ON FATHERHOOD

So, I guess it wouldn't be unusual for me to do a little post about Father's Day. I have a wonderful father, grandfathers, father-in-law, and husband who is the best father of them all (sorry to the rest, but it's true). When we took my daughter to her 2-month well check, our pediatrician was very impressed that my husband left work early to come to the appointment (I didn't mention that he hated his job and would find any excuse in the world to leave early). Anyway, she started telling us some interesting things about the father/daughter relationship. Here is what we learned about girls who have strong relationships with their dads:

1. They have higher self-esteem.
2. They have better body images.
3. They are less likely to have an eating disorder.
4. They do better in school.
5. They are more likely to be involved in sports/dance, etc and excel at them.
6. They are less likely be teen mothers.
7. They are less likely to be in abusive relationships when they are older.

The same does not hold true for the mother/daughter relationship (or father/son, mother/son--sorry boys). It is a true testament to how important a daddy is in the life of his little girl.

Here is a quote that applies to all parents but that I think, with the above thoughts, holds especially true for fathers. I read it often to remind myself of the awesome responsibility I have as a parent. Be prepared, it gives me chills every time I read it.

Brothers and sisters, our children take their flight into the future with our thrust and with our aim. And even as we anxiously watch that arrow in flight and know all the evils that can deflect its course after it has left our hand, nevertheless we take courage in remembering that the most important mortal factor in determining that arrow's destination will be the stability, strength, and unwavering certainty of the holder of the bow.

(Jeffery R. Holland as quoted in 10 Secrets Wise Parents Know by Brent L. Top and Bruce A. Chadwick)

I'm not really sure what has happened to Fatherhood in our society. People would have us believe that it just doesn't matter anymore. While running errands tonight, we saw a father and his two pre-adolescent sons out playing catch in the yard and I thought, How awesome and what a rare sight to see these days. So, today, let's not forget our dads because they are an example in this life of an even greater Father who loves us even more and with whom our relationship holds all importance.