Happy Father’s Day to all of my fellow fathers. Hard to believe this summer is already in mid-June? Not to mention the heat hit like a brick house as well. I thought I’d write an update to the blog since it has been a while.
These day’s seem so different from the last 30 years that I can remember. What I mean by that is the way parenting has changed, and how the view society arbitrary thinks the father figure should be and his role in the family setting. Back in the day I can remember when I saw the whites of my pops eyes, I was either getting a spanking or chilling in my room to do some involuntary solo time.
I have personally experienced the judgment from fellow adults from a multitude of parenting opinionating angles. I remember that I disciplined my son at the grocery store and heard the chattering of a fellow adult expressing her feelings on how I was to harsh. Another such moment came from a gentleman stating, “he is only a kid man!!” While some opinions and constructive criticism I do not mind; cheap insult parenting shots can take a rain check from my fellow peers.
My standpoint on being a dad/father is changing with the times, yet trying to keep that old school touch. Its a trapeze style of parenting however, its the frame of choice that I think is best for my family. Don’t get me wrong, I am human and pass judgment I shouldn’t all the time, but 99% of that time I keep it in my head, and don’t verbalize it.
The world truly is a different place than 30 years ago. Internet, cell phones, faster pace lives, and more go on the go than ever!!! I still see many kids playing around in the yard’s with their friends, and some street hockey and basketball going on in the court I live on. That is always a great thing to see, I am always trying NOT to be the Clint Eastwood style of character that says to the neighbor kids, “GET OF MY LAWN!!!” That is the guy I do not want to be. However, I noticed over the year’s that less and less kids are playing and what seems like they are staying more indoors.
This is where that parenting thing comes in. Difficult sometimes to say the least but, there is still that childhood we had, that we can take a slice of and bring down to our kids. I try my best but do not always succeed to get my son outside and play baseball, tag, or whatever. I try to spend time to help him as much as can with school, and other activities to be at. I try to hang with my daughter and be there with her every bit I can as well Sometimes it feels like a time struggle, but every moment really is a blessing, so I am grateful.
Know my fellow father’s do what you do and just DO the best that you can. Give a 100% to your family and children, and leave the rest at the door. Remember that your a person, not the almighty, and will make mistakes all the time. The learning angle can be a curve, but is necessary for us to learn the in-and-outs of IT all as they say. Remember how Dad knew how to do all of the fix its, and be so strong, and tough? Your that in training and do not even know it.
Lastly though I still have some of that TOUGH LOVE from time to time. I will not tolerate certain things, and have a civil way of handling the matter. Spanking seems to be deemed out these days by a lot of society. HOWEVER……. I repeat, I am NOT, NOT my kids friend. I am not hear to be easy on you, I am not going to let up on you to do your best, and what I say, I mean it. Sometimes it sucks being that guy, but like I said, I not my kids friends. I am here to make them into a productive member of society, and have them treat people well, and learn about our religion and values. Yet I will do everything in my power to love you, be there for you, and cheer and cry with you. There is no shame in that, and if anyone says so. To Bad!
Closing in this post to my fathers and their families. Thank you for Father’s Day. Its not a day to celebrate us. It is a day to realize the privilege it is to be a dad. Cause there are many that want that yet, and can’t, or are trying and having trouble. Remember them, do not forget about them! Your role as a father is an honor the good Lord has given you! Use it wisely, and be proud of every second you get to be a Father.
Happy Father’s Day fella’s.
Kent
HammerTimeTalk 