Happy Father’s Day to new dads, old dads, dads that are no longer with us, dads-in-law, granddads, uncle dads, stepdads, and ‘like a dad’ dads! There are so many different types of fathers out there, and today we salute you!
Today we thank the dads who offer endless support and dedication to their family. Today we appreciate the dads for their guidance as they help raise little humans. May we express gratitude for all the dads who have made sacrifices and put their family first. We value the men who strive to work together with all the mamas out there to help their children thrive in this ever-changing world.
To honor all the dads behind the FCMB contributor team, we asked them a not-so-simple question. What is one life lesson you are teaching (or plan to teach) your kids? Their answers are real, raw, and fun to read!
Andrew (father to three daughters 9, 6, and 4): I have no idea who my children will grow up to be, but they will have manners and be respectful. Manners have no cost, no restrictions, no pricey club memberships, no secret societies, etc. Manners are ageless, priceless, and classless. Manners teach patience, gratitude, sympathy, empathy, even basic hygiene – the list goes on and on.
Chris (father to sons ages 9 and 7 and daughter age 7): Life isn’t fair. If you want something, you need to work hard and not rely on others. Also, you can pick your friends. You can pick your nose. But you can’t pick your friend’s nose!
Kris (father to two daughters 7 and 4 and a son on the way): Resilience. I want my children to be strong and independent, both mentally and emotionally. Their ability to overcome obstacles physically, mentally, and emotionally on their own is important to improving their abilities to adapt and get through difficult situations later in life. Their mother and I will not always be present to help or fix things. Therefore, they must learn to be resilient, to ignore offensive and hateful words directed at them, to find coping mechanisms that work for them, and to never give up when times are tough!
Steve (father to two daughters 8 and 5): Never give up and keep trying when learning something new. If you fall down in life, you have to get back up and keep going!
Mike (father to twin daughters age 4 and son age 11 months): Always hold the door, but don’t ever be the doormat!
Joe (father to two daughters 6.5 and 3): If at first you don’t succeed, try, try again. Resilience is a valuable lesson.
Tyler (father to two daughters ages 7 and 1 and son age 5): Be happy, confident, and kind! An all-inclusive “lesson” and approach to life.
Rob (father to two sons ages 9 and 4): The most important lesson in life is to simply be a good person!
Sal (father of son age 3): Cherish each moment no matter how small! A smile, a hug, or a kiss; each day is something to be grateful for. Be kind to every living thing as we all live on the planet Earth together.
Joseph (father to daughters age 5 and 3 and son age 3): I’d like my children to always give their best effort, especially when taking on new tasks. Most great things come from some form of struggle. If you fall off that proverbial, and sometimes a literal bicycle, get back on and keep pedaling. Of course, mom and dad will offer a guiding and supportive hand. But for children, nothing will beat that sense of accomplishment from all the effort they put in and finally being triumphant. And most of all, when that undertaking they have faced head-on is complete and the words “I did it” are uttered, everyone will share in that proud moment.
Iain (father of two daughters 7 and 4): I want my daughters to know that they can have virtually anything in the world that they want, but they can’t have everything. My hope with this lesson is that they will think hard about what they really want in life, and then be realistic about what it’s going to take for them to get it. They will need to decide what they value most and then prioritize. Most importantly, it will take hard work and commitment.
To all the dads out there today – I hope you enjoy your day and feel appreciated! To my own dad – thank you for teaching me to work hard, value family, and be grateful for all that life has to offer. And to my husband and father of our three girls – thank you for loving and supporting us every day. I am so thankful to be sharing life, love, and parenthood with a wonderful man like you!
Happy Father’s Day! What are you doing to celebrate the dads in your life?
