Editor’s Note: To celebrate Father’s Day this year, we asked some of our members to tell us about some of similarities and differences between them and the father figures in their lives. Enjoy. – EB.
Unconditional Love is a Thing
The unconditional love that I was always shown by my father and grandfather made me adapt the same unconditional love for my kids. I am more active and involved than my father was. My parents were divorced and my father moved out of state. Beyond that, it was really unheard of and unacceptable for a dad to stay home with the kids. I never imagined that I would be an at-home dad, but now I realize that this time with my kids is something no one can take away from me. It’s priceless.
-Pat Jacobs (@justadad247) is from Elk Grove, IL and is co-creator of justadad247.com.
Teaching a little DIY is a good thing
My dad was always a do-it-yourself type of guy and I see that with me and my children. I want them to learn to do things on their own and be independent, but also know that it’s ok to ask for help every now and then. I try to spend as much time as I can with my children, be it playing with play-doh or just coloring throughout the week. I remember my dad working a lot and the weekends were our time to have fun.
-Victor Aragon jr. (@fandads)is from Chicago, IL and is co-creator of fandads.com.
The importance of making time for fun
My dad was an entrepreneur– he worked for himself and he worked a lot. Most of the raising of the kids happened by my mom while my dad was off working or traveling. There were sometimes weeks when we didn’t see him at all. But when we did see him, he was always quick with a joke, or a ritual or a routine. We played games, we ate ice cream, we had treats– in some ways he was like the fun uncle. While I am consciously much more present in my son’s life than my dad was in mine, I also want to be the fun dad too- and have him remember those good times (and want my son to remember those times) I try to get him treats, surprise him with jokes, and go on adventures (often cultural adventures) together. So I am the disciplinarian, but every once in a while I change hats and put on my “Fun Uncle” Hat.
-Adam Gertsacov (@dadapalooza) from Chicago, IL and is the creator of dadapalooza.com.
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