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Dr. Gold, Ph.D, LMHC, Licensed and Board Certified Clinical MentalHealth Counselor, with a Ph.D in psychology, is in private practice at her home office in Fort Salonga, specializing in relationships and integrating traditional |
| My friend’s twenty- something year old son was interviewed on a Long Island radio station, whereupon he heaped praise upon praise onto his mother, “for all she’s done for me.” As he went on and on about his incredible mom, my friend – the young man’s father remarked to me, “What about all I’ve done for him? Not worth mentioning at all?” Unfortunately, this sad situation is not a rare scenario. Just look at the crowded restaurants on Mother’s Day. One can hardly get a table. Father’s Day? Not even close. Dads are just not being honored nearly as much. Now, if this were back in the fifties maybe I’d understand it. In those days many men went to work, whereas the mothers stayed home tending to the children. The children saw their fathers very little and their mothers more. In most cases, the fathers had little time to devout any care to the children. However, that is not what I see today. Not in my office. No. I see fathers who are actively involved with their children. If they and their wives are together, they take equal responsibility. If separated or divorced, these fathers diligently involve themselves in the lives of their children. Some have conjoint custody, some full custody- they care deeply and it shows. They’ re strapping babies into car seats, changing diapers, giving baths, going to work every day and providing for their children. They are imparting philosophies on life, guiding influences, and helping their kids in millions of little and big ways. Dads are as present in their childrens’ lives as are the mothers. Sadly, these good fathers often don’t get the recognition and appreciation that they deserve. So, a word to the mothers, wives, ex-wives, whatever the status of your childrens’ father, try to offer encouragement and respect. Teach your kids to do the same. Try to speak well of their father; always talk positively about him with your kids. Hopefully your childrens’ father has been a good father and honorable man. I hope you have been this fortunate. But if not, and you have good reason to harbor negative feelings about him, remember, even the worst father, husband or ex, did one incredible thing for your kids…he helped to give them life. Now, a word to daughters and sons; the same advise applies. Please try to honor and respect Dad this Father’s Day and everyday moving forward. Show him that you believe he’s a good man who steps up to the plate as a father, and he just might end up behaving more like one even if he did not do so before. Happy Father’s Day, Dads! |
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