Dads are Important

Dads are Important

Tomorrow is Father’s Day. My friend Mark posted a link to this article yesterday (Dads are Key to Making us Human), and I thought it was worth reading. Here are some things I thought were interesting:

Some 95 percent of male mammals have little to no interaction with their children. Homo sapiens are one of the most notable exceptions, leading some scientists to think fatherhood is an important part of what makes us human.

Even today, in both traditional and industrialized communities, a father’s presence correlates with improved health and decreased child mortality, Geary said.

When children have warm relationships with their father, as well as calm home lives, they tend to sexually mature later. Their bodies intuit they are safe and time is taken perfecting social skills before entering the real world, Geary said. The extra practice gives children a competitive edge. As adults, they are more likely to form secure relationships, achieve stable social standing and become able parents. In this sense, a father who takes care of his children also gives his grandchildren a leg up.

You should read the whole article. It’s really pretty great. If you’re a dad, do your job. It’s important. Have a happy father’s day.

A Moment I’ll Never Forget

A Moment I’ll Never Forget

As a Dad, there are lots of things that Nathan does that I hope to remember forever. Then there are some things that I know I’ll never forget. One of those things happened last Saturday morning, and it was better than any Father’s Day gift I could have gotten.

Friday night, I flew to Miami after 12 days out of the country. Saturday morning, I arrived just in time for the beginning of Nathan’s first t-ball practice. I walked up to the field from the car, and our eyes met. He came running around the corner and across the bridge that leads to the field. When he got to me, I could see him holding back tears. He was so happy to see me, and it felt so good to hug my little boy.

I’ll never forget his little face in that moment. I hope that he’s always that happy to see me after I’ve been away for awhile. Regardless of how great the trip is, the best part about going on any trip is coming home and seeing my family again.

On Being a Dad

On Being a Dad

Three years ago tomorrow, Nathan arrived, and things haven’t been the same since. I’ve learned a lot about life, priorities, ministry, and God.

I can’t believe he’s 3! It’s crazy. I remember it like it was yesterday (Check out the video from his first day). It’s unbelievable how one person can change your life.

Plus, being a dad is a huge responsibility.

I just hope I can be a good role model and a great friend for him. But it’s a huge job.

Consequences for Children who Grow up without Dads:

  • 63% of youth suicides are from fatherless homes–U.S. D.H.H.S., Bureau of the Census
  • 85% of all children that exhibit behavioral disorders come from fatherless homes–Center for Disease Control
  • 80% of rapists motivated with displaced anger come from fatherless homes–Criminal Justice and Behavior, Vol. 14, p. 403-26
  • 71% of all high school dropouts come from fatherless homes–National Principals Association Report on the State of High Schools
  • 70% of juveniles in state operated institutions come from fatherless homes–U.S. Dept. of Justice
  • 85% of all youths sitting in prisons grew up in a fatherless home–Fulton County Georgia jail populations & Texas Dept. of Corrections

Being a dad is the most important job in the world. I just pray I can be a good dad for my little boy. He deserves it.

(Stats via Kurt)