Taylor Buzzard: Advice for Fathers
A guest post by Taylor Buzzard:
Greetings, Buzzard Blog readers. Mrs. Buzzard reporting. I am happy to announce that I am back on the blogging band-wagon. Four score and seven moons ago (or, mid-2008), I wrote two blog posts, only to disappear without explanation. Toddlerhood, pregnancy, preparing the home for another child, birth, and adjusting to mothering two sons kept me away from contributing to the blogosphere. But I’m back and I’m sticking around (Justin’s holding me to this: he wouldn’t publish this post until I had my second post written–smart man.).
So, why this sudden change? This past weekend Justin gave me a golden gift. He took our lovable, energetic 2-year-old son to Sacramento to visit his grandparents for the weekend. And, by so doing, he gave me the home to myself for over 48 hours. What rejuvenation I experienced! I took a giant step back from the unceasing demands of daily life, I took deep breaths, and I rested. Who would have thought that two full days alone in my home could make such a difference for this woman, but they did.
And I said that I was alone…that’s kind of funny, I actually wasn’t alone at all. I spent the whole weekend with my sweet 3-month-old son by my side. But, he doesn’t talk, or move, or put himself in dangerous situations, or make much of a mess. I can’t imagine what it would have been like to have had absolutely zero care-taking responsibility throughout the weekend. That just might have put me into shock.
During my personal retreat weekend, I got to thinking about the bigger picture. I began to think beyond what to serve for breakfast, which park to visit, when to go to the grocery store, and how to effectively disciple my toddler. And I realized that Justin prodding me to continue blogging was also God prodding me to continue blogging. It’s good for me, it challenges me, and it gets me out of peanut butter and burping.
In conclusion, the point of this blog post is to tell men that it is a great idea to get the post-infanthood children out of the house for a weekend and leave your wife to enjoy her home in peace and solitude. Going to visit grandparents is a smart way to make this happen, as you can count on extra hands for crowd control. If you are not yet a husband or a father, tuck this tip away for later use. You will really like the refreshed woman to whom you return.
That is sage advice, Taylor. :)
Score! (Four?) :)
Can you remind Brian of this when we have our 2nd child someday!!
Great advice, Taylor. We often don’t realize how much we need a break until we actually get one. I wish now that I had taken more time for myself in those early years–it would have benefited the whole family :o)
I’m glad to see you will be posting again! I particularly liked this one! I made a note for Jeff whenever our second decides to show up!!!
Great advice, I am sure my wife would love to have some time to reflect and relax! I suppose I can take he kids camping for the week-end or something.
such great advice Tay and I love hearing your voice and reading your writing on Buzzard Blog. Your break was also very fun for “Amma” and “Boppa” – Anytime!
Great post, Taylor. And hey moms of one child, you shouldn’t have to wait until the 2nd baby arrives to get a break. Dads can easily take single babies away for a weekend, too, right? I know mine did! :)
Go for it, Sergio! Lisa would love it. There is something very special (and rare) about having your own home to yourself for a weekend.
I liked what you wrote very much, and though the mother’s are often neglected on this score, all people should take a break occasionally from whatever it is that consumes their days. The break does not have to be total. As a father of 3 children and for many years, I now see where i could have taken more breaks to spend more time with any one of my 3 children in a more deliberate way. Each of them grew up too fast.In retrospect, the work was nowhere near as important as i made it out to be.
Hello my first child……so glad you are learning the importance of time alone. Beautifully written. Love Mom
Thanks for the sweet words, Mom & Step-Dad.
Great post Taylor
