In a now-viral Instagram video shared by @fitdadceo, a dad humorously navigates the ever-changing struggles of parenting at the dinner table with the help of Santa. Captioned “’Tis the season to weaponize Santa,” the video begins with a before kids perspective, where the dad confidently asserts his stance against using Santa or bribes in parenting.

Cut to the reality with kids, and the dad is hilariously in full-on bribery mode. Addressing an imaginary conversation with a child, he quips, “Oh, you don’t think I know him?” The dad pretends to make a phone call to Santa himself, wherein the dad seeks advice on disciplining his son for refusing dinner. The dad relays to Santa that his son isn’t eating his veggies and should be removed from the nice list. Hearing this, the son, Preston, immediately starts eating his vegetables.

The audience was absolutely on board with the dad’s tactics, offering their own instances of parenting insanity. One parent veered from Santa to the Grinch, admitting to saving their number as “The Grinch” in their phone and leaving pretend voicemails, creating a hilarious ruse for their kids.

A particularly crafty tip involved bringing in a friend as the designated “Santa” contact, offering a lifeline for parents dealing with curious kids who demand proof. However parents use Santa in the holiday season, they can rest assured that they likely aren’t the only parents using the naughty list as a subtle threat!

Recently one stay-at-home dad took to Reddit to express his struggle with social inclusion at the playground. The dad shared his experience of feeling left out when visiting a local park with his little son. Despite being surrounded by other parents, mostly moms, he found himself sitting quietly by himself, excluded from their group chats. As a stay-at-home parent, he emphasized the significance of social interaction and made a heartfelt plea for dads to be allowed to connect with other parents.

The dad’s post resonated with many commenters who could relate to the challenges of breaking into mom-centric social circles. A single dad expressed sadness at the situation, longing for the chance to share the joyous parenting moments with fellow caregivers. However, some commenters advised reading the social dynamics of the park before assuming exclusion. They suggested that not all dads may be interested in engaging in small talk during their park visits, emphasizing the importance of respecting individual preferences.

Amidst the discussion, several commenters revealed their ambivalence towards the common parent small-talk culture. Instead, they expressed the desire to simply sit back, relax, and observe their children at play without feeling obligated to engage in conversation. While acknowledging the potential loneliness experienced by dads within parenting circles, they also discussed and mainly focused on the less desirable aspects of small talk at the playground.

In conclusion, the general consensus among commenters highlighted the significance of inclusivity. When dads appear lonely or isolated at the park, extending an invitation to join the social scene can make a positive difference. However, it is equally important to respect their need for personal space and allow them to enjoy their solitude if they prefer. Striking a balance between inclusion and autonomy ensures that everyone’s social needs are met.