What is a “great dad”? The question came up during conversation with a young man in his late twenties who remarked that several equally young men of his acquaintance were “great dads.” In my young friend’s estimation, a great dad is one who religiously attends his kids’ organized sports events, spends all the time he can possibly spend fun doing things with his kids, and generally puts his kids first in his life. He’s a sensitive guy who lets his children know in every way he can that they are at the top of his priorities, his raison d’etre.
Here is some more food for thought: another reason why some men want to be buddies with their kids is because having children is on the bucket-list of life for them, just like getting married. They look at these relationships as things to do and check off, which is from a self serving point of view. I started out that way and over time realized that my love for others was really a love for myself, my kids and wife included.
Right on, DW. I've been told my quite a number of men that getting sucked into "Great Dad!" syndrome destroyed their marriages. Don't let it happen, guys!
Here is some more food for thought: another reason why some men want to be buddies with their kids is because having children is on the bucket-list of life for them, just like getting married. They look at these relationships as things to do and check off, which is from a self serving point of view. I started out that way and over time realized that my love for others was really a love for myself, my kids and wife included.
Right on, DW. I've been told my quite a number of men that getting sucked into "Great Dad!" syndrome destroyed their marriages. Don't let it happen, guys!
What are your thoughts on broken messy families? Second marriages. First marriages after children not with original parents.