Eglin 12/13: Distant Dads Don't Make No Sense

Look @ That Face

Graciana is cute and funny and playful. She's easy to love. Easy to miss. It's been almost two weeks since I've seen her. It kills. You're not meant to father from far away.

One Word

What's the difference between a man and a boy? One word. Responsibility. Good dads are men who take responsibility. Bad dads are boys who don't. Why isn't this taught in high school?

One Question

Dads are responsible for their kid. They break your neighbor's window. Your neighbor's coming to you. You pay for your kid's mistakes. You protect them from chubby bullies. You provide their cleats for summer league. You teach them how to shake hands. You discipline them when they punch people. Guide them when they date people. Care for them when they're hurt by people. You tickle them. Hug them. Bandage them. You explain what things mean. What's gentle? What's hot? What's cahcah? What's fair? What's love? What's work? One question. How can all this fathering be done from over the phone? It can't. Distant dads are dweebs.

Conclusion

Guys who want to be dads need to understand it. Guys who are dads need to accept it. Responsibility is it gentleman.

Practical Suggestions

• If you're a dad and you're failing

• Apologize to mom and kids

• Ask advice from mom and kids, or the best dad you know

• Start implementing advice

• If your own dad is the one who's failing

• Swallow your pride

• Ask to hang out with him every Sunday morning for coffee

• If Sundays don't work, or weekly is too much, find what works

#FamilyWednesday