I knew it was going to happen sooner or later. I just didn't expect it to happen now.
I have always considered myself a pretty smart guy, and I think most people that know me would concur that I am not a complete drooling idiot. However, the tide is slowly turning for Mr. Mom. I have hit the ripe old age of 37 and years of excessive brain usage, not to mention the not so occasional beer, appear to finally be taking their toll. I, Mr. Mom., ..... am starting to lose to my kids in various activities.
Gone are the days of December 2008 (shown in the attached photo) when I would "let them win" the occasional game to encourage participation and foster confidence. Now I have to bring my A-game or it's over. My cloak of invincibility will quickly erode away, and a shell of a dad is all that will remain.
Up until yesterday, I had never really lost to any of my kids (except for a speed reading contest with Ms. A, but that doesn't really count because I typically read at the speed of an average 3rd grader - I'm more of a contemplation/comprehension guy). Then, last night while A is at Sunday school, B, C, and I sit down to play a memory matching game. We play the game, and per usual, I am paying about 65% attention so as to keep it close and not get all the matches but still move the game along and not have it last 7 hours. Before I know it, game over. Final score: B - 14; C - 12; Mr. Mom - 10. We do our typical post-game good-sportsmanship handshake, but all the while I'm a little thrown. What the F just happened? Then it hits me. The scales are starting to turn. There is nowhere for me to go but down.
Now the question is, what do I do with this profound insight? Do I play the part of super-proud dad, be elated that my kids are smart, and talented, and gifted, and awesome, and ...., and remain hopeful that they will end up a few rungs higher on the evolutionary ladder from their old man? Yes. That is the fork in the road that I am choosing to take.
But, just to make sure I still got it, C and I had a rematch today and I smoked him 20 - 16. In your face C.