In the realm of parenting, dads are steadily proving they can hold their own. Yet, there remains a tendency for some to view fathers as secondary caregivers. Go out with your kids, and you might hear someone remark that a dad is merely “babysitting.” This term doesn’t sit well with fathers. After all, you don’t babysit your own children. It’s a label that implies Dad is just a temporary stand-in, keeping the kids entertained until Mom returns to take over.
While this may not bother everyone, it can feel frustrating to many. It’s preferable to being accused of kidnapping, a ridiculous stereotype often associated with dads. Recently, Oliver Smith, who runs the amusing Instagram account Dad Jokes Central, decided to tackle this terminology head-on. He shared a humorous list of alternative titles he would accept instead of “babysitter.”
Among his favorites was “How Sharp Are The Knives??” With this playful approach, Oliver cleverly voiced his frustrations while having fun with the stereotype that dads are merely fun-loving and irresponsible. Sure, mothers and fathers may approach parenting differently, but the key thing is that they are actively parenting.
Oliver’s list paints a vivid picture of his daily life, which resonates with many of us. At my house, every day feels like a “Dadpocalypse,” where my daughter enthusiastically belts out tunes from both “Frozen” and classic rock hits. All we need is a line of kids waiting for the bathroom to make it feel like a festival of fatherhood. The less said about the “Blanket Forts & Crazy Messes” episode, the better—trust me, you don’t want to venture in there!
Another entry that struck a chord was “Wrestling Matches and Carpet Stains.” Right now, I’m attempting to scrub chocolate off the carpet while my six-year-old leaps off the couch and lands squarely on my back.
Ultimately, the most fitting title on Oliver’s list is simply: parenting. That’s what we do every day. We don’t babysit; we actively engage in our children’s lives. It doesn’t matter what you label it, as long as the job gets done.
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In summary, dads are more than just backup; they are deeply involved in parenting. Embracing this role with humor not only challenges outdated stereotypes but also reinforces the notion that parenting is a shared responsibility.