It is as sacred a moment as any father and son can
share. It rivals the first game of
catch, the first tree house, or even the first beer ….and it was with giddy
anticipation that I shared this moment with my 6 year old son.
“Connor,” I said, barely able to hold it in, “pull my
finger.”
The ensuing flatulence which shook the foundation of my home
brought an equally loud clap of laughter from my son. Behind the laugher I could see him trying to
figure out if he was somehow responsible for what had just happened. But mainly he was giggling so uncontrollably
because, well, let’s face it, farts are funny.
These are the sorts of “dad activities” which have elicited
groans and looks (or sniffs?) of derision since human kind has had
fingers. This sort of activity is often
frowned upon as being both base and crass—which it probably is. But it is also warm, funny, endearing, silly
and in a very obtuse sort of way, loving.
It is time spent with my child where he comes away feeling like he is
the centre of my attention.
Unless you are robbing banks or beating up old people, don’t
let anyone’s pre conceived ideas of what “quality time” is for you and your
child. Want to wrestle with your four
year old daughter? Want to teach your son how to dial a stranger
and ask them if their refrigerator is running?
Knock yourself out. Your child
will love it, and you, forever.
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