Feb
10
I got home in time to take over childcare from our nanny. It proved to be the highlight of my day (and today was full of good points).
I was reading Eloise, my 11 month old, a story. It’s fairly simple and usually brief. She fidgets whilst I try to sound interested in the Q&A structure with a pop-up flap page which reveals the answer.
It’s called ‘what does baby do’ and I’m sure helps her understand social situations. Apparently children from a very young age (c. 2 years) can re-enact social situations (such as going to a restaurant and being offered a seat and ordering from a menu). So ‘what does baby do’ is designed to help her understand an appropriate response to her grandparents leaving.
Anyway, tonight was different. Tonight, she sat on my lap, listened to the story, lifted the flap and joined in three of the actions. It couldn’t have been any better. And she expressed frustration when the story finished. It even took longer than normal because she was so engaged in the process of lifting the flaps.
I’m developing a thesis about fatherhood: that Dads become more engaged as the mother becomes less useful. Let me explain: In the early days I was only useful to Eloise for changing her nappy. And that could be done by anyone. Now she no longer needs her mother for feeding – and has more complex needs – I can provide them. It’s altogether more fulfilling.
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I am glad to see the love between you and your child.