A few days ago, I found myself skimming the website whattoexpect.com, hunting for some much-needed parenting advice. I stumbled upon an article discussing different parenting styles, complete with the usual wisdom from The American Academy of Pediatrics. The piece regurgitated research on how dads can be a positive influence on their kids’ development, claiming that "when kids bond with their dads, they feel more secure, curious, and less likely to lose it when they get frustrated."
I couldn’t agree more - and I’ve noticed this with my kids. My laid-back attitude has translated into more laughter and fewer psycho-kid meltdowns. That’s what dads are here for, right? We’re the ones who break mom’s rules, build pillow forts, race shopping carts, and totally ignore the recommended age limits on Nerf guns. Babies love those, don’t they?
Every Friday, I try to sneak out of the radio station a little early to pick up my son from school. This is my cherished slice of father-son time, a break from the routine. He loves it too because it’s the one time of the week he can talk ol' dad into cheating on mom’s healthy lifestyle. Instead of carrot sticks and hummus, we hit up Micky D’s for milkshakes and Happy Meals. We arrive home with smiles on our faces and trans fats in our systems, much to my wife’s chagrin. Everything in moderation, I try to explain, while ignoring her soapbox lectures about balanced diets and caloric intake. Sure, Mom knows best - but Dad knows how to have fun!
Looking back on my childhood, Mom was always the nurturing and caring one—quick to help with homework, ensuring you had your nightly bath, and always armed with Kleenex and Band-Aids for boogers and bruises. Dad, on the other hand, encouraged rough-housing, problem-solving, and the occasional farmer blow. It’s an oddly delicate parental balance that every child should embrace.
And let’s not forget the stories. Dads tell the best goofy stories! Eye rolls from my wife are a daily occurrence as I summon up the most ridiculous anecdotes just to mess with my kids. Dads have an incredible ability to look you straight in the eye and fill your head with total nonsense. We all have little stories of what our dads told us growing up. I know these tall tales helped shape my sense of humor as an adult, teaching me not to take life - or myself - too seriously.
A friend of mine has a great story from his childhood. All the neighborhood kids would run outside in the summer when they heard the ice cream truck’s familiar jingle. But not him. His dad had told him that when you hear the music, it means the truck is OUT of ice cream. To this day, he still chuckles when he hears that goofy tune, knowing that dang truck is always out of ice cream.
I’ll also never forget the time I started losing my baby teeth. I was terrified of swallowing one by accident - not because I’d miss out on a few bucks from the Tooth Fairy, but because I was convinced I’d grow teeth inside me! My dad had told me that if I swallowed a tooth, I’d grow an entire mouth in my stomach and be able to chew my food twice! You can imagine the wide-eyed look I gave him, totally freaked out. I can’t WAIT to use the same story on my son and watch my wife’s protective glares.
Parenting is a wild ride. Here’s to my fellow parents out there with their own unique styles, all of us wondering if we’re doing it right. Here’s to the nurturers and the knuckleheads - each bringing something special to our kids’ lives. Have fun, make mistakes, force your kids to eat their veggies, and make sure they chew them with both of their mouths!
Photography credit: Jeremy Padgett
