Quinn and Her Daddy

From the first day my little girl was born most people, including my mother, have said, “She looks just like her daddy!” Every once in a while, someone will say that Quinn looks like a combination of the both of us. Either way, there’s no denying that she’s a “daddy’s girl.” I’m so happy that my soon-to-be three year old has such a close bond with her daddy. He even works from home two days a week to care for her on the days when I’m not working from home, which is wonderful. But the way in which she greets us is a clear indication that she is a “daddy’s girl.”

When I arrive home from work, she says, “Hi, Mommy,” gives me a quick hug and will then continue whatever she was doing. Every once in a while, she’ll display a heightened level of excitement to see me. For my husband, on the other hand, she will stop whatever she is doing and excitedly begin chanting, “Daddy, Daddy, Daddy! How was your day, Daddy!” Knowing that there are many children who do not have their fathers in their lives  and wish that they did makes me feel blessed knowing that Quinn has her dad in her life. I am also grateful that he plays such an integral role in her upbringing and has been a good role model. But if I am to be honest, I do occasionally have moments when I wish I had the same bond they have. Though we both can be “fun,” I tend to be the “enforcer” when Quinn is misbehaving or not listening. Is this just the way it is in most relationships where there is a mother and father or parents who automatically assume default roles such as the fun parent and disciplinarian? Some of my friends who have older children or even adult children say this does sometimes shift as children get older. These are just some thoughts I have from time to time. At the end of the day, I’m okay with Quinn being a daddy’s girl, and I am grateful for the bond we have as well, even if it is different than the one she has with her father.

All the best,

Tanya