When My Kids Prefer The Dog Over Me

It started last month when I decided to finally teach my kids how to ride a bike. They're both at the age where they're starting to want more independence, so this seemed like the perfect bonding activity. I've always been there for them, whether it was their first steps or helping with homework. But when we got to the park and set up the tricycles, my youngest looked over at the neighbor's dog and said she'd rather go play with that instead. At first, I just laughed it off. Kids are so unpredictable! She ended up having more fun playing fetch with the pup than riding her bike anyway. But then it started happening everywhere we went. My older one will ask to pet a stray cat on walks but refuses when I offer to play catch or go for ice cream together. I know, you might think it's silly to be upset about this - and maybe it is. The thing that gets me most is seeing them with other people's pets and how affectionate they are compared to when we're just hanging out as a family. My heart sinks a little each time. Anyway, the other day I was at home baking cookies when my oldest came in from outside and asked if she could take some treats to feed our neighbor's doggy. She spends more time planning what snacks she can bring for their furry friend than she does playing games with me. I'm trying not to make a big deal out of it, but it feels like I've become the less cool parent compared to all the pets in town (and yes, that probably means I should just relax about it). There's something sad knowing you're not as exciting as a neighbor's dog. So here's my confession - or maybe more accurately my venting session. The truth is, sometimes I feel like the only thing keeping me sane are those times when they look up and call for their parents instead of the animals around them. But it makes me wonder where all this affection leaves us as a family.