I don't go out much at night, but last night I had to go to a meeting in the evening.  After giving my husband 30 minutes worth of instruction on everything that needed to be done, including dinner, homework, bedtime routines, etc. I left the house - worried about what I would come home to. 

Three hours later, I came home to find the kids in bed, the homework done, and my daughter's assignment book signed. Heck, the kitchen was even cleaned and all traces of dinner were gone. 

"How'd it go?" I asked my husband? 

"It was fine, Jordyn (my 13-year old) helped me a lot - we made taco salad for dinner and everyone helped cleaned up and fill the dishwasher. The kids brushed their teeth and went to bed about 7:30." he replied.  

What?!?!?  My 13-year old NEVER helps me.  And then it hit me...

I'm quick to complain about having to do everything - but in my case, it's because I decide I have to do everything.  I'll admit it, I can be a perfectionist. I like things done right and because my kids (and husband) don't often do things to my standards, I'll redo them or just do them myself in the first place.  That's why my daughter will help him, and not me.  He appreciates her help! And that's why he's able to do a great job when I'm not here, he's allowed to do it his way.  

I suspect that there are lots of moms like me out there. We feel like we have to do everything, but if we really thought about it, we'd realize that in many cases, we bring it on ourselves.  

My new goal, and one that I challenge others to adopt as well, is to let dad parent! Sure, they don't do things the way we would and they might let our kids have something that we don't allow. They'll probably play rough with them and maybe even let them stand (or jump!) on the couch. They certainly won't do things our way, but they won't necessarily do them the wrong way...it's their own way, and that's okay.  

So, take some of the stress off of yourself, and give the dad in your house a chance to do a little more parenting - his own way!