This blog is written for my husband. Most fathers don’t receive the credit they deserve. Well, at least mine doesn’t. When we got married nine years ago, we decided to have kids right away. We just didn’t think it would happen quite so fast. We were thrown into parenthood at the age of 24 and on our first wedding anniversary we had a one-month-old. My husband thrived as a dad. When our daughter was born we thought we had this parenting this down. And then we thought “why not add more to our plate!”
Dad’s Going Back-to-School
It might be October but its back to school shopping time in our house! We picked up a new spiral notebook and some highlighters, pens and post-it notes, but these goodies weren’t for my kids. Nope. This semester, Dad’s heading back to school.
It’s going to be an adjustment for all of us. A big one. He’s a full-time, work-outside-the-home Dad already and I’m sure we will have little or no time to spend together. There are still only 24 hours in a day. I’m sure we’ll find pockets of time here and there, moments when the kids are occupied. Of course, I’m going to continue to lean on other family members for even more support.
What Are We Going to Do Now?
I was initially caught off guard. Sure, when we first got married we discussed him going back for his master’s degree, but now? When he announced that he was going back to school, I don’t think I really believed him. It didn’t actually hit home until he turned in his essays and letters of recommendation. Even then, I didn’t really understand the time commitment and what kind of support he might need.
For the past nine years, when I wanted to do something he’d always been available to take over. But he can’t just tag in this time. I will need to take over on most things including the kids, dog, cat and day-to-day household things. My ‘me time’ will take a backseat.
We’ll Figure it Out
As I mentioned in previous blogs, my kids view my husband as the fun parent. They are used to having Dad around to play games, jump on the bed, eat junk food, watch movies and so on. They’re at an age where they can play independently for a bit, but now they’re going to hear “Not now, Daddy’s studying.”
As I write this, they’re standing inches away asking Dad silly questions. The dog is sitting at his feet looking up at him hoping for a quick walk. I can see at least three windows open on his computer, each with a different assignment or article he’s working through. Dinner needs to be made or I guess we’ll be eating chicken nuggets and applesauce again. I don’t quite have a handle on things yet, but, I repeat, we’re figuring it out.
Screen time for my children is essential, my kids are troopers and my husband is a champ. We’ll get through this.
Our Super Dad
I know he doesn’t want his family to feel like he’s always busy or like he’s not available. We want him to know that his career is important too and that his hopes and dreams matter.
We want to show our kids that even adults work towards goals. This helps both of them see that everyone can do hard things, and they can too. He’s a role model for our kids and this shows them that we are responsible for our own happiness. Each person decides what they want, and they can go get it. We’re proud of you! You’re truly Super Dad!
Mallory Connelly
Babies & Toddlers
In addition to the time I devote to being a mom, I also work full-time outside the home, which means my day is hardly ever as simple as nine to five. With an all-too-established schedule, as soon as I walk through the door, my day doesn’t end, but rather just begins. It’s a balancing act, especially with two children, but being a mom is one full-time job that I never want to quit!
