Here is what I have observed about the Dads in the park (some of them):
-they are often outnumbered by chicks and female nannies and act a little nervous at times – not all – but some
-if they have a son – there is less talking between them and more doing (running around, chasing kid, sliding down pole, etc.) – if they have a girl there is a lot of listening and ‘oh…really?’ responses
-Dads push a little too high on the swings
-always considerate about other kids waiting to take a turn
-natural negotiators – “After this swing we need to go meet Mom”
-when they talk to a Mom (stranger) they often mention ‘my wife’ fifty times upfront so as to not creep anyone out
-less likely to use words like “Weeeeeee!” or “Peek-A-Boo!” and more likely to ask things like, “Having fun?”, “Want me to push you higher?”
-are the only parents at the park early mornings on Saturdays while Mom sleeps in – husband – take note
“My wife” 50 times. Heehee. And yay for Lili and the set of chompers. xx
I almost added: “Dads can be overheard making reference to babysitting their own children”!!
You, as always, read my mind.
Chip finds nothing more irksome than when a dad refers to “babysitting” his own children. And watch out if someone asks him if he is “babysitting” when he is out with all three. He very curtly replies, “No, I am just raising my children”.
The ‘dads babysitting’ thing is sooo true. What is up with that?
- I’m not going to be here tomorrow.
- Oh, do you have another job?
- No, I’m babysitting.
- Oh, whose kids are you babysitting? (Impressed that he will turn down work to care for someone else’s kids)
- Um, well…..mine.
- Oh. So you mean you’re just being a dad?
- Yeah. I guess! (Amused, sheepish)