Having become a new first-time grandfather three months ago, I found this piece on Facebook on a page called Becoming Dad. I shared it with my own son.
Years ago, as a new parent myself, I was always upset when asked if I was babysitting my children when Diane was away from home.
I wasn’t babysitting, I was parenting!
I thought I would share for those readers who are new fathers, and for those who might be making the mistake of confusing their parenting with baby sitting. Here it is:
I do not babysit.
I am a father.
I am a diaper changing ninja.
I am a bath-time scrubber.
I am a playtime aficionado.
I am a night time warrior.
I am a teller of stories and master of cuddles.
I do not babysit.
I am a father.
I am a giver of life lessons. A mentor and teacher.
I am a guiding light in the journey of life.
I am a tree of knowledge for my hungry caterpillar.
I am also the learning pupil.
I do not babysit.
I am a father.
I am a security blanket. A safe place.
I am a warm hug during a nightmare.
I am a shoulder for expelling emotions.
I am a life-long bond builder.
I am all accepting.
I am endless love.
I am a father.
I do not babysit.
-Josh K-