As a dad, I gotta admit that I love Father’s Day. Afterall, who doesn’t enjoy getting acknowledgments, praise, and shout-outs for doing something that they would do anyway? The extra attention is just an added bonus, like getting a free (and awesome) dessert at the end of an already outstanding meal.
I think the role of “Dad” has evolved more than that of “Mom” when it comes to parenting. A generation ago, dads were expected to be the breadwinners, the providers, and the protectors of the home, while most of the “parenting duties” were left to mom. You saw this portrayed everywhere, with dads coming through the front door with a “Honey, I’m home” and the wife and kids running dutifully to greet him at the front door. Next scene, dad’s in his chair watching TV or reading his newspaper, while mom scurries in with a “children, let your father rest”. Thankfully those days are gone, and dads are now expected to do their equal part in parenting, and rightfully so. Moms have always carried the responsibility of raising the kids, but now they can expect their husbands to pull their parenting weight too.
Dads play such a critical part in their kids’ lives. They are their sons first heroes and boys learn to become men by watching their dads. They are their daughters first loves and girls learn how they should be treated by men by how they are treated by their dads. One of the biggest blessings I have ever received is being born to a father who took his role as dad seriously. Yes, he played the “traditional role” of a father (breadwinner, protector) to a tee, but he also knew, even then, that being a dad was so much more that that, and he joyfully took on all those responsibilities as well. If people “praise” me for the kind of dad I am to my two daughters, it’s because I had a great role model to emulate. Thanks Dad!
So to all the dads out there who are ever present and active in their children’s lives, a toast to you. To the veteran fathers, I’m sure you have your own stories to tell. To the new fathers, you’re probably still a mess of emotions – happy, fearful, proud, anxious – but don’t worry, you’ll be ok. To those still waiting and praying for their own fatherhoods to begin, keep the faith – I had to wait 10 years, but it was worth it.
This may be a day late, but nevertheless, Happy Father’s Day!