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I have noticed this trend: the most popular articles are those about paternity, where a dad honestly confesses to his difficulties. Like, the fact that when he comes home after work, he stays 15 minutes inside his car to check the news feed, read about some new movies, video games, football or rap battles, because at home he has another full day’s work to do.
However, there are certainly pleasant moments in fatherhood, and I would even say appealing moments that are not being talked about enough. That’s why I wrote about what I love about being a father.
First of all, for “fatherly moments”. That’s what I call the feeling when you drive your car, your daughter and her mom are asleep, and the thought that everything is not that bad sneaks up on you. Or jokes that only my daughter and I understand. For example, one of the fairy tales she likes says that the character “was dissatisfied”. The daughter always asked to repeat at that moment, “Satisfied or dissatisfied?” Now “satisfied or dissatisfied” is our code joke that allows turning the conversation into a frivolous one.
Dad’s moments are also phrases like “Dad, we walk in any weather, remember?” At such moments I understand that everything I do for my kid, all my efforts and words stay in her memory, affect her development and attitude to the world. It is a simultaneous awareness of responsibility and pride.
I like fatherhood for the opportunity not to think about anything. Being a dad is like a sport. You do your best, put your back into that and then you get the satisfaction out of the process. And the most important thing is that the results of your efforts become visible pretty fast, and your relationship grows new “muscles”: friendship, trust, and affection. Without any boosting! Spending time with your daughter have an unrestrained fun, pretending to be a gray wolf, maybe the best method to distract yourself from those thoughts of work, family budget, and renovations.
And now to more mercenary interests. Daddy wouldn’t be a daddy if he hadn’t used his “father” status for profit. Yup! I love being a dad for perks as well. A salesman gives you the best product or a discount, in the amusement park they will turn a blind eye to “we are not 3 yet”, they let you through in the lines, the hotel staff offers you a crib, first checking-in at the airport, etc.
Being a father involved in parenting is profitable and prestigious in today’s society. Why shouldn’t fathers use it?
And yet I love fatherhood most of all for no reason. Even without all the above, I would love to be a dad. Just because I like it. I like to fall asleep and be happy that my daughter is healthy. I like to wake up from her pulling my blanket. I like to make a “thatch” on her head with my fat, snaggy fingers, teach her fishing, and have no idea what awaits for her tomorrow.
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