As you probably know by now, I am always drawn to the sight of a dad with a child, caring for them on his own. It is particularly appealing if it is a very young child.
What I witnessed at the supermarket on Sunday was a dad pushing one of the available accommodation cars (the ones often offered in supermarkets). In this case, it was a two seater with an upper backseat that faced the parent. The children were a 4 ½ year old boy, a 3 year old boy and in the backseat, a 19 month old boy.
What caught my attention was not only the obvious and their appealing appearance, but the fact that the dad was involving them in the shopping process, using a normal calm tone and appropriate language. They were discussing the choice being made as they moved along the aisles.
The other factor that was somewhat unique is that they were not eating. Often parents will supply snack foods in order to keep children quiet.
I lost track of them for a few minutes, and then as I came to the end of an aisle, I smiled as I saw the dad carrying the 19th month old while following the older two to the restroom. What could be more demanding than one parent to take three young boys into a public restroom?
Finally they were checking out in front of me. If you closed your eyes you would have thought that this dad was communicating with friends; he was speaking in such a natural, involved and respectful manner.
This man has taken on the most demanding job in the world. He is obviously clear and comfortable in their relationship and is enjoying the reward of that.
At no time did I hear raised voices, arguments or demands.
Happy Early Father’s Day Dads!
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