Parenting can take on unique forms, especially when one partner is frequently away. With my husband traveling more often, I’ve discovered a wonderful way to connect with my eight-year-old son. Our new tradition involves indulging in tiny elbow pasta drizzled with olive oil and parmesan while we cozy up on the couch to watch an episode of SpongeBob SquarePants.
You might wonder why we choose to eat on the couch and why SpongeBob. It all started when my son stumbled upon the show on one of our Apple TV apps. Since then, he’s become quite the fan. Friday nights used to be our pizza movie night—a cherished family tradition that we all looked forward to after a long week. However, with my husband’s travel schedule and our son’s evening Little League games, those nights have fallen by the wayside.
During the times when it’s just my son and me, we typically have dinner at the table or dine out casually. But one evening, I made the elbow pasta, and he suggested watching a movie together. I readily agreed, and we settled in with our respective drinks—me with a glass of Rosé and him with milk. As we watched SpongeBob, I found it heartwarming to share this classic show, especially since he usually prefers video games on his iPad or Xbox.
After the credits rolled, we snuggled up in his bed for storytime, where he quickly dozed off. Initially, I dreaded my husband’s absences, feeling anxious about how to keep our son entertained. I knew I’d need to take over his bedtime reading routine, which I had neglected. But now, I’m embracing our time together, cherishing those quiet moments of bonding.
Now, when I mention, “Daddy is traveling,” instead of feeling upset, my son beams, saying, “We can watch a SpongeBob movie and eat pasta.” This shift in perspective fills me with pride and anticipation for our evenings together. Admittedly, I sometimes bring a book during our movie nights, but he doesn’t mind; he snuggles close while I read, and it’s a precious time for both of us.
Just last weekend, an amusing incident occurred on our way to my son’s soccer tryouts. It was a scorching day, and by the time we arrived at the field, he was already feeling tired. My husband, a former soccer player, offered a pep talk, but I sensed my son wasn’t fully engaged. So, I decided to step in with my usual approach—drawing on our pasta and SpongeBob tradition. I knelt beside him and reminded him of a previous game where he scored four goals, promising him a fun evening of pasta and SpongeBob after he gave it his all.
Surprisingly, he rallied and enjoyed the scrimmage, laughing and playing hard for the full 90 minutes. Afterward, he felt proud and accomplished. My husband found my coaching method amusing, but I believe that knowing there’s a reward waiting can motivate anyone, especially a child.
Through these simple yet significant moments, I’ve realized the importance of being present. Rather than planning elaborate activities, I’ve found that our togetherness is what truly matters. In a world filled with distractions, it’s essential to have those moments of relaxation and connection.
For more insights on parenting and bonding, check out this related post on home insemination. Additionally, if you’re looking for expert guidance, the Cleveland Clinic offers excellent resources for understanding pregnancy and insemination.
In summary, while my husband travels, I’ve discovered a new depth of connection with my son through simple traditions. These moments of shared experiences, like watching SpongeBob and enjoying pasta, have become invaluable in strengthening our bond.