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What's A Dad For?
Thursday, June 14, 2012 by Jeannie Fleming-Gifford from Child Development
Don't tell my husband, but I really didn't think I needed him. We were married a good long time before jumping into the adventure called parenthood. I had plenty of experience with little ones as well as a degree in early childhood and felt I knew exactly what I was doing. When it came to having a baby and raising a child, I was ready, willing and able.
What IS a dad for? After all, my dad wasn't around much while I was growing up, so what difference would this man in my household make in my little girl's life?
Wow. It's a good thing I am a lifelong learner. I can now easily admit how stupid I was and what a blessing this guy is in the journey of being parents.
As I look at the calendar, I see Father's Day is upon us.
What impact is a man in the life of your child?
What difference do you think a man makes in the development of your child?
As mentioned above, I had no idea the difference it would really make, both to me and my child.
Don't get me wrong. I love this man madly and deeply. We've been hanging out many years and he's definitely made my world a better place. He's made me a better person.
Now, I see he's doing the same thing in the life of my child.
Boys just see things differently. They do things differently. And, you know what? It's all good.
When we first brought that baby home, I thought I had it all right. Could there be another way? Should there be another way? What IF there is another way?
I feel blessed I was pretty mellowed out by the time this little one came along. I quickly realized that it didn't matter if the diaper was on perfect. It only mattered that it made it on.
I quickly realized that he held her differently, but she embraced that feeling of strength.
He soothed her differently, but she responded.
Now, I see him play with her differently. He's the rough and tumble guy, but can have a tea party like one of the girls.
And his sense of humor? Thank God for that. It's gotten us through many bumps in the road.
I now know exactly what a dad is for and what a difference he makes.
I see the effects in how she is becoming a confident young lady. I see how she is learning to grow and interact with not just her mama, but her daddy too.
I definitely have figured out what a daddy is for.
What about you?
Wishing the dads in your little one's life a "Happy Father's Day."
Jeannie Fleming-Gifford
Jeannie Fleming-Gifford is a mama to one little lady, freelance writer, and the director of education for a non-profit community school of the arts. Graduating with a B.A. in Music and a M.A. in Child Development, Jeannie began her career in quality child developme...Read More
