He’s a Father, not a Babysitter.
I work a couple days a week, and the boys are home with their Father. I think that it is important for all of them for that time to happen. Spousey needs that one on one time with them, as much as they need it with them. It is for sure tough sometimes, as my J is a true Mommas-Boy, but such a great thing for them to spend that time without me and bond.
It truly infuriates me when I have this conversations. It could be with any number of people, and I’ve had it many times.
Ignorant Fool- Where’s the kids, Ali?
Me- Home with their Dad.
Ignorant Fool- Ha, He’s stuck babysitting today?
Me-……..
No. He is not babysitting. He is parenting. He is not a teenager from down the street that I pay to watch my children while I get my hair cut. He is their FATHER. He is teaching them how to build blocks, and how to make race tracks for their trucks. He is showing them the way to be good men. He is setting an example for them on how to treat women. He puts music on and dances with them. He can make J laugh louder than anyone besides C, and he is the object of C’s complete adoration.
I feel like every time someone asks me if he is “babysitting” or “stuck home with them”, they are undermining the beautiful relationship that Spousey has with his sons. He loves to spend time with them, and they love it right back.
Maybe your husband ‘babysits’. But I can assure you…mine does not.














Amen sister.
[Reply]
I loved this post Ali!!! What a great way to give it to everyone who ever says that to anyone who has kids..
[Reply]
Amen. As a stay at home, self employed dad of a now 6 year old girl I know this dynamic all to well.
I got so frustrated I wrote about it here:
http://www.straightdopedad.com/father-not-a-babysitter/
It does tend to lesson with age though. As my daughter gets older I get fewer “so you’re babysitting” comments.
.-= The Straight Dope Dad´s last blog ..The Girl’s Gotta Chew – Dealing With a Super Oral Kid =-.
[Reply]