When we learned I was pregnant for the first time, my husband and I talked about our dreams for the future and what we wanted our family to be like. I wanted him to be involved in the raising of our children. I wasn’t interested in having a husband who read the newspaper in the corner while I did all the work—I wanted him playing with the kids, taking them places, and being a part of their lives. I didn’t want my children to just have a father—I wanted them to have a daddy. I’m delighted to say that’s exactly what they have.
He takes them on walks, to the store, to the library. He makes dinner when I’m working toward a deadline. He helps them get ready for bed. If one of them needs to be up early, he gets them up. He is present in their lives and doesn’t just leave them to me.
This blesses our lives in a lot of ways. First, it enables me to complete my projects. By taking care of the kids, he’s supporting me. Second, it creates a relationship between him and the children. Rather than seeing their father as an emotionally distant disciplinarian, they see him as a fun companion, and someone they can trust. Third, it builds family unity. We don’t just have Mom and kids, and Dad over there—we have a complete set, with everyone involved.
And, I have to say, there’s something very attractive about watching a man interact with his child. There’s a reason why women like to hit on men with children at the grocery store. When a man has let go of his machismo and is playing and tenderly taking care of a child, he sends off attractive beams that shoot every female within a twenty-mile radius. I can’t count how many times I’ve fallen in love with my husband all over again just watching how good he is with our kids.
Men, if you have even a spare second to fit into your schedule, spend it playing with your children. The rewards will be immeasurable.
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