{"id":4007,"date":"2024-12-19T00:55:59","date_gmt":"2024-12-19T00:55:59","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/scenicwhispers.com\/?p=4007"},"modified":"2024-12-19T00:56:02","modified_gmt":"2024-12-19T00:56:02","slug":"my-husband-demanded-a-detailed-to-do-list-to-parent-our-daughter-he-got-one-but-with-a-little-surprise","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/scenicwhispers.com\/archives\/4007","title":{"rendered":"My Husband Demanded a Detailed To-Do List to Parent Our Daughter \u2014 He Got One, but with a Little Surprise"},"content":{"rendered":"<header class='\"entry-header\"'>\n<div class='\"entry-content\"'>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36' contentrenderer_paragraph-first___d_vf>When my husband demanded a to-do list for parenting our daughter, I obliged, but there was a twist. The last item on that list left him speechless and transformed our family forever. Who knew a simple list could pack such a punch?\n</p><div class='\"code-block' code-block-3>\n<div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>Being a mom is tough, but it\u2019s even harder when your partner doesn\u2019t have your back. I never thought I\u2019d be in this situation, but here I am, fuming at my husband\u2019s irresponsibility as a father.\n\n</p><div>\n<div class='\"Image_wrapper__1NP9g\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_container__oHMMQ\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_ref__XcBnw\"'><picture><source srcset='\"https:\/\/imgproxy.amomama.com\/ARyk_UCwk0qb4Qm6dNw_fhljMLnaPt0cRnVy5PzA-Mg\/rs:fill:375:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vMDg3OGE4OTcyYTgwYjY1MGNjYjdiZjBhMDYzM2Q1ZGZjNTYyN2JjMWE4ZTM5YmE2NDRlNDE4YmFmMzcxM2M3Yi5wbmc_d2lkdGg9MTM0NCZoZWlnaHQ9ODk2.jpg' type='\"image\/jpeg\"' sizes='\"(max-width:'></source><img loading='\"lazy\"' decoding='\"async\"' class='\"Image_image__11E9V' image_post-image__qntn0 src="%5C%22https:%5C/%5C/cdn.amomama.com%5C/0878a8972a80b650ccb7bf0a0633d5dfc5627bc1a8e39ba644e418baf3713c7b.png%5C%22" alt='\"A' woman looking straight ahead source: midjourney width='\"1344\"' height='\"896\"' data-pin-no-hover='\"true\"'>\n\n<p class='\"Image_title__T6_we\"' data-testid='\"image-source\"'>A woman looking straight ahead\n\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>I married Derrick four years ago and everything was perfect back then. We were happy and ready to start a family.\n</p><div class='\"code-block' code-block-4>\n\n<div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>I still remember how Derrick cried out of happiness when we found out I was pregnant.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>\u201cYou\u2019re going to be a great father, Derrick,\u201d I told him that day.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>\u201cAnd you\u2019ll be the best mother to our baby!\u201d he replied, smiling from ear to ear.\n</p><div class='\"code-block' code-block-5>\n\n<div>\n<div class='\"Image_wrapper__1NP9g\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_container__oHMMQ\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_ref__XcBnw\"'><picture><source srcset='\"https:\/\/imgproxy.amomama.com\/M6XVrRH8ldv2zMuTr6fM46WQGYytgym_KrCwxJXv0R0\/rs:fill:375:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vYWUyZGVhZDkxMWJlZTFjMzkyODI0MWE3ODA4NmQ0YmVlNzc2NDk2MjA0ZjMwZDAzODcyNWQ5MmQ0MWYwNTllYi5wbmc_d2lkdGg9MTM0NCZoZWlnaHQ9ODk2.jpg' type='\"image\/jpeg\"' sizes='\"(max-width:'></source><img loading='\"lazy\"' decoding='\"async\"' class='\"Image_image__11E9V' image_post-image__qntn0 src="%5C%22https:%5C/%5C/cdn.amomama.com%5C/ae2dead911bee1c3928241a78086d4bee776496204f30d038725d92d41f059eb.png%5C%22" alt='\"A' man talking to his wife source: midjourney width='\"1344\"' height='\"896\"' data-pin-no-hover='\"true\"'>\n\n<p class='\"Image_title__T6_we\"' data-testid='\"image-source\"'>A man talking to his wife\n\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>That night, Derrick promised he\u2019d be there for me whenever I needed him. He said he\u2019d never leave me alone and would do everything to make me and our little one feel safe.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>But from the day Amelia was born, it was like he\u2019d forgotten all his promises about being an involved dad.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>At first, I cut him some slack.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>He was working while I was on maternity leave, so I figured he must be tired. I stopped expecting him to help with the baby care.