Don't resent Dad's rambunctious energy
You'll need it some day and besides, it's nice!
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One of the biggest mistakes the mother in the home can make is resenting her husband’s boisterous presence.
No sooner does she figure out how to do things, establish a good routine, get the kids to mind her, and have things under control then here he comes with his loud energy, riling them up and creating what really seems like chaos.
Marriage is a long journey in learning to respect each other’s goals; balance is a good thing! Between the man and the woman, balance often resembles careening around without actually toppling over, as opposed to staying steadily on the path.
The thing is, the children need both.
They need the steady pattern, the stability — and they crave the roller-coaster glee!
Let him toss them in the air and tickle them and chase them around naked after bath time. Let the children see you smile when he charges around roaring. Let them know you love manly wildness.
Say “Okay, you crazy monkeys, time for this circus to go to bed!” with laughter in your voice, and not “Don’t make the kids crazy, I’m trying to get them ready for bed,” with a huffy attitude.
Stay in the merry spirit; don’t negate it. In fact, encourage it! They love you too, don’t worry.
It’s hard to imagine that a bond among you all is being formed, one that becomes decisive about 10 or 15 years from this point, but it exists and you will need it, so don’t fall into vexation!
As with everything here at the SFH, the best thing is for you to take my ideas, which come from my experience of escaping feminism to enjoy the gift of 45 years of marriage, seven children, and more than a score of grandchildren, and apply them to your situation with discernment, prudence, and confidence — and a sense of humor!
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For the longer version:
My book on how to live with the Liturgical Year: The Little Oratory
Leila, you have a gift for touching my last nerve on something...and saying "Let's heal that." I spent a wretchedly lot of time when our children were young in silent stewing rage exactly caused by my good husband's energy, especially around bedtime routines. If only I'd had you back then to advise me! Listen up, young mothers - Leila is throwing you life rafts! Get in!