Back in 2010, I found myself transitioning out of one career and into the role of ‘primary caregiver’ or ‘stay-at-home’ dad. I felt as if I had lost my way and had trouble wrapping my head around how changing diapers might ever be associated with saving the world. I didn’t see my role as having any consequence as it related to the family, the community, or the world.
Superheroes come in all shapes and sizes. Historically, we’ve generally associated them with chiseled physiques, mystical powers, flashy suits or extraordinary weapons or vehicles. They leap from tall buildings, dangle over the depths of danger and heroically face adversaries head-on.
They have superhuman strength and durability, speed, elasticity, protective powers or possibly transmogrification. The same qualities that were found in Mr. Incredible, Elastigirl, Violet, Dash and Jack-Jack – the Disney Pixar superhero family that makes their sequel debut on June 18th.
The fun part about Incredibles 2 is that they’ve found an intersection where the surreal has met real life. This time around, it’s Mr. Incredible’s turn to take care of things at home, while Elastigirl fights the evils of the world.
It’s not that far of a cry from where my wife and I stood 8 years ago, switching roles, adapting to survive and protect and provide for our kids.
Back then, I had trouble finding the value in what I was doing. Even with family and close friends repeatedly reminding me that I was doing one of the most important jobs there was – I wasn’t buying it.
How was dropping off and picking up kids at school anything other than an annoying, laborious chore? Why did wiping down the counters with Clorox® Disinfectant Wipes or doing the dishes constitute a bronze statue of my bust being erected in the town square? What superpower was required to bleach everyone’s old t-shirts?
The reality is that running a household is no easy business and takes the ambition of a superhero. Maintaining a healthy and clean environment at home inspires kids to stay focused and organized throughout their day. Whether it’s packing lunches, keeping track of sports practices, helping with homework or scrubbing down the railings, walls and toilet seats with Clorox® – these tasks put you into the category of a superhero.
Perhaps that’s not how we perceive ourselves, but I’d bet that it’s the light your kids see you in. And every now and again, we need to acknowledge and recognize those role models for what they are.
That’s why I’ve teamed up with Disney/Pixar and Clorox® to celebrate our champion guardian protectors by giving them (you) a shot at winning a trip to NYC to see the coolest sights in the city and go on a super shopping spree at The Disney Store in Times Square. Twenty-five (25) first-prize winners will receive an Incredibles 2 prize pack. Visit HERE to enter (you can enter every day) or text the word ‘BIGCITY’ to 347639! Message and data charges may apply.
So puff up your chest, get that running start and leap into fighting crime and grime! Because when a clean home comes first, what comes next is Incredible.
EDITOR’S NOTE: This is a sponsored post on behalf of Clorox and the ‘Incredibles 2’ campaign, however the grime-fighting is all mine. For more information on them click HERE, on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
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