\n\n</p><div>\n<div class='\"Image_wrapper__1NP9g\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_container__oHMMQ\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_ref__XcBnw\"'><picture><source srcset='\"https:\/\/imgproxy.amomama.com\/N75ZVQAupQoT27iEeTpnnM6n_I9J0e6Fy5Zw7ZTcisg\/rs:fill:375:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vMzAyNTUyYThkZjk2ODlhYjUzY2IxZjgwNzMxNjMyYzMyNDQ5YjNkMzJjZDAxN2EyMDU1ZWQ0NGM2OWZhZDM5YS5wbmc_d2lkdGg9MTM0NCZoZWlnaHQ9ODk2.jpg' type='\"image\/jpeg\"' sizes='\"(max-width:'></source><img loading='\"lazy\"' decoding='\"async\"' class='\"Image_image__11E9V' image_post-image__qntn0 src="%5C%22https:%5C/%5C/cdn.amomama.com%5C/302552a8df9689ab53cb1f80731632c32449b3d32cd017a2055ed44c69fad39a.png%5C%22" alt='\"A' man sleeping in his bed source: midjourney width='\"1344\"' height='\"896\"' data-pin-no-hover='\"true\"'>\n\n<p class='\"Image_title__T6_we\"' data-testid='\"image-source\"'>A man sleeping in his bed\n\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>It wasn\u2019t like he didn\u2019t love Amelia. He did.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>He\u2019d play with her and shower her with affection. But I was on my own when it came to the main tasks like feeding, changing diapers, and waking up in the middle of the night.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>I didn\u2019t really talk to Derrick about it until my maternity leave ended.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>\u201cDerrick, I need your help with Amelia now that I\u2019m going back to work,\u201d I said.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>He nodded and agreed, but his actions didn\u2019t match his words. He\u2019d do the bare minimum if I asked but never took initiative.\n\n</p><div>\n<div class='\"Image_wrapper__1NP9g\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_container__oHMMQ\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_ref__XcBnw\"'><picture><source srcset='\"https:\/\/imgproxy.amomama.com\/ybiws_IM6QmyczgE5lqozPq4n82n8esNMLyqyG2PKyk\/rs:fill:375:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vZjEyMGYyNjk2OTgwNzZjODI0ZDdkODJjZmNhNjU2YzE3ZjI0NTk5NjhlMWIyOGNhNmFmZDIwMWI3ZWIwOTNiNC5qcGc_d2lkdGg9MTkyMCZoZWlnaHQ9MTI4MA.jpg' type='\"image\/jpeg\"' sizes='\"(max-width:'></source><img loading='\"lazy\"' decoding='\"async\"' class='\"Image_image__11E9V' image_post-image__qntn0 src="%5C%22https:%5C/%5C/cdn.amomama.com%5C/f120f269698076c824d7d82cfca656c17f2459968e1b28ca6afd201b7eb093b4.jpg%5C%22" alt='\"A' woman holding her baby source: pexels width='\"1920\"' height='\"1280\"' data-pin-no-hover='\"true\"'>\n\n<p class='\"Image_title__T6_we\"' data-testid='\"image-source\"'>A woman holding her baby\n\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>Then came the day everything changed.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>It started like any other morning. I was brushing my teeth while Amelia sat in her high chair, watching her favorite show.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>I was running late and hoped Derrick would help get Amelia ready for daycare. But there he was, sprawled on the couch, scrolling through TikTok videos.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>I was annoyed. I was SO ANNOYED.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>I walked into the living room after rinsing my mouth and stood right in front of him.\n\n</p><div>\n<div class='\"Image_wrapper__1NP9g\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_container__oHMMQ\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_ref__XcBnw\"'><picture><source srcset='\"https:\/\/imgproxy.amomama.com\/JBif5Gy2WRmAGp9IXLDhRuaIpNmcDF2-d3ENTc50eFI\/rs:fill:375:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vNTk3YmZiNzU0MGFhNWI0NTMyZTM1ZTcxNDU3NDE1MjIzNDk5Y2QyZTM3MWVkYzM1ODBiZTY0YjAyYTYxZmZkZi5wbmc_d2lkdGg9MTM0NCZoZWlnaHQ9ODk2.jpg' type='\"image\/jpeg\"' sizes='\"(max-width:'></source><img loading='\"lazy\"' decoding='\"async\"' class='\"Image_image__11E9V' image_post-image__qntn0 src="%5C%22https:%5C/%5C/cdn.amomama.com%5C/597bfb7540aa5b4532e35e71457415223499cd2e371edc3580be64b02a61ffdf.png%5C%22" alt='\"A' woman standing in a living room source: midjourney width='\"1344\"' height='\"896\"' data-pin-no-hover='\"true\"'>\n\n<p class='\"Image_title__T6_we\"' data-testid='\"image-source\"'>A woman standing in a living room\n\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>\u201cWhy haven\u2019t you made Amelia\u2019s breakfast yet?