Annoying Dad

Let me just start by saying I'm not trying to be negative here, but seriously, you all have run into a version of Annoying Dad at your playground and can relate!

So, my little birds and I were at the playground - lots of kids, Moms, Dads, Nannies - and everyone is having a great time. Sun is shining, birds are chirping, kids are laughing, blah blah blah. Annoying Dad shows up and throws off the whole vibe.

Let me describe him so you can get a good vision in your head of this guy. Dad jeans - and I mean DAD jeans. Acid wash, 12 inch zipper, probably Costco special via 1998. White (yet dirty), super puffy New Balance shoes which I'm sure he refers to as 'sneakers', sweatshirt tied around his waist (I mean, how can he do this?! I'm sure he normally reserves this space for his fanny pack!), shaggy gray hair with washed out brown tips. Proof that he went through some sort of mid-life crisis and dyed his hair only to realize it was not his best look. Oh, and how can I forget the color changing glasses - watch 'em get dark in the sunshine kids!

Okay, okay so who cares what he looks like. I get it. If he's a great Dad he can wear whatever floats his 1990's lovin' boat. What certifies his Annoying Dad status is how LOUDLY he talked to his 5 year old son in a baby voice in public. "Watch that big guy come down the slide-y wide-y! Go strong man...my tough bear!" I feel like he was trying to talk so loudly so we could all see what an "amazing" dad he was being. He asked all the parents which kids were theirs in a manner that made me feel like he wanted to know right away who to jump on if his child was 'wronged' and made absolutely sure no one cut his son in line for the swings and was right on his heels baby talking him all around the sandbox. Do your son a favor, Annoying Dad, and keep the baby talk at home. Geeeesh!

I'm one of those people who gets embarrassed for others and I was dying inside for this kid. Uuuhhhh, I feel so much better now that I got that off my chest! I hope your inevitable run-ins with the Annoying Dad at your playground are few and far between!