True Dad
I was at my son's school last week, checking in at the front desk, when a teacher's aide saw me and yelled to everyone in the office, "That is a true dad!"
My first reaction was to give her a Deer Caught In The Headlights look because, quite frankly, I am not accustomed to positive comments about my situation as a stay-at-home dad. I must have looked thoroughly confused because she came over and said, "That was a compliment," to which I mumbled something like "I do what I can."
It wasn't until a few days later that I began to feel really good about it. Those two words keep popping up in my head: True Dad
I like that label. It's so much more refreshing than some of the other things I've heard from friends and family over the past few years. In fact, I've rarely been complimented for my choice to be a stay-at-home dad. And by rarely, I mean not at all. But it only took one person to say two little words to put me on top of the world for a short time.
If you have a chance to compliment a stay-at-home dad (or a stay-at-home mom), don't hesitate to do it. You'll make their day.
By the way, True Dad would be a great name for a blog... if you know a father who's thinking about starting one.
My first reaction was to give her a Deer Caught In The Headlights look because, quite frankly, I am not accustomed to positive comments about my situation as a stay-at-home dad. I must have looked thoroughly confused because she came over and said, "That was a compliment," to which I mumbled something like "I do what I can."
It wasn't until a few days later that I began to feel really good about it. Those two words keep popping up in my head: True Dad
I like that label. It's so much more refreshing than some of the other things I've heard from friends and family over the past few years. In fact, I've rarely been complimented for my choice to be a stay-at-home dad. And by rarely, I mean not at all. But it only took one person to say two little words to put me on top of the world for a short time.
If you have a chance to compliment a stay-at-home dad (or a stay-at-home mom), don't hesitate to do it. You'll make their day.
By the way, True Dad would be a great name for a blog... if you know a father who's thinking about starting one.
Permalink posted by Phil at 9:56 PM
2 Comments:
I read your blog almost everyday and am amazed at the things you handle. Yet it shouldn't be surprising, cause women do it all the time. Dad/Mom does it matter who's taking care of the children?
NOPE!
And you're right, we never ever applaud the brave guy to do the right thing for the family, no matter how "unconventional" it is by our own tunnel visioned standards.
Here's a pat on the back True Dad.
I think you're cool and I'm sorry it took me this long to say it.
rock on!
So true, Dad. Sometimes, I forget to look for compliments from where they really count - from Logan's hugs, and Lance's giggles. It's human nature to want at least SOMEONE to notice when you are doing a good job - and to step up and say "Hey, you're good at that". Rarely happens though. The wife is too busy absorbed in her daily routine and my mother is resentful that I don't need her advice and help more. I sometimes feel that they both resent that I haven't majorly "dropped the ball" yet - so they can step in and show off THEIR expertise.
I must state, contrary to most of my blog post about being alienated by mothers at local parks (when I have the babies there), that there are some really nice moms out there that actually will come up to you, a complete stranger, and say "You're great with your kids". A lot of elderly are good at doing this as well.
I just wonder how much older my mom needs to get before she's old enough to catch on. Does anyone live past 100 anymore?
Shannon
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