\u201d I asked sternly.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>He looked at me like I\u2019d just asked him to recite the Declaration of Independence backward.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>\u201cI was waiting to ask you what to make,\u201d he said, shrugging.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>\u201cSeriously, Derrick?\u201d I spat. \u201cShe eats scrambled eggs every day before daycare. You\u2019ve seen me make them a hundred times!\u201d\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>\u201cWell, you didn\u2019t say anything this morning,\u201d he retorted.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>That\u2019s when I lost it.\n\n</p><div>\n<div class='\"Image_wrapper__1NP9g\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_container__oHMMQ\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_ref__XcBnw\"'><picture><source srcset='\"https:\/\/imgproxy.amomama.com\/xHxp_ppak20LeihHKAWkFtvOzErVVOocqijuLHBEcSc\/rs:fill:375:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vM2RhNmY3NzdjZGE4YTk3NTE3ZTU5MjNkMGFkMTBmYjA3NDUwOWUzMWEzZTUzZGQwZjE2NDZlMDJhMTJhZTUyOS5wbmc_d2lkdGg9MTM0NCZoZWlnaHQ9ODk2.jpg' type='\"image\/jpeg\"' sizes='\"(max-width:'></source><img loading='\"lazy\"' decoding='\"async\"' class='\"Image_image__11E9V' image_post-image__qntn0 src="%5C%22https:%5C/%5C/cdn.amomama.com%5C/3da6f777cda8a97517e5923d0ad10fb074509e31a3e53dd0f1646e02a12ae529.png%5C%22" alt='\"An' angry woman source: midjourney width='\"1344\"' height='\"896\"' data-pin-no-hover='\"true\"'>\n\n<p class='\"Image_title__T6_we\"' data-testid='\"image-source\"'>An angry woman\n\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>\u201cDo I have to spell out every single thing for you? I\u2019m doing everything for our daughter. Changing her, packing her daycare bag, and brushing her teeth. And you? You\u2019re just existing!\u201d\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>I thought he\u2019d realize his mistake and help me with the chores. Nope. He decided to argue with me.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>\u201cIf you want me to help, make me a list. Otherwise, I\u2019m not doing anything,\u201d he said.\n\n</p><div>\n<div class='\"Image_wrapper__1NP9g\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_container__oHMMQ\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_ref__XcBnw\"'><picture><source srcset='\"https:\/\/imgproxy.amomama.com\/ia8opMbh-J-nsmV67ykkT8i1iJMdwwxMyQpruuyLvLg\/rs:fill:375:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vZDIzMjFhMjgxMzlhZjMxZDk3MGRlMzAxY2JmOTU0NDUwNWEwYjRmZjliOGJjZjU3ODI0ZjQwMGRkOTM3ODBkOC5wbmc_d2lkdGg9MTM0NCZoZWlnaHQ9ODk2.jpg' type='\"image\/jpeg\"' sizes='\"(max-width:'></source><img loading='\"lazy\"' decoding='\"async\"' class='\"Image_image__11E9V' image_post-image__qntn0 src="%5C%22https:%5C/%5C/cdn.amomama.com%5C/d2321a28139af31d970de301cbf9544505a0b4ff9b8bcf57824f400dd93780d8.png%5C%22" alt='\"A' man looking straight ahead source: midjourney width='\"1344\"' height='\"896\"' data-pin-no-hover='\"true\"'>\n\n<p class='\"Image_title__T6_we\"' data-testid='\"image-source\"'>A man looking straight ahead\n\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>\u201cA list? Are you kidding me?\u201d I rolled my eyes. \u201cYou\u2019re her father, not an employee. Have you ever seen someone handing me a list? I know what she needs because I\u2019m her mother! You should too!\u201d\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>\u201cMake a list, or I\u2019m out.\u201d\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>I was so angry I could feel my face flushing red. But I knew there was no point in arguing further.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>So, I just made Amelia\u2019s breakfast, got her ready, and left for daycare and work without another word to Derrick.\n\n</p><div>\n<div class='\"Image_wrapper__1NP9g\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_container__oHMMQ\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_ref__XcBnw\"'><picture><source srcset='\"https:\/\/imgproxy.amomama.com\/PEVcbQEnzIrvYVG04h6JXh9bgFt3bfSGD7bO-BOzu4g\/rs:fill:375:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vNjQ1ZmZkODFhODYwY2E5N2MwYTc4NzIzNWJhMzA0MTgyYjU1OGZmM2FlZGVlYTZkZDZkZGIzZjBlYTE0OWQ0Mi5qcGc_d2lkdGg9MTkyMCZoZWlnaHQ9MTI4Mg.jpg' type='\"image\/jpeg\"' sizes='\"(max-width:'></source><img loading='\"lazy\"' decoding='\"async\"' class='\"Image_image__11E9V' image_post-image__qntn0 src="%5C%22https:%5C/%5C/cdn.amomama.com%5C/645ffd81a860ca97c0a787235ba304182b558ff3aedeea6dd6ddb3f0ea149d42.jpg%5C%22" alt='\"A' woman driving a car source: pexels width='\"1920\"' height='\"1282\"' data-pin-no-hover='\"true\"'>\n\n<p class='\"Image_title__T6_we\"' data-testid='\"image-source\"'>A woman driving a car\n\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>All day at work, I couldn\u2019t stop thinking about his demand for a list.