Here’s an ear-opening interview on NPR’s “Tell Me More” about fathers and happiness: Father’s and Happiness.
Listen to a traditional “breadwinner” father, a “stay-at-home” dad, and a dad who’s trying to do both talking about their happiness as they try to balance, their fears, frustration and . . . well, happiness, being a father (Guess who’s more often to be a happy parent?)
On Mother’s Day, here’s hoping all of my readers will take a moment to thank all the mothers in their lives, including the mothers of their children, even if those women don’t appreciate YOU, do the best you can to appreciate them. Pay it forward a little bit. It goes a long way.
I am so grateful for my children. One of my sons is a new father who stays home to care for my grandson. He is much like so many of you, who are a new generation of fathers. You are young men who have sworn never to allow your children to experience fatherlessness as you may have done. I’m proud of my sons and I’m honored to know those of you who are creating a new generation of parents who can love and respect both mothers and fathers.
Feminists who think men are pigs and should be relegated to a remote island, shut up and sit down!
Women at Google are showing that what fathers have been saying for the last twenty years is right! Children need both mothers and fathers, and mothers and fathers need to be able to share equally in making a living and caring for their families.
Check it out: Google Study by Sharon Meers Supports Equality of Men and Women. The study shows that mothers have everything to do with supporting the relationship of their children with the children’s fathers.
Maryland Family Law Firm recently launched an upgraded website. Check it out at: http://marylandfamilylawfirm.com!
One of my fondest childhood memories was when my Daddy read to me at the end of the day. Our home was a very traditional one, and since Daddy was also a pastor, every day ended with “family worship.” Okay, I didn’t REALLY care what it was called, it meant that my folks took turns telling us stories! Daddy was especially interesting to me, because he knew EVERYTHING about the story. While my brothers and sisters nodded off while he expounded about the history of the Bible story, or the reason one hero acted like he or she should have acted, or didn’t act like he or she should have acted, I was enthralled. He still does this, my Dad. Just tonight when I talked to him on the phone, he told me a story about a new book he’d read that was about the same topic as a book I’m reading. Priceless!
This past summer, I got his book called, “The Power of Slow.” The guy writing it said he knew he was in trouble when he found this book in an airport on one of his multinational plane trips called something like, “One-Minute Bedtime Stories.”
That nonsense would NEVER have appealed to my Dad. And hopefully, it won’t appeal to you. One of the best things you can do for your kids, whether you are a mother or a father, is to take the time to READ to your kids at bedtime. Here’s a link to how you can make the most of that experience: Read To Me!
I came across this touching piece on Youth Radio International: The Struggle of Young Fathers.
Those of you who have the experience and wisdom to help these young men, please listen carefully to their voices and do everything you can to contribute to them, of your time, your example, and your resources. What you do WILL make this world a better place!
Here’s a link to a documentary that celebrates something happening more and more often among men, younger and older. Happy Stay at Home Dads.
I would mention that I disagree with the intro speaker who says one parent can do it all. Kids need both moms AND dads, but thank goodness there are more and more dads willing to forget the stereotypes and be there for their kids!
