My Hat Off to Fathers
In honor of Father’s Day on June 15, 2014, my hat is off to all fathers who have chosen to actively participate in the lives of their children. One of the most endearing moments I see, when in public, is fathers that are interacting with their children. It always seems, to me, that the child or children are always happy and engaged when with their fathers. My comment is not at all to say that children are not happy with their mothers, but to acknowledge that when fathers are involved in their children lives, children have the best of both worlds. Firsthand, I am blessed that I have two fathers that have done a tremendous job of assisting me raising our two boys; kudos to them both.
It is amazing that we must glorify fathers. Reason, so many fathers are not actively involved in their children lives. Millions of fathers are absent parents and evade their responsibilities financially, emotionally, physically and spiritually. Therefore, fathers who step up to their responsibilities are making a profound difference in our children lives. More and more fathers are custodial parents and are the primary residential parents of their children. It is reported that over 15% of fathers are custodial parents in the United States. It is also reported that more and more fathers are staying home to take care of their children while the other spouse works. Actually, there are over one million fathers that have selected this path. I applaud men who embrace parenting and acknowledge that parenting is one of the hardest responsibilities we encounter throughout our lives. However, our society has not 100% accepted fathers raising their children, but thinks that mothers should be the primary parent. This thought process has not stopped fathers from seek custody and breaking forging the footprint for more fathers to follow suit. While not everyone has embraced and supported this concept, fathers are well on our way to breaking the barriers they once endured.
Dennis has had custody of his now 13 year old son for ten years. Even though Dennis works full-time and his ex-wife lives out of state, being the primary parent has been one of the most fulfilling and rewarding experiences he has had. “As the residential parent, I never realized what a single mother, for instance, goes through on a daily base. From the time we wake up until it’s time for bed, I’m constantly thinking about my role and responsibility as a parent.” When asked why he chose to be a single dad, Dennis said that he wanted to be a constant positive influence in his son’s life. It was amazing speaking with Dennis and to see the love, adoration and joy he exuded when speaking about his son and being a single parent.
Dennis is just an example of the many fathers who play the most important role in our children lives. The trend is fastly growing when men are becoming the primary parent. No longer are the courtrooms frowning down on the male gender as parents; but considering the best interest of our most precious investments, our children.
On Father’s Day, I salute all fathers for making a difference.
