Enough with calling dads babysitters. We are parents just doing what parents do with their kids: changing diapers, picking clothes, going to school events, etc. But then why is it that we as dads can’t be referred to just as a parent—or even a dad? After all, they’re my kids too.
The other day I was at the grocery store with the kids. As the kids were screaming and throwing cans of food out of the cart a parent walked by and said, “You in charge of watching the kids today?” Ummm no, actually, I am their dad and we have to get things done today.
Why is it that anytime a dad is out with his kids, and mom isn’t around, we are babysitters? We were involved in the process too and to just be called the babysitter is a little annoying.
Since we are trying to sell our condo I thought it would be nice to take the kids out of the house so my wife wouldn’t go crazy with them constantly making a mess. While I was out with them running errands people would say, “You’re such a great guy to give your wife a break.” Is this just as bad as saying I’m a babysitter?
Really, parenting is parenting. We both are here for our kids, but I get it. My wife is with the kids all day and at times a break from them is nice. I have a break away all day while I am at work. But when you are a parent you are always a parent.
I get that my wife has the kids a lot more of the day than I do. Because of that, I try to do all that I can so she can get the things done. It’s a lot easier to get things done without kids. Constantly needing you to pick them up and walk them around only to accomplish nothing.
At the end of the day, I just want people to see that I am equal to my wife. I do all that I can to be there for my kids when they are sick, need to be changed or not having a good day (which can be pretty regular). If people will just stop calling us dads babysitters and start realizing we are just parents it’ll be a lot nicer.
