Being the Queen of my castle definitely has its perks… and it’s drawbacks. The perks are that I get to do a job I love for the people I love. There are bonuses like hugs & kisses and other more subtle gratifying rewards. The drawbacks to being the boss, the big cheese, the head honcho are that you get a smattering of emotions tossed your way on a given day. When your child is in a bad mood, you get the brunt of it because you’re there, you’re always there. When your husband comes home from a rough day at the office you get a little serving of grouch there too, because he’s tired from making nice all day with coworkers and because - say it with me now - you’re there.

At the end of a day full of play today, my daughter (almost 3) threw a nice, big tantrum. I understand a host of things brought this on, over exhaustion, witnessing another kid’s grand mal tantrum and all the other normal elements that go into a typical tantrum at this age. She’s a reasonable girl and did calm down fairly quickly, followed by a few apologies for (in her own words) “Being a fuss bucket” which was sweet after the moment had passed. She cooled down mere minutes before the King of the castle arrived home - Dada.

Which kid did his highness meet? Not the temperamental princess on the verge of blowing her top, instead he met the sweet, huggy, lovely little princess that greeted him with kisses at the door. “Welcome home Daddy!” accompanied with a snugglefest and a shower of precious comments like, “You’re the best daddy in the whole world” almost as if to say, “Save me from this Mama lady who’s soooo boring and played out.” Absence does make the heart grow fonder.

Daddy is the King in her eyes. She’s referred to him as snugglier, cuddlier, and the all around best more then the Queen. The fun part is after the wee princess has gone to sleep and the King & Queen discuss their day. I talk about the ups and downs, I got my share of kisses and snuggles but also more then my share of anger and fits by comparison. To the daddy it sounds virtually unbelievable - What? That sweet little angel that greeted me at the door did what?! Yes. Yes she did.

So to you working daddies everywhere that get the good stuff while the rest is saved up for us mamas - be thankful.