by Cristina |
Last Updated: May 28, 2018 Moms, we know one thing to be absolutely true: our kids absolutely adore us. However, they naturally take us for granted, as they should. We wake up, help them get dressed, make their breakfasts, pack their lunch, make sure they have water in their cups, that they have brushed their teeth, do their hair, and hold their hand as we walk them into school.
Then once school is over we come home and the real work begins. We have to get the homework done, afternoon snack, referee whatever fight is happening, have them take a bath, make sure that they actually took a bath, dress them, feed them, and also somewhere in between make sure everything is picked up. So where in all of that do we have the time to be “fun”. Even if we do have time we are so run down and ragged that we would rather sit far away and drink wine and countdown to bedtime.
Enter dad. He strolls in through the door and it’s like a scene out of a movie. It’s slow motion, the light hits him just right as he flashes his gorgeous smile, there’s even wind hitting his hair (if he still has it). The kids erupt! Daddy! Daddy! We are so happy you’re home. Their excitement would almost be endearing if it wasn’t so offensive. They’re hugging him and jumping for joy like they’ve just spent years in an isolated prison cell. And I call bull shit!
So one day I was watching TV (obviously), and a McDonald’s commercial came on promoting the Mc Rib. It was going on and on about how the Mc Rib was coming back to the menu, and it was only going to be available for a limited time. I thought to myself, “gross. Who wants to eat a “rib” from a fast food place.” I what is in this “rib” is it an actual rib or just some sort of rib-ish rib-goo that they have put between two buns.
I watched as they gave the McRib this elusive status. Saying this like “available for a limited time”. You know what? It works. People line up around the block. No seriously, people line up around the block to grab one on opening day. Something about the McRib really sparks emotion in people that they themselves don’t understand. I bring you exhibit A: remember the lady who became enraged when the lady at McDonald’s didn’t offer her an extra McRib for a $1, well click HERE.
This all got me thinking and really feeling sorry for the Big Mac. Because what happens to the Big Mac when the McRib comes out, huh? People get all caught up ordering this McRib, that they just take the Big Mac for granted. Like it’s always going to be there. No one lines up for the Big Mac ever and especially when the McRib is around. No special limited time commercials. No red carpet for their signature sandwich. Two all beef patties special sauce lettuce cheese pickles onions on a sesame seed bun. People are just ok about eating the Big Mac. “Oh I’m here at McDonald’s I guess I’ll have a Big Mac.”
Boom! I saw the light. An epiphany if you will. This entire scenario is our family dynamic. Hear me out. My husband is the McRib, and I, well I am just the Big Mac. His limited time availability makes him exciting and fun. He doesn’t have to carry the weight of all the “shit” that comes with raising these kids. Dad gets home and the homework has been done, the bath has been taken, the dinner typically has been eaten, and the fight to put away toys has long been settled.
By Thursday when my patience is already running thin, and my son is having a tantrum for the 100th time this week over putting on his pajamas my husband can swoop in and say things like “take a deep breath Cristy, he’s just 4 I can help him.” Then fun dad proceeds to take our son and tickle him and make pajamas awesome somehow.
On the weekend when I am now at my wit’s end, Dad takes them for the morning and they go to Target to buy toys, or eat donuts somewhere delicious. I mean how fun is that?!? If I took them to eat donuts or to Target every time I was with them we would be dead broke with a serious sugar problem.
But I guess this is how it has to be. I am not sure I would change a single thing. I’m happy to be here to help them throughout their day. I’m happy to be here to tie their shoes, do their homework (sort of) and all the hundreds of little details that go into the day. If we are being really honest I am also so happy when daddy gets home. Besides just wanting to see him, it may be one of my favorite times of the day watching the kids go jump all over him. Also it’s nice not to be completely outnumbered anymore.
It can be argued that iIf not for the Big Mac maybe McDonald’s wouldn’t function the way it does year round. It’s the constant on the menu, that customers know will always be there. Hell it’s definitely my go to when I want to eat my feelings. But people need a little McRib in their life, a little excitement a little fun. It keeps everything balanced.
Carla’s revenge. HERE