Day 25: Mommy's Angel, Daddy's Nightmare

Little Miss is going through a phase right now and it's no fun for Daddy or me for that matter. Since I have been on summer vacation, I have been her all day care giver. Yay, for mommy daughter time; however, Daddy is kind of being shunned right now.

If Little Miss gets the slightest notion that mommy is leaving, she practically goes into hysterics. My hubby tries to hold and love on her (or even pick her up) and she crises "No!" And goes all limp noodle on him.

I know this is very hard for him because when she does this his feeling are hurt and he can sometimes

let the negative thoughts creep in like, "I'm a bad parent." Of course, the frustration rubs off on Little Miss and me too which doesn't help things at all.

His parental frustration, like most frustration, masks fear or disappointment of not living up to expectations. My hubby has the best of intentions. He was watching her so mommy could get a little break and run to the store by herself or with a friend and I love him for it because he is a great parent. It's just sometimes chaotic when I get multiple phones calls while I'm out or hear her crying as I am trying to jet out the door. It usually leads to a "tiff" or small argument between us because our patience has worn thin too. But what do you do?

Parenting isn't easy. Most people would agree, but we are sometimes reluctant to talk about the "hard or difficult" times out of fear of being looked upon poorly. I don't get it, but that's what I have observed. I don't think that there is an easy answer the this "phase," but it is something we will have to deal with for now. My inner psychologists says condition her response to be different while my inner spy is trying to find a better way to sneak out of the office to avoid a meltdown completely.

Parenting is a labor of love and it isn't always "cookie cutter" or simple. As I reflect on this post, I keep being reminded of the Darius Rucker song, "It Won't Be Like This for Long." I think this song accurately reflects what the hubby and I are currently dealing with here. She won't always care if Mommy is gone (heck, she might one day prefer it) or one day she'll be more of a Daddy's girl.

Sometimes as a parent, all we can do it just breathe and take it one moment or day at a time. Some things you just get through. I am not sure we could do this parent thing without each other.

 

Babe, you are a great father! I love you. Thank you for all the simple and significant things you do for me and our Little Miss!