Comments on: But Daddy

By: Thank You Sir, May I Have Another?

Thank You Sir, May I Have Another? — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 05:59:30 +0000

[...] you liked that, you’ll probably love “But Daddy,” “Bye Bye Butterfly,” or even [...]

By: Hate Mail: Apparently, I’m a Bad Mom | MomGrind

Hate Mail: Apparently, I’m a Bad Mom | MomGrind — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 08:03:04 +0000

[...] about family issues are Dooce (duh!), Don Mills Diva, Wat da Wat, Shannon of Rocks In My Dryer, Writer Dad and Suzie of Up The Hill Backwards. These bloggers write about family life in a way that makes it [...]

By: Writer Dad

Writer Dad — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 00:19:43 +0000

Kimmelin: You are so welcome. Your comment was a sweet bookend. Thank YOU.

Michael: My pleasure, Michael. I enjoyed your one year ago article.

By: Thank You Sir, May I Have Another? | Writer Dad

Thank You Sir, May I Have Another? | Writer Dad — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 05:08:41 +0000

[...] you liked that, you’ll probably love “But Daddy,” “Bye Bye Butterfly,” or even this. Share and [...]

By: Michael@ Awareness * Connection

Michael@ Awareness * Connection — Sun, 24 Aug 2008 18:27:28 +0000

I really enjoyed this one. The reader above is certainly right about there being no handbooks that come with kids. They also by design will push for as many as of their parents resources as they can get. So we have an eternal balancing act between providing for them the connection and resources they need and crave, and setting some reasonable limits about just how far beyond that we are willing and able to go. They, again by no fault of their own, and by design, are apt to forget that there are others in the household with their own needs as well.

You really captured the feel of this push and pull for me. Thanks.

Michael@ Awareness * Connections last blog post..One Year Ago on Awareness * Connection: Helping Your Child with Back to School Anxiety

By: Kimmelin

Kimmelin — Sun, 24 Aug 2008 13:41:35 +0000

You know, what occurs to me, after reading this post for a second time, is the sometimes frustrating dynamic that is so common with young kids…but purposeful at the same time:
As a SAHM, I spend A TON of time with my kids. A TON. Is it ALWAYS perfect, well-spent, fruitful, nurturing, loving time? No, of course not. Is it that a lot of the time? Absolutely.

I struggle with being a stay-at-home parent. I struggle with the sacrifices it represents, and the knowledge of the other, more selfish things I could be doing. But I’m also glad to have made the choice to stay home with my kids…and for all the things I DON’T miss out on…and for the direct influence I have on my kids’ lives.

But some days, even after I’ve taken the kids to the park, and the children’s museum and the icecream store, and on a nature walk…I still here them utter those famous words, “but Mom, you didn’t give me enough attention!” or “but Mom, you didn’t do anything nice for me today!” Ugh…those ones really hurt.

But these statements…Max’s desire to be the object of Dad’s next post…they are all reminders that our children want…need…crave our 100% attention. They need it to thrive. They need it to be reminded that they are, in fact, the true objects of our desire and love and focus.

Can we supply our kids with 100% attention all the time? Can we make them our 100% focus above the other kids and adult(s) in the family all the time? Of course not. But we can do our damndest to show them that they are worthy of that type of attention sometimes, and stroke their little egos that will someday allow them to turn into confident, self-assured adults? Absolutely.

Thanks for this lovely post, Writer Dad.

Kimmelins last blog post..Teaching Gender Roles

By: Writer Dad

Writer Dad — Sat, 23 Aug 2008 14:29:21 +0000

Rita: My father and I have an excellent relationship. I worked with him for twelve years before starting the nursery school with Daisy. I have talked about him already, I just do it in broad strokes. He is a private man and I respect his privacy.

By: Rita

Rita — Fri, 22 Aug 2008 23:37:28 +0000

WD,
I just read the last comment in here. NO JUDGEMENTS on anybody else’s opinions. (No matter how ill-thought-out.)

I’ve been thinking for weeks, though – and it gelled after the comment you left on “My Anchor” Blog. Kids don’t come with handbooks, unfortunately, but you and Daisy seem to “get it.” Have you ever blogged about your OWN dad? If so, could you direct me there?

If not – I don’t want to go to touchy areas, but good, bad or indifferent, I’d be interested in knowing a bit…your blog, your decisions, but I DID devote an entire blog to YOU on why I’ve never tasted coffee.

No guilt, of course…

Ritas last blog post..Rest In Peace, Dear Joey G. – Your Damn Dad Molested Me

By: Writer Dad

Writer Dad — Fri, 22 Aug 2008 16:04:38 +0000

Bamboo: My favorite – “This is just like all the pictures in iphoto.” It’s true. We have like three thousand pictures of our daughter before our son was born and then the count drops to like three dozen for him . It’s nothing personal, it’s just that time and space seem to forever alter once that second child is born.

Dot: Of course. I was being funny, not serious. I love Max without end, and spend all day with him every day. Hop over to Andy’s blog. We had a nice exchange over there. Daisy even piped in.

By: Dot H.

Dot H. — Fri, 22 Aug 2008 15:30:58 +0000

Good for you, Max! You tell him when he’s not being fair!

Actually, Writer Dad, if you’re going to use your children as subject matter, I think you should do it equitably, and I’m not so sure I’d agree that only conflict is interesting. Maybe in a novel, but not necessarily in a blog. Joy in your experience of M ax is interesting, too. And I think equality is important, as I’ve heard many men complain in support groups that their Dads hadn’t had time for them. And, of course, Andy said above, “You should see the relationship with my father; I’m no more than a drinking buddy to him, and I’m only 16! I don’t even know what love is.”