I was face painting at a block party this weekend. I saw quite a few fathers out with their children. I saw a father with his boys wearing matching safari hats. Different colors and child-sized, but just like his. I thought, how cute is that! It was hot out. It was adorable to see a dad protecting his kids. You knew they were his; they looked like three peas in a pod!
A dad was walking past my table. I asked the dad if the kids could have a free tattoo. The little girl wanted a unicorn. The dad used the spray bottle and put it on her. It was sealed with care. He thanked me. I thought I saw a lot of really good dads today!
It got me thinking, do we just expect men to be good fathers? Do we celebrate dads anymore? The ones who work tirelessly and still spend time with their kids. Who gives mom a break when she is tired? So, she can have a nap or some free time. Without begging or being asked. I personally think we are neglecting a whole group of men. Those who want to show up, do show up. Pulling dad duty when society often tells us how bad men are. They are absent and lacking. That is not true. Those are not the real fathers. The men who birthed children but are not there.
We have Father’s Day, and we celebrate that. What about the rest of the year? Do we applaud the same men all year round? I don’t think we do. I think we should start. Not because we have to, but because they deserve recognition. Being a parent is hard! So, for the fathers who keep on being the best for their children, I applaud you! I see you!
This was written by our contributing writer, Christy Granger.
Image Source: Unsplash, Truong Tuyet Ly
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