Not Great, Dad

Not Great Dad?

I was in the bathroom feeling angry that no one in this family seems to listen to me anymore. It was the usual list of grievances every parent goes through from time to time. No one listens, no one cares, poor me. Boilerplate. I thought I was mumbling them to myself, quietly. Apparently, I was not. The four year old was in the bath splashing around playing. I was airing my grievances to my reflection. Suddenly, my four year old called out to me, loud enough to be heard over my ranting. “Dad. DAD!” I turned and looked. Silently, and with a completely unemotional, dead pan expression, she pointed to me and did a thumbs down. Just to let me know where I stood. I laughed aloud, humbled by the gesture, but also, maybe feeling a little bit vindicated about my rant.

I now use the gesture whenever I can. You’re free to do so, too! It’s really fun. Pro tip: don’t smile at all, and definitely don’t laugh! The whole thing has to be as serious as you can make it.

😐🫵👎