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>Then, an idea struck me. If he wanted a list, I\u2019d give him one he\u2019d never forget.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>I grabbed a piece of paper and started writing. By the time I was done, I had a smile on my face. I folded the paper, tucked it into my bag, and went about my day.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>I picked Amelia up from daycare in the evening and headed back home. I knew it was going to be an interesting night.\n\n</p><div>\n<div class='\"Image_wrapper__1NP9g\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_container__oHMMQ\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_ref__XcBnw\"'><picture><source srcset='\"https:\/\/imgproxy.amomama.com\/GTaDsxPK08IEhgmFTs8jFmXUdEc8lRL8BpGH4QZ9l7o\/rs:fill:375:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vMjdhMjRjNjkyNjc0ZmQ4ZjZiNDBjNTRiNjdlMzIyMjJkYzRkYTlmMGViMzYyZDlhZGI4ZjYwNTBmNTVmMWE3NC5qcGc_d2lkdGg9MTkyMCZoZWlnaHQ9MTI4MA.jpg' type='\"image\/jpeg\"' sizes='\"(max-width:'></source><img loading='\"lazy\"' decoding='\"async\"' class='\"Image_image__11E9V' image_post-image__qntn0 src="%5C%22https:%5C/%5C/cdn.amomama.com%5C/27a24c692674fd8f6b40c54b67e32222dc4da9f0eb362d9adb8f6050f55f1a74.jpg%5C%22" alt='\"A' house at night source: pexels width='\"1920\"' height='\"1280\"' data-pin-no-hover='\"true\"'>\n\n<p class='\"Image_title__T6_we\"' data-testid='\"image-source\"'>A house at night\n\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>When Derrick got home that evening, I was sitting in the living room, ready to show him the list I\u2019d made.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>\u201cHey, I\u2019ve got something for you,\u201d I said, trying to keep my voice casual.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>He looked curious as he settled on the couch.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>\u201cReally?\u201d he asked. \u201cWhat is it?\u201d\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>That\u2019s when I pulled out the folded paper and handed it to him with a smile.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>\u201cHere\u2019s that list you wanted.\u201d\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>He unfolded it, looking confused at first. Then his eyes widened as he read.\n\n</p><div>\n<div class='\"Image_wrapper__1NP9g\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_container__oHMMQ\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_ref__XcBnw\"'><picture><source srcset='\"https:\/\/imgproxy.amomama.com\/gv3TqgzywbMENAs8nFdDH4XsS9SLrT-0_WPuM-397J8\/rs:fill:375:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vOTYzMmFkMGJhZjgyOTA0ZTQ5M2EzZjBkNjllNzU4YjkwMGQzNzgxMTc2MDg2M2Y2NmJhZjAyN2Y0MTQ5MjllMy5wbmc_d2lkdGg9MTM0NCZoZWlnaHQ9ODk2.jpg' type='\"image\/jpeg\"' sizes='\"(max-width:'></source><img loading='\"lazy\"' decoding='\"async\"' class='\"Image_image__11E9V' image_post-image__qntn0 src="%5C%22https:%5C/%5C/cdn.amomama.com%5C/9632ad0baf82904e493a3f0d69e758b900d37811760863f66baf027f414929e3.png%5C%22" alt='\"A' man reading a list source: midjourney width='\"1344\"' height='\"896\"' data-pin-no-hover='\"true\"'>\n\n<p class='\"Image_title__T6_we\"' data-testid='\"image-source\"'>A man reading a list\n\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'><i class='\"ContentRenderer_italic__eQgX6\"'>7:00 a.m.: Change her diaper (Make sure to use the right size, not the smaller ones in the other drawer)\n\n<div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'><i class='\"ContentRenderer_italic__eQgX6\"'>7:05 a.m.: Prepare breakfast (Scrambled eggs on daycare days. You know this.)