Daddies Make a Difference

Jerry Lewis said, “When a man is his son’s hero, it’s about the best thing that God gave us.” I know it is true, and not just about sons—daughters, too. The average five-year-old spends only 25 minutes a week with their father in a meaningful sort of way, yet will interact with the T.V. for 25 hours during that same period of time. 

The most important time we can spend is with our kids. 

Daddies demonstrate how to treat their partner. They can demonstrate respect and teach their children how they should expect to be treated through their life. If dads are spending time with their children, then they are earning the right to communicate in meaningful ways, instead of always having to be the stern disciplinarian. Dads are role models to both sons and daughters. They can teach what daughters should expect from other men when they get older, and teach their children about self-control, values, and hard work. 

My dad was a good dad when I was growing up. Providing for the family and providing well was a strong priority.   I remember him being at home after working twelve hour days, six days straight. We played games together—I learned math skills from cribbage. I remember discussing world politics with him and me feeling like he was really listening and like what I was saying was important. 

I remember sitting in a truck stop, when I was four, eating breakfast with him before we went out to feed the horses. I remember selling my horse when I was eight, and the  man started to hand my daddy the money.  Dad looked at him and said, “Not my horse, you will need to deal with her.”  He made me feel important. 

My daddy is still going strong. He was a  good when I was growing up, but now he is a great daddy. He became smarter as I got older. He has and will continue to make a difference in my life. 

Thank you, dads, for being the good daddies that you are. Realize that your job is never done. Your actions and words will carry forward and have more influence than you will ever know. As we live in this fast paced world, daddies can provide the security that all kids need and that feeling of importance that will serve future generations well. 

Kimber Bennett
School Counselor