Yes, I have read the research around the importance of fathers and the way they play with their children. I understand that fathers encourage their children to take more risks and explore the world. I also understand how important it is for children to play differently with each parent; it's their first level of learning how playing is defined on an individual level.
But, when I hear my son's shrieking from the next room, followed by giggling, then yelling, then laughter from both, then annoyance, rough-housing, more yelling, tattling and then going back in for more...I have to question the sanity of my household. I don't understand how my husband and son play together. Is that...is that fun? It doesn't look like (or sound like fun). But they are both egging each other on...so I guess they like it.
I don't get it.
What really weirds me out is knowing that if we had had a daughter, my husband's brain would most likely be wired differently to respond to her needs. Really. His whole brain. With different "play" wiring. Just because of gender.
Sometimes I think life is a little easier when we don't know all the things.
In the meantime, the next time I hear escalated noise from the next room over, I will try to remind myself that my husband and my son are enjoying each other's company in their unique way and that I don't have to understand it. It's just how they are both hard wired to play.
What is your favorite way to play with your children? Tell me in the comments.
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