When you think of classic kids’ shows, pasta isn’t typically the first thing that springs to mind—unless you’re in our home. With my partner away on frequent trips, my eight-year-old son and I have developed a delightful routine of enjoying tiny elbow pasta drizzled with olive oil and sprinkled with parmesan while watching SpongeBob movies on the couch.
Now, you might wonder why we’re dining on the couch and what draws us to SpongeBob. My son discovered the show on one of our many streaming apps and quickly became a fan. We have a cherished tradition of pizza movie nights every Friday, which we all look forward to after a busy week. However, with my partner’s frequent travels and our son’s evening Little League games, those Friday night rituals often fall by the wayside.
Typically, when it’s just the two of us, we stick to dining at the table or occasionally going out for a casual meal. But one evening, I prepared some elbow pasta, and he asked if we could watch a movie together. I happily obliged. We snuggled on the couch—me sipping Rosé and him enjoying his milk—while we indulged in our pasta and a SpongeBob flick. Given that my son usually prefers his iPad or Xbox, it was a sweet change to bond over a classic TV show.
After the movie, we cozied up in his bed to read stories before he quickly drifted off to sleep. I used to dread my partner’s trips, feeling anxious about how to fill our days and weekends. I knew I’d have to take over bedtime reading, tooth-brushing reminders, and pajama changes. I had forgotten how precious and bonding those bedtime stories could be.
Now, I truly embrace this one-on-one time with my son when my partner is away. Instead of feeling upset when I mention, “Daddy is traveling,” he eagerly responds with, “We can watch a SpongeBob movie and eat pasta!” This shift fills me with a sense of accomplishment and anticipation for our special evenings. Admittedly, I sometimes bring a book to our movie nights, but my son doesn’t mind. He snuggles up next to me while I read, and he watches his show. It’s a cherished time that I know won’t last forever as he grows older.
It’s remarkable how something as simple as sharing a meal and a show can strengthen our bond. I used to think that every moment had to be packed with activities. Now I realize that as long as I’m present, he finds joy in our time together, no matter what we’re doing.
A funny incident occurred recently on the way to my son’s soccer tryouts. It was a scorching day, and with tryouts scheduled for 6:15 PM, my son was already feeling tired by the time we got in the car. My partner and I exchanged worried glances, unsure how he would handle the upcoming 90 minutes of scrimmaging. My partner, a former soccer player, offered to give him a pep talk. I watched as he spoke to our son, but I could see that his attention was drifting to the other kids. He simply didn’t want to be there.
I decided to step in with my own approach. I’ve noticed that when I attend his games, he tends to perform better—whether it’s luck or my strategy, who knows? I knelt beside him and reminded him of the last game where he scored four goals. I promised him that if he gave it his all, we could have pasta and watch more SpongeBob afterward. I told him he just needed to try his best for now.
Instead of leaving during tryouts, we stayed to see how he would fare. To our surprise, he jumped into the scrimmage with enthusiasm, laughing and playing hard for the entire session. Afterward, he felt fantastic about his performance. When my partner inquired about my pep talk, he burst into laughter at my unconventional coaching method. I realized that just like me, my son needed something to look forward to after facing a challenge—a comforting end goal that motivated him through the tough parts.
Our special SpongeBob and pasta nights mean so much to both of us. It’s about more than just watching a show; it’s a chance to unwind in a joyful, safe environment. In our hectic lives, both children and adults need moments to switch off and recharge. It’s important to know that after tackling something tough, there’s a cozy retreat waiting.
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In summary, the time I spend with my son while my partner travels has transformed from a source of anxiety to moments I genuinely cherish. Simple acts like sharing pasta and watching SpongeBob have created lasting memories and strengthened our bond, reminding me of the importance of being present.
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