A reflective tale explores the vital role of fatherhood, dismantling the misconception that dads are merely babysitters. Through the lens of Stuart Scott's experience, it underscores the significance of being an engaged parent. Dads are not just temporary caretakers; they are integral figures in their children's lives. This conversation invites fathers to embrace their responsibilities and recognize their profound impact, transforming the narrative around parenting into one of pride and importance.
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question_answer ANECDOTE
Stuart Scott Story
ESPN broadcaster Stuart Scott was complimented for "babysitting" his kids.
This was insulting, as dads don't babysit; they parent.
insights INSIGHT
Dads Don't Babysit
Dads don't babysit their own children; they are simply being fathers.
Babysitting implies a non-parental role.
volunteer_activism ADVICE
Value Your Role
Recognize the importance of fatherhood.
Take your role seriously, with love and intention.
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The late ESPN broadcaster—and father of two girls—Stuart Scott, was once sitting in a restaurant with some friends and their respective children. Everyone was having fun, and it was one of those delightful scenes where you see parents bonding with their kids. The kids were behaving. The dads were present. All was well.
Until a mom walked by and, recognizing Scott, tried to pay him a compliment for “babysitting the kids.” She did not realize that this was an insult to Scott—and in fact to all fathers. Because dads don’t babysit. It’s impossible. Babysitting is something somebody else does for your children on your behalf. A babysitter is by definition a non-parent. These were Scott’s kids. He couldn’t babysit on his own behalf. It’d be like calling a homeowner a security guard every time you see them lock their house when they leave for work. They’re not protecting someone else’s property, they’re just being a responsible homeowner. They’re just doing their job.
Scott was doing his job. He was being a dad. No more, but certainly no less. As his friend would observe after Scott’s tragic death from cancer, “We didn’t see ourselves as an occasional parental figure who might take the kids off mom’s hands for a couple hours.”
See what you do as important. Because it is.
You’re not a babysitter. You’re not some lesser figure in your kids’ lives. When you are with them—and when you are not with them—you’re their father. That matters. It’s an important job, one that you should take seriously and never demean (and not let others demean, either). You’re doing it because you love it, because you get something out of it, and you know what kind of impact it has.
Not because you’re covering for someone else. Not because anyone can do it. They can’t.
You’re the only one who can. And that’s why it’s got a special name when you do it.
The Daily Dad