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March 4, 2008

Turnabout Is Fair Play: What Dads Want in Mom

Perfect MomYou may remember that last Tuesday, Robert graciously asked the moms out there how the dads in their lives could do better at parenting. There were a couple of interesting responses -- and, moms, it's never too late to add your own under that post. In fact, you might want to hurry over and do that. Because today....

What's good for the gander is good for the goose. We ask dads to tell us how the mothers in their lives can do better for the family.

I'm a little scared about this -- didn't I say before that I was fair game? -- so I'm going to head off my husband's post with a preemptive strike. Here's how I could improve as a mom:

--I should take more deep breaths, especially during the morning school rush.

--I should watch and learn from his incredible patience.

--I should hold on to my confidence as a mom, and shake off toxic parental guilt.

Dads, please comment below. (Remember you can use a first name, a handle or no name, and that you must click on the word "Comments" in blue to get to the posting form.)

Posted by Kate Shatzkin at 10:33 AM | | Comments (4)
Categories: Father's Day Tuesday
        

Comments

I think that my wife does a wonderful job in all areas but I often wish she possessed the same type of patience that I do. I tend to relate to our boys better, especially when it comes to how they deal with emotional issues. I often know exactly what they are going through and why they are sometimes behaving the way they do. I tend to sympathize first, then resolve issues instead of throwing my hands in the air and yelling. The only other issue of contention is diet. We were raised very differently when it comes to how much candy/desserts kids should have access to. I'm the Sugar Nazi in the house and she's Willy Wonka.

My husband is great with our daughter and we keep each other in check. It's never good when we're both out of patience, but we try to balance. I like that he sneaks Cheetos with her in the basement and then they both are covered in orange dust like co-conspirators. I love that my husband is blissfully unaware of 'mompetition' and I think he appreciates that I try my best and do what's right for our daughter, rather than worrying about what other moms think.

I think Robert has hit it right on the mark! My husband is much more patient with our kids than I am, and I think we balance each other well. He's the more fun, more spontaneous parent, and I'm the one who keeps the household running and makes sure the kids get to bed at a reasonable hour. And in our household, I'm the Sugar Nazi and he's Willy Wonka.

As a stay-at-home dad, I'd like my wife to realize that come the weekend, when she can be home, a little 'alone' time for me would be nice. Her first inclination is always for us to do something together as a family. I can't fault her for that, but she doesn't seem to grasp the idea that I've been with the kids all day, every day, all week, and come Saturday, it's possible I'd like a few hours alone. Selfish? Maybe, but it helps preserve my sanity ...

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About Kate Shatzkin
Kate Shatzkin is the parenting and families content editor at The Baltimore Sun and, before that, was its family beat reporter. But her most challenging and rewarding job is being mother to Leah, 8, and Sam, 6.

In her 14 years at The Baltimore Sun, Kate also has covered nonprofit organizations, prisons and courts, and has written several investigative series. She was previously a Knight journalism fellow at Yale Law School and a reporter at the Seattle Times and at the Patriot-Ledger of Quincy, Mass. She lives in Baltimore with her family.

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