmer and drier for their children.
And some just need a well-deserved break or a chance to exercise or clean the house in peace or look after relatives or volunteer in their community.
But without free childcare, this option is only available for those who can afford it - if on minimum wage, there's not much left in your hand after paying childcare costs plus transport.
Plus it may force people on lower incomes to choose the cheapest childcare available - definitely not a level playing field for our kids.
The Greens' proposal also includes a return to 100 per cent qualified teachers in early childhood centres - this means quality for our kids. For me this is key - no-one wants to leave their young children unless they feel confident with the quality of care.
The Brainwave Trust says the key is secure relationships, and their website talks about the measurement of the hormone cortisol to track stress.
Research shows is that it is not the absence of a child's primary caregiver in itself that increases stress - instead it is the absence of an adult figure that is responsive to their needs. In centres where their lead carers were allocated to the young ones, cortisol levels didn't rise.
Quality early childhood education sets up children for life - it should be a choice available for all, not just those who can afford it.
Nicola Young is a former Department of Conservation manager who now works for global consultancy AECOM. Educated at Wanganui Girls' College, she has a science degree and is the mother of two boys.