I love how each generation of fathers are becoming more involved with childcare. My husband was much more involved with our children than his father ever was and my sons are even more comfortable changing diapers and bathing infants.

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Today’s fathers are informed with access to so much more information; facts are a mere finger tap away. Yet there is a negative aspect to this 21st century’s technological advancements. When it comes to tiny children, though, it is all too easy to plug them in and let machines entertain, educate and babysit.

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My husband and I raised 9 kids on a hobby farm where we recreated, an old-fashioned sort of atmosphere where our children were part of our work and play, which I realized years later, was basically a  Montessori approach to learning and educating kids.  We bought  old-fashioned sorts of toys, most did not need batteries. I suppose that we parented in an almost 1950’s style with free play using crayons and paper, blocks and Lego, cardboard boxes, gardening, tending pets and animals and ‘helping’ with household chores  I am pleased to see that as they parent their children, my kids are aware of the value of ” old-fashioned” play. I am proud of the four young fathers who are part of our ever-growing family.

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  One of my son-in-laws says that he could never see himself as a father a year ago and now.. well he could not imagine missing this experience. Almost three years ago one of my sons gazed at his hour old daughter, turned to his father and said.

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” I think this is the best thing I have done in my life so far!”

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Just last year as his second infant daughter lay sleeping on his chest,  he turned to his  father once again and said,

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” Now I understand why you and mum had so many kids.”

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So, Happy Father’s Day, especially to all new fathers