Here’s what I love most about the father of my children: the attention he lavishes on them.
We are fortunate enough to get by on one income so during the school year while I’m teaching, Chris is home with our girls. His days are filled with carpools to preschool, trips to the zoo, play dates at the museum, and lunches with friends.
It sounds like a pretty sweet gig to me.
And if I didn’t get to take over the role for a couple of months each summer, I might have some major envy.
But I love heading to work with my family still snug in their beds. I love not waking my girls up early to drop them off at daycare. I love that they get to nap in their beds every day. I love knowing what they put in their bellies for each meal and how much TV they’re watching. I love that they can stay in their pajamas until noon if they want to.
But the number one thing I love about having a husband that stays home to take care of our kids is the relationship he’s establishing with them.
I believe the way he interacts with them now, when they’re little, will affect every relationship they have with males for the rest of their lives. I believe that with every ounce of my being. I believe that they are learning right now what will be important later when choosing friends, when dating, and when marrying.
And I pray fervently that they will find such confidence and fulfillment in their love from their father (the biological one and the heavenly one) that their interactions with others later won’t be out of a need to fill holes.
I’m not naive enough to think we won’t damage our kids. I’m sure I do at least fifteen things a day that are wrong or could be done differently or better or with more love or more patience.
But I know that the stronger my girls’ relationship with their father, the better off they’ll be.
The better their relationships will be.
The stronger their marriages will be.
The better moms they’ll be.
And that’s what I love most about their father, that’s he’s up for the challenge. Because it’s a big one.
Long time reader, first time commenter. 😉 Having been raised in a home with a loving and influential Dad, whose work schedule allowed him to be home more often than my Mom, I wholeheartedly agree with your post! Very well stated and it made me a little teary remembering how thankful I am and how wonderful your sweet girls are and will be with you guys as parents! 🙂
Oh my gosh, Broling. Thanks for calling in. (that’s hilarious.)
I love that your big, tough police officer dad got to spend so much time with you growing up. And I think you turned out pretty good… 🙂
Amen!!!
great one, Mary