Different Strokes

Dads are different than moms. And while there is a ton of research to demonstrate all those differences, anyone who has ever had or been a parent didn’t need proof. We know this instinctively (mostly) and experientially (sub-consciously) from the time we get here, and have it reaffirmed continually throughout our lives. We know that dads overwhelmingly tend to play more physically and have a much higher bar for what circumstances warrant sympathetic nurturing. We know that dads are more likely to expect (and therefore often get) performance that is beyond what age and skill would suggest a child is capable of. Maybe, since dads are statistically far less informed about childhood development, they just don’t know any better. So, it’s like the bumblebee school of parenting--the kids don’t realize they can’t do what’s being asked, so they fly anyway. Kids who have involved dads tend to have more confidence, fewer social-navigation challenges, and a more active lifestyle. But, let’s face it, they are also far more likely to have wardrobe challenges on dad days. Yesterday, Scarlett was going out to have fun with her Daddy--who also chose the day’s ensemble of red Spiderman shirt, orange pajama pants, purple fancy socks, and pink-glitter, too-big, hand-me-down Sunday shoes with the toes scuffed off. To be fair, it’s what Scarlett would wear and perfectly suited to the activity at hand, but sheesh! In the Berenstains’ Life With Papa, Brother and Sister know that Papa is different. That’s why he’s so much fun.

http://www.jacketflap.com/bookdetail.asp?bookid=B0006R8ZY0

http://www.berenstainbears.com/