We have a joke in our family (many actually). Whenever the children have something yummy, like an ice-cream, they give a bite to Daddy as Daddy-Tax. The children roll their eyes and say, “DAAAAD!” before reluctantly giving it up – with a hint of a grin.
When it comes down to it, I think far too much and apply meaning to, well, everything. This is a positive element to my personality; however, I’ve learnt that not EVERYTHING has to have deep significance. That’s part of the reason why Blu (hubby) is so perfect for me. He takes things as they come and is a what-you-see-is-what-you-get person. (Also to mention the fact that he’s tall, dark and oh-so-handsome). 
Now, on to the deep meaning I attach to Daddy-Tax (I still indulge; so sue me). I appreciate and honour my husband for working hard to provide for our family so I can continue to work from home. In turn, my husband respects what I do and the sacrifices I’ve made in my role as Mother. Daddy-Tax has really nothing to do with this and everything to do with this.
Daddy-Tax really is a joke but I like to take every opportunity to honour Blu in front of the children. I say something like this: ”Daddy worked hard to pay for those treats you know.”
I believe it’s important to create an environment of respect for your spouse and it has to be an intentional thing. There are so many opportunities to do this very thing – there for the taking.
How do you create an environment of respect for your spouse?
{ 19 comments… read them below or add one }
Wow, good post. I would never have thought of “daddy-tax” as an opportunity to show respect to my husband!
I guess the biggest thing for me at this stage is just to talk to my daughter about how much we love daddy, miss daddy when he is at work, make sure I say thanks to my husband when he helps around the house (especially in front of our children), comment on great things daddy does (e.g. “Daddy mowed the lawn so we can play outside on the grass. Didn’t daddy do a great job?”). More for me to think about now…
Beautiful ideas Julie.
My husband reminds the children to thank me for making dinner each night. I think I need to come up with a way for us all to show him that we appreciate him going to work everyday.
That’s beautiful Amanda, that your husband does that. It should work both ways hey.
Ah so cool… When my boy was little and just starting solids we had ‘Morgan Tax’ where everyone shared a little of what they had on their plates with him.
For us, like you, it was just an ‘in joke’ but actually I really like the family atmosphere it created. That we should share and help our little one learn from all of us…
I’m right with you when it comes to honouring the work everyone in our family does. My DH works shifts and we spend a lot of time talking about why Daddy is asleep in the day and why he works at night, how his job is important to us and to other people etc etc. I think it cam be hard for young children to grasp the concept of what a parent does when they ‘go to work’ and how it impacts the family so we talk it up often.
LOL Morgan Tax – so cute. I love how you’ve put it: I like the family atmosphere it created. You hit the nail right on the head there.
Your DH works shifts! Oh man, so does mine sometimes (drives me nuts!). But you are right, it’s great to ‘talk it up’.
Hi, first time visiting your site! It seems great and I will be back.
Our bub is still a very young but we are raising him in a bilingual environment and I speak to my husband in Japanese but to my son in English. I try to show respect to my husband, who doesn`t always understand what I am saying in English, by repeating what I say to Noah in Japanese for him if I think it is something he might not have understood!
And say to my son “Say thank you to daddy” when he does nice stuff for us! Like vaccuum!! haha!
I like the idea of Daddy-tax!
Wow, that’s an amazing challenge! I’m sure your son is picking up both languages quickly. Oh to have the learning mind of a child! Sounds like you are juggling the language well. Good job!
Hi Kel,
Yes, would love to catch up some time. you have my email here if you would like to let me know what you are up to.
The kids and I have always waited out the front yard or door for their Daddy to come home and give him a big welcome as he comes in the door. We make a big deal out of it and they get very excited.
He gets many hugs and kisses and our night time routine involves Daddy tucking the boys in and saying their prayers with them. I guess our Daddy’s love language is more about actions than words.
Love Nicole
I’ll email you Nicole. Would love to see you and the boys again. Love Kell
That’s a really smart and well thought out way of appreciating your husband/your kids father. What a cute idea
We don’t do much like that, but we are never given anything without our manners being involved first. And mum and dad always use to ask for ‘bites’ of anything they bought us, and we always gave in…
Hope you are having a beautifully lovely week.
K xx
Thank you lovely.
Hi Kelly
I’m so glad you left a comment on my blog so I could then link to yours – what a fantastic site you have … will visit again soon, off to browse through older posts now!
Welcome Amy! I’m so glad to have you here.
Love it! Reminds me of the concept of tithing (Daddy-tax!) to our Father God! This would make a wonderful article in Footprints you know …
That’s beautiful Janet. I love that. I may just have to write to incorporate that very thing. xx
haha fun idea – dad’s need to be honoured
They do indeed
This is not an area of strength for me but your post lit my fire.
Thank you.
My husband works long hours, in a job he does not like very much, to keep his family alive and thriving.
I needed that.
~andrea