Here is a quote from the book The Perfect Book for Dad by Paul Barker, 2007 Harpercollins Publishers.  “I am a dad.  It’s how I see myself; it’s who I am.  I live it; I breathe it; I love it.  And I pride myself on how seriously I take my role.  If someone comes up to me in the street and asks me what it’s all about, I’ve got absolutely no doubt about my answer – it’s all about the kids.  That’s what it’s all about.  The kids.  My kids.  And I dedicate myself to bringing them up right.  Amen.”

While I agree with the spirit of this quote, I also don’t forget my wife.  We are a team.  A family.  Together, we are a strong unit.  Too many people forget about their spouse these days, and the kids suffer.  The focus should change from oneself (before children and marriage), to the both of us (when married), to our family (after kids). 

Once you are a father, you cannot and should not put yourself first.  That’s really the essence of the above quotation.  We wouldn’t have the percentages of fatherless children (28% white, 50% Hispanic and 71% black) if more men would stand up and be counted as fathers. 

I urge you to be an involved Dad.  I also urge you to notice and appreciate those Dads who are doing it right.  They are the hero’s of our youth.  Together, we can make being a great Dad cool again, a revered position in the family.  Watch the video on our forum by the Ad Council.  “Take some time to be a Dad today.”  Good advice.

Dads matter.