We have all heard of "Helicopter mom" with its negative connotation of being uptight and clingy and who inhibits their child's independence/creativity with their "hovering."
But what about Helicopter Dads? Dads who "hover" and disrupt play at the first sign of a challenge or discomfort. Well guess what folks, there are plenty of those out there too but we are too busy zero-ing in on moms to put the spot light on dads too!
My stance on parenting is usually "to each, their own" but recently while I was out at a play date at the Family Museum (on a Saturday,....ugh!) I noticed a huge amount of dads toting their little ones around. It was great to watch and observe the many fathers of the QCA playing with their children.
One thing really stood out to me though. There seemed to be two type of dads on this particular Saturday.
The first type was the Dad that looks anxious and nervous and a little "out of his league", Let me defend them for a second by saying that The Family Museum is a complete Nut house on weekends/Spring Break. Its packed most of the time when its crummy outside. If you have ever been to Chik Fil A when noon strikes, then you know what I'm talking about. Back on topic, those dads look terrified and are trailing their kids like the NYPD. They are on top of them, telling them to "be careful", "be nice" and telling them how to play at each station. "No splashing" is heard a lot at the water table. When a child is playing with something in a non typical way, they are quick to let their child know. (ie: "don't use that stethoscope on the Milk Carton") I have even heard some "shushing"! Yes!!! At a Family Museum, there are Dads that get VERY uncomfortable when their children shrieks (loudly) with delight. I just want to reach out and tell them "its ok, I know...its overwhelming but it can also be A LOT of fun if you just relax."
And then there are the Laid back Dads...the ones who are getting in there and playing with their kids instead of instructing them. They look like big kids all over again. I think they are enjoying themselves just as much as their kids. Living in the now, and letting their kids go off on their own a little bit without breaking out into a sweat. They are getting served wooden Melissa and Doug Pizza at Sal's Pizza. They are working the register at the Harvest Market while their lil one checks out with their overpriced fruit snacks and block of cheese. But they are also letting their kids explore without interfering. Letting their kids make some decisions on where to go and how to play. It was interesting to watch as these dads were very comfortable on stepping back to watch from a distance.
Needless to say, I was definitely having a good time observing the parents at the Family Museum while my kids splashed at the water table, shrieked with delight, and served me some yummy Wooden Pizza. PARENTING....to each, his own.
Which type of Dad is your husband? We would love to hear from you!
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