\n\n<div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'><i class='\"ContentRenderer_italic__eQgX6\"'>7:15 a.m.: Clean and fill daycare bottles (She\u2019ll need them for both milk and water, don\u2019t forget to clean them afterward)\n\n<div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'><i class='\"ContentRenderer_italic__eQgX6\"'>7:20 a.m.: Brush her teeth (Just like you brush your own. Use the tiny toothbrush in the bathroom cabinet)\n\n<div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'><i class='\"ContentRenderer_italic__eQgX6\"'>7:30 a.m.: Get her dressed (Her clothes are in the drawer, the ones labeled \u2018Daycare outfits\u2019)\n\n<div>\n<div class='\"Image_wrapper__1NP9g' image_wrapper-vertical__pwzar>\n<div class='\"Image_container__oHMMQ\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_ref__XcBnw\"'>\n<picture><source srcset='\"https:\/\/imgproxy.amomama.com\/5dZ-fPSfRCctiVTQWl8zL2e3-eyXtONe-GDPaD8pjrQ\/rs:fill:375:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vMzAxMTA4ODZhM2I2MGI1YWU5ZDY4MmRlZmRiN2QzZTg1OWVmYmI2ZmZhMDRjMTg4NWZhYWM5NGUzMzQ5YWE1NC5qcGc_d2lkdGg9MTkyMCZoZWlnaHQ9Mjg4MA.jpg' type='\"image\/jpeg\"' sizes='\"(max-width:'></source><img loading='\"lazy\"' decoding='\"async\"' class='\"Image_image__11E9V' image_post-image__qntn0 src="%5C%22https:%5C/%5C/cdn.amomama.com%5C/30110886a3b60b5ae9d682defdb7d3e859efbb6ffa04c1885faac94e3349aa54.jpg%5C%22" alt='\"A' child clothes in a wardrobe source: pexels width='\"1920\"' height='\"2880\"' data-pin-no-hover='\"true\"'>\n<div class='\"code-block' code-block-7>\n\n\n<p class='\"Image_title__T6_we\"' data-testid='\"image-source\"'>A child\u2019s clothes in a wardrobe\n\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'><i class='\"ContentRenderer_italic__eQgX6\"'>7:35 a.m.: Pack her daycare bag (Diapers, wipes, an extra outfit, and her favorite toy)\n\n<div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'><i class='\"ContentRenderer_italic__eQgX6\"'>7:45 a.m.: Put her in the car (And make sure she has her shoes on, please)\n\n<div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'><i class='\"ContentRenderer_italic__eQgX6\"'>8:00 a.m.: Drop her off at daycare (Address is the same. You\u2019ve been there before)\n\n<div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>He looked up at me, but I just nodded for him to keep reading.\n\n</p><div>\n<div class='\"Image_wrapper__1NP9g\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_container__oHMMQ\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_ref__XcBnw\"'><picture><source srcset='\"https:\/\/imgproxy.amomama.com\/HjgkFdpvQ6JZ-nIABDvsgx084HtGOJuWiRBRpO9QyCc\/rs:fill:375:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vZGVjMGRiMWI5MjA1NzAwOGZiMTRjNWM0ZjcxYzU0YzM5MDI2ZGNlMmY1ODEyMjA0ZmY4YTMwODBlMzFjN2QxMi5wbmc_d2lkdGg9MTM0NCZoZWlnaHQ9ODk2.jpg' type='\"image\/jpeg\"' sizes='\"(max-width:'></source><img loading='\"lazy\"' decoding='\"async\"' class='\"Image_image__11E9V' image_post-image__qntn0 src="%5C%22https:%5C/%5C/cdn.amomama.com%5C/dec0db1b92057008fb14c5c4f71c54c39026dce2f5812204ff8a3080e31c7d12.png%5C%22" alt='\"A' man looking up shocked source: midjourney width='\"1344\"' height='\"896\"' data-pin-no-hover='\"true\"'>\n\n<p class='\"Image_title__T6_we\"' data-testid='\"image-source\"'>A man looking up, shocked\n\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>The list continued:\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'><i class='\"ContentRenderer_italic__eQgX6\"'>12:00 p.m.: Pick her up from daycare (Don\u2019t be late. You know how much she hates waiting)\n\n<div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'><i class='\"ContentRenderer_italic__eQgX6\"'>12:15 p.m.: Change her diaper (By now, it\u2019ll definitely need it)\n\n<div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'><i class='\"ContentRenderer_italic__eQgX6\"'>12:30 p.m.: Prepare lunch (She loves those little veggie pouches, but maybe mix it up with some real food)\n\n<div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'><i class='\"ContentRenderer_italic__eQgX6\"'>1:00 p.m.: Playtime (She needs mental stimulation, not just screen time. Take her outside if the weather\u2019s good)\n\n<div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'><i class='\"ContentRenderer_italic__eQgX6\"'>2:00 p.m.: Nap time (Good luck getting her down without her favorite stuffed animal)\n\n<div>\n<div class='\"Image_wrapper__1NP9g\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_container__oHMMQ\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_ref__XcBnw\"'><picture><source srcset='\"https:\/\/imgproxy.amomama.com\/o_szFD8m8BH66v32vFL2wMW54SPfVT7wz-yEmcJHHzk\/rs:fill:375:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vMTRlZTVlZjYzN2M3MTg4NTZiZjI5OTczMDNhMDg2MWI0NzkxZGNkNWIxOWVkOTExNWZkOTE0YTU4NzMyNDJlNy5qcGc_d2lkdGg9MTkyMCZoZWlnaHQ9MTI4MA.jpg' type='\"image\/jpeg\"' sizes='\"(max-width:'></source><img