Don’t forget Dad
I ranted a bit on Twitter back during the Olympics about the Proctor & Gamble “Thanks Mom” campaign. I can sum up my those dozen or so Tweets and my feelings on the matter in a few simple words… “Screw You P&G.”
So, why am I going on about this again *now*? Well, two reasons. The first is because they have once again been pushing through with some bloggers on additional “Thank You Mom” posts, but the second is much more personal. I have gone on (and on and on) about LatteGirl and her Ice Skating, here, on Twitter, IRL and anywhere else I can, and I know some of you at least are probably tired of hearing about it by now. This week however, while LatteGirl is up in Boston competing at the ISI World Team Championships 2010, I am back at home, and it is this that is currently making me (despite my tag line), just a bit bitter.
As many already know, I take a very active interest in her skating. I attend every competition I possibly can, I cheer her on as much as anybody can, heck I started taking ice skating lessons just to be able to have a better understanding of terms, and be able to spend some time with her in her element. But just as important (I believe), I fund all of this. So, no I am not in Boston right now, not because I don’t want to be there, but because we cannot afford for me to be there. Besides the additional expense of me actually taking the trip, then we would have to board the dogs, and I would have to sacrifice income… Income that we need for her to be able to be able to participate in these events.
Tell me the truth, isn’t that worth a little appreciation for what Dad does? No, I am not there, but that doesn’t make me any less of a supporter in her interests. The title of this is a bit off, but I don’t know another way to put it. I am not necessarily looking for a pat on the back, nor do I think most mothers do it for that reason. They do it for the benefit of their kids as I do. But, I guess it seems that marketers these days are falling all over themselves nowadays to ensure they are pitching to Mom, that Dad sort of gets forgotten in his role. Don’t forget Dad, he cares too.
From the mouths of babes
Well, she is supposed to be my baby… but at 10 years old she doesn’t like to be called that any longer. I accept that I have to come to terms with that. But worse than that (for me), she acts and speaks a whole lot more mature than even her 10 years! What do you think? Let me give you some examples:
Exhibit 1 – After taking her to a Newark Bears Game (her 1st baseball game), that the Bears lost (by a lot).
Me: I hope you still had fun even though the Bears lost.
Her: I had a GREAT time. I got to spend time with family and friends, and that is always fun. The final score doesn’t matter.
Exhibit 2 – After I try and select a movie to watch for Daddy-Daughter Night
Me: What do you think of this one?
Her: This is PG-13… are you sure it is age appropriate for me?
Exhibit 3 – After her aunt asked her if she still was watched Hannah Montana
Her: The show isn’t entertaining any more, and her music isn’t as good as it used to be, so I’ve moved on to other things.
Aunt: So what do you like now?
Her: Bad Romance by Lady Gaga (this one just about killed me on multiple levels)
Exhibit 4 – After seeing a commercial for Zhu-Zhu Pets
Me: Have you ever seen them before?
Her: (Unenthusiastically) Yeah, I’ve seen ‘em
Me: Not interested, huh?
Her: Nah, maybe when I was younger, but now I don’t think I would play with them enough to justify the expense.
So, like it or not she is growing up… far faster than I would like… but fortunately not as quickly as her maturity level would suggest. Is it just her? Is it just me being in denial? Do your kids act far more mature than you would expect for their age?
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