Why do we call it parenting when it's actually just controlled chaos?

Dec 11 min read

Honest question. Today I found my 4yo in the backyard at 8am in full Spider-Man costume (in 75 degree weather) trying to "web" the fence with our garden hose. He was soaked. There was mud. I'm pretty sure he thought this was the best morning ever. Meanwhile I'm over here trying to figure out if wet costume + mud = laundry emergency or just a regular Tuesday. Do other dads find this stuff as legitimately hilarious as I do or am I just weird?

9 comments107 views

Comments(9)

SSam F.New Dad1d ago

The backyard hose thing is gold though. Dude spent an entire morning being fully engaged and creative. Yeah he's soaked and muddy but he's not asking you for screen time or bored. That's a win in my book.

BBob M.Regular11h ago

We call it parenting because "controlled chaos management" doesn't fit on the bumper stickers lmaooo. But real talk, this is such a wholesome moment. Your kid thinks he's a superhero and you're letting him be one.

PPaul T.Regularjust now

The Spider-Man bit is funny but also like... he was outside, active, imaginative, not destroying anything. The wet muddy clothes is like the most minor consequence. I'd call that a parenting W honestly.

LLou P.Regularjust now

Because parenting IS controlled chaos??? You nailed it. The hose-webbing energy is what it's all about though. He's learning, exploring, having the time of his life in his own universe. That's the win.

TTony L.Regularjust now

I love this energy. My 4yo has been convinced he's a "water scientist" and just demands to "study" water everywhere. Destroyed a bathroom yesterday testing water viscosity or whatever he thought he was doing. But he was HAPPY and learning in his own chaos way.

PPhil K.Regularjust now

This is peak 4-year-old energy right here lol. The Spider-Man costume in 75 degree weather absolutely tracks. They live in a completely different reality and honestly it's amazing.

DDean F.Regularjust now

That Spider-Man moment is exactly why I stopped trying to keep everything tidy. He thought he was a superhero saving the world. Who cares if the fence is wet. That's a memory.

KKevin P.Regularjust now

lol your 4yo is living his best life and honestly that's peak parenting right there. The controlled chaos IS the point.

TTyler H.Regular12h ago

We call it 'parenting' because 'controlled chaos management' is too long lol. But yeah your post is peak 4yo behavior. Mine did the exact same thing last week except with a cape and the garden hose was suddenly a 'lightsaber water stream.' Some days that IS actually being a good dad - letting them be weird.