Hats off to parents
In honor of Father’s Day on June 15, 2014, my hat is off to all parents who have chosen to actively participate in their children’s lives. One of the most endearing moments I see, when I am in public, is parents interacting with their children. It always seems to me that the child or children are always happy and engaged when they are with their parents. My comment is not at all to say that children are unhappy with their mothers, but rather to acknowledge that when fathers are involved in their children’s lives, children have the best of both worlds. First hand, I am fortunate to have two parents who have done a great job helping me raise our two children; congratulations to both of you.
It is amazing that we should glorify parents. Reason, so many parents do not actively participate in the lives of their children. Millions of parents are absent parents and evade their responsibilities financially, emotionally, physically, and spiritually. Therefore, parents who assume their responsibilities are making a big difference in the lives of our children. More and more parents have custody and are the primary residential parents of their children. It is reported that more than 15% of parents are custodial parents in the United States. It is also reported that more and more parents are staying home to care for their children while the other spouse works. In fact, there are more than a million parents who have chosen this path. I applaud the men who embrace fatherhood and recognize that fatherhood is one of the most difficult responsibilities we face throughout our lives. However, our society has not 100% accepted that fathers raise their children, but thinks that mothers should be the main fathers. This thought process has not stopped parents from seeking custody and breaking up, forging the mark for more parents to follow suit. While not everyone has embraced and supported this concept, parents are on their way to breaking down the barriers they once endured.
Dennis has had custody of his now 13-year-old son for ten years. Although Dennis works full time and his ex-wife lives out of state, being the primary father has been one of the most satisfying and rewarding experiences he has ever had. “As a resident mother, I never realized what a single mother, for example, goes through on a daily basis. From the time we wake up to bedtime, I constantly think about my role and responsibility as a mother.” When asked about what he chose to be a single parent, Dennis said he wanted to be a constant positive influence in his son’s life. It was amazing talking to Dennis and seeing the love, adoration, and joy he exuded when he talked about his son and being a single parent.
Dennis is just one example of the many parents who play the most important role in our children’s lives. The trend is growing rapidly when men are becoming the main fathers. Courtrooms no longer disapprove of the male gender as parents; but considering the best interest of our most precious investments, our children.
On Father’s Day, I salute all parents for making a difference.