Dear MOPS,
Sometimes it seems like we parent differently than you. We know this gets on your nerves but that's not why we do it. You would like it even less if we were exactly the same as you.
We have to be the strong, dangerous ones who jiggle the kids and wrestle them to tears. We're quick to apologize when the little guys get hurt but we're not sorry we play rough.
Believe it or not, we love these kids. That's why we do it. This is how we show them attention: directly by fighting with them and indirectly by working to provide for them. If we seem like we never have time for the kids or you, please understand we're trying to make sure you don't starve.
When we work late, we are loving the kids. When we toss them around the yard on Saturdays, we are loving the kids. When we come home and nap with everyone climbing on top of us, we are loving the kids.
We're not wimps and we're not raising wimps. We don't parent softly; we would disappoint them if we did. You can baby them. We'll make them strong. Help us with our job and we'll help you with yours.
Deal? (Truce?)
-The POPS
“Fathers are just as essential to healthy child development as mothers.” - Glenn T. Stanton
“Fatherhood turns out to be a complex and unique phenomenon with huge consequences for the emotional and intellectual growth of children.” - Psychology Today
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