The Power of the Poppas

Almost every time I ask my three year old son what his favorite part of his day was he innocently says, "when Daddy came home."

As much time and energy I invest in my children, the relationship I have with them could never touch the one that they have with my husband. And that is okay by me. I understand. I'm a daddy's girl too. He delivers the play and the fun and the laughter and can do it in these short amazing windows of time. I may give them the quantity but he sure can bring out the quality.

The power of the poppas is a fascinating thing. Our mothers, generous and stunning as they are, have their to-do lists in hand, endless places to be at the same time and they have to keep their (comfortable) shoes planted on the ground. They are reliable. They are constant. It is usually a given that they will always be your number one fan. So safe and nurturing. But the fathers... the fathers get the pedestal.  They are the protectors and superheroes of our world. The comedians, the magicians, the fixers of anything that is broken. They have the ability to be stronger than they could ever hope to be when they are looked at through their children's eyes. While we look into our mothers, we look up to our fathers.

This is my advice for all of you dads out there: own it. Own that red cape as much as you can for as long as you can. When your children are young you are their hero. The only person that can change that is you.

Take your son to gymnastics. Have a catch with your daughter. Hold your newborn baby. Let them dance on your toes. Teach them something that is hilarious. Teach them that there is power in your words. Tell them that you are proud of them. Be there. Take them out for ice cream. Take your wife out for wine. Love her and that love will translate to your children. They will learn love, respect and compassion through the way that you treat her. They are watching more than you think that they are so you might as well do them proud.

And to all the men out there who are doing just that and are present for their children: thank you. You are making this world a greater place. Thank you doesn't even begin to cover it.

In gratitude, love & hope... happy almost Father's Day.