He is more than just a helping companion who takes care of the baby while mommy takes some time for herself, whether it’s to have a relaxing shower, shave her legs, or wash her hair after a tiring day. He is not just mommy’s assistant; he is also a parent in his own right. When it comes to dinner, he doesn’t just help mommy in the kitchen. Sometimes, he takes charge of preparing the meal while she looks after the baby because he, too, is a parent. Bedtime isn’t solely a responsibility that he shares with mommy. There are nights when he takes the lead, reading bedtime stories to his children and staying with them until they drift off to sleep, because he is a parent too.
Household responsibilities are not assigned based on traditional gender roles. It is not solely the mother’s responsibility to clean the kitchen; the father actively participates in tasks like washing dishes and wiping off crumbs from the countertops, especially after the children’s pancake breakfast, even before starting his workday. This is because he recognizes the importance of being an equal and involved parent.
He willingly engages himself in his children’s lives without any pressure from their mother; he actively joins in because he sincerely desires to witness their important moments. Whether it’s observing his child successfully hitting a baseball, enjoying their performance in a dance recital, or delighting them by unexpectedly showing up at the Valentine’s Day party, he is there simply because he is a parent who genuinely cares.
He doesn’t see himself as a mere caregiver, simply observing the children from afar. He recognizes his role as a parent, and ensures that his children also understand this. He documents their precious moments through photographs and videos, and enthusiastically cheers for their achievements because he is actively involved in their lives.
In every aspect imaginable, he goes beyond being a supportive companion to mom and instead, takes on the role of an affectionate and nurturing parent to their children. Through his unwavering dedication, active involvement, and heartfelt affection, he wholeheartedly embraces the responsibilities of being a father, and his children are exceedingly lucky to have him as their loving dad.