loading='\"lazy\"' decoding='\"async\"' class='\"Image_image__11E9V' image_post-image__qntn0 src="%5C%22https:%5C/%5C/cdn.amomama.com%5C/14ee5ef637c718856bf2997303a0861b4791dcd5b19ed9115fd914a5873242e7.jpg%5C%22" alt='\"A' little girl sleeping source: pexels width='\"1920\"' height='\"1280\"' data-pin-no-hover='\"true\"'>\n\n<p class='\"Image_title__T6_we\"' data-testid='\"image-source\"'>A little girl sleeping\n\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'><i class='\"ContentRenderer_italic__eQgX6\"'>4:00 p.m.: Snack time (Cut-up fruits or crackers work. No sugary junk)\n\n<div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'><i class='\"ContentRenderer_italic__eQgX6\"'>5:30 p.m.: Prepare dinner (Something soft she can chew. Don\u2019t forget her bib)\n\n<div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'><i class='\"ContentRenderer_italic__eQgX6\"'>6:00 p.m.: Bath time (Be careful, she loves to splash. Keep the water warm but not too hot)\n\n<div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'><i class='\"ContentRenderer_italic__eQgX6\"'>7:00 p.m.: Bedtime routine (Brush her teeth again, read her a story, and put her to sleep)\n\n<div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>And then, at the very end of the list, the final line:\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'><i class='\"ContentRenderer_italic__eQgX6\"'><strong class='\"ContentRenderer_bold__Fo6Iz\"'>Final task: Pay child support.\n\n<div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>Derrick\u2019s face went pale.\n\n</p><div>\n<div class='\"Image_wrapper__1NP9g\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_container__oHMMQ\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_ref__XcBnw\"'>\n<picture><source srcset='\"https:\/\/imgproxy.amomama.com\/aQRk-iu-o_wv8RqvzAvTcq6p1nHeoReD_9wxZwUU9ho\/rs:fill:375:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vZTZlNTliMDlkMzQ3ODNlYTBjNWFjOTdlMDQ2MWVlYmFlNWM3MTllMDY3ZmRiMmQzZGQ3OTc1MGI2ZWJhNjY5Zi5wbmc_d2lkdGg9MTM0NCZoZWlnaHQ9ODk2.jpg' type='\"image\/jpeg\"' sizes='\"(max-width:'></source><img loading='\"lazy\"' decoding='\"async\"' class='\"Image_image__11E9V' image_post-image__qntn0 src="%5C%22https:%5C/%5C/cdn.amomama.com%5C/e6e59b09d34783ea0c5ac97e0461eebae5c719e067fdb2d3dd79750b6eba669f.png%5C%22" alt='\"A' man looking straight ahead shocked source: midjourney width='\"1344\"' height='\"896\"' data-pin-no-hover='\"true\"'>\n<div class='\"code-block' code-block-8>\n\n\n<p class='\"Image_title__T6_we\"' data-testid='\"image-source\"'>A man looking straight ahead, shocked\n\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>\u201cWh-What does that mean?\u201d he stammered, looking up at me. \u201cChild support?\u201d\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>I took a deep breath and replied calmly, \u201cIf you want me to give you a step-by-step guide for raising our daughter, I\u2019ll happily do it, but as a co-parent. You see if we\u2019re living in the same house, you\u2019re her father, and I shouldn\u2019t have to spoon-feed you every single thing that needs to be done. I\u2019ll write lists for a divorced parent, not for a husband.\u201d\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>Derrick was silent. He didn\u2019t know what to say.\n\n</p><div>\n<div class='\"Image_wrapper__1NP9g\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_container__oHMMQ\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_ref__XcBnw\"'><picture><source srcset='\"https:\/\/imgproxy.amomama.com\/YtOVnV9chhwue5r_5tQr-pT7UmpsbvSWjgOwj3Ng7Jc\/rs:fill:375:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vZDkxYjc2MzgzOTMyOThhNmQwMTczYjE5YmVkNzY3YWRkZGYzN2EzNzY5MTliZTkxYTAwNTY4MzFkNzVhZWQwMS5wbmc_d2lkdGg9MTM0NCZoZWlnaHQ9ODk2.jpg' type='\"image\/jpeg\"' sizes='\"(max-width:'></source><img loading='\"lazy\"' decoding='\"async\"' class='\"Image_image__11E9V' image_post-image__qntn0 src="%5C%22https:%5C/%5C/cdn.amomama.com%5C/d91b7638393298a6d0173b19bed767adddf37a376919be91a0056831d75aed01.png%5C%22" alt='\"A' man sitting on a couch source: midjourney width='\"1344\"' height='\"896\"' data-pin-no-hover='\"true\"'>\n\n<p class='\"Image_title__T6_we\"' data-testid='\"image-source\"'>A man sitting on a couch\n\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>I could see the wheels turning in his head as the reality of the situation sank in. I wasn\u2019t angry anymore, just tired. Tired of feeling like a single parent in a two-parent household.