• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
home header image
SUPPORT US
  • ABOUT
  • GROUPS
  • RESOURCES
  • CONTACT US
  • SUPPORT US

First Father’s Day Brings Doubts Along with Joys

June 24, 2009 by APW

lance somerfeld baby jake first father's day

Father’s Day has always been a day to appreciate and celebrate with my dad. We usually have a family dinner, brunch, or if lucky, a barbecue. Now, I am included in the mix of this father’s “appreciation” day as well. Enter the greetings cards and I’m sure a few neckties in the years to come.

As I reflect a bit, I realized that this first Father’s Day felt different because it is still hard for me to believe that I am a parent. My son is almost one. One — can you image that? So I find myself asking many questions.

Did I do everything with him that I could have? What can I do with him in the future?

Was I a good enough dad? If not, is there time for me to get better? Can I get better?

Should I have read him more books? Did I read him the right books?

Am I patient enough with him during his fussy moments?

My son can’t answer these questions in words, of course, but he shows me with his smiles and love. It is a pretty special gift for me in bonding with him every day because I am an at-home dad. That is the true gift of father’s day for me this year!

Was this year’s “Hallmark” holiday any different than my normal weekend days? Not really. My family & I got to go for a walk to the park, enjoy a lazy afternoon together, and spend some quality time. Breaking away for an hour to go for a bike ride (my first ride since Jake was born 11 months ago) was a bonus as well!

I still can’t comprehend the fact that I am a dad, but I am sure it will sink in at some point. Do any other new dads (parents) share this feeling?

Related

Filed Under: at-home parenting, NYC Tagged With: Father's Day, holidays, stay-at-home dads

Reader Interactions

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Primary Sidebar

Join Your Local Group

Your local City Dads Group is a welcoming and diverse community of engaged fathers sharing parenting perspectives, knowledge and experiences.

Join Join your local group

Subscribe to our Newsletter

Find us on Social

  • About City Dads
  • Press
  • Media Kit
  • Privacy Policy
  • Contact

© 2025 City Dads Group :: part of 501(c)(3) nonprofit, All Parents Welcome - All Rights Reserved

We’re excited to announce that City Dads Group
is now a part of The DADS SUPPORTING DADS Community!