In navigating the complexities of parenting, I find myself grateful for my supportive partner, Mark. His presence not only benefits me but also enriches our children’s lives. However, I often ponder why he seems more likely to outlive me. Here are six compelling reasons:
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He Doesn’t Carry the Weight of Their Possessions
Every day, our children present me with an assortment of items to hold—leftover snacks, small toys from questionable play areas, and even random rubber bands. As a result, I find myself frequently battling colds and various ailments. In fact, my doctor once informed me that I was the only patient over the age of five she had seen with double pink eye in 2013. -
He Selectively Tunes Out
While he isn’t truly deaf, Mark has mastered the art of selective hearing. When our children call for “Mom,” it’s often I who responds, leading them to bypass him entirely. This dynamic means he won’t endure the incessant calls of “DAD!”—while I might be the one muttering “MomMomMomMommy” in a few decades. -
He Enjoys Deep Sleep
This might be related to his selective hearing. While I’m awake at every minor noise the kids make, Mark sleeps soundly, aware that I’ll handle any disturbances. In fact, he’s blissfully unaware of the time I had to wake him to inform him that our son needed to go to the ER. The saying should really be “sleeping like a father,” not “sleeping like a baby.” -
I’m the Primary Emergency Contact
As the first-listed emergency contact for our children’s school, I receive all the calls—ranging from mundane inquiries to the dreaded notifications from the school nurse. Each time that number pops up on my phone, I feel a surge of anxiety, which can’t be good for my health. -
He Outsmarted Me in Parenting Roles
When we divided parenting responsibilities, somehow I ended up with the trifecta of applying sunscreen, clipping nails, and managing thank-you notes. The emotional toll these tasks take has been significant, often resulting in tears from both me and the kids. -
He Acknowledges Their Independence
Mark recognizes that our kids have the ability to use their opposable thumbs and can reach most counters. He understands they can prepare their own snacks or wait a few minutes for assistance, contrasting my instinct to manage every aspect of their lives. This ability to step back is something I envy and could greatly benefit from adopting.
In conclusion, embracing a more relaxed approach to parenting, similar to Mark’s, may very well extend my lifespan. If I can learn to let go a little, perhaps I can avoid becoming that quirky old lady at the bus stop.
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