This month we asked you to share about dads and fatherhood. Here are your answers! Thanks for sharing, and we hope the fathers out there had a wonderful Fathers Day!
Why do you love being a dad?
It's a pretty cool feeling to have someone who depends on you the way a child does. I have a real sense of purpose now. There is a lot of pressure to raise my daughter the right way (whatever that is) but it is a challenge that I relish. Being a dad is awesome!
Aaron C.
What did your father teach you about being a parent?
Unfortunately, my father taught me more about what not to do...valuable lessons nonetheless I guess. Put your child first, no matter what. Their future hinges on the decisions that you make for them now.
Aaron C.
What is something no one told you about fatherhood?
How much perspective you gain. My outlook on things has changed drastically.
Aaron C.
What’s the best advice another father gave you?
Everyone is going to raise their kids differently. You do what's best for your family. You will know what to do. -- paraphrase from my good buddy Evan.
Aaron C.
What advice do you have for a first-time father?
You can never be too informed. It's important to balance your instincts with as much reliable, trustworthy information as possible.
Everything is a stage, likely to be outgrown, but how you deal with it and how you teach your child to handle it will last.
One of my favorite quotes:
"Be the change you want to see in your child."
Chris F.
What is something all dads should do with their kids?
Laugh. Definitely laugh with their kids!
Katja W.L
Skydiving!!
Randal F.
What’s your favorite memory of your dad from your childhood?
I remember the day that my Dad came home from work to surprise me with a purchase of a new bike. It made an impression on me that he stopped work on a beautiful Saturday to take me. We drove to Western Auto, in our small little town, and let me pick it out. He even let me upgrade to the lime green, pink & orange Shasta Daisy floral banana seat! I felt like my Dad owned the town that day. I felt so privileged & rich that we could buy that snazzy, brand new bike with the beautiful banana seat! Afterwards, he took me to Tastee-Freez for ice cream. I think what stuck out in my mind was that he made a point just to take me... not Momma, not my brother. It was a special trip & gift just for me!
Juli M.
What’s your favorite memory of your dad from your adulthood?
I have two favorite dad memories. Obviously the first is when he walked me down the aisle. He looked proud, scared and wistful all at once. My second fondest memory is seeing my Dad with all his grandkids when they were infants. Seeing him cuddle and coo to these babies made me think "this is what he was like when we were babies!"
Caley C.
My favorite memory is when I stayed with my parents for about a month while my husband was overseas. We lived out in the country and had a big vineyard and other fields by our house. Every morning I would go walking/running with my dad. We had great discussions and I got so close to him on those walks. Being in the middle of nowhere without cell phone service or Internet is such a blessing!
Grace K.
Thanks to everyone who shared!