My children often think I’m not too bright. Surprisingly, this doesn’t bother me at all—in fact, I find it quite amusing. I’m lucky to have a husband, Mark, who can effortlessly solve complex math problems in his head and recall the periodic table at the drop of a hat. And this is particularly advantageous when my third grader, Emma, struggles with her math homework. My go-to solution? “Just ask Dad!”
Mark may play the fool sometimes, but it’s just an act. Recently, he turned our kitchen into a science lab “for the kids,” launching paper airplanes across the room using little more than fishing line and a balloon. There was no homework involved; he was simply having fun and being a fantastic dad.
When it comes to science fair projects or advanced math like algebra and trigonometry, I often say, “Daddy will be home soon. Want to watch Mommy juggle in the meantime?” The ultimate irony? I hold a Master of Science degree, while he does not. Life has a funny way of working out, doesn’t it?
If Mark isn’t around, I turn to the next best source—the internet. “That’s a great question, sweetheart! Why don’t you look it up online?” I once thought I was doing a good thing by reading a nonfiction book about the sun to my kids. Little did I know that I’d end up fielding a barrage of questions like, “If the sun will eventually burn out, what happens to Earth? Don’t people need the sun to live? When will it burn out—tomorrow?” They were terrified, and honestly, so was I! I mean, how am I supposed to know when the sun will meet its end? I regret ever picking that book!
From now on, all such inquiries will be directed to their father. If they need to know what time school starts or where their shoes are or even the difference between “seen” and “saw,” they can come to me. Sometimes ignorance truly is bliss. Pour me another glass of wine, please!
If you’re interested in more insights, check out this post. It’s full of intriguing content. And for anyone looking into home insemination, Make a Mom offers an excellent resource. Additionally, March of Dimes is a great place to explore fertility treatment options.
In summary, parenting can be a delightful mix of joy and confusion, and sometimes playing the fool is the best approach to keep things light-hearted. Whether it’s turning to the internet or relying on your partner’s expertise, it’s all about finding creative ways to navigate the wonderful chaos of family life.