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>Finally, Derrick folded the list and set it down on the coffee table.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>\u201cI get it,\u201d he said quietly. \u201cI\u2019m sorry. I\u2019m so sorry for being absent. I know I should\u2019ve been more involved from the start.\u201d\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>Those words were like a dam breaking. We talked for hours that night. I\u2019m sure that was the first time we REALLY TALKED since Amelia was born.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>We discussed our expectations, our fears, and our hopes for our family.\n\n</p><div>\n<div class='\"Image_wrapper__1NP9g\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_container__oHMMQ\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_ref__XcBnw\"'><picture><source srcset='\"https:\/\/imgproxy.amomama.com\/zey9hbkiA5uI_G1NEK3N8IV7ndpeljPS-aFjLY3_l6g\/rs:fill:375:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vZDcxNGY2MGQwNDM5MTVkMTI5MjZiNDQwOWMxYmU5OGJhN2M5ODI5MTYwYjBkMTZkMzk5NzA3YzhkYjg2M2I3Yy5wbmc_d2lkdGg9MTM0NCZoZWlnaHQ9ODk2.jpg' type='\"image\/jpeg\"' sizes='\"(max-width:'></source><img loading='\"lazy\"' decoding='\"async\"' class='\"Image_image__11E9V' image_post-image__qntn0 src="%5C%22https:%5C/%5C/cdn.amomama.com%5C/d714f60d043915d12926b4409c1be98ba7c9829160b0d16d399707c8db863b7c.png%5C%22" alt='\"A' man looking at his wife source: midjourney width='\"1344\"' height='\"896\"' data-pin-no-hover='\"true\"'>\n\n<p class='\"Image_title__T6_we\"' data-testid='\"image-source\"'>A man looking at his wife\n\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>That\u2019s when Derrick admitted he felt overwhelmed and unsure about being a dad, which was why he\u2019d been so hands-off. Meanwhile, I shared how lonely and frustrated I\u2019d been because of his absence.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>\u201cI never meant to make you feel like you were in this alone,\u201d Derrick said, taking my hand. \u201cI want to be a good dad, I really do. I just\u2026 I guess I didn\u2019t know where to start.\u201d\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>\u201cYou start by showing up,\u201d I told him. \u201cBy being present and willing to learn. That\u2019s all I\u2019ve wanted from you.\u201d\n\n</p><div>\n<div class='\"Image_wrapper__1NP9g\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_container__oHMMQ\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_ref__XcBnw\"'>\n<picture><source srcset='\"https:\/\/imgproxy.amomama.com\/og89ZnHFQVNjMlTZUVy5vUXHT-zfJdXlH3AOBUwQ0kY\/rs:fill:375:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vNWM4NTIxYTk2YmRhOTY0NWZhYWRmYmVkYTc2YmVmM2Y0YmU1MGIwNzVlMmQ2YWY5OWQ0M2Y0NGVlNzQ4Yzc1OS5wbmc_d2lkdGg9MTM0NCZoZWlnaHQ9ODk2.jpg' type='\"image\/jpeg\"' sizes='\"(max-width:'></source><img loading='\"lazy\"' decoding='\"async\"' class='\"Image_image__11E9V' image_post-image__qntn0 src="%5C%22https:%5C/%5C/cdn.amomama.com%5C/5c8521a96bda9645faadfbeda76bef3f4be50b075e2d6af99d43f44ee748c759.png%5C%22" alt='\"A' woman talking to her husband source: midjourney width='\"1344\"' height='\"896\"' data-pin-no-hover='\"true\"'>\n<div class='\"code-block' code-block-9>\n\n\n<p class='\"Image_title__T6_we\"' data-testid='\"image-source\"'>A woman talking to her husband\n\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>I\u2019m glad to admit that things have changed since that night. Derrick has stepped up in ways I never imagined.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>He gets up for night feedings, mastered the art of diaper changing, and even instituted a weekly \u201cDaddy-Daughter Day\u201d where he takes Amelia out for special time together.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>The list wasn\u2019t just a wake-up call for Derrick. It was a turning point for our whole family.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>We learned to communicate better, to share the load, and to appreciate each other\u2019s efforts.