Parenting is difficult. Kids communicating their feelings effectively is more difficult. Something to work on for sure.

Kiddo is in the twilight of their ‘put down’ days and all they want is their mama to do it. Crying, /screaming/ for her. Heart breaking as dad. All you want is to be seen as your kids hero or at least an equal parent in their eyes.

Finally, I get a few words in while they’re screaming to troubleshoot the situation. “Am I mean?” Nods yes. Ugh. I get mom.

After mom gets back out we find that my being mean equates to me setting boundaries by telling him ‘no’ or saying ‘stop’ more than mom does. Before that nugget however I was upset and questioning everything I was doing as a parent in our dichotomy in how we’re raising them that I’m seen as a villain.

This kid, y’all.