My kids have a fantastic dad—truly a gem in the world of fatherhood. He’s got a parenting philosophy that could fill a book, and he knows just how to cheer up a sad child with a well-timed tickle. He seems to have been born for this role. But let me tell you, as the mother in this duo, there’s something about this whole “awesome dad” title that irks me. He gets all the accolades for simply showing up, while the everyday efforts of moms often go unnoticed.
Here are a few examples of how dads receive “extra credit” for things that moms handle like pros every single day:
1. Grocery Store Adventures
When I’m juggling a baby, a wailing toddler, and a 5-year-old in the grocery aisles, people shoot me looks as if to say, “Can’t she control her kids?” But when dad takes them out, suddenly he’s a hero, with strangers offering their assistance and showering him with praise. I once saw an elderly lady pat him on the back, exclaiming, “You’re so brave!” while the kids behaved like angels. Seriously, what gives?
2. Dinner Duties
Mention to a friend that your husband made dinner, and watch the compliments roll in. “What a catch!” they say, or “Can I borrow him?” Meanwhile, when I whip up dinner, it’s just another day at the office. The moment he prepares something more complex than cereal, it’s like he just won an Olympic medal.
3. Diaper Duty
Changing diapers is a full-time job, and when dad takes on this responsibility, he’s hailed as a hero. My husband managed to tackle half the diaper changes at home, even using cloth diapers, which had half the eco-conscious crowd swooning. Yet, when I’m knee-deep in diaper duty, all I get are raised eyebrows and questions about my laundry habits.
4. Bedtime Routine
Typically, it’s the mom who handles bedtime rituals, but when dad steps in, he’s considered a rare gem. As if reading “Goodnight Moon” while scrolling through his phone is some kind of great achievement. Meanwhile, I’m the one who does this nightly, yet no one seems to notice.
5. Putting Together Outfits
If the kids come out of the house looking somewhat coordinated, it’s a cause for celebration. If dad manages to match their clothes, it’s practically a miracle. Moms are expected to dress the kids without any applause, as it’s just part of the job.
6. Engaging Playtime
While I spend hours having imaginary tea parties and playing dress-up, when dad braids our daughter’s hair, it goes viral. Why is it that his fleeting moments of play are celebrated while my daily commitment goes unnoticed?
7. Conversational Skills
When my husband engages the kids in conversation, people rave about his parenting style. “I love how you talk to them!” they say. But when I do the same, it’s just background noise. If only they could see how much effort I put into those conversations.
8. Pop Culture Knowledge
Moms are expected to memorize every character from kids’ shows, but if dads know about even one, they’re considered the ultimate parenting champions. It’s a double standard that leaves moms feeling underappreciated.
9. Educational Outings
Dad takes the kids to a library story time or an art class, and the world stops to acknowledge him. When I do the same, it’s just another day in the life of a mom. It’s baffling how little recognition we get.
10. Phone-Free Parenting
If I dare to check my phone at the park, the judgment is swift. Dads, on the other hand, get praised for simply being present. If he gets up to play with the kids, it’s like he’s earned a gold star, while I’m expected to be the ultimate cheerleader.
11. Babywearing
I’ve carried my children in slings for years without a single compliment, but when my husband does it, it’s as if he’s won the Father of the Year award. All he needs is a baby wrap to earn admiration from strangers.
12. Volunteering
If I organize the PTA bake sale, it’s a thankless job. But when dad volunteers to coach Little League, he’s treated like a community hero. Meanwhile, I’m left with my unsung efforts, loaded with supermarket cookies no one seems to remember.
In essence, if a dad does anything that remotely resembles parenting or household chores, he’s hailed as “taking time to be a dad today.” But here’s the reality: I spent 15 hours today being a mom, and no one stopped to commend me for it. We juggle nurturing, storytelling, and keeping up with the latest kids’ songs while being the unsung heroes of the household.
Hey dad, we do appreciate you and your efforts, but sometimes, it feels like a real kick in the pants, doesn’t it?
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Summary
In the realm of parenting, dads often receive undue praise for activities that moms routinely handle without recognition. From grocery shopping to cooking, diaper changes, and volunteering, the disparity in acknowledgment is glaring. Moms work tirelessly every day, yet their efforts often go unnoticed while dads are celebrated for simply participating. It’s time to shine a light on the everyday contributions of mothers and recognize the hard work they consistently put in.