Okay, let’s be real for a second. Parenting is like trying to assemble IKEA furniture without the instructions—except the furniture is a tiny human who constantly changes the rules. 😂 As a mom, I’ve had my fair share of “What on earth am I doing?” moments, and so has my husband. But here’s the thing: moms and dads? We’re not the same. And that’s not a bad thing. It’s actually kind of beautiful (and hilarious) how we approach parenting differently.
Let’s start with the basics: multitasking. Moms? We’re basically octopuses with to-do lists. We can breastfeed, answer work emails, and mentally plan dinner all at the same time. Dads? Well, let’s just say their multitasking skills are… selective. My husband once tried to “help” by folding laundry while watching our toddler. Spoiler alert: the laundry ended up in the dog’s bed, and the toddler painted the walls with yogurt. But hey, he tried! And that’s the thing—dads try. They might not always get it right, but their effort is there, and it’s adorable.
Then there’s the whole “discipline” thing. Moms tend to be the rule enforcers. We’re the ones saying, “No, you can’t have cookies for breakfast,” or “Yes, you do need to wear pants to school.” Dads? They’re the fun police—except they’re not policing the fun; they’re creating it. My husband once let our kid eat ice cream for dinner because “it has calcium.” I mean, technically, he’s not wrong? But still. It’s moments like these that remind me how different our parenting styles are—and how much we balance each other out.
But let’s talk about the deeper stuff. The emotional side of parenting. Moms, we’re often the ones who feel the weight of it all. The sleepless nights, the endless worrying, the guilt over every little decision. Dads? They’re more laid-back, but that doesn’t mean they don’t care. My husband might not stress over whether our kid is eating enough vegetables, but he’s the one who stays up late researching the best schools and saving for college. It’s like we’re playing different roles in the same play, and somehow, it works.
And then there’s the societal pressure. Moms are expected to be perfect—effortlessly stylish, endlessly patient, and always put-together. Dads? They get a pat on the back for just showing up. It’s not fair, but it’s the reality. I’ve learned to let go of the idea of being the “perfect mom” and embrace the chaos. And my husband? He’s learned to step up in ways he never thought he would. Like the time he braided our daughter’s hair for the first time. It was lopsided and full of knots, but it was also the sweetest thing I’ve ever seen.
Here’s the thing: parenting isn’t a competition. It’s a partnership. Moms and dads bring different strengths to the table, and that’s what makes it work. My husband might not remember to pack the diaper bag, but he’s the one who can calm our toddler down in seconds with his silly voices. And me? I might not be the “fun” parent, but I’m the one who knows exactly where everything is and how to make it all run smoothly.
So, to all the moms and dads out there: embrace your differences. Laugh at the chaos. And remember, you’re doing an amazing job—even if it doesn’t always feel like it. Parenting is messy, unpredictable, and exhausting, but it’s also the most rewarding thing you’ll ever do. And at the end of the day, it’s not about being the perfect parent. It’s about being the parent your kid needs.