When my partner and I first considered leaving the hustle of the city behind, my primary worry was food. “We’ll be living on takeout forever,” I warned him. “Or worse, just pizza and Chinese!” His optimistic response was, “I’ll learn how to cook!” And he did just that. Fast forward to now, with two kids in tow, and he has taken on all cooking responsibilities. I’ve dabbled in baking, but that only covers breakfast and dessert. When it comes to dinner—the main event—it’s all him.
When folks learn about this arrangement, they often treat him like some culinary superhero. While I admire his skills (especially since my cooking repertoire barely extends beyond scrambled eggs), I can’t help but wonder: If I were the one cooking, would I earn the same accolades? Likely not.
Dad blogger Mike Thompson penned a thought-provoking piece for a popular parenting site about his past belief that his nighttime parenting efforts deserved extra gratitude. It took some heated discussions with his partner for him to realize that he was, in fact, missing the point and owed her an apology.
This phenomenon seems to extend even to the most progressive dads. My partner is an involved co-parent and housemate, yet certain responsibilities still appear to default to me without any conversation. This isn’t just a personal observation; it’s a pattern I’ve noticed among other parents, schools, and even medical offices. Sometimes, I unknowingly contribute to this dynamic myself.
For instance, if one of our kids falls ill at school, my phone is the first one they call. Invitations for birthday parties and school events usually land in my inbox. Planning summer activities—camps, sitters, and more—is solely on my plate. If the kids need something in the middle of the night, it’s me they come to. While I could list many more examples, my point transcends the idea that women are still expected to shoulder more household and childcare tasks. Numerous articles discuss our progress in this area, but we still have a long way to go.
Here’s the kicker: We also crave acknowledgment—just like dads do.
I rise early each morning to brew coffee, empty the dishwasher, prepare breakfast, pack snacks, and get the kids ready. I ensure they have appropriate clothing as the seasons change, handle school supply shopping, and remember to buy gifts for their friends. The list goes on, and I would appreciate a thank you now and then.
When my partner notices I’m feeling overwhelmed and steps in to lighten my load, I express my gratitude. So why are my efforts often taken for granted? And why do some dads (not my partner, though!) expect recognition for their contributions?
The solution isn’t to stop appreciating dads. Instead, we should acknowledge that managing a household—especially one with kids—is equally demanding for both parents, and we all deserve thanks for our daily efforts. Whether it’s the parent who wakes up in the middle of the night with a baby or stays up late for a teenager, everyone should be recognized.
In conclusion, let’s celebrate the hard work that goes into parenting, regardless of which parent is doing it. When we all contribute, we should all be commended.
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Summary
This article explores the imbalance in recognition that parents face, particularly how fathers are often praised for tasks that mothers manage daily without acknowledgment. It highlights the need for equal appreciation for both parents in managing household and childcare responsibilities.
Keyphrase: Parenting Recognition
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