There are certain things about being a “stay at home” parent that I absolutely love. First and foremost is being able to spend more time with my kids. I enjoy getting to see more of them than the typical parent who works 8+ hours on top of a commute. I am able to have a great relationship with each of my children, and know them in a way that I wouldn’t be able to if I wasn’t at home as much as I am.
Because I am home every day (for the most part) the kids are just as comfortable with me as they are my wife. I know a lot of kids who love their father but if anything happens they run to their mother. Don’t get me wrong. I know better than to schedule ANYTHING without running it by my wife, but I am able to comfort them after a scraped knee, be there for them to confide in or just be goofy.
My youngest, Ciaran (pronounced “kee-ran” you fools), is especially comfortable around me. He actually likes me, and is the first of our four children that I can say that about. Oh sure, the other kids like me, but he is the first one to actually LIKE me. If you’re not the parent of multiple children, you won’t understand what I’m talking about. I also know that soon this will fade and he’ll learn to think I’m “just dad” soon enough and eventually grow to think that I don’t know what the hell I’m ever talking about. That’s fine, I’m well aware that this will happen, but for now I’m enjoying him enjoying me.
What I don’t like about being a “stay at home” parent is the fact that I’m still supposed to work. My wife even think so. That’s why I keep this website going. I hate being a man and expected to “be productive” or whatever. Frankly I just want to sit on my ass and watch movies or play videogames while whichever kid is home is down for nap. I am inherently lazy (which my wife will readily tell you) so that’s part of it. Also I have some stupid and annoying work ethic which makes me want to do my job well – regardless of whatever job it is that I have.
When I worked in an office doing clerical work for Virginia Mason or when I was behind the counter at Kinko’s or any of the other shit jobs that I’ve had I have always wanted to do them well. I am trying to maintain that same “standard” with the website, but actually parenting my kids is a full time job in itself. What I’m trying to do with this website is the equivalent of a couple of full time jobs, so I am either insane or stupid. Probably both.