Okay, I get it. Daddies are just way cooler. Even on our worst days, when Sweet Hubby walks into the room, either of the whining, moping or otherwise just miserable kiddos, turns into a ray of sunshine.
Yesterday, I had an appointment in the city, so we made the trek downtown (which thankfully only took half an hour despite the "horrible weather conditions"), where Daddy was going to take a little break from work to spend an hour or so with the kiddos. You would think I was taking them to freaking Disneyland!! Little Diva's usual on-going questioning about "What are we going to do today? What's our activity?" was replaced with "How much longer? Are we there yet? Where is Daddy?"
When we got there, Little Diva immediately ditched me and started to "help out Daddy at work". The Baby nearly jumped from my arms straight into his. It was probably their favorite hour of the week. They hung out in a Food Court and ate pizza!
When I came back to get them, Little Diva begged, protested and even tried to negotiate her way into staying with her daddy. It was a long car ride home.
So what is it in the Daddy DNA, that makes them Superman in our kids' eyes? Of course, Sweet Hubby is totally awesome, but I think there is more to it. It might be that, in our case, they spend a lot time with Mommy, so Daddy is more of a novelty. It could also be that the Daddy persona is strong and comforting. Daddies do cool things like playing the banjo and ice-skating.
Another thought is that kids are really listening when we Mommies say things like "I can't wait for Daddy to get home", "We have to wait for Daddy for that", "Hopefully Daddy can fix it" and so on. I guess we kind of perpetuate the idolization of Daddy in that way.
I am happy and lucky that my kids love their Daddy so much, and even if I have to be the bad cop once in a while, it is worth it to watch them all together. Besides, at the end of the day, even if Daddy is home to read a story, and tuck them in, they always need Mommy for that very last goodnight kiss.
It is totally all about face time. When I was little my Mom stayed home and Dad was out of the house 10-12 hours at a time. Anytime with Dad on a weekday was billed as an event. When I was in elementary school I would get up at 6am to have breakfast with Dad even though that really only meant about 5 minutes together. I bet households where the Dad stays home it's the other way around. We'll fill you in once I'm at home and Phener is away all day. I bet our kids will go as crazy for her as yours do for Pete.
ReplyDeleteMy kids get one full day alone with their dad during the week while I go to work, and it's their favorite day (aside from our one day when we are all together). Daddy's just more fun!
ReplyDeleteThis is SO true. I have to admit at times I get a little jealous, maybe a teensy eensy bit angry, because Daddy gets most of the Yippees, Hooray's and Woohoo's while I'M the one that is there to pack/make lunches, take to the park/zoo, etc. Our Daddy is pretty amazing, though, so I guess I can understand the excitement.
ReplyDeleteI'm now following you back!
april@Party of Five
http://www.westerhold.blogspot.com