12 Parenting Moments That Proved 2016 Was Still a Pretty Great Year

Depending on your interests, election coverage or news surrounding various Netflix reboots most likely filled your newsfeed throughout this past year. But among those dominating headlines were personal parenting stories that also went viral and were celebrated for what they stood for. Whether it was a mom standing up for her birth story and postpartum body, a dad showing unwavering support for his child, or a parent teaching their little one an important lesson, there were many moments that made us proud over the year. These powerful posts deserved applause not only when they were first published, but also now for the hope and strength that they spread throughout 2016.

01

When a Canceled Sitter — and a Kid Strapped to Her Back — Didn't Stop 1 Pregnant Mom From Getting the Job Done

At 35 weeks pregnant, Megan Meier had her hands full with her 3-year-old girl, especially since her husband was out of town. But despite her third-trimester status and her kid's babysitter falling through, this sports medicine physician was determined to do her job.

02

When After Being Stared Down by a Couple in Cracker Barrel, 1 Dad Received a Note About Parenting

When Kevon Smith Sr. sat down for breakfast at Cracker Barrel with his son Kevon Jr. in Willoughby, OH, he had no idea he was going to make headlines just for being a good dad. Kevon noticed a couple staring and smiling at him and his 3-month-old son, and although he was confused, he just went on with the meal. "I noticed this older couple over in the corner," he said. "They kept smiling at me and I was looking at my son like, 'What is going on?'" But when Kevon left the restaurant, it all made sense, as he saw a note on his car from the couple praising his parenting along with cash to cover his breakfast.

03

When 1 Mom Shared a "F*ck You" to All of the People Who Think C-Sections Are the Easy Way Out

Despite having to undergo major abdominal surgery, many people think that when moms deliver a child via C-section instead of vaginally, they are taking the easy way out. However, new mom Raye Lee recently gave birth to her first child and can confidently disagree with anyone who thinks that she caught a break with her labor experience. After experiencing 38 hours of labor just to endure an emergency C-section when her baby's heart stopped with every contraction, she strongly feels that there was nothing convenient or easy about her painful delivery.

04

When 1 Mom Got People Across the Globe to Send Her the Exact Same Shirt From Target

Behold, the power of Facebook: Deborah Skouson, the mother of a girl with autism, updated her status with a call to action to her 500-odd Facebook friends. Her daughter, Cami, has become attached to one very specific shirt, and it's now the only top she'll wear. Her mom was desperate to find another one, but there was one problem: it's discontinued. In no time, Skouson's request went viral and miraculously, she received dozens of identical shirts from all over the world.

05

06

When 1 Mom and Son Made Lunches Every Day For a Boy Who Was Only Eating Fruit Cups

"Mama can you make me TWO lunches today?"

Josette Duran's response to her son Dylan's request for extra lunch was what many moms would likely ask: "Are you not getting full?" As it turns out, Dylan was eating enough for lunch, but a classmate of his who he noticed was eating alone every day was not. "It's for this boy. He only eats a fruit cup for lunch, can you make him lunch, too? I don't think he has lunch money."

07

When 1 Mom Taught Her Daughter the Ultimate Lesson About Bullying — With a Tube of Toothpaste

Before her daughter started middle school, Amy Gardner made sure to help prepare her for the year ahead. Amy handed her daughter a new tube of toothpaste and simply asked the child to squirt it out on a plate. Once she finished the unusual task, her mom then asked her to put all of the toothpaste back into the tube. Amy shared on Facebook how she responded when the little girl exclaimed that it was impossible and that the toothpaste would never be like it was before.

08

When 1 Dad Got a Tattoo to Match His Son's Cancer Scar to Help Him Feel More Confident

After watching his little boy battling a rare form of cancer, Josh Marshall was left devastated when Gabriel shared how he was feeling: like a monster. In order to fight the malignant brain tumor, the now-8-year-old child had to undergo surgery to remove part of the tumor. While the operation successfully stabilized his condition for the time being, it also left a large scar above Gabriel's right ear. When Gabriel disclosed to his dad that he was feeling very self-conscious about the new scar, his dad immediately knew that he needed to do something.

09

When 1 Dad Passed Out Candy During a Flight So His Toddler Didn't Have to Miss Trick-or-Treating

When a little girl found out that she and her family were going to be flying from Boston to San Francisco on Halloween night, she was understandably upset that she wouldn't be able to go trick-or-treating. But instead of letting his child miss out on celebrating, her dad brought the Halloween spirit to their flight.

10

When Parents Adopt 4 Kids in 24 Hours

When Kaley Carling woke up on Oct. 19, she had no idea that it would be the day she and her husband officially adopted four kids in less than 24 hours. She posted her story on Reddit alongside a photo from the moment they became parents of four beautiful children. Kaley and her husband had been fostering two of the girls for over a year and the other two (twins) they adopted privately, but all four adoptions were finalized on this magical day in October.

11

When 1 Mom Offered a Monumental Solution After Her Girl Was Bullied For the Color of Her Skin

Bullying can be a tough thing for any parent to deal with, but this mom has it pretty well figured out. Alexandra Elle, an author from Washington DC, decided to get creative when her daughter came home from school and told her about kids taunting her because of the color of her skin. Press play on the video above to see how Alexandra handled the situation — in the form of positive affirmations — and prepare for your heart to burst with happiness.

12

When 1 Woman Was in Active Labor But Still Managed to Show Up to Cast Her Vote

Too busy to vote? Sorry, not buying it. Your hectic workday was no excuse, especially when you consider what this pregnant woman was dealing with when she took the time to cast her ballot. Colorado resident Soshy Adelstein wasn't due to give birth until Election Day, but she went into labor on Nov. 4
. Instead of rushing to the hospital, she and her husband, Max Brandel, stopped by the Boulder County Clerk and Recorder's Office to do their civic duty first.

13

When a Muslim Woman Overheard 1 Dad Talking to His Girls About Their Differences

When Rabia Ahmad was eating dinner a restaurant, she noticed a dad sitting with his two daughters nearby. She could overhear their conversation and was fascinated by the little girls' inquisitive nature. The children were asking their dad about everything — including about what Rabia was wearing. This Muslim woman continued to listen in as this father carefully responded in a way that warmed her heart and taught his daughters an important lesson. Rabia recounted his poignant answer on Love What Matter's Facebook page: "There are different religions and cultures and languages. We have to learn about them."