When we are growing up there are a lot of things we have to learn how to do. As we get older that process of learning doesn’t change, but the things we learn do. When we start a new job, even if it’s the same job in a new company there are a series of new things we must learn in order to be successful. Being a dad is no different.
Say What?
I frequently overhear men make statements that broadcast their inabilities to everyone around them. “Go find mom and have her do your hair.” This one is probably my favorite. So because you are the dad your duties don’t include the stereotypical girl tasks?
Man up!
Welcome to your new job of being a dad. Sure, you may not be qualified for this position but are you turning down a promotion because you don’t currently know how to do the job? Hell no!
You know how everyone learns how to do things? Trial and error, asking others, YouTube, and on and on and on. There are literally thousands of resources to teach you how to do pretty much anything you could ever want to learn. Heck you probably have a device in your house that allows you to ask a question loud enough and get an answer. For some people this is Alexa. For some it’s Google Home, for me it’s my wife.
Alright so what are some of these things us dads can start stepping up to do?
- Well let’s start with the obvious, changing diapers. It is ok to admit when your kid is born that you don’t know how to change a diaper. Practice makes perfect and your about to get a shitload of practice! (HA see what I did there?)
- Knowing kids birthdays. This seems like a no brainer but I bet if you pay attention to other dads around you, before the week is over you’ll here at least one as their spouse about a birthday. Hint: It’s usually the same dad that can tell you the date and outcome of any Super Bowl in history.
- While we are on dates, how about the date of the next doctors appointment? Early on in a kids life there are so many of these you are essentially just getting home from one and turning around to go back for the next. This really shouldn’t be that hard. Also there is a handy little thing called a calendar and it’s probably an app inside the same device you’re reading this on, bonus!
- Routines are fun. There is a process that happens each day and night that keeps balance in the world or at least your family. When you start the day there is a routine, when you end the day there is probably also a routine. Know what the kids routines are and be an active part of those. Maybe your part of the routine is a Wrestelmania hour each evening to get the last bit of energy out. Embrace your role in the routine and don’t leave it all up to mom.
- Mealtime. Even if mom loves to cook (lucky you) not many people like to do the same task everyday forever and ever. Offer to step in and make the meals now and then. Even if those meals consist of Peanut Butter and Jelly (my personal favorite) or mac and cheese. Of course I have to put it out there to try and make these meals healthy every so often.
- Homework is a great time to be helpful and also let your kids know just how amazingly intelligent you are (until they hit 3rd grade. Math…ugh). But hey the teacher said they had to show their work not you, gotta love Google!
- School time! What were some of our favorite days in elementary school? Show and tell. spirit day, birthday treat days! Well guess what, that hasn’t changed. Only now you are on the prep side of this party. Knowing when these school events are happening is the first step to being the hero dad. Get the school calendar and add it to your phone calendar (there seems to be trend here) and be prepared with the most badass show and tell item that ever happened to that elementary school.
- What size shoe does your kid wear and why is that up to mom to know? Your kids will change in size almost by the minute so it can be hard to keep up with where they are at any given time. But thankfully there are convenient little tags attached to their clothing that can tell you at a moments notice just what you need to know.
All I am asking is that for the next week instead of handing off those “girl tasks” you take a minute and figure out how to braid hair for yourself. And if you need some resources to get you started let me know, I’m happy to be that resource. I may not be great at braiding hair but I’ll give it a shot if it helps.
Cheers!
2 Responses
My husband does the cooking for us and spends few minutes with the kids, but the rest is still on me. Lol 😂
It’s a learning curve. We tend to be on the back half of that curve longer than our better halves. Sounds like he is getting close though with doing the cooking. May a recommend an extra beer here and there to help give a little nudge?
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