What's Up Blog

Allow me to describe a scenario. When both parents want to go out on a date night it is time to call the babysitter and make arrangements for the time and amount that needs to be paid. When the husband wants to go out for a guys night out most wives have no second thoughts on who is going to take care of the kids. But, when it is time for the wife to go out some fathers are no longer looked upon as the father who shares in the responsibility of raising the children with his life partner. The father is now looked at as the babysitter who needs a list of instructions and emergency numbers just in case something goes wrong. What has happened with our society when we look at the father as a babysitter and not as the child’s parent? No mater what has happened the father must find a way to become more than his child’s babysitter and return to the position where he rightfully belongs. Below is a simple list for father who need help in finding ways to care for his children when his wife wants or needs a night out with the girls.

Create a fun and entertaining environment

A father must know what his child’s likes and dislikes are so planning for a few hours of alone time with the children should be thought out in advance. Planning the time with the children sitting in front of the television is not quality time for a father and a child. Plan something that will be interactive like boardgames, arts and crafts, or some sort of sport. The more interactive and physical the better because you will benefit when the children are tired and knock out when the misses comes home. The activities must also be memorable for the children because they will be less likely to complain to mom when she comes home about how bored they where when she was gone.

The right food is also important

The right foods that will not cause upset stomachs and is healthy at the same time will be a big plus for the children and will also get you some great brownie points that you can later collect on. Make the meal and snacks into an event. Allow the children to participate in putting together the meal and serving it at the table for all to eat. Remember to make the meal fun while still being healthy. I personally like to buy as many different fruits as I can then cut them up and have the kids make a fruit bowl then add a little lemon juice and chilly powder. My kids love it and they have the satisfaction of knowing that they made their own snack.

Perception is your best friend

As a father you want the experience for your kids to be the best you can possibly make it and you also want your wife to come home to a positive experience. The only way that your wife can come home to a positive experience is for you to create a perception that it was easy and that the night was the most natural experience you can have even though you are tired and have been wishing your wife would come home for the past few hours. The perception is created by having your wife come home to a clean house, your kids asleep in bed, and you patiently waiting without a sweat on your brow. The way that this can be accomplished is by being proactive the entire night. If you make a mess with the activities make sure you clean up with the kids before moving on to the next item. When making the snacks make sure to wash the dishes as you go so that it wont be a giant pile by the end of the night. Be creative in how you create the perception.

The big question is why do you as a father want to go through all the hassle to make the night a successful night? The right answer is because you are the father and it is your responsibility, but the other answer is that nothing turns a woman on more than her man taking on the responsibilities and taking the position that rightfully belongs to you. Good luck fathers!