\n\n</p><div>\n<div class='\"Image_wrapper__1NP9g\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_container__oHMMQ\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_ref__XcBnw\"'><picture><source srcset='\"https:\/\/imgproxy.amomama.com\/sICh3bAIBc9-0L5dvOZIrWrW3pEzRKP7Jgb1akKUQ_g\/rs:fill:375:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vNmIyMTg0ZGQ4YWQyZWM4NTMxNTUzNjhmYjFmMWQzNDExMDYzNDAyOTU2ODk3NjhjM2VjZmE1NjgxZTU5YWI2NC5wbmc_d2lkdGg9MTI1OSZoZWlnaHQ9ODMx.jpg' type='\"image\/jpeg\"' sizes='\"(max-width:'></source><img loading='\"lazy\"' decoding='\"async\"' class='\"Image_image__11E9V' image_post-image__qntn0 src="%5C%22https:%5C/%5C/cdn.amomama.com%5C/6b2184dd8ad2ec853155368fb1f1d341106340295689768c3ecfa5681e59ab64.png%5C%22" alt='\"A' couple holding hands source: midjourney width='\"1259\"' height='\"831\"' data-pin-no-hover='\"true\"'>\n\n<p class='\"Image_title__T6_we\"' data-testid='\"image-source\"'>A couple holding hands\n\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>Now, when I see Derrick reading bedtime stories to Amelia or teaching her how to build block towers, my heart swells with love and gratitude.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>In the end, I have a message for all moms out there feeling like they\u2019re doing it all alone. Please don\u2019t be afraid to speak up. Please tell your partner what you really feel.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>Sometimes, all it takes is a wake-up call to turn things around. Your partner might surprise you once you tell them what you expect from your relationship.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>And if they don\u2019t? Well, then you\u2019ll know where you stand, and you can make decisions accordingly.\n\n\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"</p><p>When my husband demanded a to-do list for parenting our daughter, I obliged, but there was a twist. The last item on that list left him speechless and transformed our &hellip; \n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":4008,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-4007","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-uncategorized"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/scenicwhispers.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4007","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/scenicwhispers.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/scenicwhispers.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/scenicwhispers.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/scenicwhispers.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=4007"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/scenicwhispers.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4007\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":4010,"href":"https:\/\/scenicwhispers.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4007\/revisions\/4010"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/scenicwhispers.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/4008"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/scenicwhispers.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=4007"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/scenicwhispers.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=4007"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/scenicwhispers.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=4007"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}</p></div></div></div></div></picture></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></picture></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></picture></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></picture></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></picture></div></div></div></div></div></strong></i></p></div></div></i></p></div></i></p></div></i></p></div></i></p></div></picture></div></div></div></div></i></p></div></i></p></div></i></p></div></i></p></div></i></p></div></div></picture></div></div></div></div></div></i></p></div></i></p></div></i></p></div></div></picture></div></div></div></div></i></p></div></i></p></div></i></p></div></i></p></div></i></p></div></picture></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></picture></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></picture></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></picture></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></picture></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></picture></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></picture></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></picture></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></picture></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></picture></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></header>