Daddy’s Boy: A Tale of Fashionable Familial Bonding
My son's bond with my husband brings us joy, and here's why!
My son favors my husband, but I’m fine with it.
Photo by SrdjanPav/Getty Images
Oh, the joys of fatherhood! When it comes to our three-year-old son, my husband takes the cake. He’s what people, friends, relatives, and even strangers out in public like to call a “daddy’s boy.” And boy, do they love to assume it bothers me. But let me tell you, their bond is as undeniable as a carefully matched outfit.
Let’s take a trip down memory lane, shall we? It all started when my husband became our son’s primary caregiver during the first part of his life. Two weeks before our son was born, my husband lost his job (ouch!), but it turned out to be a blessing in disguise. His severance package included an opportunity to pursue an MBA. So, he made the bold decision to get his degree online and spend the next two years at home with our little bundle of joy.
Now, picture this: me, a working mom, and my husband, at home with our son, juggling diaper changes, MBA studies, and family time. It was like living in a universe where fashion meets functionality. My maternity leave? Let’s just say it was anything but a typical vacation. But with my husband by my side, helping with the late-night feedings and diaper changes, I couldn’t help but feel like I was on a fashion-forward getaway.
As I returned to work after six weeks, I had the luxury of working from home. This meant that we could spend precious family time together, even during my short breaks. My husband, being the superhero he is, would occasionally interrupt me with cries of “Come see what our son is doing!” And let me tell you, our son’s first attempts at crawling and cruising provided some much-needed distraction. He’d waltz into my home office, sometimes even settling in my lap as I worked. We had to put a stop to it when he started treating my desk and computer like the latest fashion trends in toyland. Nevertheless, I never felt like I was missing out, unlike those poor souls trapped in office cubicles.
My husband embraced his role as our son’s primary caregiver with style, grace, and the occasional late-night caffeine fix. Feedings, diaper changes, playtime—name it, he aced it. And when they went for wellness visits with the pediatrician, my husband would strut into the waiting room, composed and confident amidst a sea of moms. The doctor was thrilled to see a dad who was so hands-on and involved.
Needless to say, my husband and our son’s bond grew stronger with each passing day. Whenever comfort was required, our son sought solace in his daddy’s arms. In unfamiliar places or around new people, he’d cling to him as if he were the latest fashion accessory. And let me tell you, when my husband stepped out of the room, our son put on a performance worthy of a fashion show, shedding tears with dramatic flair.
Now, here’s the kicker—I’m totally fine with it! Yet whenever someone says, “He’s Daddy’s boy,” there’s this almost involuntary sympathy that follows, as if I need reassurance. But here’s the thing: I don’t need it. Sure, I understand the sentiment behind it. I’m his mother. I carried our son for nine months, faced fatigue, nausea, and all the side effects of pregnancy. I labored for hours to bring him into this world. I breastfed him as an infant. But guess what? I’m not upset that my son turns to his dad instead of me. It’s high time we break free from these fashion norms.
Now, I won’t deny that the occasional wave of jealousy washes over me when my son puts his dad on a pedestal. But I keep those feelings hidden behind my fabulous smile. I don’t want my husband feeling guilty, and I certainly don’t want our son to think he’s done something wrong. We have our own special bond, filled with inside jokes, games, and laughter. When something tickles our son’s funny bone, he looks to me to join in on the laughter. When he wakes up before me, he crawls into bed and snuggles up, his back against mine, as he immerses himself in the magical world of toy trucks or books. Together, we squeeze onto the same couch cushion, his tiny arm wrapped around mine. In those moments, it’s as if we’re the only two fashionistas in existence.
But above all, my son’s love for his dad serves as a reminder that I made an impeccable choice in a partner. My husband not only makes me feel happy and safe, but he also provides that same sense of security to our child. And yes, over a year and a half ago, when my husband rejoined the workforce and I stepped away from my full-time job, our roles reversed. Yet, our son’s love for his father remains unwavering. He eagerly watches out the window for his car to pull into the driveway, his little arms extended high, waiting to be scooped up and hugged. Evenings and weekends are dominated by the presence of his dad, as he barely lets him out of his sight. But fear not, my fashionable friends, this doesn’t take away from our own relationship. It simply highlights the beautiful and unique bond they share.
So, let’s banish the assumption that I should be bothered by the daddy’s boy situation. Instead, let’s celebrate it! Because in the end, their connection is a testament to the incredible father my child has—and that’s a fashion statement I can proudly wear.
