12 Ways Dads Earn ‘Extra Credit’ for Everyday Tasks Moms Handle Without Acknowledgment

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Let’s face it, dads can be pretty amazing. They can have a unique parenting philosophy and even know how to turn a frown into laughter with a simple tickle. But as a mom, it’s hard not to notice how much credit dads receive for doing the most basic parenting tasks. It’s as if they’ve just solved the world’s problems every time they step in to help. Meanwhile, the daily grind that moms endure goes largely unnoticed. Here’s a rundown of the 12 things dads often get hailed for that moms do without so much as a thank-you.

  1. Grocery Shopping with the Kids
    When a mom takes the kids grocery shopping, she faces judgmental glares when her toddler throws a tantrum. But when dad does it, he’s met with admiration and even offers of help. People tell him he’s “so brave,” even if the children are behaving perfectly.
  2. Cooking Dinner
    If you mention that your partner cooked dinner, the compliments pour in. “What a catch!” someone might say, while if mom prepares a meal, it’s simply expected. When dad makes a decent meal, he’s celebrated like a culinary champion.
  3. Changing Diapers
    The number of diaper changes a mom performs can feel endless, yet when dad steps in, even if he fumbles, he’s seen as a hero. My partner changed his fair share of diapers, earning him some admiration, while I often received skepticism for simply washing them.
  4. Putting Kids to Bed
    Typically, it’s mom who handles bedtime. But when dad joins in, he’s lauded as a rarity. It’s amusing considering reading a bedtime story and holding a child’s hand while scrolling on your phone isn’t exactly rocket science.
  5. Dressing the Kids
    There’s a running joke that if the kids don’t match, it’s dad’s doing. But if he can manage to dress them in any semblance of coordination, he’s showered with praise, while mom’s efforts go unnoticed.
  6. Engaging in Gendered Activities with Daughters
    While moms spend hours playing tea party or combing dolls’ hair, when dads engage in these activities, they often go viral on social media. It’s amusing how basic interactions can earn dad accolades.
  7. Conversing with Children Normally
    When dads talk to their kids like they’re having a real conversation, strangers often take notice and commend them. In contrast, moms’ attempts at engaging conversation are often dismissed as mundane.
  8. Knowing Kids’ Pop Culture
    If dads can name a few characters from their kids’ favorite shows, they’re celebrated as knowledgeable parents. Meanwhile, moms are expected to be the experts on every character and storyline without any recognition.
  9. Taking Kids to Educational Events
    Dad gets recognized for attending story time or art class, while moms often remain in the background, unnoticed for their contributions to the same events.
  10. Being Present at Playgrounds
    When dads take a break at the playground, they’re seen as engaged parents, whereas moms get side-eye if they dare to check their phones for a moment.
  11. Babywearing
    When a dad wears a baby, he’s often showered with compliments, while moms have done the same without receiving any recognition. It’s a double standard that’s hard to ignore.
  12. Volunteering for Kids’ Activities
    If a dad volunteers for a sports team, he’s heralded as a community hero. Moms who organize bake sales or other events often go unnoticed, even though they put in just as much effort.

In conclusion, it’s essential to recognize that while dads indeed do wonderful things, moms often bear the brunt of the everyday responsibilities of parenting without any acknowledgment. Yes, dads, we appreciate everything you do, but let’s ensure that moms are recognized for their tireless efforts too.

For more insights on family dynamics and parenting, check out this resource on thinking about fertility treatment or explore our post about home insemination kits for those considering expanding their family. Remember, parenting is a team effort, and every contribution counts!