Parenting is not a spectator sport

Hanging out with the kids, watching the Black Knights.

I was thinking of the different parenting styles between Mums and Dads. I'm not saying all parents are like these, but this is based purely on my experience and observations.

Mums tend to be less involved when it comes to playtime - be it running around, cycling, playing soccer and so on. Even piggybacking and throwing them up in the air (when they were light enough). Perhaps mums view their roles as less physical and leaning towards the nurturing and emotional side. However, I would love to see a mum throw her child up in the air, or into a pool if it is less taxing on the back.

Dads jump right in. At least when we're not sleepy. If you're a dad and you don't jump right in, then I encourage you to. Get rough. Get dirty. Push them. Tickle them. Tackle them! Grab them by the ankles and swing them upside-down! Don't just sit by the side and watch, or worse-still stare at your phone - get in the game and play! Be a kid again and go crazy!!

And if they start crying because they feel like you're a big bully, pass them to Mummy and pretend you don't know what happened. ;)