Derek Johnson’s daughter certainly knows how to give orders during their imaginative playtime. When parents engage in pretend play with their children, it often turns into a balancing act of roles, with kids reserving the coveted characters for themselves while relegating mom or dad to less desirable positions. Derek recently showcased this reality in a comical Instagram post.
He and his partner, Linda Parker, are refreshingly candid about their parenting experiences, even when it sheds light on the more awkward moments of raising children. For instance, imagine being tasked with the role of a princess while your child chooses the villain. In a recent post, Derek humorously reveals who really calls the shots in their household when it comes to assigning roles in their make-believe games—it certainly isn’t him.
In the photo, Derek sports a blank expression synonymous with a dad who has played the “little sister” role far too many times. He states, “In this scenario, I’m ‘Little Sister,’ while my 4-year-old took on the role of ‘Big Brother.’ My 6-year-old was ‘Mommy,’ and wow, was she strict.”
The saying goes, “when a toddler hands you a pretend phone, you answer it.” Similarly, when a preschooler lays out the rules of play, the adult participant must comply, and Derek is all in. Despite holding the least esteemed title in their imaginative play hierarchy, he dons a makeshift crown, proving that he’s committed to the act. Despite being pushed into the lower bunk and left with a few stuffed animals as his companions, he embraces the absurdity of his role.
As parents, we often find ourselves in undesirable positions, from being the mean witch to the grumpy ogre in our children’s games. While it would be nice to occasionally play the glamorous part, it’s amusing to realize we usually end up as the characters no one else wants. Welcome to parenthood—where you clean up after kids and play the least desirable roles in their imaginative worlds.
Derek and Linda definitely resonate with this experience. Yet, despite the challenges, they wouldn’t trade their journey for anything. For more insights into navigating parenting and home insemination, check out this informative resource on pregnancy and for those interested in DIY options, explore this at-home insemination kit.
In summary, Derek Johnson’s Instagram post humorously highlights the often unglamorous roles parents take on during playtime with their kids. Even while relegated to playing the “little sister,” he embraces the journey of parenthood, showcasing the dedication and humor that comes with the territory.