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.
all paintings found at
Dad and daughter relationships, as explained by 10 paintings.
One of my son-in-laws says that he could never see himself as a father a few years ago and now.. well he could not imagine missing this experience. Almost six years ago one of my sons gazed at his hour old daughter, turned to his father and said.
” I think this is the best thing I have done in my life so far!”
As his second infant daughter lay sleeping on his chest, he turned to his father once again and said,
Now I understand why you and mum had so many kids.”
Fathers play such a key role in children’s lives. All our 5 grandbabies thrive on the rough, fun play that seems to come more naturally to fathers than mothers. My daughters and daughter-in-laws shake their heads and smile because dads relate so differently to their babies.
Even better, 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.
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 lots of boring, free play with 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.
So, Happy Father’s Day, especially to all new fathers!
mother of nine9 
Bingo. I remember the year – the change happened fast where I lived in the upper Midwest – when fathers started being seen in public with their children.
Not long after that, they were actually carrying some of the younger kids: actual, real, physical contact. In public. Without shame. That simply did not happen in the ‘good old days.’
Then came diaper changing stations: in the Men’s Room. It was the end of civilization as we knew it. And about time, in many ways.
As I keep saying, I do not miss the ‘good old days.’ 🙂
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