What is a father?

By: Elizabeth Smith Miller, Director of Marketing and Events for National Safe Place Network

What is a father?  I did a quick search on the internet to see how “father” was defined and found “a man in relation to his natural child or children.”  I think I’m among great company when I say “it takes much more than being a man in relation to his natural child or children to be a father”.  I’ve asked around to see what being a father means.  To some, a father is a type of superhero because of their “special powers” and the protection they provide.  To others, fathers are also known to simply instill determination, courage, and integrity into the lives of their children.

I posed another question, “what do you admire most about your father?”  I thought I would receive similar adjectives than before, but had a heartfelt reaction when I heard one very simple, yet powerful statement “you didn’t give up on me”.  There seems to be a divide in our society where some experience essential teachings and see the sacrifice and there are others who only imagine a dream world of having a father in their life.  It is clear fatherhood isn’t defined by one simple action.  That’s great news!  It means you don’t have to let one action define “your” success of being a “father”!

When it boils down to it, something is going to impact the lives of children.  In my opinion, having someone present in their lives teaching them how to be the best person they can be… well, that is worthy of a celebration and a “Happy Father’s Day”.  Take the time to thank someone in your life that has made a difference, in a “fatherly” way.

In honor of Father’s Day, here are some great resources from the National Fatherhood Initiative:
Fatherhood Programshttp://www.fatherhood.org/
Free Resourceshttp://www.fatherhood.org/free-resources
The Father Factorhttp://www.fatherhood.org/the-father-factor

And just for funhttp://fulltrain.net/these-dads-start-strutting-from-the-garage-but-when-the-beat-drops-i-lose-it/

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