As a Father of Girls…

As a father of girls…

…there’s a new fancy event almost every night and weekend – right in my living room!

…I have had the opportunity to escort a princess to a gala, a tea party, a wedding, even a baptism

…I overthink TV shows aimed at children

…I get to accessorize with necklaces, bracelets, and, occasionally, tiaras

…I know to wipe front to back

…I get to see what would happen if Cabbage Patch Dolls were members of the Wu-Tang Clan

…I don’t care if they play with trucks or dolls as long as they’re kind, but I love when it’s both

…I’m in my late 30s, yet I’m encouraged to play as much as possible

…I get to watch my firstborn fall in love with being a big sister and get to watch my newborn become overjoyed whenever she sees her sister

…I help to explain why my “parts” are different than theirs

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…I have the pleasure of “babysitting” my granddolls

…I often have an adorable sous-chef

…I often have an adorable ShopRite sidekick

…I learn about all of the princesses and their significant other princes

…I get to celebrate new holidays like Princess Day and get to commemorate it by wearing a sticker to work

…I get to watch them transition effortlessly from basketball to dancing to soccer to singing

…I get a front row seat to watching their mother teach them to be self-assured, strong females that derive their confidence internally rather than externally

…I get to watch elaborate stories about the lives of dolls on YouTube

…I learn about pantyhose and the intricacies of hair care

…I have a floor littered with tiny accessories from Shopkins, LOLs, and others I can’t even keep up with

…I learn all about what is fashionable

…I get free makeovers complete with nail polish and eye shadow

…I get to experience events like blizzards and Christmas through their eyes, making me appreciate them on an entirely deeper level

…I don’t get upset when they’re still a newborn and get mistaken for a boy

…I’m well-versed in all things Barbie and American Girl Doll

…most of all, I get to think about how blessed I am to have them in my life

Christopher Pierznik’s nine books are available in paperback and Kindle. Check out more of his writing at Medium. His work has appeared on XXL, Cuepoint, Business Insider, The Cauldron, Medium, Fatherly, Hip Hop Golden Age, and many more. Subscribe to his monthly newsletter or follow him on Facebook or Twitter.