My ex-husband will be here in a few hours to pick up our three children and take them to the lake for the weekend.
I’m sure they’ll stop for fast food on the way and feed the dogs a few fries. I know for a fact he’ll take them for several boat and canoe rides and swim with them in the water for as long as they want.
He’ll grill them their favorite meal and make sure the fridge is stocked with their favorite drinks.
He’s a hands-on dad. He always has been and probably always will be. It’s been his role since they were young. I’d be too touched out and exhausted to play with them at the end of the day, and even though he’d put in 10 hours of manual labor, he was always up for it.
I feel really lucky to have him as the father of my children even though we aren’t in love anymore.
This year has been a roller coaster ride for everyone. Our shared custody during the outbreak has made me realize even more how well we work together as co-parents.
There were days when I’d be so frazzled helping the kids with their homework while I was trying to work. He’d always be there to help no matter what he was dealing with. I had many breakdowns because I wasn’t used to them being home and eating so much food, making so many messes, and I felt they were just being lazy.
I was able to talk to him about it, and he scheduled some time off so he could spend it with them and give me a breather and a good talking to.
He’s an amazing father, and married or not, he deserves to be celebrated by his children — by our children — especially this year.
I believe that honoring him starts with me.
If I don’t acknowledge the day, take my kids out to get him something nice, remind them to make him a card, and tell them to be extra good and treat him right on Father’s Day, who will?
I set the tone for Father’s Day with my kids. I show them how to treat others — and that includes their father.
I want them to know how much extra he’s done this year because it’s been incredibly taxing and he deserves to be appreciated for it.
Father’s Day comes once a year. I like to be acknowledged by my family on Mother’s Day, and my kids’ father absolutely deserves the same.
