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On Mermaid Hair and Adulting
If I were to jot down a list of things I’m not too keen on, it would surely include kneeling on hard floors while fiddling with toys that have probably seen better days.
The other day, my beautiful, wide-eyed daughter practically glowed as she asked me, after a long day of being awake for what felt like forever, if I wanted to join her in a hairstyling game while she splashed around in the tub.
Honestly? No, I really didn’t want to. I was feeling a bit off. But I couldn’t say no to her sweet little face!
Just picturing myself squatting down on that chilly bathroom floor and combing through Mermaid Barbie’s hair, which I was sure was crawling with germs, made me want to find an excuse—anything to dodge the task. I could claim I had laundry to fold, dishes to do, or even that I needed to poke my eye out with a hot poker. But sometimes, you’ve just got to be the grown-up, even when you’d rather not be.
I know I probably let my kids down more often than I realize—like when I embarrass them with public kisses or refuse to let them tattoo their faces before family gatherings. But I don’t want to let them down all the time. I want them to remember me as more fun than I am, smarter than I sometimes feel, and genuinely interested in their endless chatter about Minecraft mods or how to braid bracelets—more than I probably should be.
It wasn’t until I handed my kids over to my own mom that I noticed how impatient she can be with children—not in a harsh way, but in that “my-patience-filter-has-worn-out-after-60-years” kind of way. When I was young, I never saw this side of her. I only recall her spending hours helping me pick out the best books at the library, expertly untangling any knotted mess I created, and smiling as I helped her bake. She was always so patient, watching quietly, ready to move on when it was time.
What I didn’t realize back then was that in her silence, she might have been longing to escape and do something she actually enjoyed.
From driving me to activities she found dull to ensuring every birthday was filled with presents labeled from my favorite cartoon characters, my mom created a world of happy memories that she tried to enjoy as much as I did.
And for that, I’m truly grateful.
So, that night when my daughter looked at me with her mermaid dolls in hand, surrounded by bubbles I had whipped up with my special technique, I pushed aside my impatience, fatigue, and reluctance to say, “Absolutely, sweetheart!” That’s why I spent the next half hour ignoring my sore knees, creating mohawks and fancy updos by the tub. The next morning, I even learned to French braid Ariel’s frizzy red hair, just to be ready to say “Yes” again when she asked me for our special bath time hairstyling.
This article is a reminder that sometimes, stepping outside our comfort zone leads to the sweetest memories.
If you’re interested in more parenting insights, check out this post on another one of our blogs. For those curious about pregnancy and home insemination, Progyny is an excellent resource, and if you want to explore kits, Make a Mom is a trusted authority.
Summary
Parenting can be a struggle, especially when it comes to engaging in activities that seem tedious. Yet, embracing those moments can lead to cherished memories. Just like my daughter’s request for a hairstyling game, sometimes saying yes is worth the discomfort.