Tuesday 7 February 2012

The Good Dad

Last night after dinner, I watched Shaune repeatedly slam Naveen against the back of the couch. Each time he began by pretending to grab a handful of my 21 month old baby's hair (a wrestling move no doubt), then swing his entire body with seemingly full full force into the cushions. Even though I flinched every time his little body made contact, it was hard to ignore Naveen's ecstatic giggles.

Learning to keep my comments to myself during this kind of play has been a work in progress.


I've read plenty that even though Dads parent much differently than Moms, their styles are just as good if not sometimes better for the kids. I don't doubt it especially being the mother of two boys. I never admit it to Shaune but I'm often impressed with his ability to play with the kids. His mad skillz at machine noises, how easily he rolls up his sleeves and gets right into being a robot, how the phrase "You must be destroyed" (said as if he was Optimus Prime*) sends both boys running wild through the house hoping their Dad will catch them - well it's hard not to feel a little outdone. 


My friend Shannon and I were discussing this phenomenon of Dad preference in toddlerhood and how for us Moms who are  used to being the go-to parent, it's a little like someone ripping the band-aid off the hairy part of your arm when you're least expecting it. It stings at first.

These are shots of a belated birthday party for Shaune last weekend at his parents'.

But you get over it when one of them crashes willy-nilly into the corner of the couch and runs to you for a kiss and hug. You thank God your kids are blessed to have such a fun Dad. After all, how else are you gonna find time to keep up with your favourite blogs? 

*Optimus Prime is a transformer. That's all I know - you'll have to google him if you want more detail:)

13 comments:

  1. Watching dads play is so much fun!

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  2. If I were a single mom, I think Amy would be so overprotected and sheltered that she would have a hard time getting out in the real world and living her life. My protective instincts seem to be in overdrive most of the time, whereas Stuart is more of a risk taker and adventure seeker. When it comes to Amy, it's the perfect balance:)

    Hooray for Shaune, and the wonderful father he is!!

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  3. Kim you are so incredibly talented. What you write not only paints a picture of your family, it also brings back memories of my own. I just love reading everything you write. Thank you!!

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  4. Yes, my boys flock to their daddy too. But I'm always glad to see them having dad fun :-)

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  5. I think it's great that kids can get different things from different parents. But it's not just true in opposite sexed parents. I have some male friends who have twins together. The two men have different parenting styles.

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  6. This is the hardest part about being a boy mom. I can never compare to Dad when it comes to play-time, but I love being the one they come to when they need hugs and kisses.

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  7. It's so great to have a partner to balance us out. Sounds like Shaune is the Yin to your Yang. I think it is so true that although Dad's parent differently, they are just as important! I consider it a blessing to have my guy do all of the wrestling and machine gun voices. I rather go to museums, make pictures with our cameras and go out and have Starbucks together. haha
    Happy Birthday to you guy too! Hugs. ;)

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  8. I am so grateful for dad play. He can get on the floor and rough-house which is not something I enjoy (especially not now being pregnant). But I do secretly smile inside when she seeks me out for the boo-boos that inevitably happen

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  9. Awwww, what a great dad!! I can just hear all the machine noises and see the wrestling moves...that happens at our house quite often ;)
    I hope your husband reads your blog, it's a sweet post about him.

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  10. Optimus Prime is "the" transformer- the main good guy, the leader of the group :)

    And yes, totally agree- my husband is so much better at playing and just really getting into it and I am very grateful for it

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  11. What a fun dad!! I can just hear the giggles as he turns into that transformer. Happy Belated Birthday to Shaune. Great pictures :)

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  12. I love watching dads play with their kids. There's something so carefree while I feel like as a mom I'm all about "don't make a mess, don't get hurt, be careful" etc. Yeah, that mom.

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