Thoughts on Fatherhood
September 16, 2019Ok, today is going to be a change of pace around here. My husband is going to do a guest post today. He has always had a way with words so I know y’all are in good hands. Without further ado, I present my husband, who will share a few thoughts on fatherhood.
When it comes to fatherhood, some of my absolute favorite figures of speech come from my in-laws. I would borrow two of their phrases if I had to really try and relate the core, really dig out the pith of what fatherhood, or parenthood in general, is all about.
First, from my mother-in-law, about her grand-daughters, I hear all the time: “They’re delicious!”
While also mildly conjuring the comical image of a cartoon wolf dressed in old lady guise, the phrase, as it relates to my daughters, somehow really strikes a nerve somewhere deep. It’s the same exact nerve being strummed when my father in-law used to say: “They make your heart swell.”
It’s aptly vivid language for relating what it feels like to love your child. It’s that sheer bliss, at times, that stops you in your tracks, and reminds you how lucky you are to be able to witness all of those moments of joy, innocence and triumph.
Being ‘Daddy’ is all that! But it also can be so hard, and so tough, and so challenging, that it often has my head spinning. Being ‘Daddy’ comes with an inherent knowledge that I have a duty to provide and protect. Fatherly provisions don’t encompass just the material anymore. In fact, it can be consuming, even exhausting at times, to provide all of the right emotional and mental support that kids need… and in a very time-sensitive way.
Sometimes being ‘Daddy’ means a lost night of sleep because one of them woke up with a fever. Sometimes being ‘Daddy’ means getting up to tuck her in for the third time without outwardly losing my patience. Sometimes being ‘Daddy’ means saying I’m sorry for outwardly losing my patience. Sometimes being ‘Daddy’ means knowing there is nothing you can do but stand by and watch your child struggle, because even though you burn to, you can’t fight their every battle.
Being ‘Daddy’ is being tired, nervous, elated, proud, sad and soul-inspiring. But being those delicious little kids’ ‘Daddy’, is the only thing that could make your heart swell quite so. There really isn’t any other job like it!
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This is so sweet! Being a dad (or mom) is one of the most rewarding jobs there is. Now that I have grandkids, it’s a double reward!
A very sweet post I know my husband feels the same way about his chosen job. Your kids are so cute I do ot remember my kids at that age my daughter is just starting college this year.
Aww..You have such wonderful kids! Being a father is really a great thing. And yes, it’s priceless!
This is a sweet post! My husband probably feels the same. He always says he can’t believe how big the kids are now.
This is such a sweet post. Parenthood is such a multi-faceted gift that we are blessed with.
Awww what a sweet post from a loving daddy. Thanks for sharing what fatherhood means to you.
This is such a lovely post. I can only imagine what it is like to be a parent and I am sure it is life-changing in so many different ways.
Awww, what a sweet post! Daddy’s are so special in their little girl’s lives and it sounds like your husband is well and truly involved with his daughters.
It’s fun to read about a dad’s perspective. I know my husband is the same way about our daughter, but I would love for him to write something like this to share with her later.
Your kids are so lucky to have a dad who loves them so much! Being a parent isn’t always easy, but it is incredible.
Who says fatherhood is easy? I think it’s filled with pressure but fun. I like your 2 cents about it.
How sweet! Sounds like those cuties are lucky to have you as their Daddy. Being a parent can be hard for sure, but it is so worth it. And I wouldn’t change it for the world.
My husband was very nervous about having three kids. He wasn’t sure he could be daddy to one more and do it well.
As a grandmother, I know just how they feel. Sometimes when I’m holding my 4-year-old twins I feel as if my heart will explode.
This is such a sweet post, I love that he is guest posting. I love seeing the perspective of dads, just as being a mom is so fulfilling, it is equally so for dads.
Fathers have such a huge impact on their families and societies! I wish more would stick around and behave like you.
That is such a great post from your husband and seeing parenthood from his perspective. We always hear from moms but not nearly enough from dads.
Great thoughts on being a father. Parenting changes us, and I love it!