A Call For Fathers
Dads, please let me encourage you to change some things in your life. A recent University study found that the average father in America spends less than sixty seconds per day in conversations with his children!
The actual number was 47 seconds per day.
How in the world does that happen? Certainly we fathers love our children and want the best for them. So what does this study tell us about the focus of our investment in the lives of our children? Are we too focused on our work? Are we too focused on our paychecks?
What’s with us men? Have we as fathers come to think that our kids really just need our money? I sure hope not.
Our children need us to look them in the eyes and talk with them. We need to actually be involved in the lives of our children and teens. We need to actively raise them, teach them, and shape their character and morals and values. We need to do these things on purpose, with a plan, with a focus. Parenting is a “hands on” activity.
So, spend time with your kids. Be available for your kids. Make your
kids a major priority in your life. Protect your family. Be involved in your family.
Look at your personal definition of “success.” My definition has become, “The progressive realization of moral, virtuous, or Godly goals.”
Obviously this definition has little to do with how much money I earn, or how much status I attain in my profession. It has little to do with my children becoming sports stars or validictorians (although they are both). Success has to do with character, relationships, and spiritual growth.
So fathers, please take the time to teach your children. Be role models for your teens. And spend more than 47 seconds each day in conversation with your children.
Douglas Cowan, Psy.D., is a family therapist who has been working with ADHD children and their families since 1986. He is the clinical director of the ADHD Information Library’s family of seven web sites, including http://www.newideas.net, helping over 350,000 parents and teachers learn more about ADHD each year. Dr. Cowan also serves on the Medical Advisory Board of VAXA International of Tampa, FL., is President of the Board of Directors for KAXL 88.3 FM in central California, and is President of NewIdeas.net Incorporated.
December 21st, 2008 at 11:42 am
Hello,
I would like to introduce you to http://www.DictionaryforDads.com
Dictionary for Dads arose amid concerns of every day fathers who sought to promote their knowledge, education, experience and resources as it pertains to becoming an excellent father. As an organization, our goal is to assist fathers in raising healthy and happy children and nurturing a great relationship with them.
Having experienced many dilemmas as a father of three I made a very clear assessment that there is very little quality literature available for dads today. The role of a fathers at times becomes so complex and I personally could have used some direction like a Dictionary For Dads
Dictionary for Dad’s provides resources and information which are fundamental in assisting men in making informed decisions based on education, research and practical experience all provided by Dictionary for Dad’s. In doing so, we strive to reinforce the positive male role model in our society while increasing the social welfare of children throughout our world.
We understand that parenting is often complex and confusing with many variables including but not limited to nutrition, medical, psychological, developmental, environmental, marital, social and academic. It is our aim to provide every dad with education, information and resources for all dilemmas when they occur.
Dictionary for Dad’s believes that the label of a “dad” is one which is earned not one that is provided through birth.
We ask that you add us to your site links and support our mission.
Sincerely,
Robert Livingstone-516-398-1934
Co-Founder and Vice President
Dictionary For Dads