As a parent, I often say, “I’d do anything for my partner,” but with three little ones running around, I’ve come to realize there’s a lot I do for my kids that I would never dream of doing for my spouse. Parenting has a way of putting us in situations that challenge our comfort zones in the most amusing ways. Here are some examples:
- Get up close and personal to check if my child has a dirty diaper.
- Let my child use the bathroom while I relax in the tub.
- Let her stand on my head during movie night.
- Fish out toys from the bathtub that have been submerged.
- Peek into her pants to see if she wiped properly.
- Pay for face painting at the fair and patiently comfort her when she’s not satisfied with the result.
- Let my little one use my shirt as a tissue for her runny nose.
- Wipe her bottom after using the toilet.
- Remind her several times a day to use the potty.
- Make her a new bowl of mac and cheese after she “accidentally” spills hers.
- Allow her to sit on my lap even when I’m in the middle of a bathroom break.
- Carry her on my shoulders when she’s too tired to walk.
- Console her after a mishap involving my phone and the toilet.
- Apply cream to diaper rash in sensitive areas.
- Wrestle her into shoes while she throws a fit, then remain calm when they come off instantly.
- Collect her chewed gum from the car while driving.
- Share a small bed with her when we’re traveling.
- Apologize for her unexpected behavior in public places.
- Tolerate endless episodes of her favorite shows.
- Not bat an eye when she eats her own boogers.
Looking back on this list, it seems I might love my kids a bit more than my partner. Or maybe it’s just that I hold my partner to a different standard. Who knows, in the long run, one of us might end up doing something equally ridiculous for the other. Parenthood truly requires a unique blend of love, patience, and plenty of wet wipes.
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In summary, it’s clear that parenting demands sacrifices and activities that we wouldn’t dream of for our partners, highlighting the unique bond we share with our children.