As a devoted parent, I often emphasize, “I’d do anything for my partner!” However, after welcoming three little ones into our lives, I’ve come to realize that my actions for them far exceed what I would ever do for my spouse. Parenthood often leads us to perform tasks that, under any other circumstance, we’d never consider doing for another adult. For instance, I would never:
- Get up close and personal to check if my partner needs a diaper change.
- Let her use the bathroom while I’m unwinding in the tub.
- Allow her to stand on my head during a movie night.
- Retrieve her “accidental” floating toys from the bathtub.
- Peek into the back of her pants to see if she did a proper job cleaning up.
- Spend money on face painting at the market, only to console her when she’s upset about how it turned out.
- Tolerate her using my shirt as a tissue for her runny nose.
- Help her with her personal hygiene.
- Remind her to use the restroom multiple times a day so she stays comfortable.
- Whip up mac and cheese because she “oops” dropped her meal.
- Let her sit on my lap while I’m trying to take care of business.
- Offer her a piggyback ride when she claims her legs are too tired.
- Comfort her after she accidentally drops my phone in the toilet.
- Apply ointment to her sensitive areas.
- Wrestle with her as we struggle to put on shoes, only to be met with a swift kick.
- Collect her chewed gum while navigating busy roads.
- Share a bed fit for a toddler.
- Apologize on her behalf for an unexpected wardrobe malfunction in public.
- Endure the endless episodes of a certain character from children’s television.
- Overlook the fact that she occasionally indulges in her own boogers.
Reflecting on this list, it might feel as though my love for my kids surpasses that for my partner. Perhaps it’s more about the expectations I hold for adults versus children. Who knows, maybe one day one of us will find ourselves in the unenviable position of helping the other with personal care duties. Nonetheless, parenting undeniably demands a unique blend of patience, affection, and yes—lots of wet wipes.
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In conclusion, parenting brings out a side of us that we never knew existed, revealing our extraordinary capacity for love and sacrifice.