Raising a Daddy’s Boy!

I was a single mother almost the entire childhood of both my older kids. It was just me, myself and I. I make my own decisions and I plan our days and activities. But most importantly, I make all the rules and I decide what is good and bad for them. My parents were a big part of my children’s lives. They were their companion, their security blanket and they filled up the missing pieces in the puzzle. However, just like most grandparents they were enablers too and are big spoilers. So being the “good” mother that I am I took it upon myself to be the disciplinarian. And my parents know better than to cross me.

In other words, my two older kids grew up adoring and hating only me. There was no father in the picture so I was their only person. It was only my face that they saw each morning when they woke up; I was the only person they would cry to; It was only my name that they called when they needed some attention or loving; It was only my arms that they wanted around them as they fell asleep and I was the only one by their side during every milestone. It was just all about mommy and them. I admit, It gets overwhelming most of the time but looking back now I would give anything to experience them all over again.

It’s different with my third child. Now that I have my husband, I have someone to share the responsibilities of parenting with. The burden is so much lighter now especially that I don’t have to worry about working and earning money to provide for the family anymore. However, it also means conflicting opinions on parenting and discipline as well as sharing our kids’ love and attention with him especially our little boy’s.  Honestly, I’ve been a little jealous…ok I lied…very jealous.   Our youngest has certainly become what I can only describe as, a certified Daddy’s boy! He wakes up in the morning and from his afternoon naps looking for his Daddy! As soon as he hears the sound of the door and Daddy disarming the home alarm, he runs to him like he hasn’t seen him in months! And when he finally gets to him, he smiles like a Cheshire cat! And then he attaches himself to him the entire time! You won’t believe the number of times I ached every time he drops me like a hot potato.

On a good day I think it’s cute but honestly I’m always like, “ I take care of you the whole day! You are mine! Why don’t you favor me?!”

My two older kids adore their Daddy too! After all, he’s the one who buys them junk food and treats as well as takes them to all these fun road trips. But when it comes to needing something and all around parenting, I am their go to person. I have their loyalty. So really I get two, he gets one so I should be ok with that. Oh well, I am not.

The other day, on our drive to Clark County Heritage Museum, the little guy was showing us all the wonderful things he saw outside his window. “Mommy, Mommy mountains!” “Mommy, Mommy monster truck!” “Mommy, Mommy trees!” And it occurred to me that every time he  sees something interesting when we’re on the road or even just random things he sees when walking, he would call me and not his Daddy. I also have to mention that there are those rare times when he would let me cuddle him as he falls asleep when Daddy is around. You won’t believe how those moments make me so happy! Like I’m the hottest woman in a room filled with ten Thors!!! (no one said I’m normal!) even though I know he would go right back to being a Daddy’s boy in a few minutes.

So as I get up at night to make more milk or to change his leaking diaper and as I deal with his mischief and tantrums or as I tackle child training issues, that’s ok. I know I’m getting the tough part of parenting while my husband works or sleeps. It doesn’t matter. Because no matter how many times he calls for Daddy, I know he still needs me. And you know what, looking at my kids adoring their dad and him loving them the way he does, only confirms that  our kids are very fortunate to have such an awesome dad. And for that reason alone, I am counting my blessings.

KC & a truckload of hugs and kisses💋

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43 thoughts on “Raising a Daddy’s Boy!”

  1. Love this, Karen. Thanks for writing about the topic. Our little princess Mia adores her Lolo so much despite him not changing a single Malou of her ever since she was born… she is indeed Lolo’s little princess. Kisses to your Daddy’s Boy.

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    • Princess Mia is so blessed to have such a loving and caring Lolo no wonder she’s so in love with him! 🙂 Thank you for dropping by Ate Eva. I’m glad you liked it! 🙂

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  2. I know u were a smart kid way back in d grade school….just so impressed by how you put your feelings and all into writings…nice to read strong woman and pretty at that

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    • It’s truly an honor to receive such a compliment from a former elementary school teacher! 🙂 Thank you so much for the kind words Tita Grads! 🙂

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  3. You’re such an inspiring mom Karen! You always inspire me and everytime I feel down, frustrated and stressed, I always look at you and say, hey she did it and I will be the same! Looking for more blogs!

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    • I’m glad to have a positive influence in your life. Thank you for the nice words! You also inspire me for being open, for sharing your stories and for always having that desire to learn and improve your self. Always remember that nothing is impossible in this world if you just put your mind to it and maintain a positive attitude. So go and make a difference Jhel! 🙂

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  4. This was a wonderful read! I’m not a mother yet, but I hope to be one day. Even with no kids, I have fear that my future children won’t love me as much as their dad or won’t find me as fun… just a lot of insecure feelings, but I feel very inspired after reading this post. Inspired that I can put that fear aside, because they will love and need me in a different way, but also that I don’t have to worry about that until I even cross that bridge. 🙂

    <3 Lauren
    http://thelittlegreywife.com

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  5. This is a lovely read. I completely understand that jealousy. It used to creep up on me when my son was young, and I was still married to his dad. Now I’m a single and only parent and like you with your older kids, it’s just the two of us. He still adores his dad but thanks to his absence, my son really reaches to me and my parents for everything. Dad is more like a friend who lives in another state, lol.

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    • Glad to know that stage is over now and everything is all good. ☺️ I have so much respect to all single parents as I’ve been one myself. You’re doing great! ☺️

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  6. Grandparents are meant to spoil grandkids! I think it’s natural for kids to be excited for the parent that isn’t home as often – it’s more of a special treat.

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  7. This is such a cute post. No one can replace mama and that’s the best part about it. Even if it seems like they lean more towards their dad, it’s still you that they call on when they need something.

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  8. I don’t have kids yet, but I am so anticipating it. This is a great post and I enjoyed reading it a lot.
    I’m not a mother yet, but I hope to be one day. I often think of my future and having children and some insecure feelings come into play. Your post let me know that it is only natural and it will come to past.

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  9. Such a sweet post. I don’t have children, but I sure do get jealous when my pets want to cuddle up with someone else, or run to greet one of my friends or partner first!

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  10. I was a single parent once so I well acquainted with the high points and the drawbacks. You are blessed for now you have wonderful husband with whom to share the beauties and responsibilities of of parenting.

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  11. Hello, I have 3 boys… my youngest who is 9 months old is completely a daddy’s boy. I am so lucky that my oldest 2 are momma’s boys.. my 6 year old still love cuddling too. I am glad to know I am not the only one who has a daddy’s boy and it makes me so jealous.

    Reply

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