Ways You Make A Difference, Dad
Posted on November 16, 2012
Filed Under Fathering, Parenting, Personal
In his book It’s Better to Build Boys than Mend Men, Truett Cathy cites startling statistics which show that kids from fatherless homes face a world of hurt and trouble (and maybe you know firsthand about this kind of heartache). These children are:
- 5 times more likely to commit suicide.
- 32 times more likely to run away.
- 20 times more likely to have behavioral disorders.
- 9 times more likely to drop out of school.
- 10 times more likely to abuse chemical substances.
- 20 times more likely to end up in prison.
Aren’t those disturbing statistics?
And yet, there’s hope…when a dad shows up and gets involved in his kid’s life. Everything changes then! Dad, you have an influence to help your child avoid the difficult life choices that so many fatherless boys and girls have made.
In my book, First Time Dad, I suggest some easy ways to spend time with your son or daughter – time that’ll make a difference in his or her life. Things like:
- Taking him along when you run to the home improvement store. I can remember walking the aisles, answering Qs, and just hanging out with my sons. Good stuff.
- Being part of their bedtime routines. This is something I’ve tried to be really involved with…not always easy but almost always rich and rewarding.
- Letting them help you around the house (I know, I know, it is usually easier to just do it yourself. Resist that urge and let the kid help out!)
- Reading books
- Going to a local playground or park
- Take a walk around the block
- Teach him to ride a bike
- Volunteer together during the holidays to ring the Red Kettle bell, deliver meals, or visit a nursing home.
And the list can go on and on. These don’t have to be big getaways, or super-fancy celebrations. Just time together, so you are THERE and INVESTING.
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Fathers, daddies, there is a reason why they are there. I appreciate how much you’ve shared in your personal account contained in your book. Keep it going!