Hey there! I realize we’ve never exchanged a proper greeting like I do with the moms at drop-off. It’s just that I tend to shy away from saying hello to men I don’t know. Honestly, with my hair looking like I just got out of bed, dark circles under my eyes, and my breath still needing some work, I wouldn’t want to give off the wrong impression.
But trust me, I notice you. I see you every morning, carrying that vibrant pink backpack while walking her to school right on time. I hear you gently reminding her to tuck her chilly hands into her jacket pockets, and it makes me smile because I just told my son the same thing. I notice you applying chapstick to her lips and asking for a kiss before you send her off, assuring her that you’ll be there to pick her up later. You stand there, watching her enter the building, your heart walking with her. Once she’s safely inside, you turn to head home, knowing there’s nothing more you can do.
I often wonder what you do after drop-off. Do you run a successful business from home? Do you brave the morning traffic to get to the office? Are you on the hunt for fun after-school snack ideas or perhaps tackling chores like making her bed or doing the dishes? Do you take a moment to relax with a cup of coffee, scrolling through social media?
I can’t say for sure, but I do ponder if it’s challenging for you to navigate a world often seen as more suited for women. Are there gatherings for dads at the playground? Do mothers include you in their conversations? Are there special events like “Dads’ Day Out” at your local church? Have you ever been a part of a DOPs (Dads of Preschoolers) group? And when you’re out shopping, do you ever find yourself changing a diaper on a bathroom floor due to the lack of a changing table? Do you feel anxious about being a stay-at-home dad and how it affects your career?
I don’t ask these questions because it’s really none of my business, and honestly, I wouldn’t want you to get too close—morning breath, you know?
What I do see is that society often tries to tell us we are different. As a woman, I’m expected to be the more nurturing parent, but I can see the joy in your daughter’s eyes when she looks at you. I know you have the same capacity as any woman to provide love and care. Your wedding ring makes me wonder if your wife is the primary earner, as she is equally capable of being assertive and competitive in her career.
You might be bigger and stronger, yet you’re also the one reading bedtime stories with a gentle touch. Meanwhile, I might seem softer and more delicate, but my kids know they better be upstairs when I reach 15, or else!
Like you, I sometimes question if I’m the perfect mom I envisioned. Do you ever wonder if you’re fulfilling your role as a dad by being the primary caregiver? Is this fatherhood journey what you expected?
We may never have that heart-to-heart chat before the school bell rings, but please know this: I see you, I appreciate you, and I know that little girl adores her daddy.
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Summary:
This heartfelt letter expresses appreciation for fathers at school drop-off, highlighting their dedication and involvement in their children’s lives. It reflects on societal expectations of parenting roles, acknowledging the unique challenges dads face in a predominantly female environment. The message underlines mutual respect and understanding among parents, regardless of gender.