A Word About Fathers
June 23rd 2009 04:08
I know that Father's Day was yesterday but better late than never. I wanted to say a word about dads. Sometimes it seems that dads are not appreciated. On television they are often portrayed as well meaning buffoons who haven't a clue about their children. Television dads used to be the all knowing patriarchs, always available to guide their children and dole out discipline with a firm but fair hand. Lately, dads on television have become boorish slobs, more interested in drink than how their children are getting along.
The reality is somewhere between the two extremes. Real dads are involved with their children. They know how to soothe a crying infant and can deal with a cranky toddler. They've taken their children to day care and to the pediatrician. Real dads coach soccer and lead boy scout troops. They carry order forms for band fundraisers to work with them and help deliver dozens of boxes of girl scout cookies.
Real dads know how to mend a skinned knee and how to soothe a child who is heart broken over the death of a beloved pet. They can whip up a peanut butter sandwich and know that sometimes what's really needed is a trip to the ice cream shop.
A real dad is his son's first super hero and his daughter's first knight in shining armor. Even though he knows he has faults, in the eyes of his children he has none.
He understands that everything he does is being watched by adoring little eyes who will mimic him, sometimes at the worse moments. He will do anything to protect his children from harm. Most importantly, he knows that work will always be there but his children will only be children for a short time. That his most important work is his partnership with his child's mother, preparing them to take their place in society.
Even if real dads are not able to spend all the time they would like with their children, they realize that every second is precious. Because one day they will be gone.
The reality is somewhere between the two extremes. Real dads are involved with their children. They know how to soothe a crying infant and can deal with a cranky toddler. They've taken their children to day care and to the pediatrician. Real dads coach soccer and lead boy scout troops. They carry order forms for band fundraisers to work with them and help deliver dozens of boxes of girl scout cookies.
Real dads know how to mend a skinned knee and how to soothe a child who is heart broken over the death of a beloved pet. They can whip up a peanut butter sandwich and know that sometimes what's really needed is a trip to the ice cream shop.
A real dad is his son's first super hero and his daughter's first knight in shining armor. Even though he knows he has faults, in the eyes of his children he has none.
He understands that everything he does is being watched by adoring little eyes who will mimic him, sometimes at the worse moments. He will do anything to protect his children from harm. Most importantly, he knows that work will always be there but his children will only be children for a short time. That his most important work is his partnership with his child's mother, preparing them to take their place in society.
Even if real dads are not able to spend all the time they would like with their children, they realize that every second is precious. Because one day they will be gone.
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