On Fatherhood

I don't care what anybody says; bringing children in to the world it the one thing in life that makes it all worth while. Being a man, I realize that my gender has it a bit easier in this regard. Setting that part of the process aside, being someone's dad is the best job on the planet. As with any position in life it has it ups and downs, but the ups far outweigh the downs. 

The responsibilities of fatherhood are huge. One of the most important things a father provides is safety. I'm not just talking about an environment free from physical harm, but one where a child is free to be safe within themselves. As a father, I must constantly be aware of the immense power I hold. Our children look up to us, and one slip of the tongue or action can do almost irreparable harm to a child's self view.

I do my fair share of yelling, and being mad when my kids do things that they shouldn't, like fighting with each other, or calling each other stupid. For the most part I try to explain to them first that there are better ways of resolving the problem, like asking themselves how they are reacting to the situation, which is pretty much the only thing we have control over anyway.  If that doesn't work then out comes the mean Dad. I don't like being the mean dad, but in my book that kind of behavior is unacceptable. At the same time I have to be careful not to make them think that I don't love them or that they have some flaw that makes them unlovable. I don't particularly like this part of the job, I mean who likes to yell at their kids? This is one of the down sides, but to me it's necessary to forging adults from children. Making good adults who will be good parents is the goal.

Last night my wife and son went out to see "Walking with Dinosaurs". I was reading and my daughter came in and asked if she could read to me. She's reading Lemony Snicket, and if you know that series of unfortunate events, then you know that there are some pretty big words in there. She's in 3rd grade, and her command of the language is incredible.  After years of reading "Cat in the Hat" and "Curious George" to the point of memorization, it was so nice to have my nine year old read to me. I felt so proud of her, and still do. Massive up-side. 

The challenges of fatherhood are many, but I wouldn't trade it for all the world because the rewards are priceless.