A few months after our son was born, my husband and I went to visit my grandmother. At some point, the baby needed a diaper change, and my husband whisked him away to take care of it. My grandmother looked shocked. “He changes diapers? I’m surprised he even knows how they work!” My grandmother raised her two daughters at a time when most mothers were the sole caregivers of their children. Those days might be behind us now, but many people continue to wrongly assume that when fathers watch kids, they’re more like babysitters and less like parents.

My husband isn’t our kids’ babysitter; he’s their father. But you know what? I still thank him for watching the kids when I’m out. Here are 5 reasons why I think it’s not only OK but also essential to thank your husband when he watches the kids.