Despite the time we moms devote to our kids, the long hours we stay up, and the influence we have in their upbringing, Dads often get to be the favorite.  Popcorn in bed, video games for the umpteenth time,  lesser punishments, and fewer rules has our kids turning to Dad when it is time to push the limits or get away with something. At four, my son already knows he can get more out of my husband than me. If he really wants his way, he goes straight to his father and so he can get permission before my spidey-senses kick in. Nine times out of ten, I catch them both in the act and have to be the heavy. I end up disciplining the little one for knowing he’s not allowed then the bigger one for giving in so easily.

I would love to think a day out with his dad would be harmless and fun, but when my son comes home with ketchup stains and a Happy Meal toy, it means there was a spontaneous trip to the Golden Arches. When a pair of water pistols appear in the back yard, I have to wonder who the kid is and who the adult is. Half the toys in our house were picked out by my husband; he made sure to play with them in the store to ‘test them out’. How can yams at dinner and brushing your teeth compete with impromptu hockey in the alley and remote control cars as they walk to the store. My husband even built a giant snow ramp off on our deck last winter, an event my son still talks about. All I get is reminders of covering your mouth when you cough, put your shoes in the closet and don’t splash so much in the bath.

It seems the dads get to play more, escape more and bend the rules more. As much as we moms hold it all together and keep the house half sane, dads get to do more of the wacky and the goofy, and the things they liked to do when they were young.

This weekend is Father’s Day and a perfect day to let your kids be a little extra silly with dear old dad. As much as I’d like to lock away the remote controls to the PlayStation, ban any overly sugary treats or eliminate roughhousing indoors, I have decided to make picking up after yourself unnecessary, allow no green vegetables and make sure that the volume on the T.V. is all the way up. A day any kid and their dad would love.

Have a great Father’s day.

Standing on my Soapbox,

JB