I never really thought much about being a father before my wife and I started trying to conceive. Sure, I had a general idea of what being a father meant and all the responsibilities it would entail. I even had some ideas as to how I would handle certain situations and stages when our children came to them. But no matter how much you’ve thought about it, read about it, and heard about it, you can’t truly understand fatherhood until you’ve actually become a father.
While I’ve written before about what I hope to accomplish as a father such as our parenting mission statement and things I hope my son will say about his father, being a father isn’t only about the responsibilities. There are a lot of great experiences and really fun times. Our son is only a toddler, so I know I’ll come up with more of these as time goes on but I’ve already found a number of perks to being a dad.
- When I come home from work and walk through the door, our little boy’s face lights up with the biggest smile
- Moms are great for cuddling and being loved on, but when our little boy wants to do some serious playing he knows to come to daddy
- Dad gets to take care of everything insect-related, from killing a spider in the house to spraying an in-ground nest of yellow jackets. (This isn’t entirely special to dad’s, but to being a guy in general)
- Hearing your child say “da-da” for the first time… and then hearing them say it over and over again
- Putting your child to bed, then standing in the doorway for a minute or two and watching how peacefully they sleep
- Being there when your child bumps their head, falls down, etc. and they come running to you… because they know you’ll make it better
- Being so proud when your child learns new things
I know there are more, but you get the idea. Being a dad can be a tough job with a lot of pressure (though being a mom is just as tough), but the perks definately make it worthwhile.
What are some perks to being a dad that I left out? Or if you’re a mom, what are some perks to being a mom?
12 comments
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Modest Money
July 19, 2012 at 3:00 am (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Sounds super rewarding. I’m just happy when my cats want to cuddle. To have all that other stuff would be awesome. I can’t really add more to the list since I’ve never been a dad. Seems pretty cool though.
Justin
July 20, 2012 at 12:39 pm (UTC -4) Link to this comment
We don’t have cats, but our dog likes to cuddle and be loved on, lol.
Holly@Clubthrifty.com
July 19, 2012 at 9:42 am (UTC -4) Link to this comment
I love being a mom! I could go on and on about the joys that my little girls bring into my life. My favorite things are:
-teaching them new things
-taking them new places
-hearing all the crazy things that come out of little ones mouths
Justin
July 20, 2012 at 12:40 pm (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Ha, our little boy doesn’t say too much yet, but I’m looking forward to when he does. Kids say the funniest things
Lance@MoneyLife&More
July 19, 2012 at 2:04 pm (UTC -4) Link to this comment
I am not to that point in my life yet but it is good to know there are high points to offset some of the rougher moments.
Justin
July 20, 2012 at 12:41 pm (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Definitely. I think most people would say the rough times are vastly outweighed by the positives.
Lynne
July 20, 2012 at 4:27 am (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Wow! while reading your post I really felt the happiness inside you. My husband is really close to our children. Seeing them playing, laughing is really a priceless moment in my husband’s life. Spend more time with your son, time flies so fast.
Justin
July 20, 2012 at 12:44 pm (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Time does fly. One day we’re bringing him home from the hospital and it seems like the next day he’s already walking around getting into everything. We just have to remember to stop and enjoy each day.
Matthew Doyle
July 20, 2012 at 11:04 am (UTC -4) Link to this comment
There is nothing better then being a dad. I can have the worst day at work, but when I get home and see my daughter’s smile everything that happened that day is quickly forgotten.
Justin
July 20, 2012 at 12:45 pm (UTC -4) Link to this comment
I agree completely. All that matter to them is that daddy is home now!
From Shopping to Saving
July 20, 2012 at 12:30 pm (UTC -4) Link to this comment
I can’t wait to become a parent! I think that it is definitely the most rewarding job ever. Everything you listed sounds wonderful and something to look forward to in life.
Justin
July 20, 2012 at 12:47 pm (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Being a parent is super rewarding. My wife and I are truly blessed.