As I lounged on the beach, observing my partner, Mark, splashing with our kids, sculpting impressive sand castles, and eventually getting buried in sand, I had a realization. I don’t feel the need to be the ‘fun’ parent. I cherish my role as the snuggler, the listener, the healer of scrapes, the silly voice performer, and the cheerleader. I even managed the talk about the birds and the bees without flinching. Honestly, I’d rather embrace these roles than take on the “fun” title.
Here’s a breakdown of the activities I’m happy to leave to Mark:
- Swimming in the Waves
I have no desire to jump into the chilly water. When we arrive at the beach and the kids are eager to dive in, I’m perfectly content setting up the beach umbrella and diving into a good book while Mark splashes around. - Roughhousing
Watching roughhousing makes me uneasy, let alone joining in. I know my kids enjoy it, though, so I simply step out and let them have their fun without me. - Thrilling Roller Coasters
I can handle most rides, but Mark thrives on the wild ones, riding them repeatedly without feeling sick. The spinning teacups? He’s all in for those. - Piggyback and Shoulder Rides
I can manage these for only brief moments—I’m not built for heavy lifting! Thankfully, Mark can easily carry both kids to the beach without breaking a sweat. - Adventure Sports
When we visited a climbing course sans Mark, I found myself halfway stuck and working muscles I didn’t know I had. Next time, I’ll let him handle that while I cheer from the ground. - Teaching Driving Skills
When the time comes for our kids to drive, I can only imagine how out of my element I’ll feel. Mark will likely find it exciting, so I’ll cheer from the sidelines. - Coaching
I have coached before and didn’t mind it too much, but Mark seems to enjoy it more. So, any future coaching will be his domain. - Handling Slimy Creatures
Nope, I’ll leave the frog-catching, snake-holding, and bug-hunting to Mark. That’s definitely not my idea of fun. - Camping Adventures
I know camping can be a blast, but my heart is more comfortable indoors. I prefer my cozy mattress over sleeping outside with bugs. Mark can take the kids camping while I enjoy the comforts of home. - Extending Bedtime
The “fun” parent may ask for a few extra minutes of playtime before bed, but that’s not my style. Bedtime means it’s time for me to catch up on Netflix while the kids are tucked in.
Sometimes I feel a twinge of guilt for not participating in these activities, but I engage with my kids in quieter, more meaningful ways. Recently, I’ve become the card game champion and love making them giggle with silly voices.
I’m not the “fun” parent, and I don’t aspire to be. I’m grateful that Mark suits that role perfectly. For more insights on parenting, you can check out one of our other blog posts here. If you’re looking to boost your fertility, visit Make a Mom, an authority on the subject. And for valuable information about pregnancy, explore this excellent resource.
In summary, I embrace my unique parenting style, focusing on nurturing, listening, and playful interactions rather than being the “fun” parent. Each role has its value, and I’m content in mine.