Some Signs the Kids Like What an At-Home Dad is Doing

There is plenty of documentation out there on how kids who have an involved father do better in any number of life situations. Apparently kids like and need their dads around.

It’s harder to find out what the sole impact of a full-time father is on children, but chances are, they like being around dad a lot, too.

So how can you tell exactly the influence a stay-at-home dad is having on his kids? If there are school-aged kids in the house, they probably would tell you.

They might brag to friends or to mom. Then again, they might hide those feelings, but they surely give signs of their affection. For younger kids there might not be much verbalization, but they definitely show signs.

Many kids have a unique way of saying just what having dad around all the time means, and it can be quite satisfying decoding what they are communicating. An at-home father may need to wait until his children are grown before he can see the full effect he had, but here are just a few early indications kids think he is doing an OK job:

A Big, Wide Smile

There is little better than seeing a baby’s face light up when you enter the room. If he’s been with someone else for a while and you come back and he just gives you that look, it tells you all you need to justify what you do.

Only Wants to Go to Dad

It can be hard for mom to accept, but if it’s become common for your kids to only want to be with you, even after hours, it’s a pretty good bet you’ve been accepted. If someone else, mom included, is holding one of the kids, and the youngster still has arms reached out to you, it’s pretty flattering. Flattering still is when you try to leave the room and they object and coming running after you. Although that one can get a little old when you find it hard to even get to the bathroom.

Dad is Chopped Liver

When the garage door opens in the evening, the kids’ ears perk up and when mom enters the house they run full-scream to her. After dinner, it’s all her. This also solidifies you in your role. Shouldn’t your kids miss their mom after a long day? No need to feel bad for this. In fact, take it as a complement. Working dads have come home to it for ages, and their children still kissed their mothers goodnight and were happy to seem them in the morning. No doubt you get a nice welcome to start the day as well.

Who’s the Boss?

Ever had your kids come to you for some problem solving, even if there are other options? After one of those repetitive “Why?” questions by the kids, has your wife answered, “Because I’m the boss,” only to be told daddy is? Again, shouldn’t be seen as a slight to her any more than they are just used to you bossing them, uh, pointing them in the right direction on life most of the day.

Proud of Dad Everywhere

Dad becomes the show while volunteering at preschool or is the center of attention at the park. That might make you a little uncomfortable, but it proves the comfort level you have developed with the kids. If they want to be with you, and happily single you out in these situations, you surely have arrived as their primary caregiver.