My children aren't angels

I feel I have to point that out because it's one of the first things other parents say to me if I call their children out on poor behavior. "Oh well what abut your child..!" It's as though they feel like unless your child is perfect you aren't allowed to notice anything about other people's children.

Here's the thing:
1) It's true my children aren't perfect, they have their irritating quirks and bad behaviors as well.
2) I'm not the perfect parent. There are still things I get wrong or don't feel I do well.
3) I don't mind if people point out the bits I'm missing.

I've had friends tell me I might want to pay attention to a particular behavior my child is exhibiting and I take the advice on board. I know that parents can be blind to their own children's annoying traits (or hyper obsessive about them) and I like to know if there's something they're seeing that I'm not.

Knowing the areas to improve on is a good thing. Life is all about learning and growing and developing into better human beings.

When meeting parents who are closed off to the idea that something about them or their child's behavior is off, that's when navigating a relationship can get tricky.

Make your children laugh

I'm not much of a comedian. Mostly my children groan at my jokes and are constantly telling me I'm not funny.

Note: mum jokes are as (un)well received as dad jokes.

This doesn't stop me from trying to make my children laugh or play 'funny buggers' with them. For example here's a conversation I had with one of my children.

My child found a thermometer in it's clear plastic container, held it up to me and asked: 

Child: What does this do?

Me: It's a thermometer, it measures body temperature to see if people are unwell.

Child: How do you use it?

Me: You stick up someone's bottom.

Child: No you don't! You put in under the tongue?

Me: Oh no, poor dad.  I've been using it wrong all this time.

**

What are some funny jokes you tell your children?