I feel incredibly fortunate to have a partner who is not only a fantastic father but also a source of relief for me and our kids. It’s clear that he’s likely to outlive me, and here’s why:
- He’s Not a Storage Unit. My children have a knack for handing me an array of items to “hold,” from half-eaten lollipops to small toys collected from questionable places like Chuck E. Cheese. My daughter’s latest fixation? Rubber bands she finds on the street. Despite my best efforts to boost my immune system, I’m constantly fending off colds. In fact, my doctor once told me I was the only patient over five who got diagnosed with double pink eye in 2013.
- Selective Hearing Skills. My husband may not be truly deaf, but he’s mastered the art of tuning out. Whenever the kids call out for water, it’s usually me who responds. Over time, our kids have learned to shout for “Mom” instead of “Dad.” While my husband remains blissfully unaware, I can already picture myself as the frazzled old lady at the bus stop, muttering “MomMomMomMommyMommy” to myself in 35 years.
- Deep Sleep Proficiency. This probably connects back to his selective hearing. While I lie awake hearing every little noise our kids make, my partner sleeps soundly, confident that I’ll handle any nighttime crises, whether it’s fetching a blanket or rushing our child to the ER after a worrisome episode. It’s probably more accurate to say he sleeps like a dad, not like a baby.
- Emergency Contact Duties. I’m the primary point of contact for the school, which means I receive all the calls—from routine questions about pick-up arrangements to the anxiety-inducing “This is the school nurse…” When that number flashes on my phone, my heart races, and I feel the urge to seek medical help myself.
- Childcare Task Delegation. Somehow, my partner has dodged the bullet when it comes to certain kid-related responsibilities. I’ve ended up with the unenviable trifecta of applying sunscreen, trimming nails, and overseeing thank-you notes. The tears generated from these activities could easily fill a small pool, and trust me, the kids aren’t fans either.
- Trust in Their Independence. He recognizes that our kids have opposable thumbs and can reach most counters. They can whip up a sandwich if they’re hungry, eventually brush their own teeth, and wait a few minutes for help finding the remote batteries. This is the complete opposite of my tendency to micromanage their lives. I envy this trait in him and believe it’s something I need to adopt if I want to avoid becoming that eccentric old lady at the bus stop.
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In summary, my husband’s ability to remain calm and collected while I navigate the chaos of parenting likely means he will outlive me. His laid-back approach to our kids’ independence and his sound sleep habits are traits I admire and wish to emulate.