As a dedicated parent, I often find myself saying, “I’d do anything for my partner.” Yet, with three young kids underfoot, I’ve come to realize that’s not entirely true. Parenthood pushes us into scenarios where we do things for our children that we would never dream of doing for our spouses. Here are some examples:
- Get close enough to sniff my child’s diaper for signs of trouble.
- Let my partner use the bathroom while I’m unwinding in the tub.
- Support my child standing on my head during movie night.
- Retrieve a toy from the bathtub that has…well, let’s just say it’s less than pleasant.
- Check the back of their pants to ensure a proper wipe after using the restroom.
- Pay for face painting at the local farmer’s market and then comfort them when they’re unhappy with the result.
- Allow my child to wipe their nose on my shirt during a hug.
- Change a diaper, no questions asked.
- Remind them to take bathroom breaks throughout the day to avoid accidents.
- Make a fresh batch of mac and cheese after they’ve tossed their dinner on the floor.
- Let them sit on my lap while I’m in the bathroom.
- Carry them on my shoulders when they tire out from walking.
- Console them after a tantrum that results in my phone taking an unexpected dive into the toilet.
- Apply diaper cream to soothe their rashes.
- Wrestle them into shoes while they scream in protest, only to have them kick them off moments later.
- Collect their chewed-up gum while navigating busy traffic.
- Share a tiny toddler bed without complaint.
- Apologize to strangers for my child’s spontaneous wardrobe change in the supermarket.
- Endure endless episodes of Caillou.
- Overlook their habit of eating their boogers.
Reflecting on this list, it seems I might love my kids more than my partner—or perhaps it’s just that I hold my spouse to a higher standard. Who knows? In the world of parenting, patience, love, and a stockpile of wipes become essential.
For more insights on parenting and home insemination, check out this article from our other blog, Intracervical Insemination. If you’re interested in fertility resources, Make a Mom offers excellent information on boosters for men. Additionally, the American Pregnancy Association provides valuable details on donor insemination, making it a great resource for those considering their options.
In conclusion, the things we do for our children can be wildly different from what we do for our partners. Parenthood brings a unique kind of love and sacrifice that is often unmatched.