As much advice and wisdom I have, I do my best not to share it all the time. Instead, I keep it to myself unless first asked. Well, sometimes. But recently I had a moment when I had to share a bit of wisdom that could forever change the path of one girl’s life and ultimate choice of a husband.
A few weeks ago, I was talking to our babysitter who is a senior in high school. She was asking about our preparations for the baby. Somehow the conversation went to diapers and how Matt has always handled the late night changes, while I do the feedings.
She said, “Wow! He changes diapers.”
My response was just about as astonishing. I mean, this kid is half his, so, of course, he’d do diapers. There is no other option. But then I realized that not everyone is as fortunate as me. Not everyone has a partner who pitches in and helps out, especially in the middle of the night.
And so, I had to lend her a bit of advice. I looked her squarely in the eyes and said, with all honesty: “When you are dating a guy, find out if he does diapers. If not, forget him. Hollywood romance doesn’t matter. But having a guy who does late-night changings does.”
I know she didn’t ask me for love life advice, but I felt it was a bit of information that had to be shared. And I’m sure some day she will thank me for it.
Good advice.
Also, when your husband watches the kids he’s not “babysitting.” He’s “parenting.”
I, too, am blessed with a husband who can change diapers like a pro and doesn’t act like there are certain parenting duties that dad’s don’t do.
As our children get older I realize how much my husband did/does do. He always does the evening dishes-even if he makes the mean. He does half the cleaning and most of the laundry. Ladies, we have good ones.
We definitely do have good ones! I’ve been reminded of that again and again since he was home for 2 weeks after the baby came.
And, yes, it’s called “parenting,” not “babysitting”!!