While gratitude may not be a requirement

it is still nice to know that your hard work was appreciated. At least on an outside job you get a review that tells you what you are doing right or wrong and you are somewhat rewarded with raises, bonuses or a pat on the back from the boss. Parenting is way more difficult and none of my 3 kids came with an instruction book. I did the best I knew how but had no idea if it was going to work.