Our Motto

Did you know that according to the Census Bureau’s Current Population Survey, in 2020 15.3 million (21%) children live with their mother only compared with 7.6 million (11%) in 1968. And that 3.3 million (4.5%) live only with their dads in 2020, compared with 0.8 million (1%) in 1968)?  Because so many children visit with dad rather than live with him, it’s important to take the time to really get to know who your dad is. One of our best pieces of advice for Father’s Day is to spend time getting to know him. 

Do you know what you have in common with your dad? Do you know what the dads in your family have in common with each other? Use this month to ask questions and get answers. And get dad (or his parents to show you pictures of him growing up. Ask questions about their favorite time of year, color, food, book; childhood memories and family traditions; favorite school activities, subject and hang-out spot growing up; best and worst job; what they’re most proud of; their biggest fear; if they could get a “life do-over” what would they change, etc.  

Ask family members to interview their dads and send responses to a designated family member who can put all the information together for sharing with the whole family. And don’t forget to take new pics of dads with their kids! 

Dads are often thought of as one or more of these types: absentee, affectionate, coach, compassionate, cool, geek, handyman, interactive, involved, loveable, nurturing, overbearing, playful, proud, provider, responsible, superman/hero, teacher, thoughtful, workaholic, etc. Some people even think of dads in military terms: MIA (missing in action), AWOL (absent without leave), Reserved Duty (slow to interact or reveal emotion), Active Duty (all in, all the time).  As children we want our dads to show up and be present. To help and not hurt us. To teach and not impair us. To embrace and not wound us. To love and not fail us.

But what do you do if you’re a male, on the cusp of being a father, with no role model or anyone to help you navigate one of the most important undertakings of your life? Afterall they say you can’t teach what you don’t know.   

You get help. Do some research to find resource(es) that can help you become the father you want to become. Here are two websites to help you get started your journey:  https://thedadgang.com/ 

https://www.allprodad.com/ 

There's a list, 100 Ways to be a Better Father. We picked our favorite list of "10" below, and we challenge all dads to checkout the list for themselves, pick their favorites, and then daily, weekly or monthly add a couple more to yo

1. Be present with your children. 

2. Say I love you. A lot. 

3. Heap lavish amounts of praise on your kids. 

4. Focus on the positive when speaking to your children.

5. Don’t be afraid to show your emotions. 

6. Listen to your kids with all of your attention. 

7. Hold your kids accountable for their actions and words.

8. Spend some one-on-one time with your child. 

9. Forgive dad for any grudges you hold against him. 

10. Make amends when you’re wrong. 

“What makes you a man is not the ability to have a child — it’s the courage to raise one.” —Barack Obama

“Every father bears a fundamental obligation to do right by their children.” —Barack Obama 

“Above all, children need our unconditional love — whether they succeed or make mistakes; when life is easy and when life is tough.” —Barack Obama 

“One of the greatest things a father can do for his children is to love their mother.” —Howard W. Hunter 

“Every father should remember one day his son will follow his example, not his advice.” —Charles Kettering 

“It is easier to build strong children than to repair broken men.” —Frederick Douglass 

"The value of a loving father has no price."  —Unknown  

"A great father is no great man unless his child respects him." —Unknown 

“Intelligence plus character—that is the goal of true education.” —Martin Luther King Jr.

“The beautiful thing about learning is that no one can take it away from you.” —B.B. King

“Start where you are. Use what you have. Do what you can.” —Arthur Ashe

“Your time is limited, so don’t waste it living someone else’s life.” —Steve Jobs

“The only impossible journey is the one you never begin.” —Anthony Robbins

“If opportunity doesn’t knock, build a door.” —Milton Berle

“Learning is the only thing the mind never exhausts, never fears, and never regrets.” —Leonardo da Vinci

“To those of you who received honors, awards and distinctions, I say well done. And to the C students, I say you too may one day be president of the United States.” —George W. Bush 

Perfect Dad Blend  by Joanna Fuchs 

I am glad you're my father, 

You're really the best, 

As a dad, you're a fine one, 

I'm so very blessed. 

You're smart, and you're strong, 

Just a perfect dad blend, 

You're my father, my counselor, 

And a really good friend.

Always Be A Student  by Joanna Fuchs 

Keep on learning, though your graduation's done, 

Your whole life's an education, that has only just begun. Your diploma is the first big step, 

For knowledge is the special key, 

To winning what you want in life, 

And being who you want to be. 

If you'll always be a student, 

You'll find the secrets to success, 

And travel on the golden road, 

To peace and happiness.